Q: If I book the cruise directly with the cruise line, does the person that helped me lose their commission?

A: No. The cruise lines pay their reservationists a small stipend per booking and they do not lose that when we take over the reservation. AS LONG AS YOU HAVE NOT PAID FOR THE CRUISE IN FULL, WE CAN GET YOU THE 5% DISCOUNT. We recommend that you do not book it directly but rather have us book it once you know the exact ship, date and cabin and the price of your cruise.

Q: Do the cruise lines mind when you take over a booking made directly with them?

A: No. 95% of all cruises are handled through agents and they are happy to have us handle all the customer service issues that arise. The practice of converting direct bookings is very common in the cruise travel industry.

Q: Will the cruise lines acknowledge that you are a reputable agency?

A: Absolutely! As an affiliate of Cruise.com, we are part of the internets largest cruise specialist agency and all the cruise lines will be happy to verify our status as a premier cruise agency.

Q: If the price of the cruise I book comes down after I book it, can you still get me the new lower rate?

A: In most cases, YES. If the cruise lines allow it, which they ALWAYS do prior to 60 days to sailing and often do even closer to the sailing.

Q: Can I still save 5% if I book through Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz or another agency?

A: No. Those agencies and most others will all give the exact same rate as the cruise line directly and we cannot discount another agencies bookings. So, you can use them to help research your cruise but if you book it through them, you will have to pay their full rate.

Q: What about travel/trip cancellation insurance?

A: You can get the cruise lines insurance or in most cases, we can get you the same policy for LESS. Click here for more information about insurance.

Q : Do you book airlines and other kinds of travel?

A: We can quote you the air package directly from the cruise line but air is not discountable. You can search for flights packaged with your cruise by clicking here . You can also search for and book separate air, hotel and car rentals directly by clicking here .

Q: Can you discount a group cruise also?

A: Yes! A group is usually considered 8 or more cabins and we will get you the best group rates and all the free perks that the cruise lines offer to groups PLUS we will get you the additional 5% discount! Since most cruise lines won't work with individuals for groups, you must call us first to arrange your group.

Q: I book directly with the cruise line because I know my booking and my money is safe. How can I be sure if I allow My Cruise Club to take over the booking?

A: First, when we take your payment, your credit card is NOT charged by us. We simply call in your payment to the cruise line for you. If you like, we can call the cruise line with you on the phone with us and you can give your payment directly to them! We will be on the phone with you to instruct the cruise line how much to discount your cruise!

Q: What if I don't have a credit card?

A: You can send a cashiers check or money order by overnight mail to pay for your cruise. Our consultants will advise you as to how to make payment by mail. Personal checks cannot be used.

Q: Are there any extra fees or different policies of any kind when I turn over my booking to you?

A: No. None. Ever. Deposits, courtesy holds, cancellation policies, EVERYTHING is exactly the same as the cruise line you are booked with. ALL WE DO is share our commission with you in return for your researching the cruise yourself. That's the ONLY difference between booking with us vs. the cruise line themselves.

Q: I have never cruised before. What if I have specific questions about a specific cruise lines policies and other general questions about cruising?

A: Click the "frequently asked questions" below to see a vast array of very helpful answers to just about any question you might have! You can also call us 7 days a week and we will assist! Plus, each cruise line has a frequently asked questions page. A full listing can be found here .

Q: I know I need a passport or birth certificate to cruise. If I don't have either, how can I get one in a hurry?

A: There is a good website to assist you with either. Click here to it quickly.

Q: Where can I find directions to the pier?

A: Click here and you'll find them all!

Q: Is there a way to check the weather in the cities I will be visiting?

A: You can check the current weather worldwide and forecasts and averages here .

Q: I need a hotel near the port. Is there a list?

A: Yes! Click here to see it. Or to get a hotel package that includes parking and transfers click here.

Q: How can I get more information about an Alaskan cruise?

A: We have an entire page just for Alaska cruise information. Just click here .

Q: I heard there is an 'unlimited soft drink' card that you can buy when cruising on Royal Caribbean. Is that true? How much is it?

A: It is true. Carnival has one too. You can get more info about the Royal soda card here .

Q: Is there any information about the Cruise Lines private islands?

A: There sure is. Click here and see our page for Royal Caribbeans private island, Labadee.

Click here to see the page for CocoCay, Bahamas.

Q: Is there information about the childrens' programs on Carnival and Royal Caribbean?

A: Yes! Click here for Carnival's Camp Carnival program. Click here to get more information about the "Adventure Ocean" kids program on RCCL.

Q: I need information on handicap accessibility. Where can I find out what each cruise line has available?

A: Click here for some helpful information.

Q: Is there any way to pay by check?

A: Yes! You can by clicking here . We will call you to confirm receipt of the check. If paying your deposit by check, your cruise must be more than 75 days away.

Early vs. Late Seating Dining... What's your preference?

Decisions, decisions! Early dinner seating is generally scheduled between 6:00 and 6:30 pm, while late seating can begin from 8:15 to 8:45 pm. Your answer—the “best” seating—depends on you, your lifestyle, and your personal preference. Each seating has advantages for different passenger needs and situations.
You may wish to choose early seating if:
• You have small children accustomed to an early meal and bedtime.
• Your personal routine calls for meals at an earlier hour.
• You retire earlier in the evening and are an early "riser."
• You don't want to experience that "full" feeling at bedtime.
• You want to attend the early shows, enjoy the casino and other activities, and take in the midnight buffet.
Late seating may be better if:
• You are a night owl and don’t mind finishing dinner until after 10:00 pm.
• Your itinerary is port-intensive and you don’t want to rush to get ready for dinner after a day of touring.
• You like to indulge in a late afternoon nap.
• You don’t care about the midnight buffet and like to sleep late in the morning.
• Your personal habit is to dine late.
Some trends to consider before you make up your mind:
• Families and groups lean toward early seating, particularly when several generations are traveling together and ages vary widely.
• Older passengers tend to select early seating.
• Americans are more apt to select early seating than European and South American cruisers who are accustomed to later meal times.
• Early seating diners are encouraged not to linger too long over dessert and coffee; the dining room has to be readied for late seating.
• Late seating is viewed by some passengers as more romantic and less rushed.
Cruise lines understand that strict schedules don’t satisfy the desires of all modern cruise passengers. Many cruise lines now include alternatives to the set schedules in the dining room, including casual versions of their dinner menus in their buffet facilities where more flexibility is allowed in dress and meal times. À la carte restaurants are showing up on more ships and offer yet another choice, although a small charge or gratuity is often suggested.
“Open seating” is an amenity primarily associated with more upscale lines, which allow passengers the flexibility to dine any time during restaurant hours and be seated with whomever they please. Led by Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept, more contemporary and premium cruise lines are exploring this alternative to offer variety and a more personalized experience for their passengers. On most of their ships Princess Cruises now offers “Personal Choice Cruising” with full service dining available around the clock and Carnival Cruise Line has added a new twist with four seating times instead of the usual two, plus casual evening dining in the lido buffet.

No matter what you opt for—Early, Late, Open Seating, or a version of “Freestyle”—you’re sure to enjoy menus without a price column and the pleasure of dining afloat.

The find print... some cruise lines advise that, while dining preferences may be requested by your travel agent, no requests are guaranteed. Table assignments are generally not confirmed until embarkation; however, every effort is made to satisfy all guests. Should there be a problem, see the Maitre d' for assistance.