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Inside Stateroom
These Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way for your family to cruise. With room for up to four guests,...-
Guarantee Inside - Category IX
IXAUD $1,189
total per person -
Inside Stateroom - Category IF
IFAUD $1,461
total per person -
Mid-Ship Inside - Category IE
IEAUD $1,558
total per person -
Inside Stateroom - Category ID
IDAUD $1,607
total per person -
Inside Stateroom - Category IC
ICAUD $1,655
total per person -
Mid-Ship Inside - Category IB
IBAUD $1,742
total per person -
Family Inside - Category I1
I1AUD $1,801
total per person
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Oceanview Stateroom
These Oceanview Staterooms sleep up to four guests and have either a picture window or porthole, with an obstructed...-
Guarantee Oceanview - Category OX
OXAUD $1,286
total per person -
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OK
OKAUD $1,636
total per person -
Oceanview Porthole - Category OG
OGAUD $1,684
total per person -
Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole -Category OF
OFAUD $1,713
total per person -
Oceanview Stateroom - Category OC
OCAUD $1,839
total per person -
Mid-Ship Oceanview - Category OB
OBAUD $1,878
total per person -
Oceanview Stateroom - Category OA
OAAUD $1,898
total per person -
Family Oceanview - Category O1
O1AUD $1,946
total per person
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Balcony Stateroom
These staterooms sleep up to four guests and come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a...-
Guarantee Balcony - Category BX
BXAUD $1,965
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BD
BDAUD $2,402
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BC
BCAUD $2,528
total per person -
Family Balcony - Category B2
B2AUD $2,528
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BB
BBAUD $2,596
total per person -
Family Balcony - Category B3
B3AUD $2,596
total per person -
Mid-Ship Balcony - Category BA
BAAUD $2,664
total per person -
Aft-Facing Balcony - Category B1
B1AUD $3,149
total per person
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Mini-Suite with Balcony
Up to four guests can stay in these Mini-Suites that come with a sitting area, luxury bath with shower, two lower... -
Penthouse with Large Balcony
These incredible Penthouses sleep two, with a bedroom with queen-size bed and luxury bath and shower. Also includes... -
2-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony
These Penthouses are perfect for your whole family. Up to six guests can stay in these luxurious Penthouses that...-
2-Bedroom Family Suite - Category SC
SCAUD $4,226
total per person
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The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony
These Courtyard Penthouses make for an amazing cruising experience. Sleeps three, with a bedroom featuring a...-
Courtyard Penthouse - Category H5
H5AUD $5,147
total per person
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The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony
Up to six guests can enjoy these Villas that are perfect if you want to bring the kids. They have one bedroom with a...-
2-Bedroom Family Villa - Category H4
H4AUD $5,584
total per person
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The Haven Owner's Suite with Large Balcony
Norwegian Gem Owner's Suites are a truly luxurious way for you to get away. Includes a separate bedroom with a...-
Owner's Suite - Category H3
H3AUD $5,729
total per person
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The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony
Enjoy the perfect escape in the Deluxe Owner's Suites. With a living room, dining room, wall of windows with...-
Deluxe Owner's Suite - Category H2
H2AUD $6,602
total per person
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The Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villa
These Norwegian Gem amazing Villas sleep up to eight with three separate bedrooms, each with a king- or queen-size...-
3-Bedroom Garden Villa - Category H1
H1AUD $12,325
total per person
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Mini-Suite with Balcony
2-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony
These Penthouses are perfect for your whole family. Up to six guests can stay in these luxurious Penthouses that include a bedroom with a queen-size bed and a separate children's bedroom. In addition to the living area, dining area, private balcony and luxury bath with separate shower. Includes butler and concierge service.
- Accommodates: 6
- Total Approx. Size: 544 - 546 sq. ft.
The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony
These Courtyard Penthouses make for an amazing cruising experience. Sleeps three, with a bedroom featuring a queen-size bed, luxury bath and shower and additional bedding to sleep one additional guest. Also features a living area, dining area, private balcony and access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.
- Accommodates: 3
- Total Approx. Size: 440 sq. ft.
The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony
Up to six guests can enjoy these Villas that are perfect if you want to bring the kids. They have one bedroom with a queen-size bed and a luxury bath and shower, as well as a separate children's bedroom. Also features a living area, dining area and private balcony. You will also have access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.
- Accommodates: 6
- Total Approx. Size: 572 sq. ft.
The Haven Owner's Suite with Large Balcony
Norwegian Gem Owner's Suites are a truly luxurious way for you to get away. Includes a separate bedroom with a king-size bed and luxury bath with separate shower, in addition to the living room, dining room and large private balconies with incredible views. Sleeps up to four and guests receive access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.
- Accommodates: 2-4
- Total Approx. Size: 791 - 824 sq. ft.
The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony
Enjoy the perfect escape in the Deluxe Owner's Suites. With a living room, dining room, wall of windows with king-size bed and luxury bath, you will have an unforgettable experience in this suite. Sleeps up to four and includes access to the private courtyard area. Not to mention the large balcony and amazing view. Includes butler and concierge service.
- Accommodates: 4
- Total Approx. Size: 1197 sq. ft.
The Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villa
These Norwegian Gem amazing Villas sleep up to eight with three separate bedrooms, each with a king- or queen-size bed and luxury bath. With a living room, dining room and incredible private garden with hot tub, you will have more than enough space to spread out and unwind. You'll also have access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.
- Accommodates: 8
- Total Approx. Size: 4,252 sq. ft.
Guarantee Inside - Category IX
Multiple Decks
Inside Stateroom - Category IF


Multiple Decks
Mid-Ship Inside - Category IE


Multiple Decks
Inside Stateroom - Category ID


Multiple Decks
Inside Stateroom - Category IC


Multiple Decks
Mid-Ship Inside - Category IB


Multiple Decks
Family Inside - Category I1


Guarantee Oceanview - Category OX
Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OK


Multiple Decks
Oceanview Porthole - Category OG


Multiple Decks
Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole -Category OF


Deck 5
Oceanview Stateroom - Category OC


Deck 5
Mid-Ship Oceanview - Category OB


Deck 8
Oceanview Stateroom - Category OA


Deck 5
Family Oceanview - Category O1


Guarantee Balcony - Category BX
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BD


Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BC


Multiple Decks
Family Balcony - Category B2


Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BB


Deck 9
Family Balcony - Category B3


Multiple Decks
Mid-Ship Balcony - Category BA


Multiple Decks
Aft-Facing Balcony - Category B1


Guarantee Mini-Suite - Category MX
Deck 11
Mini-Suite - Category MB


Deck 11
Mid-Ship Mini-Suite - Category MA


Deck 11
Aft-Facing Mini-Suite - Category M1


Multiple Decks
Penthouse with Balcony - Category SF


Multiple Decks
Penthouse with Balcony - Category SE


Deck 11
2-Bedroom Family Suite - Category SC


Deck 14
Courtyard Penthouse - Category H5


Deck 14
2-Bedroom Family Villa - Category H4


Multiple Decks
Owner's Suite - Category H3


Deck 15
Deluxe Owner's Suite - Category H2


Deck 14
3-Bedroom Garden Villa - Category H1


Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Boston Depart: Fri, May 1, 2020 @ 20:00 -
Day 2
At SeaSat, May 2, 2020
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Day 3
Kings WharfArrive: Sun, May 3, 2020 @ 13:00
Depart: Sun, May 3, 2020 @ 13:00
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Day 4
Kings WharfArrive: Mon, May 4, 2020 @ 00:00
Depart: Mon, May 4, 2020 @ 00:00
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Day 5
Kings WharfArrive: Tue, May 5, 2020 @ 00:00
Depart: Tue, May 5, 2020 @ 17:30
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Day 6
At SeaWed, May 6, 2020
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Day 7
At SeaThu, May 7, 2020
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Day 8
Boston Arrive: Fri, May 8, 2020 @ 08:00
Onboard experience
Every cruise fare includes beautifully crafted menus in the two main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. From fresh-baked breads, desserts and pastries to chefs' original dishes made with the freshest ingredients, your dining can be as fine or fun as you want.
Main Dining Rooms
- Grand Pacific Main Dining Room - A first class dining experience in the grand tradition of the luxury ocean liners of yesteryear, Grand Pacific offers beautifully crafted contemporary and traditional dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Plus, with Chef's Signature Dishes and a Chocoholic Night available once per sailing featuring specialty chocolate-based desserts, this Main Dining Room guarantees an amazing foodie experience. Deck 6
- Magenta Main Dining Room - Balancing classic favorites with the hottest new dishes, Magenta is a can't miss culinary experience. With daily changing menus offering even more variety and Chef's Signature Dishes featuring deliciously fresh ingredients, there's always something to look forward to inside this Main Dining Room. Deck 6
Other Complimentary Dining Options
- O'Sheehan's - Dine on American classics in a relaxed Irish pub atmosphere. With popular dishes like Chicken Pot Pie and Fish n’ Chips to daily dinner specials ranging from Prime Rib to Chicken & Waffles, O'Sheehan’s has all your favorite comfort food and beer on tap 24 hours a day. So catch a game on the two-story TV screen or play some billiards or darts, this casual restaurant is a guest favorite – and it’s complimentary. Deck 8
