 |
|
 |
Should I book my airfare through the cruise line or on my own? |
|
There are advantages and disadvantages with each method, depending on your needs and requirements. The advantages of booking air through the cruise lines are that, 1. transfers are included, 2. cruise lines know your flight and take responsibility for late arrivals (even if the delay causes you to miss the ship), 3. baggage handling may be easier, and 4. it is easier to make reservations. The disadvantages are that 1. you cannot choose your flight schedule, 2. some flight schedules may not be convenient, 3. major carriers are used - however you can not choose the airline, 4. frequent flyer points cannot be used for upgrades, and 5. we will not know your flight schedule and cannot assign seats until 30 days prior to your departure date. Requests for changes to air schedules are possible, but will charge a non-refundable air deviation fee of $100 per person. In addition, the change of date or time may result in an increase in airfare. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
What happens if I cancel my cruise? |
|
All cruise lines have cancellation penalties which are dependent on when you cancel - the closer to departure date the higher the penalty. Cancellation penalties are the amount not refunded if you cancel the cruise. Each cruise line has these penalties listed on your cruise application. Please read these carefully. You will receive a quote for cancellation/medical insurance with your cruise statement upon booking. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Do I need cancellation and medical insurance? |
|
We highly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation/medical insurance. With your booking statement, you will receive a specific quote to purchase this policy.
Cancellation insurance protects you if you are forced to cancel your cruise for unexpected medical reasons for your self or an immediate family member.
The medical insurance covers you should an illness or accident occur during your cruise. Note that most individual's medical insurance will not cover you while outside of the United States.
Please see the page relating to Cancellation/Medical insurance.
|
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Onboard Payments/Money |
|
Your ship accepts credit cards, cash and travelers checks for payment of on-board extras such as alcohol, shore excursions, gift shop and boutique purchases. The ship is "cashless" aboard, where an imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit is taken at the beginning of your cruise. The last night you will receive a bill outlining your charges. If you are using a credit card your charges will be automatically billed to the card. If you are paying in cash, you must clear your account at the end of the cruise. This can be time consuming, so if possible, use a credit card as it is most convenient. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Tipping |
|
All tips for dining room personnel and room stewards have been included in your cruise package.
Other personnel, such as bar waiters, bellboys and deck stewards may be tipped as service is rendered. Note that there is typically a 15% gratuity added to all bar tabs not covered under the complimentary drink program.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
What to wear |
|
With visions of seascapes and sunsets and days spent in exciting ports-of-call, you may wonder if you will need a new wardrobe for your cruise. Cruise clothes are simply resort clothes and you'll need the same basic outfits that you wear at home when casual by day and off to cocktails and dinner in the evening.
There will be 3 formal nights and 7 smart-casual nights on this cruise.
For this cruise, you will want very casual and comfortable wear during the day. This means slacks, shorts, t-shirts and sweatshirts as well as comfortable walking/hiking shoes. In general you should dress moderately on shore and save the dressy clothes for the ship. In addition, you should plan on bringing a water proof windbreaker, as weather can vary quickly. You may also wish to consider bringing along a small umbrella.
Your clothing should be of the type that requires little care. The ship offers dry cleaning service and laundry facilities, however these can be somewhat expensive. No matter what part of the world you are sailing to, always pack a light sweater or wrap for the air conditioning on board, breezy evenings on deck or early arrivals in port. Light rain gear is also a good idea.
Please consult the cruise agenda for specific dates on evening attire.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Correspondence |
|
All future correspondence will go to the address on your confirmation. Address changes must be received in writing. There is a booking number (99-xx) on your confirmation. Please write this number on all checks. It is helpful to include your ship and sail date on any correspondence. A good daytime phone number and email address is important if we need to reach you about your booking. Any changes in your reservation including category, number of people in cabin, names in cabin, additions & deletions to cabin, etc. MUST be received in WRITING. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Children's Programs |
|
Life onboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruise will be a most memorable experience for your child. We take pride in getting to know each individual child and have highly qualified Club Mariner youth staff that are quick to listen and adapt to your child's needs.
