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Are all ships fairly similar?
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Far from it. The cruise lines have ships that range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 3,000. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.
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Are there different classes of service?
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The vast majority of today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of your cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.
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Are there non-smoking areas?
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Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. In fact, many dining rooms are now totally smoke-free. Just ask your personal Cruise Consultant about the smoking regulations of the ship you're interested in.
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Are there meeting rooms on board?
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Nearly every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. Many feature dedicated meeting facilities. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, ask our Meeting & Incentives department (1-888-250-7803) to coordinate schedules and arrange for any special requirements. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-secretarial and printing services and more.
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Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
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Maybe too easily! Most staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can even use your own cell phone on some ships, where cellular service is available. Many cruise ships are now Wi-Fi enabled, so you can check your e-mail on your laptop in your stateroom or go to the on board computer cafe for Internet access. You can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores.
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Are there medical services on board?
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While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruise lines understand that some people may have health needs during a cruise. Thus they are committed to providing first response and emergency care to guests until they can be transferred to a shore side medical facility. Most cruise lines have 24-hour medical services and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians (AECP). The Cruise Web encourages vacationers to obtain medical insurance, travel with adequate supplies of medical prescriptions and devices and to disclose pre-existing medical conditions before sailing.
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Are there laundry services aboard ship?
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Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, and additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.
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Is motion discomfort a problem?
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Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries play some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and developments of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, reduced or eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
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How can I stay healthy on board?
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Follow your mom's advice and wash your hands! Cruise ships work very closely with public health agencies such as the CDC to make sure they provide the healthiest shipboard environment for guests. The last thing you want is to be ill while you're on vacation, so take the simple precaution of washing your hands often with soap and warm water thoroughly. Wash your hands after using the restroom, before eating and avoid touching your face.
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