Question 1

What types of cruises do you plan?

Accepted Answer

·       LENGTH – I plan everything from 3 day weekend cruises all the way up to a multi-month world cruise. The average cruise is 7-10 days.
·       DESTINATION – I plan all cruise destinations including Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, South America, Mediterranean, British Isles, Italy/Greece, Asia, Australia, Galapagos, Antarctica, Norwegian Fjords, Greenland/Iceland, Ireland, and more. 
·       CRUISE TYPE – I plan ocean cruises, river cruises (in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia), transatlantic, transpacific, expedition/adventure cruises, luxury cruises, as well as world cruises. 
·       CRUISE BRAND – I plan cruises with well-known brands like AmaWaterways (river), American Cruise Lines (river), Avalon (river), Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, Margaritaville at Sea, MSC, Norwegian, Oceana, Princess, Riviera (river), Royal Caribbean, Viking (river), Virgin Voyages
·       GROUPS – I plan groups for different occasions and of different sizes. I’ve had groups as small as 10-15 people and groups as large as 101 people. Cruising with friends is just more fun! I’ve done groups for milestone birthday parties, family reunions, class reunions, retirement celebrations, girl’s getaways, friends & family, and many more. My business model emphasizes Come Along with Me cruises. I try to plan 4 group cruises per year (1 per quarter) that I know travelers will enjoy. I usually have those planned about 2 years out giving travelers plenty of time to plan and budget for them. Some are short weekend cruises, and some are longer 7-10 days or even longer.

We invest the same amount of care into planning your 7-Day cruise vacation as we do in designing a longer cruise or cruise tour. We coordinate your flights (when booked with your cruise), manage pre-cruise/post-cruise hotels, arrange transportation between the airport and the cruise port, recommend shore excursions, offer trip insurance, assist with dining reservations, and coordinate the purchase onboard extras like drink packages, WiFi, specialty dining and more.

Question 2

When should I book my cruise?

Accepted Answer

You should plan to book your cruise at least 12-18 months prior to embarkation if at all possible. This will help you secure the cabin type and deck location you want. Also, prices are lowest when cruises are first released for sale. Because cruises have been going out completely full since COVID, the law of supply and demand kicks in - prices only go up while cabin availability only goes down the longer you wait.

Question 3

Why do I need to have you plan my cruise when I can do it myself online?

Accepted Answer

Excellent question. You can absolutely plan your on cruise online these days without a lot of hassle. Here are a few reasons why booking with a travel agent is better than booking online:
·       Because I have access to special pricing, I can make sure you get the best prices available. Sometimes the prices are lower than online and sometimes they aren’t. But did you know that the cruise lines build in a commission (which is how I get paid)? If you book online, you are paying that commission but not receiving any of the service for it that I provide. 
·       I can coordinate all the components of your trip in one place and help you manage it. This takes away many of the headaches that go along with trying to fit all the travel pieces together. 
·       I will be the only one you ever talk to when you have questions (unless of course I ask my assistant to help manage something). Plus, I speak clear English rather than the broken English you’ll find on the 1-800 customer service lines for those online bookings. And, you’ll never have to wait on hold and explain your situation and get transferred for the 4th time. 
·       Your time is valuable. Think of what you’re giving up when you’re spending hours online researching, planning, booking, and managing all the moving parts. It could be as simple as relaxing with a good book or as important as going to one of the kids’ sports activities. Don’t pass up these self-care and family moments because you’re sitting in front of a computer doing something that I can do in a fraction of the time.
·       I provide little extras your online site won’t like reminders when things are due, packing lists, tech tips, Know Before You Go and destination guides, and much more.