All our young guests must be registered in our Club Mariner program if they wish to participate in the activities. Your children's safety is our number one priority. Therefore we ask that you fill out a registration form when you come meet our youth staff during the Club Mariner Orientation Meeting onboard. We require parents/guardians to sign in and out their child from our activities.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises also offers children a menu of their own in our main dinning room and also through 24-hour a day room service. Depending on our itinerary we offer one or two kids only dinners with our Club Mariner youth staff. Otherwise, we recommend ordering room service for your children prior to bringing them to the evenings activities. This way Mom and Dad can enjoy a nice romantic dinner for two
Ages 5 to 8
Club Mariner has a wide array of activities for children ages 5 to 8. Our youth staff make a special effort to offer each child a unique experience onboard our ships. Whether sailing through Alaska, the Baltic or even the Caribbean our staff makes sure to give your children an opportunity to learn about the regions we are visiting in a fun and interactive way. While on an Alaskan cruise, your child can learn about native art by making their own Totem Pole; in Russia decorate their own Matryoshka staking dolls; and in the Caribbean learn about the ocean by making their very own water world.
The activities are designed for each specific age group and are during the following hours:
Club Mariner's opening hours for children ages 5 to 8:
Port Days: 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M. 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M. 7:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M.
Sea Days: 9:30 A.M.-12:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. 7:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M.
Please note that our hours for activities during ports may vary as we do our best to insure that our young guests won't miss out on any of the fun!
Other activities include:
- Get to know you games
- Arts and crafts
- Meet the Captain
- Prize Bingo
- Group Scavenger Hunts
- Circle games
- Board games
- Cookie decorating
- Pizza Party
- Pajama Party
- Wacky Olympics
- And many more
Ages 9 to 12
Club Mariner has a wide array of activities for children ages 9 to 12. Our youth staff make a special effort to offer each child a unique experience onboard our ships. Whether sailing through Alaska, the Baltic, or even the Caribbean our youth staff makes sure to give your children an opportunity to learn about the regions we visit in a fun and interactive way. While on an Alaskan cruise, your child can learn about native art by making their own Totem Pole; in Russia by decorating their own Matryoshka stacking dolls; and in the Caribbean learn about the ocean by making their very own water world.
The activities are designed for each specific age group and are during the following hours:
Club Mariner's opening hours for children ages 9 to 12:
Port Days: 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M. 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M. 8:30 P.M.-10:30 P.M.
Sea Days: 9:30 A.M.-12:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. 8:30 P.M.-10:30 P.M.
Please note that our hours for activities during ports may vary as we do our best to insure that our young guests won't miss out on any of the fun!
Other activities include:
- Get to know you games
- Arts and crafts
- Meet the Captain
- Board Games
- Scavenger Hunts
- Survivor Challenges
- Dodgeball
- Mariner Idol
- Cookie decorating
- Wacky Olympics
- Movie nights
- Dance parties
- And many more
Teens Ages 13 to 17
Teens sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises have many opportunities to socialize with one another. Our dynamic youth staff are there to facilitate introductions and to design activities specifically for teens ages 13 to 17. We understand that by giving teens a place to call their own, where they can interact with their peers, we can give them the opportunity to create memories they will cherish for a lifetime.
Activities include:
- Ice Breakers
- Board Games
- Scrapbooking
- Survivor Challenges
- Sports Tournaments
- Dodgeball
- Mariner Idol
- Club Mariner Style Casino
- Movie Nights
- Dance Parties
- Lounge Lizard Nights
- And many more
Life onboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruise will be a most memorable experience for any teenager. We take pride in getting to know each individual and have highly qualified Club Mariner youth staff that are quick to listen and adapt to each teens needs. The Club Mariner youth staff with their individual styles design activities specifically geared to entertain and captivate teens. Teens can enjoy music, movies, games, crafts, food, and special activities or just hang out and socialize.
