Some of these answers are based on Royal Caribbean’s FAQs but will be generally similar for other cruise lines.
Q. How does a cruise conference compare with major land conferences for value?
A. Very favourably. Click compare value for more on this.
Q: What currency is used on board?
A: The currency on board many ships is US Dollars which means that all on board purchases and shipboard accounts will be charged in US Dollars. Some ships may use the currency of the country it is based in.
Q: Do I need a passport?
A: A passport is not required if the cruise online only visits port within the country it departs from and returns to.
Q: Do I need to take out travel insurance?
A: Absolutely. Normal medical cover or private health care will not cover you for any medical costs on board. Our travel agent can help with this if you wish, if you are an Australian resident. Others will need to take out insurance with an insurer in their own, usually by local travel agent.
Q: What if I would like to book flights and/or accommodation?
A: Our cruise travel agent, Clean Cruising is a fully licensed retail travel agency, with years of experience. They can assist you with all of your travel requirements. They can recommend and book the best available flight options and have great rates for pre and post cruise accommodation.
Q: Can I book for the conference part of the cruise if I book the cruise with another agent?
A: The conference and associated benefits normally only obtained by booking the total conference-cruise package. A few of the main talks may be open to the general public. Most of the conference presentations, workshops, interest groups, the registration pack and cruise prizes ($1000 – $2000 value or more) and other benefits will only be available to those who book the complete conference-cruise package. You may be able to purchase a full conference registration separately for some cruises. This when added to your cruise fare will normally be somewhat higher overall cost than walking the complete package with our cruise travel agent.
Q: If I am booking my own flights, what arrival and departure times do you recommend?
A: Please ensure your flight arrives no later than 4 hours before your cruise check in time (to be advised by Clean Cruising). This should provide enough time to travel to the cruise terminal and check-in for your holiday of a lifetime. But to be safe you might want to allow more, perhaps even arrive the day before.
If you are flying home on the day you leave the cruise, please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 5 hours after your cruise arrives in port. But to be safe you might want to allow more. Some cruise lines may require more time gap to flights if you are booking airport transfers with them. This should help you to have a stress free return home from your relaxing cruise holiday.
When you are making your own air bookings, missed connections are always a possibility… so the more time you allow for unforeseen delays at either end of your cruise, the better. If you do need to make changes to your air bookings, your chosen airline may charge fees; so ask Clean Cruising to check their airfare conditions when you book.
Q: How much luggage can I bring?
A: Airlines and transfer vehicles have luggage restrictions and might impose excess luggage charges. Keep this in mind when packing.
Q: Can I access the Internet on board? (from Celebrity FAQ Feb 2015)
Eclipse and Solstice offer internet access on board, but note this is via satellite, so is slow, unreliable and expensive. The following is from the FAQ page of the Celebrity website (Feb 2015)
Eclipse and Solstice have Wi-Fi connectivity throughout. You will be able to receive email, satellite conditions permitting. You can connect to the internet either by accessing a 24/7 wireless connection “hotspot” with your own laptop or tablet, or utilizing the resources of the Internet lounge and its computers on board. You will be able to receive email, via satellite link 24 hours a day, satellite conditions permitting. Internet Packages (USD)
per minute rate – $0.79
90mins – $59
240mins – $109
600mins – $219
1680mins – $429
Prices may differ on different ships and are subject to change without notice.
For rates on Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas (our cruises out of Brisbane) see Royal Caribbean FAQ Internet page
Q: Are laundry services provided?
A: Self-service laundry facilities are available on some ships, but not others. Irons are not provided in the staterooms, and cannot be taken on board, as they constitute a fire hazard.
Q: Is there a qualified medical staff on board?
A: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity fully qualified doctors and nurses on board every ship.
Q: What if I suffer from motion sickness?
A: A very small percentage of cruise passengers experience motion sickness. You can prepare yourself by purchasing medication before you leave home. Tablets or special magnetic wrist-bands can assist.
More questions?
The Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have extensive lists of FAQs with more detail on many of he above questions – and many others may have. See the following: