|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can I book
my cruise online? |
|
|
TravelDep gives you the ability to book your cruise online if you would
like. Most cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL,
Princess and Holland America all offer online pricing and booking capability;
but there some exceptions when you can only book your cruise by speaking with a
live person.
-
Luxury and niche cruise lines like Radisson, Cunard, Seabourn, Silversea,
Windjammer, CruiseWest, etc. simply do not offer online pricing. You must speak
to a live person to book these cruises.
-
Any cruise holiday that includes a land component cannot be booked online.
If you're interested in an Alaska or European Cruisetour or a Disney 7-night
cruise and land package, you must speak to a live person for rates and
availability. These products are too complicated to book online.
-
Sometimes cruise line reservation systems are unavailable due to scheduled
or unscheduled technical issues. During these periods, you would need to speak
with a Cruise Specialist.
-
Groups cannot be booked online. You can book multiple cabins online if you
choose, but you will get a better rate if you speak with a Cruise Specialist.
Additionally, only a live agent can ensure that your cabins are near one another
and that you are all seated together at dinner.
-
Do not book your cruise online if you think you may qualify for special
discounts, offers or coupons; if you need a wheelchair-accessible cabin, special
services, or connecting cabins; if you are booking multiple cabins; or
back-to-back cruises.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Is it safe
to book online? |
|
|
Yes, it is safe to book your cruise online. Your credit card number and other
personal information is secure and protected. Technically, we maintain the
appropriate Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption technology. In addition, your
personal information is not shared with outside third parties, as you will also
see in our privacy policy.
Professionally, it's safe to book with TravelDep as well. We are
insured and bonded and are a member of the Cruise Lines International
Association and we are happy to provide references upon request. Unlike some
Internet Travel Companies, we do not outsource our website and customer service
calls to other countries in an effort to save money. All of our Cruise
Specialists are trained and based in the UK.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Is it
cheaper to book online? |
|
|
In most cases, the rate you see on the website is exactly the same rate you
will receive from one of our cruise counsellors. However, there are times when
you will receive a lower rate on the telephone. The following rates are not
advertised on TravelDep but are available by speaking with a Cruise
Specialist.
If you think you may
qualify for a special discount, please call one of our Cruise Specialists.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How is
TravelDep different from
other cruise websites? |
|
|
TravelDep specialises in cruise holidays. We only sell cruises - not
airline tickets, hotels, and rental cars unless they are part of a cruise
package. Discounted cruises are what we do. As a result, you will only find
cruise information on our website. And it's information that's relevant to
helping you plan your holiday.
Statistics show that the number 1 reason why people go to the Internet is for
information. TravelDep is full of content that provides in-depth
information about cruise lines, cruise ships, kids programs, weddings and
honeymoons, first time cruising, etc… In some cases, we have more information
about a cruise line than the cruise line's own website!
Our agents are also highly trained cruise experts. If you have questions
about something you see on our website, our UK-based Cruise Specialists are
prepared and eager to help you. Unlike some Internet Travel companies, we do
not outsource our customer service calls to other countries where labour is
cheaper.
If you combine our outstanding cruise prices with this extraordinary focus on
cruise planning information, you'll find that TravelDep is a company you
can trust with your individual or group cruise reservation.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What if I
have questions during the
process? |
|
|
If you have any questions or encounter any problems while booking your cruise,
please call or email us. We will be happy to help you.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How far in
advance can I book a cruise? |
|
|
Cruise lines will typically load their inventory in the system 18 months in
advance. Once you select "check availability" and you find a selection, you can
book your cabin. If you would like us to notify you once a cruise is available,
please contact us and we will be happy to accommodate your request.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can I book a
cruise online for someone
else? |
|
|
Yes. Please note that the cruise documents and any e-mail correspondence will be
sent to the address listed in the billing information section. If you wish to
have the tickets sent elsewhere, please call our Customer Care department and we
will be happy to assist.
If you are booking a cruise online for another individual, please make sure
you have the legal names and birthdates prior to beginning the online booking
process. This will help you avoid any name change fees that may be imposed by
the cruise line to correct the error later.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How old do
you have to be to take a
cruise? |
|
|
Guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or
guardian 25 years of age or older in the same stateroom. In other words, two 21
year olds can travel together, but a 22 year old and a 20 year old cannot cruise
even if they turn 21 during the cruise. Cruise Lines will make exceptions for
young adults who are married and who bring a marriage certificate to prove it.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What's the
minimum age for a cruise?
Can I bring an infant? |
|
|
Most cruise lines require that infants be at least 16 weeks old to travel and
others require young kids to be even older for longer and exotic itineraries.