The activities are designed for each specific age group and are during the following hours:
Club Mariner's opening hours for teenagers 13 to 17:
Port Days: 10:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M. 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M. 9:30 P.M.-11:30 P.M.
Sea Days: 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. 9:30 P.M.-11:30 P.M.
Please note that our hours for activities may vary as we do our best to coordinate activities with the time at sea and in ports. We make sure to give our teenage guests plenty of time to be together!
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
|
|
Triple and Quad Cabins |
|
Suites which can accommodate 3rd and 4th guests are subject to availability, and require a deposit for each person in the cabin. Triple and quad rates are for third and fourth passengers in the cabin travelling with two full-fare paying passengers.
Note that Regent Seven Seas Cruises has limited availability of suites which can accommodate 3rd and 4th guests sharing a suite.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Handicapped Cabins |
|
Handicapped cabins are subject to availability, and are very limited in number. These cabins should only be utilized by those individuals who are confined to a wheelchair. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Dining |
|
Regent Seven Seas Cruises features open seating, which means that you may dine when and with whom you like. Guests of this cruise will have the option of meeting at a pre-set time in order to sit with other group guests. Those guests dining with speakers will be notified of when and where to meet. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Cruise Documents |
|
We will receive your cruise documents 1 to 2 weeks prior to sailing. Documents will be sent to the address indicated on your cruise application, via UPS, and require a street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). If you prefer to have your documents delivered elsewhere, or arranged to be picked up pierside, please contact The Cruise Authority, no less than 45 days prior to departure. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Identification |
|
A passport will be required for each person joining this cruise. Please see
Passport Requirements page for complete information.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
General Cruise Notes... |
|
If you consider your cruise ship a floating resort which transports you from one port to another as an added bonus, everything will be placed in proper perspective. If you feel naked without your diamonds and emeralds, or a lot of cash on hand, then bring them along. But place all valuables in the safe deposit box in your cabin or at the Purser's Desk when not using them. If you know you will need a box, see the Purser immediately upon embarkation, as the number of boxes is limited. There are individual safes in each cabin. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Cameras |
|
The elements are no friend to your camera. Sea spray can damage lenses and sand can cause irreparable damage to other parts of the camera. Use caution - don't leave your camera sitting out in the sun on deck or on the beach. We recommend that you bring along enough film, batteries and memory cards for the duration of your cruise. These items are more expensive on board or in port than at home. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Motion Sickness |
|
This has become less of a problem over the last several years as all cruise ships are now equipped with stabilizers to lessen the roll of the ship. Once the ship is underway, these "wings" swing out into place and allow the ship to move smoothly through the ocean. The waters of the Caribbean are comparatively shallow and generally do not get very rough. If you normally do not get motion sickness in a car or airplane, chances are you won't have problems on a cruise ship.
If you do have problems, try one of the following:
- Dramamine or Bonine - These medications tend to make you drowsy. It is not a good idea to combine them with alcohol. Consult a physician about these medications and about other potential side effects.
- Shots - Available from the ship doctor. These are for extreme cases of motion sickness and take effect very quickly. There is typically a $15 charge.
- TransDerm Scop Patches - See your doctor for a prescription for this product. Note that there are some side effects.
- SeaBands - A non-medicated method to alleviate motion sickness. The bands work under the principle of accupressure. Available on board the ship from The Cruise Authority @ $15pp.
- Relief Bands - Brand new technology, which relieves all forms of nausea. A unit which resembles a watch, sends a slight electrical charge through your system. Available on board ship from The Cruise Authority @ $70 for the 144-hour battery unit, or $130 for the reusable battery unit.
|
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Customs |
|
You will be required to fill out a customs declaration on the morning of debarkation from the ship. This is not optional. This should be filled out completely (declaring whatever purchases you have made) and then given to the customs official as you debark the ship. Only one member per family will be required to fill out this form. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Shipboard Facilities |
|
Cruise ships have truly become floating resorts, as more and more facilities are added to keep passengers healthy and happy. Today there are workout facilities with the latest exercise equipment, glamorous spas at sea, aerobics and other dance classes, whirlpools, saunas and massage therapy. In addition to the traditional shuffleboard and skeet shooting, many ships offer table tennis, jogging tracks, basketball, paddle tennis, volleyball, golf ball driving and simulators..
