DeafCruise FAQ - The five questions posted most recently:

Are there activities for children on a cruise?

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:07:29 GMT

Most cruise lines offer programs for children. Many offer special teen and pre-teen scheduled activites. The larger ships almost always include a video arcade, kids disco or other designated "kids area".

Cruises are a great way for families to travel and see a variety of countries and ports.

Some ships also offer babysitting services and daycare centers.

Can I call home from the ship?

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:07:07 GMT

Many of the newer or recently refurbished ships provide Ship to Shore telephone service. On some ships you can call from your stateroom. Ship to Shore rates apply so you may want to limit conversations.

Do I have to tip? If so, how much?

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:06:53 GMT

Tipping is up to you. Generally speaking, $7.00 to $9.00 per day/per person should take care of your waiter, bus boy and cabin steward. Other ship personnel can be tipped at your discretion. There are a few cruise lines that have a "no tipping" policy.

How much will it cost?

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:06:38 GMT

One of the most attractive features of a cruise vacation is the price. Even more expensive cruises are a good value for the money. You can spend anywhere from $400 for a 3-night Bahamas cruise to $30,000 for a suite on a 30-day cruise to Africa!

No matter how much you spend, you pay one price that covers virtually everything: meals, accommodations, taxes, on-board entertainment and in some cases, airfare! The only extras are shore excursions, liquor, tips and incidentals (photos, etc.).

Undoubtedly, a cruise is the most affordable way to travel. Compare a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean at around $1300 pp (including airfare) with a 7-night trip to Hawaii. In Hawaii, a hotel comparable to your cabin on the ship will be at least $150 per night (that's $1,000 right there!), your airfare from most cities will be at least $600, and meals in Hawaii to rival that of the cruise ship will easily be $100 per day per person (another $700!). That is $2,300 per person compared to $1,300 and we haven't even talked about entertainment!

What is included in the price of the cruise?

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 05:06:14 GMT

Just about everything! All your meals are included (and there are usually about 7 or 8 per day from which to choose), all accommodations, all shipboard entertainment, all taxes and in some cases your airfare and ground transportation to and from the port is included.

You must pay for extras such as liquor, shore excursions, gratuities, photos, incidentals, gambling, etc.