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Interior Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and the freedom to design from the ground up based on guest feedback, ms...-
Interior Stateroom - Category L
LAUD $1,143
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category N
NAUD $1,143
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category K
KAUD $1,153
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category J
JAUD $1,163
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category I
IAUD $1,172
total per person
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Interior Spa Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 143–225 sq. ft. Signature Mariner's...-
Interior Spa Stateroom - Category IQ
IQAUD $1,182
total per person
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Ocean View Spa Stateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 175–282 sq. ft. Signature Mariner's... -
Ocean View Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and the freedom to design from the ground up based on guest feedback, ms... -
Standard Verandah Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and design based on guest input, ms Koningsdam’s staterooms feature a host of...-
Verandah Stateroom - Category VH
VHAUD $1,426
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VF
VFAUD $1,572
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VE
VEAUD $1,601
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VD
VDAUD $1,631
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VC
VCAUD $1,660
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VB
VBAUD $1,689
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VA
VAAUD $1,718
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category V
VAUD $1,748
total per person -
Verandah Stateroom - Category VS
VSAUD $1,777
total per person
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Spa Verandah Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and design based on guest input, ms Koningsdam’s staterooms feature a host of...-
Spa Verandah Stateroom - Category VQ
VQAUD $1,806
total per person
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Vista Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, refrigerator,... -
Signature Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower &... -
Neptune Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower &...
Interior Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and the freedom to design from the ground up based on guest feedback, ms Koningsdam’s staterooms feature a host of modern functional details such as bedside USB ports, along with custom casework and frameless glass shower doors that feel luxurious and upscale.
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower.
Approximately 143–225 sq. ft.
Interior Stateroom Amenities Include:
- Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5X magnifying make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Corner bar unit
- Mini fridge
- Bedside USB ports
Interior Spa Stateroom
- 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 143–225 sq. ft.
- Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5X magnifying make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
Ocean View Spa Stateroom
- 2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approximately 175–282 sq. ft.
- Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerheads
- 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV and DVD player
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
Ocean View Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and the freedom to design from the ground up based on guest feedback, ms Koningsdam’s staterooms feature a host of modern functional details such as bedside USB ports, along with custom casework and frameless glass shower doors that feel luxurious and upscale.
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower.
Approximately 175–282 sq. ft.
Ocean View Stateroom Amenities Include:
- Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5X magnifying make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Corner bar unit
- Mini fridge
- Bedside USB ports
Standard Verandah Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and design based on guest input, ms Koningsdam’s staterooms feature a host of modern functional details such as bedside USB ports, along with custom casework and frameless glass shower doors that feel luxurious and upscale.
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Approximately 228–420 sq. ft. including verandah
Stateroom Amenities Include:
- Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5x magnifying lighted make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Corner bar unit
- Mini fridge
- Bedside USB ports
Spa Verandah Stateroom
With a sophisticated color palette and design based on guest input, ms Koningsdam’s staterooms feature a host of modern functional details such as bedside USB ports, along with custom casework and frameless glass shower doors that feel luxurious and upscale.
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Serene verandah staterooms conveniently located near the Greenhouse Spa & Salon featuring yoga mats and an iPod® docking station.
Approximately 228–420 sq. ft. including verandah
Stateroom Amenities Include:
- Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed featuring finely woven cotton linens
- Luxurious bathrobes for use during your voyage
- 100% Egyptian cotton towels
- Premium massage showerhead
- 5x magnifying lighted make-up mirror and salon-quality hair dryer
- Room safe
- Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
- Complimentary fresh fruit on request
- Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
- Flat-panel TV with video-on-demand
- Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service
- Corner bar unit
- Mini fridge
- Bedside USB ports
Vista Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower, sitting area, private verandah, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 260–356 sq. ft. including verandah.
Room Amenities-Include all the stateroom amenities, plus:
- A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
- No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
- Personalized cruise stationery
- Oversized bath towels
- One-touch telephone concierge service
- Fresh flowers
Signature Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 393–400 sq. ft. including verandah.
Room Amenities-Include all the stateroom amenities, plus:
- A variety of firm, medium and soft pillows
- No-host mini-bar for easy entertaining
- Personalized cruise stationery
- Oversized bath towels
- One-touch telephone concierge service
- Fresh flowers
Neptune Suite
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, bathroom with dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, large sitting area, private verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 465–855 sq. ft. including verandah.