Quiet areas abound. The library is a good place to start - you can browse through the latest best sellers, or check one out to keep for the duration of your cruise. Bridge and Backgammon fans will want to find the card and game room. One of the staff will be happy to arrange some good competition for you..
If you intend to do nothing on board but find a nice watering hole, you're in the right place. There are plenty of locations on board and you should find a favorite spot in no time. You might enjoy a poolside bar or a piano bar. |
|
Back to top
|
|
|
Nautical Glossary |
|
ABBREVIATIONS
MS - Motor Ship
MTS - Motor Turbine Ship
MV - Motor Vessel
TSS - Turbine Steamship
SS - Steamship
USS - United States Ship
HMS - Her Majesty's Ship (England)
RMS - Royal Mail Ship (England)
ABEAM - anything perpendicular to the structure of the ship; off the side.
AFT - toward the rear of the vessel or to the stern.
AMIDSHIPS - in the middle of the vessel.
BALLAST - weight placed in the ship to keep her on an even keel when empty.
BEAM - width of ship at the widest point.
BEARING - compass direction expressed in degrees.
BERTH - nautical term for bed in your cabin or where vessel docks in port.
BOW - the forward part of the ship.
BRIDGE - ship's command center located above and forward of the passenger areas. Passengers are sometimes admitted with special invitation.
BULKHEAD - wall-like construction inside a vessel for subdividing space.
DECK - each floor of a ship.
DISEMBARK or DEBARK - to get off a ship
DRILL - any exercise ordered by the captain, like the lifeboat drill on the first evening out.
EMBARK - to board a ship.
FATHOM - a measure of six feet; used in determining the depth of water by soundings.
FLAGS - ships talk to each other with flags in an international code of signals that all nations understand. While the flag hoisted on a private yacht might say "Come over for a drink," the signals on a large ship leaving port will show if a pilot is on board and what type of cargo is carried. Signal flags are never flown at sea, except when a vessel is in distress. The ship's country of registry is flown from the stern, and her country of destination appears from the yardarms of the foremast.
FREE PORT - a port not included in customs territory, or one that is free from import taxes. St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is a free port.
GALLEY - the kitchen.
GANGWAY - the bridge between ship and shore. Also called the gangplank as historically it was nothing more than a plank of wood.
GROSS REGISTERED TON - a measure of the size of a ship in terms of displacement. One hundred cubic feet equals one gross registered ton.
HELM - the entire steering apparatus of the ship.
KNOT - a unit of speed. One knot equals one nautical mile (6080.2 feet), or approximately 1.15 land miles per hour. The speed of a vessel is measured in knots.
LEAGUE - a unit of distance. In English-speaking countries, a league is 3.45 nautical miles.
LEEWARD - the direction toward which the wind blows.
PILOT - a representative of the local port authority who comes aboard ship to aid in the final arrival.
PITCH - the rise and fall of the ship in the water.
PORT - the left side of the ship (when looking forward) also indicated by the red navigational light.
PORTHOLE - the round window on a ship.
REGISTRY - certificate of ownership.
ROLL - the sideways motion of the ship.
SHE - ships are always considered members of the female gender.
STABILIZER - a retractable fin extending into the water on either side of the vessel to ensure smooth sailing.
STARBOARD - the right side of the ship (while looking forward), also indicated by a green navigational light.
STERN - the rear section of the vessel
TENDER - a small vessel, sometimes a lifeboat, use to carry passengers from ship to shore and vice versa.
THRUSTERS - many new vessels have propellers mounted in the hull sideways so that the ship can pull away from the dock under its own power.
WAKE - the trail a ship leaves in the water.
WEIGH ANCHOR - to raise anchor and prepare to get underway |
|
|
