How much time do I need to allow for embarking and disembarking?
For arrivals and departures in all ports of (dis)embarkation, it is recommended that you allow 3 hours. Guests are requested to be on board at least one hour prior to sailing time.

What kind of clothing should I pack and is there a dress code aboard ship?
Sweaters, lightweight jackets, slacks and sport shirts are fine for day wear. Comfortable walking shoes are a must (closed-toe for ladies). You might want to bring along an umbrella, light raincoat and rain hat, too. Mornings and evenings will be cool while the afternoons will warm up a bit.

Aboard ship the program for the day, delivered each evening to your room, will announce the suggested evening dress for the following evening, Elegantly Casual: comfortable, but please no T-shirts, jeans or shorts in the dining room; Informal: for the ladies, dresses and pantsuits are suggested; for the men, jacket required, tie optional; Formal: cocktail dresses or gowns for the ladies, and for the men, tuxedo or business suit suggested, jacket and tie required. You are respectfully asked to complement your fellow guests by observing the dress code throughout the evening.

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How do I make dining room reservations?
Dining requests for sitting and smoking preferences have been confirmed. Table sizes and numbers are on request only and will be assigned by the maitre d' on board. Your passenger cruise ticket will show your dining status, and a confirmation card with table assignment will be waiting in your stateroom. Normal meal hours in the dining room are:

• Breakfast - Open seating
• Lunch - Open seating
• Dinner - First seating
• Dinner - Second seating

For informal breakfast and luncheons, you're going to love the casual atmosphere of other decks. The charming restaurant presents cornucopian buffets and an ice cream sundae bar plus a choice of hamburgers or a taco bar on deck. There is also the popular Late Night Buffet.

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CURRENCY - Currency Exchange Rates change daily. Foreign Currency can be purchased in advance through Travelex.

Do I need to tip?
Tipping is a matter of personal choice and is not required. Personnel may accept tips if the gratuities are offered voluntarily by passengers for exceptional service. The company forbids any form of soliciting for tips.

How do I pay for shipboard purchases?
As for money on board ship, you can forget about carrying it. Because you will be sailing in a "cashless society." Simply provide the purser at the beginning of your voyage with your credit card number or other evidence of how you are going to settle your account, sign a receipt for each of your purchases just as you would at a fine hotel on land, then settle your account with one convenient transaction at the end of the cruise -- with American Express, VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card; or with cash, traveler's check or personal check.

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Are shore excursions available?
You can only make your arrangements when you board the ship. An outline of excursions offered will be included in the final mailing 3 - 4 weeks prior to sailing.

Do I need to carry a passport?
Yes. It is good to have your passport with you as a form of identification. Passports should be valid for 6 months after the return date of your trip. More passport information and passport formsare available.

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BEAT JET LAG - Jet Lag is a normal occurrence but there are a few things you can do to avoid this disruption to your trip.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Plan to sleep in-flight. Don't assume that you can't sleep on the plane. Tell yourself you can and know that even dozing is good.
• Plan in advance and eliminate stress on your travel day
• Eat a full balanced meal high in carbohydrates and avoid caffeine the day before you leave.
• Avoid sugar filled foods on the day you travel (like pastries, snacks and candy) as well as coffee and tea (caffeinated or de-caffeinated).
• Drink lots of fluids, but only fruit juices, vegetable juices and water (no carbonated drinks).
• Set your watch to the time at your destination upon boarding the plane
• Watch the movie, listen to music, get comfortable with a pillow and blanket and sleep.
• In the morning (just before the plane lands) get up and go to the lavatory to wash, brush your teeth, shave -- it is a new day.
• Drink some Orange Juice to replenish your Vitamin C and eat/drink as you normally would for breakfast.
• Resist the temptation to nap after you arrive. Be active and make your body work.
• Soak up the sunshine if possible -- light helps your body adjust to time.
• Don't look back. Don't give a thought to what time it is at home.
• Enjoy your trip!