- Orchid Garden Asian Restaurant - Enjoy a complimentary Asian Fusion dining venue featuring freshly prepared noodles, delicious wok fried dishes, authentic soups, and more. Deck 7
- Room Service - Dine in after a day at the pool. Or treat yourself to a continental breakfast in bed. Choose from an extensive menu with complimentary and a la carte items featuring everything from chef-crafted dishes to delicious snacks and treats. All freshly-prepared and delivered to your stateroom – 24-hours a day. Convenience charge of $7.95 may apply.
- Bali Hai Bar & Grill - A hot air balloon theme where the bar itself is styled as a ballooning basket with sandbags, ropes and a rattan front. Deck 13
- Garden Cafe - Made-to-order action stations, always-changing menu options, a fresh salad bar and a dessert bar make this way more than a traditional buffet. Deck 12
- Great Outdoors - A spacious outdoor buffet with many choices that will surely keep you coming back for more. Deck 12
Dining aboard Norwegian is about having choices. Widen your palette further and choose from the specialty restaurants for a cover charge or á la carte. Whether it's a cheeseburger you have a desire for, or Coq au Vin, your dinner is ready when you are. And if you book a Specialty Dining Package, you can savor an array of the specialty restaurants for one special price.
Moderno - Deck 13
- If you’re looking for a unique experience, our authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar of imported cheeses, olives, cured meats, ceviche and specialty salads. Be sure to save room for the delicious skewers of slow-roasted meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken – all carved tableside by our Pasadores.
Teppanyaki - Deck 7
- Flying shrimp. Onion volcanoes. Twirling knives. The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese Hibachi restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skillful chef slices, chops and grills steak, seafood and chicken on a large steel grill right before your eyes. Our chilled, sake-infused Wasabi Cocktail will have you flipping too.
Cagney's Steakhouse - Deck 13
- Steak is the standard at the American-style steakhouse. Pull up a seat along The Waterfront and take your pick from premium cuts of Certified Angus Beef®. Your mouth will water, so sip your favorite cocktail in anticipation. And don’t forget to order the made-from-scratch jumbo crab cakes and a side of the famous truffle fries.
La Cucina - Deck 12
- Enjoy the flavors of the Tuscan countryside al fresco alongside the sea, or indoors at tables with room for old friends and new. Dine on classic dishes where you can taste the freshness of every tomato used to make an exquisitely delicious sauce. Try a twist on a classic like lobster fettuccine, or keep it purist with a osso bucco. Just when you think you’re out, they’ll pull you back in with a toasty espresso and some macadamia nut ice cream. Delizioso!
Le Bistro French Restaurant - Deck 6
- Have it au poivre or just go straight for the bouillabaisse at the signature French restaurant in the atrium of 678 Ocean Place. Elegant interiors, crisp white linens and attentive servers make this an intimate dining experience reminiscent of a Parisian café. By the end of your meal, you’ll might just be proclaiming c’est magnifique!
Sushi - Deck 8
- Take a seat at the sushi bar and watch in amazement as chefs expertly slice, carve, and roll the freshest ingredients into works of delicious art.
- Tahitian Pool
- Atrium Cafe & Bar
- Bali Hai Bar & Grill
- Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar
- Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar
- Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar
- Spinnaker Lounge
- Topsiders Bar & Grill
- Casino Bar
- Art Gallery
- Corona Cigar Club
- Photo Gallery
- Stardust Theater
- The Library
- Video Arcade
