Frequently Asked Questions
We have put together the following FAQs to address some of the most common queries that we receive at Cruise1st. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.
Please select the appropriate topic below to jump to the relevant section:
Cruise1st FAQs |
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Booking a Cruise:Before You Travel:Baggage Allowance and Packing Information While on Your Cruise: |
Booking a Cruise
Before You Book
How can I book a cruise?
You can book via our website or call our friendly sales team on 0808 149 5238.
Can I upgrade my flight or cabin?
You can change the details of your booking, but flights and cabins will be subject to availability. If you do want to make any changes, our customer service team will be able to help you on 0161 385 7425.
Which cabin should I choose?
We have a handy guide to choosing the right cabin, here.
How are cruise ship star ratings assigned?
Please note: star ratings are for guidance only. The cruise ship star ratings featured on this site are based on those supplied by cruise operators and do not represent any official grading system. Actual standards may vary between different cruise operators.
Flight Information
Can I pre-select the seats for my flight?
This all depends on the airline: some will charge for seats and others don’t. Some offer seat selection at the point the moment the booking is made, and some can only be done on check-in. Please refer to the airline's website for up-to-date information.
What is the flight supplement for?
Some flights cost more because there is higher demand, the flight distance is greater, or it costs more for an airline to operate out of that airport. Major airports with more services offered per day are generally cheaper, whereas regional airports have fewer flights per day, so demand is greater and this affects prices.
Travel Document Information
When will I receive my travel documents?
You will receive your documents 7-10 days prior to your departure date.
How will we receive our travel documents?
You will receive your travel documents via email. If you don't have an email address, we will send your documents in the post.
There is an error in my booking confirmation - what should I do?
Contact our customer service team on 0161 385 7425.
Payment Information
When is the balance of my holiday due?
Generally, payment is due 15 weeks prior to your departure date.
How can I pay for my cruise holiday?
You can pay off the balance of your holiday by logging in online or calling our customer service team on 0161 385 7425.
Drinks Packages
What can I expect from a drinks package?
It varies from line to line, but guests can expect to pay a flat fee for a range of all-you-can-drink packages, including, but not limited to, bottled waters, fizzy drinks and alcoholic beverages. They are largely offered since many cruise lines, with the exception of the most expensive luxury ones, charge extra for most beverages onboard their ships, so they’re a great way to save on extra expenses.
Are they the same for each cruise line?
Each line has their own drinks packages, so it’s rare that you’ll find two that are exactly the same. Some lines will feature packages for certain drinks for example, and of course, prices differ across the lines.
For specifics on each cruise line’s respective drinks packages, we’ve broken down the details with this on-board drinks prices and packages guide.
How do I know which drinks are included?
Most cruise lines feature a list of the included drink types and brands on their websites, or alternatively, you can ask for a list whilst onboard. When booking a drinks package, the different options with all the included drinks will usually be presented.
When can I buy them?
When you can buy your drinks package depends entirely on the line you’ll be travelling with. Some lines allow for pre-payment ahead of your cruise, usually through the cruise line themselves or a travel agent, sometimes with a slight discount. Otherwise, they can be purchased onboard at the beginning of your cruise or within a day or two of sailing. Lines differ as to whether you can purchase packages throughout the cruise or only on select days so be sure to check in advance if you’re unsure.
Can I make amendments to my drinks package after I’ve bought it?
You can usually upgrade to a higher-tier package after purchase, but most lines rarely allow their guests to downgrade to a cheaper package or receive refunds. Lines that let their guests change or cancel packages may refund your money in shipboard credit if cancelling onboard, rather than refund your credit card for the difference.
Can I bring my own alcohol on board with me?
Likewise, policies regarding guests bringing their own alcohol on board vary from line to line. Some allow for a certain amount of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit or liquor to be brought onboard, anything exceeding the stated amount will be stored and returned to guests before the end of their cruise. Some allow wine and spirits to be brought onboard but not beer, while some only let wine and Champagne to be brought onboard. It certainly pays to check before you board your ship.
Additionally, there may be a corkage fee if you want to drink it in venues besides your cabin, although some lines still levy a corkage fee even if you want to drink in your cabin.
Conversely, some cruise lines can be very strict by comparison and do not allow alcohol to be brought onboard by their guests. Make sure you check with your line beforehand as passengers can be fined if attempting to board the ship with alcohol.
Other Questions
What cruises are the best for solo travellers?
A cruise holiday is a great choice for solo travellers. We have lots of useful information on cruises for solo travellers on our blog - take a look here.
What cruises are the best for families?
Royal Carribean, P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard and Disney are particularly good choices for family cruise holidays. We have a dedicated guide to cruise holidays for families on our blog, you can read it by clicking here.
Which cruise ships are suitable for wheelchair users?
Modern cruise ships are equipped with a comprehensive range of facilities to accommodate disabled or less mobile passengers – including specially adapted cabins, wheelchair access and braille for those with impaired vision. We have a dedicated guide to help you make the right choice of cruise line here.