Room Amenities-Includes all the stateroom & suite amenities, plus:
- Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning throughout your cruise
- Premium duvet, oversize bath towels and soft, cotton bathrobes and slippers
- Gorgeous corsages and boutonnieres for the first formal night
- Hors d'oeuvres served before dinner each evening on request
- Binoculars and umbrellas for your use on the cruise
- Cocktail party with ship officers
- Priority boarding for tender ports of call
- Special disembarkation service
- Priority dining and seating requests
- Exclusive daily breakfast service for suite guests only
- High tea service in suite on request
- A special Suite guest lunch event on cruises over 7 days in length
- A very special amenity exclusively for guests cruising in a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and wi-fi for a small charge. One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category L
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category N
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category K
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category J
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category I
Panorama Deck
Interior Spa Stateroom - Category IQ
Main Deck
Large Ocean View Stateroom - Category F
Multiple Decks
Large Ocean View Stateroom - Category E
Panorama Deck
Ocean View Spa Stateroom - Category CQ
Multiple Decks
Large Ocean View Stateroom - Category D
Main Deck
Large Ocean View Stateroom - Category C
Beethoven Deck
Verandah Stateroom - Category VH
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VF
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VE
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VD
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VC
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VB
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VA
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category V
Multiple Decks
Verandah Stateroom - Category VS
Promenade Deck
Spa Verandah Stateroom - Category VQ
Multiple Decks
Vista Suite - Category A
Navigation Deck
Vista Suite - Category B
Multiple Decks
Vista Suite - Category BC
Multiple Decks
Vista Suite - Category AS
Gershwin Deck
Signature Suite - Category SY
Schubert Deck
Signature Suite - Category SS
Sun Deck
Neptune Suite - Category SC
Multiple Decks
Neptune Suite - Category SB
Schubert Deck
Neptune Suite - Category SA
Panorama Deck
Neptune Spa Suite - Category SQ
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
San Diego Depart: Sat, Feb 27, 2021 @ 17:00 -
Day 2
At SeaSun, Feb 28, 2021
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Day 3
Cabo San LucasArrive: Mon, Mar 1, 2021 @ 10:00
Depart: Mon, Mar 1, 2021 @ 18:00
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Day 4
MazatlanArrive: Tue, Mar 2, 2021 @ 08:00
Depart: Tue, Mar 2, 2021 @ 18:00
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Day 5
Puerto VallartaArrive: Wed, Mar 3, 2021 @ 08:00
Depart: Wed, Mar 3, 2021 @ 23:00
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Day 6
At SeaThu, Mar 4, 2021
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Day 7
At SeaFri, Mar 5, 2021
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Day 8
San Diego Arrive: Sat, Mar 6, 2021 @ 07:00
Onboard experience
Canaletto’s innovative menu is designed around this authentic Italian experience, offering a variety of dishes to enjoy with family and friends. Share a taste of delicious zuppa di pesce, a tomato saffron broth studded with mussels, scallops and vegetables. Or savor classic Italian pasta in all shapes and sauces. Main dishes include veal, roasted pork loin and grilled fish. And dessert — chocolate tortas, gelato and a trio of tiramisù.
For a perfectly grilled burger on brioche, gourmet hot dog, or savory fries, there’s no better place than Dive-In at The Terrace Grill, offering alfresco dining by the pool. Look for imaginative toppings and piquant sauces to enliven classic burgers and dogs, along with options such as a grilled chicken breast sandwich or a veggie-friendly portabella mushroom stack.
Complimentary In-Room Dining is a phone call away. Sleep in and have breakfast delivered. Have an early dinner on your verandah before an evening shore excursion. Or ring for a salad, sandwich or entrée any time, “just because."
The main Dining Room aboard Koningsdam will span two floors and be framed by views of the sea. A bright interior will be inspired by a modern, global design and sets the stage for the exceptional culinary experience to come. Strong, curved architectural pillars will accentuate the soaring ceiling. Custom furnishings and modern glass lighting are being fabricated especially for the ship.
The centerpiece of the Dining Room is a curved copper sheath surrounding a two-story wine tower that showcases the great breadth of our cellars. From a boutique Walla Walla white wine to a rich red Bordeaux, our great vintages are elevated from the pages of the wine list and made visible, significant, celebrated—a testament to wine’s central place in the enjoyment of food, friends, and life.
“Our guests, many of whom are world travelers, are accustomed to dining in extraordinary restaurants,” notes Michael Smith, Senior Vice President of Marine Hotel Operations at Holland America Line. “We want to keep pace with their expectations, and also, set the stage for the exceptional culinary experience to come.”
Menus in the Dining Room will reflect the latest signature dishes from the influential chefs who comprise our Culinary Council, along with classic favorites, vegetarian options, and regionally inspired cuisine. Guests can choose whether to arrange a pre-set seating and dining time, or to arrive “As You Wish®,” following the desires of the day.
The Pinnacle Grill represents the pinnacle of exceptional dining on board. Make reservations and plan to celebrate the day’s adventures in this intimate setting graced by luxurious appointments such as Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens.
Open for lunch and dinner, the Pinnacle Grill features dishes inspired by America’s Pacific Northwest, including delicious seafood and choice, sustainably raised beef from Washington State’s Double R Ranch. Guests can look forward to broiled Alaska king salmon and perfectly grilled steaks, beautifully complemented by boutique wines from the Pacific Northwest and other great global vintages.
