Before your Cruise F.A.Q's
1. Why should someone choose cruising over other types of travel?
2. Are there seasonal cruises and if so, which itineraries are suggested for each season?
3. How does a day on board go by? Are there many entertaining options and activities?
4. What kind of outdoor activities and tours can we enjoy at the ports of call?
5. Modern cruise ships are famous for their cuisine. What culinary options do they offer?
6. What about evening entertainment?
7. What are the main criteria when it comes to choosing a cruise?
8. How can I choose the cabin category that suits me better?
9. Can we feel safe on a cruise ship?
10. Which are the different categories of cruise ships and what are their differences?
11. Cruising vacations are considered to be for the rich and the elderly… Is this true?
12. What does the price of my cruise include and how soon should I proceed with reservations?
What does a cruise include? How can we choose the perfect destination for each season? What are the booking formalities? How is life on board? These are only a few of the questions that pop up in the minds of those interested in booking a cruise vacation. We try to answer most of them, yet, if you have even more queries, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@orangecruises.gr or contact us at +30 210 3259900.
1. Why should someone choose cruising over other types of travel?
It’s simple: because a cruise is the most modern, convenient and inclusive vacation type, suitable for every age group! It combines all the amenities of a luxury resort, offering rich culinary choices, a variety of onboard and onshore activities, entertainment for all the family, spa and wellness services from trained therapists, sports and fun all through the day. Meanwhile, you will be traveling from port to port is a snap, with no need to worry about road/ air transportation or unpacking and every day you'll wake up in an amazing new place, refreshed and ready to explore. All in all, cruising it a true value-for-money option, which includes accommodation/ transportation/ meals/ entertainment at a price that you could never get if you chose a similar ground tour, to the same destinations and with the same services.
2. Are there seasonal cruises and if so, which itineraries are suggested for each season?
Cruises are the ideal choice any time of the year. Cruise companies have planned extremely rich itineraries worldwide ( Europe, Asia, America, Alaska), which are operated during the ideal weather conditions for each destination. So, from March till November, you can choose the Mediterranean and the popular itineraries to Europe, North Africa, the Black Sea and the Aegean, Holy Land and Egypt. From May to September, the most popular choices are the Baltics, the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles and North Cape. From November to April, you may opt for Red Sea, Dubai or the Arabian Gulf. All through the year and especially from November till March, you can travel to the pearl islands of the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, French Polynesia and Hawaii, or, a little further away, to Latin America, Panama Canal, Newfoundland in Australia and New Zealand. Between mid May and the beginning of September, the most enticing destination is Alaska, which is considered the “last true frontier”.
3. How does a day on board go by? Are there many entertaining options and activities?
Cruise vacations offer a constant change of images, destinations, impressions and activities. While on board these “floating luxury resorts” you can find anything: from cinemas and bars to high- end restaurants and take- aways, libraries and hot spots for internet surfing, state of the art health centers, spas, indoor and outdoor pools, quiet zones for relaxation. Sports, basket, yoga, rock climbing, water slides, dance and cooking classes, art and history seminars, art for children, treasure hunting, Play station and golf or Formula 1 stimulators, 3D, 4D & 5D cinema halls, are only some of the endless options that are sure to offer unforgettable time on board.
4. What kind of outdoor activities and tours can we enjoy at the ports of call?
By choosing a cruise you have the unique opportunity to get to know many places in a short time, since, practically every morning you find yourselves in a different port. There, you can either tour on your own and plan your free day as you like, or take part in a shore excursion organized but the ship’s Shore Excursions Office. The cost, the duration and the variety of these land tours are presented on board the ship, upon arrival, during a detailed presentation which is planned shortly after departure. There you can get all information you want, book a tour and pay on the spot. Some cruise companies offer the option to pre-book certain land tours, upon the initial reservation.
5. Modern cruise ships are famous for their cuisine. What culinary options do they offer?
One of the most enticing benefits of a cruise is the enormous variety of quality restaurants and abundance of meals that they offer. International cuisine, as well as thematic restaurants (Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese menus), are offered in the majority of the ships. Your main cruise package includes all meals at the main restaurants, snack bars, pizzerias, barbeque areas, which are open different times of the day or 24/7, interior or exterior areas and around the pool. Every morning you are notified about the opening/ closure times of these dining areas, so that you can plan your activities accordingly. At the a-la-carte restaurants or thematic restaurants, you will be asked to pay an extra fee, as they are not included in the cruise package. However, they are ideal if you want to celebrate a special event or anniversary.