Can I take a cruise holiday if I'm pregnant?
Each cruise line has a different policy when it comes to welcoming expectant mothers on board, so it's always a good idea to check at the time of booking your holiday, if possible. Take a look at our handy guide here.
How old must my child be to go on a cruise holiday?
Policies vary between cruise lines, so be sure to check at the time of booking if you are planning to travel with children or young babies. You can also check our handy guide, which gives details on the different cruise line policies.
Before You Travel
Visa and Passport Information
Do I need to bring my passport?
This information applies to UK-passport holders. If you are travelling on a British Isles cruise, you Do need to bring a passport with you. However, if your booked cruise is taking you outside of the UK, you should pack your passport.
What validity do I need on my passport?
This information applies to UK-passport holders. Different countries have different validity requirements for passports - we recommend that your passport has at least six months validity left on it by the end of your cruise. You should also ensure that you have the correct visas before you travel.
Do I need a visa to travel?
Depending on your holiday destination(s), you might need to organise one or more visas before you travel. It is your responsibility to organise the right visas - you can find information on specific visa requirements here.
Travellers to the USA will need to complete an ESTA Visa Waiver Application, which can be done on the official ESTA website.
What is Advanced Passenger information (API)?
In a nutshell, this is information from your passport that's required by the governments of some countries.
Baggage Allowance and Packing Information
What is the baggage allowance on a cruise ship?
For the majority of cruise companies, there is no luggage restriction so you can take as many bags as you want. However, please remember that you will need to store all luaggage all in your cabin. Please check your ticket in your travel documents for your exact allowances.
Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes, you should buy travel insurance before your cruise holiday; most cruise lines will ask to see evidence that you have purchased appropriate travel insurance before you go. It's our recommendation that you purchase travel insurance as soon as you have booked your cruise holiday.
Will I need to organise any vaccinations?
Depending on your holiday destination/s, you may need to organise vaccinations before you travel. This is particularly relevant if your cruise travels outside of Europe or the USA. You can find out more information on the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Can I bring my medication on board?
If you need to bring medication on your cruise holiday, you will also need to provide a prescription/letter from your GP to confirm the dosage. You should also let our customer service team know, so that we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Is there a fridge in my cabin to store medication?
This will vary depending on the cruise line and ship. Please enquire at the time of booking and our customer service team will be able to advise.
What if I need mobility assistance on board?
We recommend that you let our team know if you require mobility assistance on board. If you didn't let us know at the time of booking, please get in touch as soon as possible so that we can help make the necessary arrangements. This is particularly important if you travel with a wheelchair, as we will need to provide the cruise line with certain details about it.
Other Questions
Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise ship?
Cruise lines have different regulations regarding bringing your own alcohol on board, so please check at the time of booking. We do not recommend that you bring your own alcohol, as there is usually a high corkage fee charged.
Are there things that I can't take on a cruise ship?
There are a few restricted items which cannot be taken on board a cruise ship. These include: knives or other bladed items, guns, ammunition or replica guns, fireworks, illegal substances, radio sets, flammable items, candles and incense, bikes, surfboards, tools, household items (kettles, irons). Please check before travelling for a full list of restricted items.
While On Your Cruise
Currency
What currency is used on a cruise ship?
Different cruise lines use different currencies on board. Please ask at the time of booking and we'll be able to advise you.
Can I exchange currency onboard a cruise ship?
It's always advisable to convert your currency before you travel in order to get the best deal on exchange rates. You can exchange money onboard a ship but you may not get the best deal – so, best used only in emergencies.
Shore Excursions
How can I book shore excursions?
We have a guide to booking shore excursions that you can read here.
Special Dietary Requirements
Can the cruise accommodate my dietary requirements?
All cruise lines will do their best to cater for special dietary requirements. Please advise our customer service team about any special dietary requirements that you may have - in some cases, advanced notice will be required to ensure that you have suitable meals provided.
Other FAQs
Is Cruise1st protected by ATOL and ABTA?
The holidays advertised on our website are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Flight bookings are also ATOL protected except when tickets for scheduled flights are issued within 24 hours of payment being accepted, or where your payment is made direct to the airline. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the UK. Visit the ATOL website here.
For your protection, we are fully bonded members of ABTA (membership number L7369) and ATOL protected. We are also an IATA Accredited Agent – the IATA accreditation is a formal recognition of travel agents and tour operators who are authorised to sell and issue international airline tickets. Cruise1st's licence number is IATA 9127911-2.
Where is your privacy policy?
Our privacy policy can be found here.
What are Cruise1st's terms and conditions?
Our general terms and conditions can be found here.
My question isn't answered elsewhere, how can I contact you?
For information on how to contact Cruise1st, please visit our contact us page.
About This Website
Information on This Website
The information on this website is intended solely for UK customers.
Price Accuracy
Prices quoted throughout this website are subject to change and the holidays offered subject to availability.
Links To Other Sites
Information contained on Links or Frames to third party companies/sites may not be protected by ABTA.