Tips for first time cruisers
So you want to get away. You have looked around and feel that a cruise with Kastaway Island would be a fun trip. You booked your cruise or you are one of our Pre paid holiday package owners. Your cruise documents will be arriving shortly and that means it’s only a few short weeks until your sailing date. Most "first-timers" have a lot of questions - so here's a list of questions most commonly asked to help you get ready and ensure "smooth sailing" both before and during your cruise.

Are cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
How do I pay for my cruise?
How much money should I take with me?
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
What about tipping onboard ship?
How long are your cruises?
Where are you based?
When will I receive my tickets?
What happens if I need to cancel my cruise?
What documents do I need to take?
How do I pay for items onboard and in port?
Will I need a tuxedo or formal dress?
What about motion sickness?
What about passengers with special needs?
What will my cabin be like?
What should I pack?
Can I use my hair dryer or electric shaver?
Are there non-smoking areas?
What type of dining experience can I expect?
Can I get a special diet?
What if I don't like my tablemates?
Can I book on short notice?
Do you welcome families with kids?
What's there to do at night?
Is there a charge for entertainment?
Is it easy to meet people?
Will there be people like me?
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Will I get bored? What is there to do at anchor?
Do I have to participate in the activities?
How can I be reached onboard the ship in an emergency?
How will I know what is going on onboard the ship, or find out about shore excursions?
Is it better to take a shore excursion or explore ports of call on my own? Is there a doctor onboard?
Are there laundry services on this Island?
What happens to my luggage after I leave it at the airport (or port if you are driving)?
It all sounds too good to be true, Is it?

Are cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Yes! First time cruisers often express amazement at the reasonable cost of a cruise, especially considering what is included. The per person costs are much less than they would be at a resort with much more to do. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes: your cabin, all meals, onboard activities, parties and entertainment, water toys and unlimited diving.(some charges apply for rentals etc.) So for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go.

How do I pay for my cruise?
Your cruise will usually be broken down into two payments, a small deposit of between $100.00 and $300.00 per person is due to confirm a booking, the balance is due approximately 75 days before you sail. Kastaway Island accepts major credit cards, money orders or certified checks. Any bookings made within 60 days of sailing must be paid for in full at time of booking. Pre paid holiday packages are a one-time fee of $5,900.00 US if you are traveling as a single and $9,800.00 US if you are traveling as a couple. This is good for one week every year for ten years.

How much money should I take with me?
That depends entirely on you, the cost of your cruise includes everything except: your return flight, bar bill, shore excursions, tips and personal items such as souvenirs, film etc. There are no money transactions on our island. When you board our ship you will be asked to activate your account. This is like running a tab during your cruise and all expenses will be charged to your room, at the end of the cruise the credit card you used to activate your account will be billed for the amount you charged while on the ship. We can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding this type of payment arrangement.

Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Ask the Captain, the office staff or the owners. We can arrange pre-or post-cruise packages at the same time you book your cruise and sometimes there may be an extra berth for one week. We usually book 6 months to one year in advance so there may not be anything left for last minute decisions, however it is better to ask anyway.

What about tipping onboard ship?
You will receive information onboard the ship about this, but it is generally suggested that 10% of the charter amount is appropriate. When you see what excellent service you get and how friendly and helpful the staff are, I’m sure you will agree that they deserve this gratuity. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the service you are receiving, please bring it to the attention of the owners or the Captain. We want you to enjoy your cruise and this should not detract from it. On cruises of 10 days or less, it is customary to tip on the last evening and envelopes will be provided for you. We are in the guest services business and gratuities are common, but we do not wish to put you in a position of feeling pressured. Constructive suggestions are also welcomed.

How long are your cruises?
As long or short as you want. We offer 7-day packages, however you tell us what you want and we will cater to your requests. We can organize theme parties or the ultimate surprise party. We offer large buffets and have facilities for conferences, meetings and workshops. The entire island is available for rental by the day of by the week. Parties are on a scale no resort or hotel could match or organize!

Where are you based?
We decided to do something completely different. We have chosen to take a round the world tour and make it last ten years. You will never be in the same place twice in the next ten years. This will offer many virgin dive sites to excite the most avid divers. We have no land base as we have our own island. We are based on the Internet at http://www.kastawayisland.com

When will I receive my tickets?
Kastaway Island will send your tickets approximately 30 days before you sail, this gives you time to ensure your documents are accurate and complete. We will send your tickets two or three-day priority mail and you will have to sign for them. If you book on short notice you can pick up your cruise tickets at the pier prior to boarding the ship.