6. What about evening entertainment?
All modern cruise ships offer the very best in music, dance, magic and showbiz to enjoy at your leisure, with an extensive all-day cruise entertainment schedule to choose from. From Broadway-style theatre shows to circus shows, comedy, magic and music, there is extraordinary cruise entertainment on offer. You will have the chance to watch plenty of exciting dance shows in the theatre, dance the night away in one of the many nightclubs or take part in events like Everybody Dance, where professional dancers teach you the steps of ballroom dances. When the sun sets, the ships come alive with a dazzling selection of bars, lounges, nightclubs and casinos. Relax with a cocktail, meet new friends, take to the dance floor or hit the casino tables. Some cruise ships offer award-winning European-style circus shows are extraordinary spectacles of magic and mystery- live music programs and Guest Entertainers to enjoy at your leisure including the very best Comedians, Singers, Magicians, Jugglers, Instrumentalists and more.
7. What are the main criteria when it comes to choosing a cruise?
First you have to set the period, the length of your holidays and the destination of your preference. There are plenty of options offered, in different kinds and sizes of cruise ships. There are thematic cruises, or cruises ideal for families, transatlantic cruises or short weekly itineraries. Of course, there are different price levels, so, budget is also a major factor. Our experienced staff is waiting for you to discuss your options, according to the time and money you can spend. There are also many special offers that you take advantage of, provided you book your cruise well in advance.
8. How can I choose the cabin category that suits me better?
The category of the cabin is interrelated with your budget. As a general rule, cabins can be inside, with or without a window, outside with window or balcony. Suites are a category of their own. The size and interior design and amenities of your cabin depend also on the deck level where your cabin is located. However, cabins can vary a lot between different cruise companies, so, it is important to have the specific information for each cruise ship before you make your choice. Apart from the cabin specifications, you should know that all the rest of the cruise services are of the same high standards.
9. Can we feel safe on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships are designed and operated in compliance with international and federal regulations, specifically designed to maximize the safety of passengers and crew. Inspections focus on structural fire safety, proper functioning of all safety systems and equipment including fire fighting systems, lifesaving equipment and other safety systems such as the lifeboats, life rafts and lifejackets in addition to crew training and competence. Coast Guard observes fire and abandon ship drills conducted by the ships’ crew, and requires satisfactory operational tests of key equipment such as steering systems, fire pumps and bilge pumps. All cruise ships have lifeboats, life rafts and life preservers for every person on board with additional capacity in accordance with international regulation. Moreover, each and every officer and crewmember receives regular training in emergency procedures, safety, security, and first aid. The level of service and skills is always high and usually the crew / passengers ratio is on average 1:3.
10. Which are the different categories of cruise ships and what are their differences?
Orange Cruises represents 16 international cruise companies, offering a wide choice. Depending on the company, cruise ships differ in size, interior decoration and design, facilities, services and entertaining options. Each company has its own style, and you can find from intimate small yachts to 17-decker mega ships. All you have to do is to let us know your needs and we will suggest the ideal cruise for you.In an attempt to make your choice easier, we present all cruise companies and their fleet at our corporate website, through interior and exterior images and short descriptions.
11. Cruising vacations are considered to be for the rich and the elderly… Is this true?
This might have been the situation in the past, but nowadays things are much different. Latest figures show that more and more travelers are strongly interested in either a repeat cruise or trying one for the first time. The crowd is diverse, ranging from honeymooners to young families and older folks, and as well as a good many cruisers with disabilities, who opt for the conveniences and high end service that is offered on board. The value-for-money product, the unique luxury combined with the relaxed atmosphere on board these “floating resorts”, the variety of destinations and holiday options that one can choose from, the rich entertainment and activity programs that cater to different age groups fulfilling a wide range of interests, all these are major factors that have put the cruise on the top lists when it comes to choosing a holiday. One thing is for sure… nobody gets bored onboard!
12. What does the price of my cruise include and how soon should I proceed with reservations?
The best time to make a cruise reservation depends on the period you wish to travel and the seasonal demand. In case of special offers, reservations should be made the soonest possible, since they are interrelated with availability. Cruise companies offer very good discounts for early bookings (Early Booking Discount), therefore, we could say “the sooner you book, the better price you get”. Thus, you will not only secure the low price but also the cabin type of your preference.
As far as the Organized Cruise departures that are scheduled by Orange Cruises, reservations should be made the earliest possible, because we will also need to secure air transportation.
The price of your cruise vacation includes ship accommodations, ocean transportation, most meals (except Specialty Restaurants), some beverages (water, lemonade, iced- tea), most entertainment onboard. The price doesn’t include alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, certain activities (such as Golf Simulator, Gambling, Bingo, Art Auction, Video Arcade), internet access, ship- to- shore telephone calls, purchases made in the gift shops onboard, photographs, Spa and Salon services, medical services, laundry and dry cleaning services, gratuities, which differ among companies and for which we can inform you before your cruise. The fare doesn’t include any applicable government taxes, fees, or surcharges that may be assessed by any governmental agencies. Such assessment is subject to change without notice at any time whether or not you have a confirmed booking under deposit or if you have made a final payment.
