Is Cruising Affordable and a Good Vacation Value... ?

Yes!  There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost conscious to the most luxurious.  Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money.  Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment.  So for once, you’ll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go.  (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, gratuities, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)   You’ll we amazed at the value.

 

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How Long are Alaska Cruises... ?

As long or short as you want.  Itineraries can range from as little as three days to as long as three months!

 

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How do I book a cruise?

Planning a cruise vacation can be complicated – more so than booking an airline ticket, hotel, or rental car.  A cruise vacation can truly be the vacation of a lifetime.  It can be a significant investment of both time and money.  Therefore, we highly recommend you enlist the services of Take 5 Cruise and Travel to help you.

 

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Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

Far from it.  Cruise ships can range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet.  You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600.  Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe.  You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat.

 

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What is an air/sea cruise?

A fly/cruise or air/sea cruise vacation package includes either free or much reduced airfare along with your cruise ticket.  These money saving options are available from most major North American cities and include transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.

 

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Can I book on short notice?

Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations.  But, to get exactly the ship, and sailing date you want, you should plan ands book early.  Then, just sit back and anticipate all the fun you’re going to have!

 

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Do I need a passport?

Passport requirements vary by destination and your citizenship.

U.S. and Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents:

A valid passport is required for all non-domestic itineraries including Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, South Pacific and Tahiti.

Although U.S. and Canadian citizens are not currently required to travel with a passport on domestic itineraries including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico.  For itineraries for which a passport is not required, U.S. and Canadian citizens who do not have a valid passport must provide the following proof of citizenship:  Naturalization certificate or an original certified birth certificate from the state/province of their birth (a hospital certificate will not suffice) together with a current ands valid government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license.

Please check the latest passport requirements at the time of your vacation.

 

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Can I extend my cruise vacation?

We can arrange pre- or post-cruise land packages at the same time you book your cruise. 

 

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Is motion discomfort a problem?

Today’s modern cruise ships are quite large and contain hi-tech stabilizing devises and advance weather notification processes.  In the unlikely event you experience motion discomfort, there are a number of over-the-counter solutions to ease your concerns.  These include Bonine, Mecklizine, Dramamine, Transderm Scope Patches, and Seabands.  Please consult with your physician or pharmacists before taking any medication.

 

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Can we stay in touch with the outside?

Quite easily.  Most ships have a daily newletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores.  Staterooms on all of today’s modern cruise ship[s are equipped with satellite televisions and in some cases in-cabin internet connections.  While most ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone through the ship’s radio operator while at sea.  And, you can make phone calls from most ports.  In addition, many ships have fax capabilities and newer ships offer Internet access and e-mail capabilities to passengers.

 

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Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms.  Many ships even feature hair dryers in your cabin.

 

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Can we celebrate a “special” day?

Absolutely!  Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of Happy Whatever to honor the occasion.  Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapés, wine or cheese.  You can even arrange for a special private party.  All you have to do is advise us in advance.

 

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  Do cruise lines accept group bookings?

Most cruise lines will work with groups often at reduced rates depending on how many people are involved.  Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year.

 

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Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

Without question.  Cruising is not only a fabulous, unforgettable vacation full of cool, high adventure activities for kids, it’s also an unbelievable educational opportunity.  If your children are active and love adventure, they will enjoy an cruise vacation.

 

Most Resort/Contemporary and Premium Cruise Lines cater to and provide facilities and services for families with children of all ages including toddlers, youth, tweens and teens.  This includes expansive kids programming, kids facilities, and kids menus.

 

Most cruise lines have cabins that can accommodate three, four, or five passengers in one cabin.  This means that children can often travel at substantially reduced rates when they share a cabin with their parents, making it more affordable to take the whole family on a cruise.

 

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  Can singles have fun on a cruise?

Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it’s so easy to meet other people.  In fact, most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away.

 

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Is cruising right for honeymooners?

Without a doubt.  Cruising offers an atmosphere that’s just right for romance…cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars) and so much more to remember forever.  Most lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed.  Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows in port.

 

 

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What is travel protection insurance?

Travel Protection is vacation insurance and it’s designed to protect your vacation investment in the event you must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances that may interfere with your ability to travel, or if things do go wrong while you are on your cruise.

Travel insurance covers:

• Cancellations due to sickness, death, injury of you, a family member, domestic partner or traveling companion.
• Travel delays due to inclement weather or natural disasters
• Bankruptcy of an airline, cruise line or other travel supplier, when this plan is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit
• Terrorism (domestic and international)
• All pre-existing medical conditions, when this plan is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit.
• Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal effects
• Expenses incurred if your travel is delayed
• Emergency transportation to an adequarte medical facility, with an escort when medically necessary.

 

If you must cancel your cruise or vacation or incur expenses or penalties for any of the reasons covered above, Travel Protection Insurance will reimburse you for covered costs.

 

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Please review the Take 5 Cruise and Travel Disclaimer