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Frequently Asked Questions?

Why should I use a travel agency?
Most travel agents have years of experience and can help save you time and money by using them. You do not pay a higher price because of using a travel agent. The travel agent is paid by the supplier…. the cruise line or the hotel pays them a commission, for the work they do. Travel agents are a wonderful source of help and input. They are an advocate and have your best interest at heart. Plus, seasoned agents can often provide you with extra amenities, due to the relationships they have with their suppliers. It is much better than booking by yourself! Without an agent….you’re on your own! Top

Will I need a Passport?
All cruises now require proof of citizenship. For Cruise Travel, the U.S. Government Will soon require all of our guests (including U.S. citizens) to be in possession of a valid passport when traveling on a cruise. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain further details. This requirement may become effective as early as Summer 2008.
Per Carnival Cruise Line’s Website (8/24/07)
Carnival strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to meet their ship at the first port should they miss their scheduled embarkation; and allow guests that must debark the ship before their cruise ends to fly back to the U.S. without significant delays and complications. Additionally, it will greatly help to expedite their debark process.
**Each passenger is responsible to make sure they have the proper documentation to travel and Smart Price Travel will not be held liable should you not have what is required, and are denied boarding. IMPORTANT: Please check with www.travel.state.gov , to make sure you are fully aware of what is required to travel to your particular destination.
*** Air travel already requires a passport and to many countries it must be valid for 6 months or longer, AFTER your travel is completed. Please don’t get left behind…… know what is required for your travel plans! Top

Is Cruising affordable?
Cruising is the best value for your vacation dollar. Cruising provides a budget and product to suit every need, from the economy-minded traveler to the most luxurious. Top

Are Cruises Really that Popular?
Yes….absolutely! Cruises have a 98% satisfaction rate which keep cruisers coming back, time and time again. Some cruises find a certain cruise line and what to sail only that line but we find that most cruisers prefer to try out several different cruise lines and all the different ship categories within the cruise line. Cruising can become very addictive! Top

What’s included in my Cruise?
Your cruise vacation includes all meals, your stateroom, room service, on-board activities, entertainment and, of course, transportation between all ports on your itinerary. You will have the foresight of knowing the cost of your vacation before you go. The only other expenses you might incur will be specialty restaurants, casino/bingo, alcoholic beverages (on some ships), and optional shore excursions. Top

Will I feel bored or confined on board the ship?
Never! Think of a cruise ship as a floating resort, equal with any Las Vegas megahotel. On-board activities begin at dawn and go into the wee hours of the night. The scenery is constantly changing, and every port is filled with new and exciting opportunities for exploration. Top

How long are cruises?
Cruises can be longer than 3 months or as short as three days. No matter how many vacation days you plan to have fun, cruising can accommodated all of them. Top

Are all Cruise Ships the same?
Absolutely not! They range from yacht-like vessels with less than 100 people to the Mega-ship which can hold over 3000. Top

When are the best and cheapest times to cruise?
That depends on where you are going and if you are expecting “best” to mean “cheapest”. The “best” time to travel may not be the cheapest. The cheapest price, may mean you will have to be flexible in your travel dates. If you must travel during the summer months, certain destinations will not be the cheapest at that time, however, it might be the “best” time for your family to travel. Even during those times, Smart Price agents will work hard to find you the best deal for your vacation.

Think about what “best” means to you? The best weather? Un-crowded ports of call? Limited numbers of children on the ship, or just the best price? Below you will find a general guideline:

Can you book a cruise at the last minute?
You can book a last minute cruise, however you may not want to. In order to get the ship, date, and cabin that you prefer, you will want to book early. Most cruise lines offer better pricing, for the clients that book early. However, the best part is that if you book early and the cabin cost decreases you can request to have the rate adjusted. Top

Can you smoke on the ship?
Most ships have a non-smoking dining room and prefer you to not smoke in the cabin. However, there are several designated smoking areas, which they inform you of, once on board the ship. Also, several ships are now “non-smoking”. Please check and make sure before you travel. Top

What are Gratuities?
Gratuities are the “tips” that your service staff receives on a sailing. The typical charge is $10.00 per person, per day. They are divided among approximately 5 staff members; your cabin steward and your dining room wait staff. Most large groups booked on a cruise, are required to Pre-pay the gratuities, while smaller groups and individuals have the option to pre-pay. We always recommend pre-paying the gratuities because then you don’t start your cruise off with a bill on the day of Embarkation. Top

What’s a Shore Excursion and how do I book it?
For land packages many companies offer extra day trips that you can include in advance with your package. These are always a great deal to go ahead and add them to your package if you want a day of snorkeling, to see the ruins or swimming with the dolphins.

Cruise lines offer excursions in the different ports of call. These excursions are sold by the cruise lines or a company that specializes in excursions for them. The advantage from buying from the cruise lines is that you are going with a group and you will have first rights to getting off of the ship for your excursion. Also, if your excursion was late the cruise lines would wait for the group before departing the part.

Smart Price Travel does have other options that are available for booking excursions, tours, transfers or trips in different cities around the world. Please check with your agent to find out about these options. Top

What does 3/4 on my registration form mean?
The 3/4 refers to the third or forth person in your cruise cabin. They will typically pay a lower rate for the cruise portion of their bill, because they do not have a regular bed on the floor. They either have a bunk bed that pulls out of the ceiling or wall, or they will have a sofa the folds out to a bed. Top

Will my cell phone work on the cruise or overseas?
Most cell phone companies now have World Phones that automatically work and change to that countries phone band. We suggest you contact your cell phone carrier and check with them on the details. Also, many of them have cheaper rates if you call and tell them you want their international plan. Many of them will do this for free, but please note you usually have to pay for roaming charges overseas. More and more cruise ships are adding towers to their ships so the passenger can use their cell phone onboard. Please check with your particular cruise line before sailing. Top

What are some ways I can save money on my trip?