Tamarind delights diners with exotic menus evoking the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan. Recently noted by Condé Nast Traveler for its “cuisine that rivals the top restaurants on land,” Tamarind is located on the uppermost deck, providing stunning panoramic views. Lunch includes tantalizing items such as steamed dim sum and spicy crab. Exotic dinner menus created by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin feature dishes honoring the elements of water, wood, fire and earth.
Casino
From perennially popular slot machines and blackjack tables to the latest in sophisticated gaming, our casino is well-equipped and staffed with professionals eager to help guests learn new skills.
Culinary Arts Centre
This groundbreaking concept blends guests' love for food and entertaining into a unique, interactive experience. Explore regional fresh ideas in food and entertaining while you sail. Discover your inner sous chef or how to choose the perfect wine. Raise a glass to new talents.
At the heart of the Culinary Arts Center is an innovative show kitchen outfitted with multiple plasma video screens to capture fine details close up.
Join our resident Culinary Arts Center Host for hands-on cooking classes and cooking demonstrations featuring regional recipes, and discover new entertaining tips by attending classes in flower arranging, plate presentation and cake decorating. It also offers special workshops for children and teens focus on fun, easy-to-make recipes.
Shake it up with signature cocktail classes and bartending tips from our bar staff, or try new wine and food pairings. The Culinary Arts Center features some of the world’s leading chefs, cooking show hosts, vintners and cookbook authors conduct classes and contribute to special menus.
Internet
POWERED BY WINDOWS®
Digital Workshop, powered by Windows, offers fun, free and informative technology advice and instruction.
These small-group sessions, designed for all abilities, are conducted by our Microsoft-trained “Techsperts” who translate the latest technology into useful tips everyone can use. One-on-one “Techspert Time” is also available each day for additional help or questions.
Each stand-alone, 50-minute session takes place in our dedicated Digital Workshop, equipped with the latest technology. From photo editing and movie/slide show creation, PC organization, Cloud Storage and security, choose to attend all or drop in as you please. Each session is offered several times throughout each cruise.
Bars and Lounges
POWERED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES
Relax in the comfortable coffeehouse atmosphere of Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, featuring the daily crossword puzzle, custom espresso drinks and pastries, and a comprehensive selection of books and travel guides.
The iconic Queen’s Lounge has been completely re-imagined along the lines of a strikingly elegant theater. Tihany once again drew inspiration for the space from music, nodding to the graceful curves of a violin and making extensive use of wood, fluid waveforms, and light.
Now spanning two floors, the Queen’s Lounge will host the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club, showcasing the sounds of Memphis performed by an eight-piece brand. If you can’t resist the dynamic energy of these world-class musicians, you’re in luck—the Queen’s Lounge boasts the largest dance floor on the ship, a response to requests from our guests.
By day, the beautiful room hosts presentations, speakers, and other activities, and can also accommodate special entertainment events. And following the evening’s entertainment, the Queen’s Lounge transforms yet again, into a late-night dance club fueled by state-of-the-art sound and special LED lighting effects.
Fitness Centre
The spacious, professionally-staffed Fitness Center is equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines and features fitness classes in yoga, Pilates and more. Two refreshing outdoor pools also await, along with a jogging track and sport courts on deck.
Spa
The tranquil contemporary spa is a haven of luxurious beauty salon and spa treatments, featuring thermal pools, heated ceramic lounges and treatment rooms facing the sea.
Shopping
Find one-of-a-kind treasures at Merabella, a luxury jewelry boutique featuring high-end watches and pieces from noted designers.
Ship info
It's always a thrill to anticipate a new ship joining Holland America Line's magnificent fleet. But it's especially exciting when that new arrival is the first of a new class of ship. For when the 2,650-passenger ms Koningsdam sets sail in February 2016, she will not only be the first to bear that name, she will usher in a new era of Pinnacle-class cruising.
- Vessel: Koningsdam
- Year: 2016
- Kids Club: 3 Age Groups
- Onboard Currency: US Dollors
- Passenger Capacity: 2,650
- All Main Meals Included
- Casino
- Culinary Arts Centre
- Digital Workshop
- Duty Free Shopping
- Explorations Café
- Fitness Centre
- Greenhouse Spa & Salon
- Merabella
- Promenade Deck
Decks
Koningsdam - Deck Plans
Cruise code: K114
7 nights
Mexican Riviera Cruise
- Departing from San Diego
- Koningsdam
- Private ensuite
- TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- Most meals and entertainment onboard
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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Did you know?
Most cabins accommodate up to 4 guests. You might need several cabins.
No worries!
We can still help you.
- You will need to complete this booking first. Enquire now and proceed to the final steps.
- Once done, we will offer you a way to come back and book the next cabin.
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