How cruising works
Booking a cruise is as simple as booking any land-based package
holiday. When you book your cruise with your TTA Worldchoice Cruise
Club agent they should answer any questions you have and tell you
everything you need to know including:
- Which documents to take
- Details of any extra charges such as tips, fuel surcharges or
shore excursions
- Where to meet your ship and when
It will be your responsibility to buy adequate travel insurance
and hold a valid passport.
Embarkation
If you are flying to your departure port, a cruise line
representative will meet you at the airport and take your luggage
for you. If you are arriving at the port by land there may be a bus
to take you from your car to the terminal building. Just as at the
airport, you will be directed to the check-in lounge where you will
be asked to fill out all relevant embarkation, registration and
immigration documents and then check in.
From here you will take your hand luggage through security and
then walk up the gangway onto the ship. The gangway may be flat or
inclined, but staff will be on hand to help if you have any
difficulties. The ship's photographers may be waiting to greet you,
but you can always say no if you prefer not to have your photo
taken.
Finding Your Room
On larger ships you will be greeted by ship crew and told how to
reach your room. On smaller ships or if you have booked a suite on
a larger ship, you will be escorted to your room by a steward or
butler. If your key is an electronic key card you will receive this
at the check-in desk.
Once in your room, things proceed as though you're staying in a
hotel - if you're completely happy with your room, then relax and
do as you please. If you have a problem with your room, you can
contact reception or a member of housekeeping for help. Your
luggage will arrive to your room shortly, but there's no need to
wait for it, so go exploring (you will have received a map of the
ship at check in)!
A Few First Priorities
Although it may be your first time aboard, many of your fellow
passengers will be cruise pros. This means that they will know from
experience which activities book up first. So if there's something
you really want to do, book it fast! What to book:
- Your restaurant for the first evening
- Spa treatments for the whole cruise
- Shore excursions
Keep an eye out for the ships daily newsletter delivered to your
door every morning, for other actiivites to book and any special
offers on board too.