What dining options are available onboard?
Dining options will vary by cruise line and by cruise ship. In general, every cruise ship will feature a main dining room available for breakfast, lunchtime and evening meals, alongside informal dining options such as poolside grills and buffet restaurants, pizzerias or cafés. Many cruise ships also offer speciality, gourmet or fine dining options including steakhouses, Italian, French or Asian restaurants and more – these restaurants will usually be available by reservation at a small cover charge. Room service and in-cabin dining is also widely available.
How do I pay for goods or services onboard?
All cruise lines operate a cash-free payment system onboard – you will register a credit card or debit card with the cruise line when checking in for your cruise which will set up an account for your cabin. Your cabin's key card will double as a charge card, and whenever you make a purchase, whether buying drinks at the bar, booking a shore excursion or spa treatment or personal purchases at the gift shop, a charge will be made to your cabin's account. You can check the balance of your account at any time with either guest services or in your stateroom, and at the end of the cruise you will receive a final balance statement. If you are happy with the final balance, it will automatically be settled with the credit or debit card you registered at embarkation. Alternatively, you can make arrangements with Guest Services to settle your account personally prior to disembarkation.
What onboard facilities will my cruise ship have?
The range in facilities onboard modern cruise ships can vary as much as the cruise ships themselves, and will be appropriate to the vessel and the style of cruising it offers. With modern cruise ships ranging from sleek 20,000 ton vessels to 150,000+ ton floating resorts, it's almost impossible to list all the choices and options available. Generally, most cruise ships will offer swimming pools, gymnasiums, health and beauty spas, casinos, theatres or show lounges, bars, libraries, computer rooms, gift shops, photo gallery and dedicated children's play areas – but that's just the start. Many modern cruise liners include much more including amazing innovations such as ice skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, ten-pin bowling alleys, formula one simulators, water parks, surfing simulators and much more – for full details of what you can expect from your cruise, contact one of our cruise advisors.
What is the dress code onboard?
Don't be put off by the image of a traditional, formal cruise holiday – while dressing for dinner is part of the glamour and appeal of a cruise, life onboard is very relaxed and informal during the day. For most cruise ships “resort casual” is the norm - you can dress as you would for any holiday or city break – shorts, t-shirts, sportswear and jeans are all perfectly acceptable throughout the day.
In the evening, the dress code will vary by cruise line but will usually take on one of three forms: Smart casual is exactly that – dress as you would for an evening meal at a restaurant with friends at home – open-collared shirts or polo shirts and trousers or smart denim for men is fine, or casual separates and dresses for ladies. Semi-formal nights would be shirt trousers and casual blazer or suit and tie for men, and stylish dress or equivalent for ladies. Formal nights are the time to really get into the cruising spirit with dinner jackets and tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses for ladies.
While dress codes vary by cruise line, in general around half your evenings on board will be smart casual, and the rest split evenly between formal and semi-formal. But the number one rule to remember is not to worry, it's your holiday – if you don't feel like dressing up for dinner then there are many informal dining options and cruise lines available.
What kind of entertainment is provided onboard?
Just like onboard facilities, the entertainment provided on a cruise can vary greatly depending on the cruise line and the style of cruising it provides. Most cruise lines will offer a wide variety of entertainment to keep you occupied, with examples including but not limited to live music, comedy acts, screenings of the latest Hollywood films, Broadway style shows and productions, casino games, dance lessons, educational courses and seminars, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, card games, health and fitness classes and sports. Your cruise line will provide a daily program outlining what's on, where and when, leaving you free to do as little or as much as you please.
What is first and second dining?
Evening meals onboard a cruise ship are traditionally available at two times – the first (or early) seating is usually offere around 6.30pm, while the second (or late) seating is offered around 8.30pm - but vary per cruise line. You will be assigned a table at the start of your cruise and have the same waiters and dinner companions for your voyage each evening. Both dinings are capacity controlled, so depending on when you book your holiday only one option may be available, or you may need to go on a waiting list for your preferred choice. Evening entertainment will be co-ordinated around the two dining options and shows will be repeated so all passengers have a chance to attend.
What is open/flexible dining?
In addition to the traditional first and second seating, many cruise lines are now offering open or flexible dining, allowing you to turn up and be seated in the main restaurant at a time that suits you. If you choose this option, then the Maitre'd will find you a table on your arrival at the restaurant, or you can make a reservation for a particular time.
What is “onboard credit”?
Many cruise lines offer onboard credit (also known as onboard spending money or onboard spends) as an incentive when booking a cruise – it may be available as part of an early booking promotion or other special offer. Onboard credit will be applied to your cabin account prior to departure, allowing you to use it to buy drinks, book shore excursions or make personal purchases.