Question 4

Do I need a passport for my cruise?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the cruise line and destinations you plan to visit. We will help you determine whether a passport and/or visa is required for your trip. There are two acceptable options for documentation when embarking on a cruise. 
·       Option 1 is to present a passport with at least 6 months remaining before it expires. This is the easiest and safest way to travel. Passports are required for any international travel. While the Caribbean is technically international, if you are on what is called a “Closed Loop Cruise” (meaning you are departing from and returning to the same US cruise port), you can use Option 2 for embarking on your cruise. However, if something happens while traveling, it is much more difficult to fly home without a passport.
·       Option 2 is to present BOTH a government issued photo ID (driver’s license, military ID, etc) AND a certified copy of a birth certificate. If the name on the two documents does not match, you will also need to provide supporting documents for any name changes (marriage, divorce, adoption, etc).
·       All passengers age 16 and up must present one of the above forms of documentation. Children under the age of 16 may travel with just a birth certificate.

Question 5

Is it safe to cruise?

Accepted Answer

That’s actually a multi-faceted question. Here are a few things to consider:
·       DESTINATION – some cruise ports are safer than others just like US cities. The state department regularly puts out Travel Advisories (link on the Resources page). Review their warnings for any destination you’re considering.
·       CRUISING – overall cruising is very safe. Don’t get sucked into stories on the news about people “falling” overboard, tragic accidents while onboard or in port, or big brawls onboard. First let me say – people don’t “fall” overboard unless they’re doing something stupid. The railings are high and in most cases you have to climb on them to put yourself at risk. Regarding accidents, they happen every day in every location and every mode of travel. Accidents are a part of life. That’s why I highly recommend trip insurance. And, about those big brawls onboard, many are caused by an overconsumption of alcohol causing travelers to lose their inhibitions and do things they wouldn’t otherwise do. 
·       HEALTH CONCERNS – Cruises are just like any other form of travel. When it’s cold and flu season (which includes COVID), people in close proximity will have and transmit these viruses. You can’t avoid it. You’re at just as much risk as going to the grocery store or WalMart. Public places have germs. Now, with that said, there are things you can do to minimize that risk. I recommend taking an immune booster (like EmergenC or Airborne) starting 2 days before your trip, every day during your trip, and for 2 days after you return home. Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer whenever it’s available. Use paper towels to open restroom doors. Use the heel of your hand or your forearm to steady yourself when going down stairs rather than grasping the railing with your hand. Use your knuckle to push elevator buttons. And many more. Let’s talk if you have specific health concerns.
·       ALLERGIES – Cruise lines do a great job of accommodating food allergies. There are forms to be completed in advance to notify the cruise line of your dietary restrictions. In many cases, the cruise line will provide you a menu in advance which allows you to make your choices and provide any notes about what you’re ordering.

Question 6

Do I pay Cruises by Vicki or the cruise line for my vacation?

Accepted Answer

Cruises by Vicki does NOT collect payments directly. We will, however, get a credit card authorization from you and then make the payment to the cruise line on your behalf.

Most cruises have a deposit due at the time of booking and a final payment due about 90 days prior to embarkation. Exceptions are river cruises and some cruise lines who require final payments farther in advance.

Cruises by Vicki will send you a credit card authorization a few days prior to any payment due. While deposits are processed when we make the booking, all final payments are processed on Fridays at least 7 days prior to the Final Payment Due date.

Question 7

Can I make payments along the way to avoid one large final payment?

Accepted Answer

Generally, interim payments are easily accommodated. 
·       Option 1 is to set up regular payments from the start. I process interim payments on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month in the amount of $250 or more. You can choose to make a payment once or twice a month. 
·       Option 2 involves random payments. You will be sent an invoice once a month starting about six months prior to your final payment due date. If after reviewing the invoice you decide you’d like to make a payment, you will reply to the invoice email with the amount you’d like to pay. I will send a credit card authorization for that payment and process it on the next Friday.

Question 8

What is trip insurance, and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Trip insurance is a way to protect you from certain financial risks and losses that may occur while traveling. In most cases, policies cover trip cancellation, trip delay/interruption, baggage loss, and medical expenses. Policies can be purchased from a reputable company that specializes in this type of insurance. If you experience a medical emergency while overseas or need to cancel your trip at the last minute, you could incur significant costs and/or lose the investment you’ve made in the trip. It just makes good financial sense to consider the purchase of travel insurance.

