Children over the age of 6 months are usually allowed on board, however please note that children's clubs will generally only accept children aged 3 years or more.
Most cruise lines and airlines will now require documentation to be completed prior to travel, by the parent or legal guardian and stamped by a solicitor. Please contact us for more information.
There are several kinds of cabin which can be described as the following:
These are without windows or balconies and come equipped with exactly the same facilities as those facing the outside of the ship.
The next grade up will be an ocean view cabin featuring a porthole or picture window to see where your ship is taking you and the port that you are in.
A balcony enables you to feel the sea air in the privacy of your own cabin.
Suites are the next level up, offering more than one bedroom and bathroom, walk in wardrobes, king size beds and dining tables. Some even have whirlpool baths and grand pianos.
Small private bathroom with shower, wash basin and toilet / An international shaver socket, towels, soap and shampoos / Telephone, radio and TV / Vanity desk unit and chair / Wardrobe and drawer space, bedside drawers
A bath - more likely in higher grade cabins and on British ships / Hairdryer / VCR or DVD player / A sitting area with a sofa or two chairs and a table / Fridge/mini bar and personal safe.
When you arrive into your cabin your cabin steward will introduce him or herself and answer any questions you may have regarding the cabin facilities. Your steward will also supply you with clean towels and make your bed on a daily basis.
Sometimes you can select your cabin number at the time of the booking so you can see exactly where your cabin will be. If you do not have your cabin number then you have been booked into a "Guarantee cabin" This means that you have been booked into a certain category but your are elligabe for any complementary cabin upgrade into a higher category that may become available.
As there are few cabins which accommodate disabled passengers on each ship they are reserved for passengers who are fully immobile only.
Most cruise lines dress code during the day is casual and in the evenings is smart casual. Formal evenings vary depending on the ship, however usually there are at least 2 formal evenings on board a week long cruise. Formal evenings require Suit Jackets for gentlemen and a Cocktail dress or Trouser Suit for the ladies. On Formal Cruises you can usually hire formal attire onboard. Please Note Ocean Village, NCL and Island Cruises are informal cruises.
Generally ships which offer 2 dining sittings require first sittings to start around 6.30pm and second sittings around 8.30pm. Sittings can be requested at the time of booking. Many Ships offer anytime dining so you can choose when and where you eat.
Gratuities on many cruise ships are now compulsory and will automatically be added to your on board account where applicable. Most cruise lines now offer you the opportunity to pre-pay these prior to departure. For further information please visit the cruise lines website.
Cruise lines charge on average 15% service charge for any optional purchases made on board the cruise ship. The service charge will automatically be added to your onboard account and will show on your final statement at the end of your cruise.
If you have requested which dining sitting you would like you can also request the table size, Tables come in sizes of 2, 4, 6 and 8.
Please note dining requests cannot be guaranteed. But will be honoured whenever possible. If you don't get your chosen dining arrangement, speak to your maitre'd on board they will do their best to change this for you where possible.
Personal expenses whilst on board are your responsibility, for example beauty treatments, shore excursion, photos, telephone calls, spending money for the ports of call etc. These will be added to your on board account for your ease.
As soon as you have received your cruise reference number, most cruise lines will allow you to pre-book your shore excursions by visiting their website. Alternatively, you can book your excursions whilst on board.
Full payment is due 13 weeks prior to departure.
7-10 days prior to departure
Passengers are required to have valid passports.
Your luggage allowance will be confirmed on your tickets.
Gratuities on many cruise ships are now compulsory and will automatically be added
We value all feedback that we receive from our customers; good and bad. In the unlikely event that there was a problem with your holiday, please let us know within 28 days of your return date.
By e-mail:
By Fax: 0871 226 8184
By Post: Virgin Holidays Cruises
Unit 1-2 Coped Hall Business Park,
Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN4 8DP
United Kingdom
We will get back to you with a full response just as quickly as we can. In any case, you'll hear from us within 28 days of your comments, in line with the ABTA code of conduct.
