ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE YOUR CRUISE?
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! We'd love to hear from you.
Cruising is a luxury many can afford...
What are the cruise lines that visit Asia?
Apart from Star Cruises, the world's First Global Cruise Line, there are many ships calling at ports in Asia while on their round-the-world leg. We've compiled a list with the guidance of Fielding's Worldwide Guides.
Listing by Liner (Headquarters):
Ship
Crystal Cruises (USA): Crystal Harmony
Cunard Line (UK): QE II; Sea Goddess II
Delphin Seereisen (DE): Delphin
Espanade Tours (USA): Bali Sea Dancer; Oceanic Odyssey
EuroCruises (USA): Black Watch
Holland America Line (USA): Nieuw Amsterdam
Orient Lines (UK): Marco Polo
Princess Cruises (USA): Regal Princess
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (USA): Song of Flower,
Mariner
Royal Caribbean International (USA): Legend of the Seas
Seabourn Cruise Line (UK): Seabourn Legend; Seabourn Spirit
Silversea Cruises (USA): Silver Wind; Silver Shadow
Star Cruises (MY): SuperStar Leo; SuperStar Virgo; Superstar Gemini; SuperStar Taurus; SuperStar Aries;
SuperStar Capricorn; Star Pisces; MegaStar Aries; MegaStar Taurus; Wasa Queen (cruise
ferry)
Swan Hellenic (UK): Minerva
Am I able to check my emails while onboard the ship?
Yes. More and more cruise ships have internet facilities where you can hire by the hour, though
it's understandable that the rates are usually higher than what your neighbourhood internet cafe would charge.
Would I need to bring my passport?
Yes, most definitely! Prior to embarkation, the cruise staff will require your passport to check-in. Your passport will be kept safely onboard the ship and will be returned to you about an hour before disembarkation. TIP: Always carry a photocopy of your passport and other IDs at all times.
Is there mobile phone reception at sea?
Sometimes, when the ship is close to shore. Depending on which country the signal is being picked up from,
you would be charged roaming fees just as if you were on land. However, there is usually no reception at high seas.
Are there telephones in the staterooms/cabins? Can I call home?
Yes there are. Bear in mind, you would need to pay for ship-to-shore rates which can work out quite high. Works better than a message in a bottle, though!
What if I'm pregnant? Can I still cruise?
Yes, almost all ships welcome cruise passengers who are no more than 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the cruise.
FEATURE: WHY HOLIDAY AT SEA?
Kenny Khor shares some suggestions...
There is a boom in cruise sales all over the world with astonishing
growth rates compared to the rest of the travel industry's
other products. This is the result of the increased availability
of quality vessels and the emergence of huge mega-vessels,
which are akin to floating resorts. Prospective
cruise passengers can choose from the broadest range of types
of ships to itineraries. From mega-liners, conventional ships
to smaller adventure-centric vessels, there is at last a vessel
or holiday available to suit everyone.
Some first-time cruisers reiterate that there are benefits
in cruising, as compared to land based-vacations. Here are
some of them:
*Cruising is just so much more romantic
*The fine dining aboard
*Top quality entertainment
*Several destinations at one time
*Chance to be pampered
*Hassle free
*Meeting interesting people
Convenience
A cruise vacation's all-inclusive fare includes accommodation,
food, shore excursions and entertainment and in some cases
gratuities too. You need only to unpack once while visiting
the numerous destinations. If you are visiting several countries
along the journey, the ship's authorities will take care of
immigration clearance.
Activities
Depending on your choice of ship and the amount of activities
offered there are bound to be plenty of things to do onboard.
Jogging on the decks, workout in the gym, learning to play
backgammon or watching a movie at the theatre. Other adventure
type cruises will have programs that may include scuba diving,
biking around a port of call, horse riding, or trekking into
a tropical forest.
Shopping
Onboard most ships there is duty free shopping available.
There will also be special shopping excursions at ports of
call or you can wander around on your own.
Food,
glorious food!
Cruise passengers usually look forward to sampling the different
ethnic dishes available onboard. The expert chefs would serve
specialties of the region where the ship is cruising. The
culinary team takes advantage of fresh produce from the local
ports of call. So, passengers can expect to taste local seafood
and sweet pineapples when cruising Thailand, caviar while
in Russia or Atlantic salmon when in Alaska. Food is available
24 hours a day and you can even choose to dine in your own
stateroom. Special diets, kosher or vegetarian meals can be
arranged beforehand.
Friendship
The relaxing mood of a ship encourages friendships. As the
average age of cruisers drop to the teens in some cases, there
are singles, honeymooners, families and retirees on board.
There is a good chance of meeting someone your age bracket
onboard. Your travel agent will be able to put you on a ship
you prefer.
Pampering
What better place to be than on a cruise ship, where most
things you want to indulge in is at your beck and call? Most
liners have impeccable level of service and depending on the
category of your room, some have personal butlers too.
