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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 its 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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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, Im 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.
^ T O P ^
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!
^ T O P ^
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
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
What
documents do I need to take?
In addition to your cruise documents, DONT 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 voters 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.
^ T O P ^
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, travelers check or cash at the
end of your cruise. The office will also cash travelers checks
for you. In addition, most shops in port will also cash travelers
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
What
about motion sickness?
Our ship is well stabilized and most of the time you wont
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. Its 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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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 VCRs and DVD's. You can
sign out current movies and there is a movie theater.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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 oclock, 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 BBQd overlooking
the ocean and islands beyond. Ever try a fresh lobster grilled over
an open fire?
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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!
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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.
^ T O P ^
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 Islands 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 dont 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. Its feedback from our
clients that helps us assist all of you in making good choices for
your cruise vacations!
^ T O P ^
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)
^ T O P ^
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!
^ T O P ^
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 Islands 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. Its
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; dont worry all this will be explained on the ship.
P.S. If you are using the cruise lines 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 dont
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.
^ T O P ^
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! |