Since each cruise line has different minimum age requirements, it is always best
to book your cruise with a live cruise agent, instead of online, if you are
travelling with infants.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are pregnant
women allowed to cruise? |
|
|
|
Women who will be 24 weeks pregnant during the cruise will be prohibited from
taking a cruise. Please make sure that you have your doctor's permission to
travel even if you are less than 6 months pregnant. If you are pregnant, do not
book online. Instead, call and speak with a Live Cruise Specialist to discuss
your travel options and requirements.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can I find
Past Passenger Rates online? |
|
|
|
Past Passenger Rates are not available on any website yet. If you are a Past
Passenger of any cruise line, you should call and speak to a live Cruise
Specialist. Most cruise lines extend some sort of offer, coupon, upgrade or
discount rate to any passenger with a Past Passenger number.
As an FYI, the Carnival Corporation owns Carnival, Cunard, Costa, Windstar,
Holland America, Princess, and Seabourn. If you have sailed with any of these
cruise lines, you may be eligible for Past Passenger discounts with one of the
sister companies.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can I book
connecting cabins online? |
|
|
|
Connecting cabins are adjoining staterooms that have a door that connects the
two of them. These are popular with couples travelling with their kids because of
the door inside the stateroom that allows access to the other room. Although you
would be able to book two cabins next to each other by identifying them on the
deck plan, you wouldn't know if they were actually adjoining rooms. There is
also the chance of a cabin being gone by the time you start the second booking.
If you need connecting or even cabins next to each other, you should always call
and have an agent complete the transaction.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is a
"Guaranteed" cabin? |
|
|
|
Some cruise lines offer what is called a "guarantee category". This means that
you will receive your cabin number and deck assignment when you check in for
your cruise. You will be guaranteed a cabin in the category that you that book
and no lower than that category. If your booked category is not available when
you check in, then you will receive a complimentary upgrade to a higher
category. This process is very similar to booking a hotel room. With a hotel,
you book a room type and you're assigned your room number when you check in at
the front desk. The same principle applies here. This is a very common practice
among all major cruise lines.
Guaranteed categories can be a great value, especially for first time
cruisers. These are usually less expensive and can sometimes result in a
complimentary upgrade.
Guarantees are not for everyone. Do not book a "Guarantee" if cabin placement
on the ship is important to you; because you are travelling with others;
travelling as a family with multiple cabins; or simply prefer a specific location
such as mid-ship, then you should not book a Guarantee. If, on the other hand,
you don't care where your cabin is (as long as it's a specific type of cabin),
then a Guarantee should save you some money and you may even get a nicer cabin
then you paid for.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can I book
more than one cabin at a
time? |
|
|
|
You can purchase more than one cabin; but currently, each will need to be a
separate transaction. There is no additional charge to call us to book multiple
cabins and we highly recommend it for three reasons. First, to make sure your
cabins are close together; Second, we need to cross-reference the reservations
so that all the cabins are dining together; and Third, if you're booking 5 or
more cabins, you may be entitled to an additional group discount or other
amenities.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do I have
to book cruise line airfare? |
|
|
|
You do not have to purchase the cruise line airfare. You may purchase your own
airfare or use frequent flyer points if you prefer. When booking your flights,
make sure that you try to arrive at the ship no later than two hours before the
ship departs. On your return flights home after the cruise, you should not book
a flight that leaves before noon. We recommend that you consider arriving a day
before your cruise if you have a long way to travel, many connections, or
travelling during the winter months when weather delays may affect your flight
schedule.
If you're using frequent flyer miles, we suggest you check with the airline
to make sure there is availability of frequent flyer seats before booking your
cruise. When you make your own air arrangements, you will also need to provide
your own transportation to the pier from the airport.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I need
certain flight times. Can
the cruise line offer that? |
|
|
|
When you book your airfare through the cruise line you have no control of the
flight schedule unless you request an "Air Deviation." This means the cruise
line will try to accommodate a specific request for carrier or flight schedule.
To request an Air Deviation, you will need to call your TravelDep Cruise
Specialist who will handle the request for you. The cruise lines do charge a fee
of £20 - £42 per person for an Air Deviation on top of any additional charges
the airline may charge.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do I have to
pay in full for my cruise
now? |
|
|
|
If your cruise departs within 75 days, you would have to pay for your cruise in
full at the time of your reservation. If you are travelling outside of 75 days,
you can reserve your cruise with a small deposit. Deposit amounts vary by cruise
line but you should estimate £50 to £150 per person for a 3-night cruise, £100
to £275 per person for a 7-night cruise and £275 or more per person for a longer
cruise.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Will my
Debit Card work as payment? |
|
|
|
A debit card is acceptable for payment but many have limit restrictions. You
may need to notify your bank to get them to approve the amount of purchase.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How do I
make my final payment? |
|
|
|
We will process final payment on the credit card you authorised for your
deposit. If you would like to change credit cards or use multiple credit cards
for final payment, you would need to call us and speak with your agent or our
Customer Care department.
Back to Top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
