FAQ - Onboard The Ship

1. When can I select my dining time?
2. What if I want to change my dining time and/or table mates once onboard?
3. What if my dining time conflicts with the shows at night?
4. What are these specialty restaurants onboard?
5. Is room service available on the ship?
6. I have special dietary needs. Can the ship accommodate my needs?
7. What types of activities are available for me onboard?
8. Do they have babysitting on board?
9. What fitness activities are there onboard?
10. What types of services are offered in the spa?
11. Can I celebrate a special occasion onboard?
12. How can I communicate back home while onboard?
13. What types of beverages are included in my cruise fare?
14. How much is tipping on a cruise ship?

When can I select my dining time?

Traditionally, you can request your dining time preference at the time of booking. Some cruise lines also allow you to make online reservations for their specialty restaurants several days prior to the sailing. If you are booked on a “Freestyle Dining” cruise you do not need to worry about dining times.

What if I want to change my dining time and/or table mates once onboard?

If you are sailing on a ship with pre-assigned dining times and tablemates and would like to change either, talk to the restaurant’s maitre d', who will do everything in his or her power to ensure that you have a great dining experience each night. The cruise line normally will do everything possible to accommodate your request. Make your request as early as possible upon embarkation.

What if my dining time conflicts with the shows at night?

Don’t worry. The cruise line has multiple shows most evenings and there will be no conflict with your assigned dining time.

What are these specialty restaurants onboard?

These restaurants are a real treat. While all food on a cruise ship is wonderful, many cruise lines have opened new specialty restaurants onboard, with cuisines ranging from Italian to sushi. Many alternative restaurants charge a small fee for dining, usually $10–20 per person, plus tip. We highly recommend trying one or two during your cruise experience.

Is room service available on the ship?

Yes, on most ships complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day. The menus are in your stateroom. Nothing like a cheeseburger at 2:00 am to get you back to sleep!

I have special dietary needs. Can the ship accommodate my needs?

Yes, most likely. Gluten free, low-sodium meals, kosher meals, and other specialty meal plans are offered by ships; however, you should arrange for special meals in advance. You should call one of our CruiseNow.com personal cruise guides to handle this request.

What types of activities are available for me onboard?

The list goes on and on. It really depends on your cruise line and ship. So much is offered from rock climbing, ice skating, bowling, bingo, casinos, spas, etc. You can do as much or as little as you like. Every night your room steward will put a list of the next day’s activities in your stateroom. Remember you can stay active or just sun yourself and read a book all day. It’s your vacation!

Do they have babysitting on board?

Most major cruise lines offer a wonderful and expanded kids and teens program. There is not a charge for using this and most children have a blast in the program. For after hours care many cruise lines offer babysitting services, however availability can depend on the destination and time of year. Cruise lines with limited facilities for children may not provide a children's program or babysitting services, unless a certain number of children are onboard. Ask your CruiseNow.com Personal Cruise Guide to check with the cruise line about the policy in place for the specific cruise you are considering. Most cruise lines offer babysitting in a group setting, and some also offer private babysitting service in your stateroom. There is generally a fee for these services. Babysitting services are offered during certain evening hours when the children’s program is not in operation, but generally not on the first or the last night of the cruise.

What fitness activities are there onboard?

Most ships have full-service gyms onboard, as well as outdoor fitness equipment, ranging from simple running tracks and volleyball courts to rock-climbing walls and basketball courts. The gyms onboard are truly amazing and many are similar to large gyms back home. Check the Fitness & Recreation section of the ship's review to review what fitness options are offered. Normally there are no additional charges for these services.

What types of services are offered in the spa?

Most spas offer a typical range of beauty treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, and hair styling. Some ship spas also offer more unique treatments, like hot stone therapy and couples massages.

Can I celebrate a special occasion onboard?

Yes, of course. If you'd like to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday on the ship, we can have your reservation noted in advance or you can let the maitre d' know once you are on board. Many cruise lines no longer observe these occasions free of charge, so it is best to inquire at the time you finalize your reservation. Most cruise lines also offer honeymoon and anniversary packages at an additional cost.

How can I communicate back home while onboard?

Most ships have an internet café available onboard. Please note there is a nominal charge to access the internet using the café or wireless. There is also a telephone in your cabin, but be careful the ship to shore charge can be quite expensive. As stated before there is cell service available on many new ships and you can always contact a CruiseNow Personal Cruise Guide to see if your ship has the service.

What types of beverages are included in my cruise fare?

Coffee, tea, non bottled water and juice are generally included in your cruise fare. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise fare, and in most cases, a 15% gratuity will be added to your bill when ordering these beverages. For kids, many cruise lines offer a “soda card” that can be purchased for a small fee giving your child unlimited soda’s while on the cruise.

How much is tipping on a cruise ship?

Cruise lines normally give you a guide to tipping in your cabin upon arrival. Most ships recommend that you tip around $10 per passenger, per day. Some ships automatically charge tips to shipboard accounts (which can then be adjusted by the individual), while others ask you to pay cash directly to the staff member. Traditionally you are asked to tip your waiter, bus boy, cabin steward and head waiter.