What is the best way to exchange money to foreign currency?
It is always good to exchange a little bit of your money to foreign currency before going to another country. Check with your local bank and see which branch carries what you need. To get the best exchange rate in overseas money, you may want to withdraw money from an ATM machine after you arrive. Typically banks, hotels and money-exchange bureaus charge a commission or exchange fee. Check with your bank before going overseas to see if they charge a fee. Many banks do not. Please note that in some countries they have limits on how much you can get out in cash a day. For example in Italy you can only get $250.00 Cash per day from a card. We suggest that you always travel with more than one card from different banks. Top

Should I buy Travel Insurance?
It is always good to be safe. We always recommend our clients buy travel insurance to help cover any emergency costs or trip interruptions that may occur before or during your travels. Please make sure and work with your Smart Price Travel agent to find the correct policy because travel insurance is for emergencies, not “bad hair days”. Some travel policies must be paid in full within 14 days of the initial deposit you put on your trip,
in order to have the policy cover pre-existing conditions. Also, you can purchase some insurance at the last moment. Having that peace of mind & knowing you are taken care of is priceless. Top

What is a Transfer?
A transfer is a method of transportation that gets you from the airport to the cruise terminal and from the cruise terminal back to the airport. If you arrive in your city of departure, a day or so early (which we HIGHLY recommend), then we will need to arrange a private transfer for you, from the airport to the hotel. The transfers you may purchase from the cruise line will only take you to the cruise terminal on the DAY OF your cruise. Our Smart Price Travel agents will be happy to arrange all your transfer needs. Top

What is a “Sea Day”?
A “Sea Day” is a full day spent sailing between two ports. Most cruises include one or more days at sea. You will have so many options for activities, entertainment or relaxing, on board the ship, that we are sure you'll enjoy this time between ports of call. Top

What about internet access on my trip or on my cruise?
All the major cruise lines have an Internet café available for use. More and more ships are increasing technology so people can stay in contact, via the Internet. Many of the cruise lines have Wireless Access available in their lobby and in the suite rooms. Most newer hotels have wireless connections available in their rooms. Please check with your cruise lines or the hotel where you are staying to get the details. Also, please note that to access the Internet most hotels and cruise ships charge fees to signup and for usage. Top

What is an ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT and where is it available?
All-inclusive resorts are very popular with a lot of travelers, especially places like Cancun & Cozumel, Mexico. All-Inclusive means you pay 1 price and it covers your food & drinks (including alcoholic drinks), non-motorized sports like snorkeling, and hotel nightly entertainment. All-inclusive resorts are so popular with travelers because they like the idea of paying one price before they go on the trip and they don’t have to think about how much they are spending while gone. Most people say it brings a “New Freedom” to vacationing. Top

What is an ULTRA All-Inclusive Resort?
Resorts like SANDALS, which are called “Ultra All-Inclusive”, mean they cover your scuba diving and all water sports. Some All-Inclusive resorts offer room service… some do not. Look for resorts that offer an array of dining venues so you have more options on where to eat. Please note the dress code before you go, as a lot of resorts require the men to wear long pants, collared shirt and regular shoes (no sandals) to these upscale restaurants. As with all travel, check the fine print and details before going. Top

What are CruiseTours?
“CruiseTours” are cruise sailings that have been combined with a tour that takes place before or after your cruise. Both the cruise and the tour are sold together as one package price. Many of the Alaska sailings have a cruisetour itinerary that includes a train ride to Denali, lodging at the cruise line’s private lodge for a night or two and a tour to see Mt. McKinley or the interior of Alaska. Everything is taken care of for you….from the transfers, motor-coach or train, the lodge, the sightseeing…even the luggage handling! CruiseTours are the best way to see many destinations…. especially Alaska! Top

Are there Different Levels or Class of Service on a Ship?
Yes, many ships offer Concierge level on the ship which does mean you are in special suite room with many special activities and extra’s included from free dry cleaning & free internet minutes, to breakfast on your balcony and other such details. Ask your travel agent about upgrading to this level. Some cruise ships have recently added spa floors or cabins with a private pool for people on that level.

Although there are different levels of service on most ships, everyone is allowed to utilize the ships facilities. The size and location of your cabin determine the cost. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard. Top

I am familiar with getting miles for traveling on the same airlines do cruise ships
offer the same kind of programs?
Many of the cruise lines are offering loyalty programs. If you have cruised a particular cruise line then you should have a “member number” with them. Please let your Smart Price Travel Agent know, because they may be able to get you a “past-guest” discount. Some of the cruise lines offer to their elite guests (those who have traveled a lot with them) free dry cleaning and upgrades. Top

I’ve booked a resort vacation and my paperwork says I can eat at and visit “SISTER PROPERTIES”, what does that mean?
Typically a hotel, particularly in resort areas, will have sister properties that you can visit, play at and also eat at. If you stay in an ALL ADULT resort it may also have a family resort close by and therefore you can go and visit their property. However, if you are staying at the family resort with your children, you would not be able to visit the all adult resort. There are rules and guidelines so always check out the details. On an island there may be several sister resorts you can visit. Top

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