- White Hot Party
- Kid's Pool
- Tradewind Shops
- Spa
- Basketball/Volleyball/Tennis Court
- Body Waves Fitness Center
Water Activites
Twelve decks above the sea, wind in your hair, sun on your back, ocean views all around, and before you – a stellar selection of liquid delights.
- Tahitian Pool: Norwegian Gem's main outdoor pool. Accommodates: 144 sunbeds, 314 deck chairs & 14 stools.
Bars and Lounges
Atrium Café & Bar - Deck 7
Serves frozen coffees, expressos, cappucinos, teas, pastries and cookies.
Bliss Ultra Lounge & Night Club - Deck 7
A lounge inspired by all things spherical and out of space. Bubbles, the use of lighting, color and ultraviolet artworks will be throughout this room. Features the industry's 1st bowling alley and also is equipped with plasma TVs.
Great Outdoors Bar - Deck 6
A lounge inspired by all things spherical and out of space. Bubbles, the use of lighting, color and ultraviolet artworks will be throughout this room. The lounge is also equipped with plasma TVs.
Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar - Deck 6
Inspired by the Art Nouveau era using Charles Rennie Mackintosh's design elements and colors.
Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar - Deck 6
Contemporary bar area with a backdrop reflecting the production of beer.
Sake Bar - Deck 7
Full Sake Bar within the Orchid Garden Restaurant.
Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar - Deck 6
Art Deco inspired with a large screen behind the bar depicting James Bond inspired graphic silhouettes of funky images from the 60's & 70's.
Sugarcane Mojito Bar
Freshly muddled just the way you like, enjoy a refreshing mojito with friends – day or night.
Spinnaker Lounge - Deck 13
Horizontal windows in the floor allow views of the bridge. The stage can also be used as a dance floor.
Topsiders Bar & Grill - Deck 12
Grab a seat at the bar or grab a cold one to go. Topsiders Bar & Grill is always hopping with activity. Swimsuits welcome.
Casino
Welcome. Try your hand at Roulette, Blackjack, Craps and Let It Ride® against a backdrop of travelling circuses from the turn of the century.
Entertainment - Shows and Performances
Comedy Variety
When's the last time you guffawed? From standup comedy to unicycle-riding jugglers, you're invited for an evening of laughter in the Stardust Theater.
Disc Jockey/Bliss Lounge
Dance like nobody's watching, even though everybody is. With a celebrity DJ spinning tunes till the wee hours, you can tear it up. Take a breather in a Bliss bed to recharge. The party's here and you don't have a curfew.
Get Down Tonight
The Norwegian Gem Production Cast takes you on a trip through time to re-live your favorite memories and music of the 1970s. Rock-out tonight with music from acts like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Who and many more featuring music by the Norwegian Gem Showband.
Magicians
How'd they do that? We may never know but it sure is fun to witness things appearing and disappearing right before your eyes. Add a dash of comedy and you've got one magical evening.
The Second City
Chicago's legendary comedy theatre, The Second City, celebrates its 50th Anniversary aboard Norwegian Epic with a hilarious revue of sketches, songs and improvisation. Watch the brightest young comic talent in North America puts its comic spin on current events and life on the cruise ship.
White Hot Party
Ice ice baby. Don your white attire and get to the pool deck for the most invigorating, black light glowing, electrifying party beneath the stars. Dance with our white-winged angels and be sure to purchase a souvenir t-shirt.
World Beat
A musical voyage around the world! Feel the percussive beats of Irish tap dancing, the soulful cadences of New York City street stomps, the haunting drums of Africa, the dramatic Kodo rhythms of Asia & more.
Kids Club
Kid's Pool - Deck 12
