I have questions concerning traveling on a Cruise...pleez i kno it's alot of questions,but bare with me pleez

Question

1. Can I use a prepaid (master, visa) card on the cruise, and for the Cruise Tickets, and Fees?

2. I will be Driving to Norfolk,VA to get on the Empress of the Seas Royal Carribean Cruise. Will I be able to park there for a cost?

3. Do they check our Luggage really good before we abord?

4. How good is the privacy?

Answer 1

I have been on the Empress for a sailing to Bermuda.

1. You cannot just drive to Norfolk and walk up to the ship and buy a ticket. You need to pre-purchase your tickets by reservation. You can do that with the cruise line by calling them or by doing it online. It sounds like you are going on the Royal Caribbean ship out of Norfolk so you can go to their web site and book your cruise (or have an agent do it for you; any travel agency). Yes they do take credit cards. It does not matter if its one with a credit limit or a prepaid.

Once you have your reservation, when you arrive at the port to check in they will set up an on-board credit line for you and each person in your group. You (each passenger) will receive a key card which will serve as your room key, charge card for anything you buy on ship (i.e.,drinks, souvenir, photos, tours) and its also your pass to get on and off ship in each port. When you first board the ship the security personnel will have you insert your key card into a scanner and then will take a photo of you that is included in the magnetic strip on the card. Each time you get off ship you will need this key card and many times also a photo ID (passport or driver's license). This card allows them to keep an accurate track of all passengers entering and/or leaving the ship.

At the end of the cruise you can add the gratuities to your tab or pay them in cash. Then you can pay your tab by credit card or pay it in cash.

2. Yes you can park at the port; $10 per night cash, visa, MC, or traveler's checks. Norfolk just remodeled it cruise port. Information about parking and directions to the port can be obtained on this web page:

http://www.cruisenorfolk.org/parking.html

3. The cruise lines perform the same type luggage screening that airlines performs. Your large bags will be turned over to porters who will take them to be screened before they are placed on ship and then you and all of your carry-ons will go through the same type screening machines that are used in airports.

4. I am not sure what you mean by "privacy" but the cabins are not noisy. You will not hear other's conversations through the wall, and vice versa. There will be places on ship where you can find a quiet place if you want to rad or write your book.

Answer 2

1. Yes, on the ship you start an onboard credit card account and you either make a cash deposit or have a credit card signed up.. Then whenever you buy something with your card it will just be charged to the credit card. This is how I understood it, when I was cruising, but rules could have changed.

2. Most every cruise terminal has a place to park, and if you are concerned about fees and accommodations, you could just call the port, and see what the fee per day is and see if they have parking. Customer Service would probably help you the most in this area.

3. It's just kind of hit and miss. I mean the porters once you get to the port, find a porter to take your luggage, and make sure you give it to the right cruise line porters, so you luggage makes it on the right ship, and make sure you have all your buggage and luggage tags, with cruise ship, stateroom number, and name and address on your bags. Then they choose random bags and check them, but I am pretty sure all the bags either so through scanners or get wiped down, kind of like on airlines, but then again I dont know, just that you give them to the porter and go check in..

4. The privacy is whatever you want. I mean if you want to be alone in your stateroom so be it. You don't have to participate in any activities, or events that you dont want too, except for the life boat drill, which is mandatory. It's really fun, not.

Also alot of people forget this, bring alot of $1, $5, and $10, for tipping money, on shore excursions, and just tips for bus drivers, tour guides, taxi drivers, porters, etc. You never can have enough of those...

Answer 3

Dear Concerned:
Dont think of bringing booze or other contraband in your luggage. All luggage is checked, and as the previous answererer said, is checked by canines. The same is true when you get off the ship and return from excursions. The cruise line will not allow you to bring the booze your bought at port into your stateroom. They hold it until the end of your cruise.
Plan ahead for the cost of parking at the port. You should call or check the website for the Norfolk Port to check for fees. Our fees for parking in the Port of NY for a week was $180. This is not to say fees in VA will be that expensive.
As far as privacy: Your stateroom is very private.
You will likely have a safe in your room. I suggest using if for your valuables, passports, and money. Just dont forget to open it before you leave!
Just remember to have fun.

Answer 4

You will have to call the cruise line concerning the credit card. They take a credit card and all you use on the ship is a sail and sign card, so you don't have to carry cash or credit cards while on the ship. bring cash though when you go off the ship. they usually have parking for a fee. Usually the luggage is checked by canines, they check your carry on real good. everytime you get off and on the ship your carry on goes thru the machine. privacy is good. happy cruising!