FAQs2

Q: Do I need a passport to travel outside the USA?
A: Yes but please click on this link for complete details.

Q: Are parents eligible for interline & military rates?
A: Yes on most cruise line for interline (airline) employees, but no for military. See Eligibility.

Q: How much is the deposit?
A: For 3 or 4 day cruises a deposit of $100 per person is due at time of booking. The final payment is due 45-60 days prior to sailing. For 7 day cruises or longer, a deposit of $250-$750 per person is due at time of booking. The final payment is due 70 days prior to sailing.

Q: What form of payment is acceptable?
A: Any major credit card including Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express..

Q: What are the cancellation penalties?
A: You must read the cancellations & refunds policy outlined in each cruise lines fleet brochure. Your booking agent will also go over this at time of booking and offer you insurance options.

Q: Is insurance available for purchase?
A: Yes. The cost varies by cruise line as does the coverage. Ask your Homeport Cruises representative when booking your cruise. Insurance will not cover delay expenses or cancellation resulting from being "bumped" off a flight on a NON REVENUE ticket. See Insurance.

Q: What's included in the cruise price?
A: Cruise rates are "cruise only" but include your cruise accommodations, all meals, use of shipboard facilities and entertainment. NOT INCLUDED are alcoholic beverages, soft drinks (coffee, tea, juices & milk are included at no charge), tips and shore excursions.

Q: How many formal nights are there?
A: On 7 night cruises there are 2, shorter cruises usually one. Ladies may wear an evening or business dress, gentlemen a sports jacket and tie. Use of formal evening dresses or tuxedos is optional. Most ships have Tux rentals onboard. Cruising, like business, has become casual.

Q: Do I have to pay Port Charges/Taxes?
A: Port Charges are always included in the cruise fare. Taxes are paid in addition to the cruise fare and are quoted at time of booking. Fuel surcharges may be added depending on world oil prices and cruise line policy.

Q: How do I get from the airport to the pier for my cruise?
A: Homeport Cruises will advise the most economical mode of transportation. In most cases a taxi will be recommended, other times the cruise line's shuttle service. See Port Directions.

Q: What verification do I need to qualify for Interline or Military Cruise Rates?
A: In most cases you will need a letter from your employer, on airline letterhead, stating your name, title and employee number and stating you are an active or retired employee and a copy of your employee ID. These items will need to be emailed or faxed to Homeport Cruises at time of booking. In addition, the airline/military employee must bring their airline/military picture ID along with them on the cruise. See Eligibility.

Q: Which cruise line is the best?
A: Everyone has their own opinion based on personal experience, a friend's recommendation or perhaps something they have read. There is no "best" cruise line. Each line's ships are unique in offering varied destinations, onboard activities, competitive pricing, ship size & age, as well as many other considerations. Homeport Cruises employees will help you choose the cruise that fits your personal lifestyle and budget. Our employees DO NOT work on commission.

Q: When should I book my cruise?
A: The minute you decide to enjoy a cruise vacation. The best cabins, dates, destinations and rates are normally available to those booking in advance. Although we occasionally offer interline/military "sale" pricing, don't count on your cruise going on sale by waiting - you'll most likely be very disappointed.

Q: Can I bring my NON interline/military friends on a cruise with me at my rates?
A: Yes, if they sail in the same cabin with you, or, on some cruise lines/dates we may be able to offer them their own cabin at your interline rate. If not, we have many other rates to offer your NON interline and military friends.

Q: Do you book groups?
A: Yes. Call us for details.

Q: Can you book our NON interline/military friends at rates we find on-line?
A: Yes. We offer special pricing for groups, seniors, residents of select states, last minute offers, flash promotions and non-refundable specials.

Q: When I book my cruise what information will I receive about the cruise I have chosen?
A: Homeport Cruises will send you an email confirming your booking, how to register on-line, how to pre-book shore excursion, port map directions & transfer information. In some cases we'll mail you a copy of the cruise line brochure or the link to their on-line product description.

Q: Can I get a free upgrade?
A: Maybe. Some cruise lines offer a cabin guarantee in place of a cabin assignment. When the cabin is finally assigned it may be in a higher category or type than the one you purchased - at no additional cost to you. This option is best for travelers who are not pickey about their cabin location - because the cabin is automatically assigned by the cruise line.

Q: Why did someone pay more than me or less than me for the same sailing?
A: You will always be offered the lowest interline/military/senior/regional/group fare that you qualify for at the time of booking. If rates change after booking and cruise line policy allows them to be adjusted, we will do so. However many times lower rates are not available after booking and fees/rates greater than the savings would result if a change were made.

Q: Where can I get the best deal?
A: The same place you receive the best service: Homeport Cruises Co. Travel agencies compete on service. Our employees do not work on commission. We do not charge service fees, unless the cruise is priced $199 or less per person. You make the call. We'll answer the call to treat you like family (on the days where everyone is getting along!). See what our customers are saying about their trips and about our service.

Q: Should I book my shore excursions in advance?
A: Yes, if you want to avoid the hassel of worrying about it once you board your ship. And you can take advantage of more unique shore excursions or lower priced shore excursions from other companies such as ShoreTrips and Port Promotions . See ShoreTrips or Port Promotions or Amadeus Activities & Entertainment.