The kid's pool is just right for pint-size splashing, playing and paddling. The pool also has additional fun features.
Shopping
The Tides
- Conveniently located in the Atrium, Tides offers the very best deals of the cruise, our exciting one day specials give you the chance to make savings of up to 70% off US prices what better way to take home a gift for everyone. Make sure you check the Freestyle Daily for day and time of each daily special.
Colombian Emeralds International
- Each of our gem stones, whether they be emeralds, diamonds, sapphires or rubies, convey exactly the right sentiment for that special moment. We also carry top brand timepieces at duty free prices. Come visit us and get up to 70% savings. Come in and try on our Signature Million Dollar Diamond ring.
Trade Routes Boutiques
- Large department store offering a wide selection of branded & choice items.
Spa
Mandara Spa - Deck 12
If being pampered is your idea of a vacation, the Mandara Spa is the place for you. This full service beauty salon and spa offers a wide range of spa treatments to rejuvenate your body and soul.
Spa Thermal Suite - Deck 12
The Thermal Suite offers a unique experience benefiting the mind and body, from the weightlessness effect of water in the Thalasso Therapy Pool* to the gentle, radiant warmth of heated mosaic lounge chairs. Take a dip in the hot tub and leave the world behind as the power of the warm water improves your circulation and loosen stiff muscles. Then head to the steam room to relax stiff joints, improve your immune system and alleviate pains. If detox is what you crave, sit down at the sauna a little while in the dry heat to sweat out your cares as your heart and sweat glands work together to purify your body.
Sports & Fitness
Basketball/Volleyball/Tennis Court
Shoot hoops, join a pick up game, or play tennis at the enclosed, outdoor Basketball/Volleyball/Tennis Court.
Jogging/Walking Track
Run circles around the other guests or get in your daily walk while you're at sea. Breakfast always tastes better after a good walk or run, right?
Ship info
This sparkling cruise ship is the perfect choice for cruising the Bahamas & Florida, Caribbean, Mediterranean and in 2011, Bermuda. From a chic, four-lane bowling alley to tons of dining choices and Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Gem has it all. Chill out by the pool, get lucky in the casino, unwind at the spa, and make the kids happy with our water slides, Wii games and lots more. Accommodations range from luxury multi-room Villas to romantic suites to spacious and affordable staterooms.
- Vessel: Norwegian Gem
- Year: 2007
- Beam: 105
- Cruising speed: 25
- Crew: 1,101
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530
- Onboard Currency: U.S. Dollar
- Passenger Capacity: 2,394
- 24-Hour Room Service
- Body Waves Fitness Center
- Chapel
- Kid's Pool
- Library
- Photo Gallery
- Stardust Theater
- Video Arcade
Decks
Norwegian Gem - Deck Plans
Cruise code: GEM-20200501-07-BOS-BOS
Inside Choose 1: Beverage Package, Dining Package, $50 Shore Tour Credit, Internet credit. Oceanview choose 2, Balcony (subject to avail) & Suites can get all! Not available IX, OX, BX, MX.T&Cs apply.
- Onboard Accommodation
- Government Tax
- In-stateroom TV programming (except for on-demand movies)
- Dedicated Kids & Teen (ages 2-17) programming & spaces during at sea days until 10:30 pm and from departure until 10:30 pm during port days
- Meals in the complimentary dining venues
- Iced Tea, some juices in the buffet (for breakfast), regular coffee, tea and ice water
- All entertainment onboard unless it’s part of a dining entertainment production
- Poolside activities
- Access to fitness facilities
- Select onboard presentations
- Sports Court activities
- Use of outdoor pools and hot tubs
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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