Many people are not aware that their health insurance policy (including Medicare) does NOT cover them while out at sea or when traveling out of the country. Check with your provider to determine what coverage may be available.

Question 9

Do you recommend buying trip insurance?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The majority of vacations these days involve a significant financial investment, so it’s wise to protect yourself from financial risks and losses. Ask yourself the following question – what’s my Plan B if something happens and I have to cancel the trip altogether or miss the ship and have to make my own arrangements to meet it at the next port? Am I ok with losing this amount of money. How would I cover substantial medical bills if I’m injured while traveling? Accidents happen. It’s not just about being young, healthy, and fit.

Question 10

Does Cruises by Vicki sell trip insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. We are not an insurance sales company nor are we licensed to sell insurance. However, we work with reputable insurance companies like Travel Insured International and Allianz to recommend and quote plans that best fit your needs. Specific questions regarding any coverage would need to be directed to the Insurance provider.

Question 11

How will I get from the airport to my hotel/resort or the cruise ship?

Accepted Answer

We will provide advice regarding the best option depending on the airport and port locations. We can easily arrange cruise line transfers, reserve a private car, purchase train tickets, or rent a car for you. In many cases, simply taking an Uber/Lyft may be the least expensive and least hassle of all the options.

Question 12

Why does my itinerary show flights and a pre-cruise hotel on the day before my cruise?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve traveled by air recently, you’re well aware of the hazards presented by flight delays and cancellations. The cruise line will not wait for you if your flight is late or you miss a connection. You will have to arrange transportation to meet the ship at its first port stop which sometimes isn’t for several days. By flying in the day before your cruise, you’ve greatly decreased the chance a flight delay or cancellation will cause you to miss the ship. Yes, it does cost a little more for that pre-cruise hotel, but the peace of mind will be worth it.

Question 13

What if I share custody of my child or want to allow my child to bring a friend?

Accepted Answer

Children unaccompanied by both parents will be required to present a notarized letter from the absent parent granting permission for the present parent to travel out of the country with the minor child (under the age of 18). This also applies to minors where neither parent is present because they are cruising with a friend.

Question 14

What if I don’t want to share a cabin with my minor children?

Accepted Answer

Most cruise lines have a policy regarding minor children in a cabin by themselves. In most cases, the minors must be in either an adjoining cabin, an adjacent cabin, or a cabin directly across the hall from the parents/guardians. Some cruise lines also will not allow minors in a balcony cabin by themselves for safety reasons. That means across the hall is the only option if you want a balcony cabin. Due to this proximity requirement with minors in a separate cabin, it is advised that you book your trip at least 9-18 months out to make sure the cabins you need will be available.

Question 15

Can I control how much my child is allowed to spend on their onboard account?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. And I strongly encourage you to do that. Visit Guest Services on the first day and set the parameters you want for each traveler. There will be a long line on Day 1, but it’s worth it if you’re not sure your child can be trusted to not overspend. If your child is trustworthy, have the spending limit discussion with them in advance. Then, check your onboard account balance every night in the app or on your stateroom TV to make sure they’ve abided by your restrictions.

Question 16

What should I pack for my cruise?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to provide you with packing list suggestions for the length, destination, and formality of your specific cruise/cruise line. Our lists provide helpful information about what items to bring on your cruise and what items to leave at home. We also provide tips about what to expect while on your cruise and while in destination.

Question 17

When should I expect to receive my travel documents?

Accepted Answer

You will receive your travel documents electronically about 2-3 weeks prior to departure. We will go over them during our Pre-Trip Zoom meeting. Your documents will contain trip confirmations, insurance documents, in-destination contact information for resolving any issues that may arise, destination information, and more.

Frequently asked questions