Q:
Do I need a passport to travel outside the USA (Air) or
Land/Sea
A: Yes* but please click on this link for complete
details.
Q; What are the 2008 passport requirements for USA citizens?
A: See update below:
Q; What are the 2008 passport requirements for USA citizens?
A: See update below:
US Passport processing time estimates...
Q:
Are passports required to cruise in 2007?
A: On January 8, 2007, U.S.
citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada,
Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
will be required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS
card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document. It is
anticipated that on January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling
between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South
America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including
ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or
other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland
Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later
deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security
are working to put all requirements in place by the original
deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the
public meet the land/sea border requirement. Some cruise
lines may still require a passport for travel beginning Jan
1st, 2007. See US State Department.
Q:
Are parents eligible for interline & military
rates?
A: Yes on most cruise lines. Some may allow travel
independently of employee, others may require parents to
travel on the same date. 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.
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 a 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. 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 friends 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.
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 mail you the cruise line brochure
the same day you book your cruise. And we'll send you an
email confirming your booking, how to register on-line, how
to pre-book shore excursion, port map directions &
transfer information.
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 they can 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
was 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. You
make the call. We'll answer the call to treat you like family
(on the days where everyone is getting along!).
Q:
Will I need a passport for travel in 2007?
A: Yes. So apply now. 2006 is the last year to travel to the
Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada or Mexico (etc..) on only a USA
birth certificate and USA photo ID.
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 the 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.