What happens if I need to cancel my cruise?
We strongly recommend trip cancellation / interruption insurance to protect your investment. We require the payment of $25.00 per person per cabin for all cancellations of confirmed reservations.

What documents do I need to take?
In addition to your cruise documents, DON’T FORGET 2 PROOFS OF CITIZENSHIP FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR PARTY. These would include a certified copy of your birth certificate with a raised seal AND a picture ID such as a drivers license or a STATE ID card. A current or recently expired passport supersedes all other identification and may be accepted alone without other types of ID. A DRIVERS LICENSE alone is not sufficient proof of citizenship, nor is a voter’s registration card accepted anymore. Non US citizens must consult with the department of immigration for proper identification requirements. Proof of United States or Canadian citizenship is required not only to allow you to visit these countries, but also to allow you to re-enter the United States & Canada. Due to security at the airport photo identification must be shown to board the plane. If you will be traveling to countries requiring visas, Kastaway Island will send you the required forms.

How do I pay for items on board or in port?
Kastaway Island will let you "run a tab" onboard the ship for bar purchases, rentals, souvenirs, shore excursions, etc., which you can settle by credit card, traveler’s check or cash at the end of your cruise. The office will also cash traveler’s checks for you. In addition, most shops in port will also cash traveler’s checks and will accept major credit cards as well as American Dollars. Canadians traveling with Canadian currency may have problems trying to give it to the local shops. US dollars are the currency of choice. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CASH PERSONAL CHECKS ONBOARD THE SHIP.

Do I need to pack a tuxedo or formal dress?
On board Kastaway Island we have no formal nights. This is a ship where you will be with 100 other guests all wanting to have a fun time. Dress up when you get back home and send us a picture.

What about motion sickness?
Our ship is well stabilized and most of the time you won’t notice you are even moving! In fact, most of the time you may not be! We have the most advanced availability of accurate weather information. Development of effective preventative medications has eliminated most cases of motion sickness. It’s a good idea though to take along some Dramamine (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem onboard, our ship has staff trained in medical emergencies and a Captain aboard. Please be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put in your carry-on-luggage.

What about passengers with special needs?
We welcome passengers with special needs and work hard to assist them throughout their trip. It is essential that we know well in advance if you have any special medical, physical or other requirements that need to be addressed. We have no cabins specially designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs and have no TTY communications. Service animals are permitted on board if prior arrangements have been made. The owner has two years of sign language instruction and we welcome hearing impaired guests and instructors working with the hearing impaired.

What will my cabin be like?
Cabins are smaller than they appear on "The Love Boat". They are designed for efficiency and to encourage you to use the facilities on board the ship. Most cabins have twin beds, queen size beds or bunk beds. Your cabin steward is there to make your stay comfortable; whether to change the bed configuration to suit your desires, or to bring you extra towels, pillows, or blankets if needed. We have safes in your rooms, and Television sets with built in VCR’s and DVD's. You can sign out current movies and there is a movie theater.

What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Kastaway Island is casual in the morning, casual in the afternoon and you guessed it, casual at night. In the evening, dress will vary from person to person. Attire is dictated by occasion, the Captain's Cocktail Party for example, you'll probably want to wear something more casual, for our theme nights wear something casual, on our Roman Toga party night, something casual, so you could dress accordingly if you desire, but casual attire would probably fit in. Shorts are allowed everywhere and the dress code is casual.

Can I use my hair dryer and electric shaver?
Kastaway Island has 110-volt outlets in the staterooms and hair dryers are in each room. If you feel comfortable bringing your own please do so.

Are there non-smoking areas?
The entire Island is non-smoking. For the smokers we have reserved a place in the dingy for you to have a cigarette. The rope to the dingy is held by the non smokers on the island so if you have been a courteous smoker they will pull you back up to the ship after you have butted out, if not….well….it looks like you own a dingy. CONGRATULATIONS.

