First Time To Cruise Questions?

Question

1. What is the difference between an Enclosed Veranda and an Open Veranda?

2. Do I pay for tips everytime I get served or is that included in the total cost of my trip?

3. Should I cancel my current reservation (I paid deposit already) with Orbitz.com and get a travel agent to help me?

Answer 1

1. The enclosed verandah's are a little less expensive, but you can lose a little or alot of your view with these rooms, depending on what you get. It basically just means that your view is going to be a little limited or obstructed. An open verandah means that the verandah is open and there are no obstructions, these cost a little more.

2. Tips are not included, but you can add them to your vacation. It is called pre-paid gratuity and is based on the number of nights you will be cruising. The pre-paid tip includes the head waiter, waiter, assistant server and your room steward. I always tip extra because of how great the service, they work so hard and deserve every penny they make. As far as extra tips, that would be for anything that you use outside of the waiters and room steward. Some tips are automatically included. For example, if you order a drink, they automatically include a 15% gratuity and you can add to that if you like. Most people tip the kids clubs leaders, especially if their kids really like them and have a good time, they work hard as well. Room service is the other one that you should tip. Generally $1 to $2 is a good amount to give, you don't have to, but you can. If you don't want to bring cash, you can add that to your tab (if your order something that you have to pay for) just like if you use a credit card. Any other service you receive, i.e. someone taking your luggage and things like that, then you should always tip them as well.

3. We've already discussed this, so I don't think I need to go into more detail. But, in my opinion if an agent is the same price as what you are getting with Orbitz, then I definitely feel that is the way to go.

Answer 2

1. an open veranda means that it will be OPEN to the sky or ocean. Not enclosed like as being in a house. It's like being on a porch of a house, except you'll have the view of the ocean and the clouds without obstruction!

2. on our cruise we had to pay for our tips ALL AT ONCE at the END of the cruise. it was like...50 dollars a person or something. :o)

3. No way! Cruises are EASY. Just go along with it and have fun!

Answer 3

I think I answered one of your questions about a disney cruise, if you are in deed going on Disney go to this site they will even show you the pics of the different room, navigator decks and a reg balcony. Also the different windows in each cat.
http://www.disneycruiser.info/dclindex.htm

Also on disney at the end of the cruise they give you special envelopes for your main people (2 SERVERS, RESTAURANT MANAGER, and ROOM MAID)and you hand them to the person on your last night (the maid you just leave for them in the morn or the last night she turns down your bed). Other people like bartenders i would just leave a dollar for their tip on the reciept, you use your room key for that and at the end you just pay the tab on your room key with the credit card you provided.

I would keep the reservation with orbitz why go through the trouble of saving like what maybe 50 dollars. I dont believe theres much of a diff.

Answer 4

your reservation should be fine with orbitz, enclosed and open veranda means exactly what it says and normally they take a credit card when you get on the ship and give you a room card to swipe when you buy things or drinks. tips are included on your charges on it when you get charged at the end of your cruise. be aware of a huge bill if you drink a lot!!! we were shocked at how much wee drank lol!!

Answer 5

Don't forget to visit the boards of cruise critic to learn tons of stuff about your future cruise. Very informative webpage. Here's the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/