What type of dining experience can I expect?
Again you will not be sharing dinner with 1000 other hungry people. Your dining preference can be to sit with the other guests in the dining room, eat in your room, or take your dinner to any area of the island to enjoy it. There are NO seating assignments. There is no main or late seating. All meals are included in the price of your cruise. Breakfast is available from 6:00 o’clock, a buffet for lunch and a full for dinner. You can find up to 8 meals and snacks per day plus room service so you will never be hungry on our island. Kastaway Island offers cook outs where you can enjoy fresh local seafood or steak BBQ’d overlooking the ocean and islands beyond. Ever try a fresh lobster grilled over an open fire?

Can I get a special diet?
We can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, vegetarian or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance so be sure to advise us of this requirement when you book your cruise.

What if I do not like my tablemates?
I love this one. I have taken numerous larger cruises and there is usually one person at your table that is the know it all or complains about everything. We cater to people that have just spent 50 weeks building up stress. They are here to dive and relax just like you. We offer an environment where you come & go as you please. It is very unlikely that you will be disappointed with anything least of all the other fun loving guests you will share your food with.

Can I book on short notice?
We sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. But, to avoid being disappointed, you should plan and book early. Check out our stand by or short notice form.

Do you welcome families with kids?
Nearly one third of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays. If your child enjoys swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, he/she will love a "family" cruise. You'll find the kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.
HOWEVER, Kastaway Island does not accept any passengers under the age of 14. If you have smaller children please try to find the "family"cruise ships mentioned above. We trust this will not cause any hardship and we look forward to being of service to you.

What is there to do at night?
At night, a cruise ship really comes alive. There's some dancing; we may have local live entertainment in ports, lounges; new releases in our theater; and parties with all your new friends. We do not have a casino. There are also many special events like the Captain's cocktail party, passenger talent night, and more.

Is there a charge for entertainment?
On all our cruises, the entertainment is included. There's no cover, no minimum, no charge for admission. Remember, it's casual.

Is it easy to meet people?
Kastaway Island is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed and you'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about. Don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet your new friends aboard our ship next year. A lush tropical vacation paradise with romantic moonlit time to explore each other again, for the first time or get acquainted with your new friend.

Will there be people like me?
All kinds of people take cruises. Passengers can vary from year to year however if you fit into any of the following categories, you will find people just like yourself. Avid divers, first time divers, singles, snorkellers, kayakers, canoers, photographers, writers, musicians, business people, Christians, honeymooners, unemployed, adventurers, physically challenged, fishing enthusiasts, water skiers, windsurfers, hearing impaired, married people or a single parent. If you do not fit into any of these categories chances are that you will not enjoy yourself.

Can singles have fun on a cruise?
No! Sorry. Ha, Ha, Ha! No having fun allowed! Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, Kastaway Island has a singles party early on to give you the opportunity to meet other single shipmates.

Is cruising for honeymooners?
Without a doubt, cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance. Cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away under the stars, and so much more to remember forever. We provide a special trip to a deserted island with a picnic basket full of food, chocolates, champagne and flowers. You get breakfast in bed as well as other special pampering. Check out our unique honeymoon registry.

What is there to do? Will I get bored?
Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. It will probably take you a bit to discover what's onboard and another bit to just relax and unwind. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting dive areas, caves and wrecks. Kastaway Island is like a floating resort with all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or just enjoy the view. You can join in exercise classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie; play backgammon or bridge or a variety of other card and board games available. It is amazing how much you can do on our island. You can go off on your own, take a guided tour, search ancient ruins, hunt for shopping bargains, and ride on any of the water toys the Island has to offer. Have you ever been on a 20’ floating trampoline? Or a water bike? Jump aboard the floating banana and hang on for dear life, take a day to go fishing, relax on a deserted beach, climb a waterfall, enjoy water skiing, and if there's still time, enjoy snorkeling, or even learn how to dive, or windsurf. In short, being on our Island is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you ever dreamed of. This is the perfect way to vacation and you never have to pack and unpack.
An incredible alternative to a hotel room!

Do I have to participate in any activities?
On our Island, you do what you want to. You can do everything, or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.

How can I be reached on board the ship in an emergency?
You can be reached through a direct call to 1 (902)-865-5151 while the ship is at sea, and ask to speak to the person you called for. We are a small ship and get to know our passengers personally so feel free to e-mail us at emergency@kastawayisland.com should you have an emergency back home and have to get in touch with a guest.
As a guest, you will be able to make calls through the radio room or from the phone in your room (while at sea, for a charge) or you can call home direct from most ports. If you brought your cell phone (shame on you) that will work also. We will try to offer a current newspaper and all our staterooms are equipped with televisions so you can tune in to CNN or ESPN. We are also equipped with fax and Internet capabilities.

How will I know what is going on onboard the ship, or find out about shore excursions?
There will be all kinds of "goodies" about this when you arrive. There is a brief orientation when you first arrive on our island then you will be shown where the different activities you are on board for are located. Check out the page on our web site that offers you the entire booklet (guide to using our island) of what to expect if you have booked your cruise on Kastaway Island or are considering purchasing a pre paid holiday pack.

Is it better to take an organized shore excursion or explore ports of call on my own?
A lot of that is really up to you! We will try to include a program of available shore excursions with your cruise documents but if not, you will have one listing all available excursions plus any last minute excursions available in your cabin when you board the ship. Kastaway Island offers free snorkeling excursions. They are included in your fare. We have lots of information on all the local islands; so if you require more information before you go, contact us.
If your cruise documents have not arrived ten days before your departure date please let us know by emailing the ship at help@kastawayisland.com. When they arrive, please check them IMMEDIATELY to be sure they show your correct name, sailing date and cabin number (if you have been assigned a cabin at booking). Also if we are booking your airfare, be sure your airline tickets if applicable are accurate and reflect your correct name and transport to the correct port. If you are using Kastaway Island’s air program you should also have vouchers for transportation from the airport to the port and back. All document packages should contain luggage tags and many will also include a form to fill out for boarding passes. All of these should be filled out before you leave. If you think you are missing anything or would like us to go over them with you, contact us. If I don’t talk to you before you leave, BON VOYAGE!! Please contact us when you get back and let us know what a great time you had. It’s feedback from our clients that helps us assist all of you in making good choices for your cruise vacations!

Is there a doctor on board?
Kastaway Island has a fully equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency. We will be offering 3-month contracts for certified Doctors to cruise with us free of charge in exchange for their services (should they be required). If you qualify please email our human resource officer at jobopportunities@kastawayisland.com and indicate your interest. (References required)

Are there laundry services on this island?
Yes, we have laundry facilities. There is no additional charge for this service providing you do the work. We do ask that you purchase our water-soluble and biodegradable laundry soap rather than bringing or using regular detergents that are toxic to those living under the island. We do not spoil our water – we spoil you!

What happens to my luggage after I leave it at the airport (Or port, if you are driving)?
If you are using Kastaway Island's airfare program, you will affix the luggage tags sent with your cruise documents and check your luggage at the airport. You need to claim your luggage and the next time you see your luggage, it will be in your cabin! There are a few ports where you will need to claim your luggage at the airport--this will be indicated in your cruise documents and, again, email me if you have any questions.
If you are flying but NOT using Kastaway Island’s airfare program you still need to affix your cruise line tag but you will need to claim your own luggage at the airport baggage area when you arrive in your port city and take it with you to the port.
If you are driving to the port, you will check your luggage when you arrive at the port, and we will take your bags to your cabin. It’s a good idea to check your cabin about 1/2 hour before sailing to be sure your luggage has arrived and to check with your steward if it is not there. The most important thing is your luggage tag -- without it, how will they know where to find you? On the last night of your cruise you will be asked to put your luggage (except your carry-on bags) outside your cabin so that it can be taken to the holding area, and off loaded early the next morning. You will claim your bags in the customs area; don’t worry all this will be explained on the ship. P.S. If you are using the cruise line’s airfare program, be sure to check your cruise documents for voucher for transportation from the airport to the pier.
When you disembark the plane, look for a representative from Kastaway Island. They will direct you to the bus or van. If you don’t happen to see them right away (and this rarely occurs) just ask a rep from one of the other cruise lines to "point the way"!! Sometimes one person has to meet two planes at once and all the cruise people help each other out at the airport.

It all sounds too good to be true, is it?
The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. After all, you don't have to run to make plane connections to get from one port to the next. You don't have the hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations; you don't have the bother of packing and unpacking. You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at meal times and you have a wealth of options for adventure, sightseeing, exploring, diving, kayaking, entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise the best trip of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!)
MAY ALL YOUR SEAS BE SMOOTH!!!
Happy Cruising!