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Call 877-621-2937 for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Reservations Questions
Pricing and Policy Questions
Air/Sea Questions
Operations Questions

 

Before You Sail
Planning Your Trip
Tickets and Documentation
Passports & Visas
What to Pack
Special Dietary Requests
Special Occasions
Shopping
Guest Protection Program
Baggage

 

Arriving & Departing
Air Transportation
Embarkation/Disembarkation
Customs Inspections
Hotels and Land Programs
Onboard
Business Services
Mail
Laundry/Valet Services
Beauty Salon/Barber Services
Shore Excursions
Tipping
Medical Services

 

 

General Reservations Questions
Q: What is the dress code on board the ships?

A: Shipboard attire ranges from Country Club casual to informal to formal. Country Club casual (resort-style attire) is appropriate for daytime on board or ashore. Shorts are not appropriate after 6 p.m. in any of the public rooms or lounges. Guests are asked not to wear bathing suits in the restaurants and lounges at any time. Evening attire can be Country Club casual, informal (sport coat and tie recommended), or formal (black tie optional). Evening dress codes begins at 6 p.m.

Q: How can I find the dress code for each sailing?

A: Depending on your itinerary the dress code varies by ship and location. In your documents it states how many formal nights there are, and once on board, the suggested evening dress code is listed on the front page of your ship's daily newsletter.

Q: How many formal nights are on a sailing?

A: Typically a 7-night cruise has 1 formal night. Longer voyages may have 2 or more formal nights. Dress code for Alaska, Bermuda and Tahiti sailings is Country Club casual ( formal attire is not required) and Mediterranean and others have one formal night on 7 night cruises. 

Q: I am in cabin 816 on the Mariner. Why do my bag tags say deck 8F?

A: The F means Forward deck which helps in the loading of bags on the pier.

Q: Can I book my cruise online?

A: Not at this time.

Q: Do we provide wheelchairs to passengers?

A: No, they would have to provide their own, except in an emergency.

Q: What is your smoking policy?

A: Certain public venues have been designated as non-smoking areas. Generally, the portside (left side) of the ship is non-smoking and the starboard side (right side) allows for smoking. There are no restrictions concerning smoking in suites/staterooms.

Q: What amenities are included on your ships?

A: Wine with dinner, shipboard gratuities and in suite bar set up at the beginning of each voyage.

Q: What is your policy about additional gratuities?

A: Gratuities are included in the cruise fare for all RSSC vessels. If guests feel strongly about expressing their gratitude to the crew, they should be encouraged to make a donation to the Crew Welfare Fund at the Purser Office. This money is utilized for crew parties and events.

Q: What is "open seating?"

A: You can dine whenever, wherever and with whomever you choose during regular dining hours. In some of the alternative restaurants, reservations are recommended.

Q: Where can I find the day-to-day itineraries?

A: Under the cruise calendar of each ship. Visit our Plan a voyage section.

Q: After I make a reservation, when do you need a deposit?

A: A 10% deposit is due within 72 hours, final payment is due 90 days prior to sailing. However, there are exceptions; for example, the World Cruise require a 20% deposit.

Q: How long does it take to get your brochures?

A: Brochures should be received 10-14 business days after the request. Visit the Order brochure(s) section to request up to 3 destination brochures.

Q: Are children allowed? And what about children's fares?

A: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult over the age of 21.  RSSC may restrict the number of children on board.  RSSC is unable to accept infants less than 6 months of age.

Q. Are there special children's fares?

A: For special pricing, contact reservations at 1-800-285-1835 as the information varies for each ship and sailing date.

Q. Are there special activities for children?

A. Our Club Mariner program is designed for different age groups from toddlers to teens, and is supervised by specially trained counselors. Club Mariner is available on select sailings only. Please ask your travel professional for details.

 


 

Pricing and Policy Questions
Q: Are past guests eligible for any discounts?

A: Seven Seas Society members, or guests who have sailed with us before, are eligible for a 5 to 10% savings on all voyages (policy valid through May 15, 2005). Effective May 16, 2005 members will be eligible for a 5 or 10% savings on select voyages. Restrictions apply.

 
Q: What is the pricing policy on combination cruises?
 
A: A number of cruises may be combined. When combining voyages, take the best available per guest fare from each voyage and subtract a 5% combination savings. Select sailings (such as those on 2-for-1 promotion, World Cruise, South America or Grand Pacific combinations) are not eligible for the 5% combination savings. If a 2-for-1 sailing is combined with another that offers free air or a early booking savings, the 5% combination savings is applicable. Selected sailings may also offer combination savings of greater than 5%.
 
Q: How is 2-for-1 pricing calculated?
 
A: 2-for-1 pricing is calculated from the full brochure fare (not including early booking savings) or first guest fare. The 2-for-1 applies to all categories unless otherwise noted. 2-for-1 promotions may be capacity controlled, subject to availability.
 
Q: How is pricing handled for triples/quad occupancy?
 
A: The third or fourth adult in any deluxe or penthouse suite is 50% of the minimum category fare after early booking or 2-for-1 savings has been applied. Third and fourth guests in named suites will pay the minimum category fare. Third and fourth guests do not qualify for free air on free air or What a Fare Deal promotions. Standard air add-ons apply. Children ages 11 and under in any category pay 50% of the minimum category fare.
 
Q: What is your pricing policy for singles?
 
A: Standard single supplements are 100% for named suites, 75% for Penthouuse suites and 30-35% for deluxe suites. Single supplements are capacity controlled and may be raised at any time. Exceptions may apply.
 
Q: Are there any governmental fees that may apply?
 
A: NAFTA/INS fees apply to cruises terminating in the U.S. or San Juan and are charged as follows:
  • $4.75 per person for cruises limited to US ports, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean Islands
  • $12 per person for cruises visiting or beginning at a port outside of the above
    Rates are subject to change at any time.
Q: Are there any other fees that may be added to the cruise fare?

 
A: A fuel surcharge of $2.85 per person wil apply to all 2005 sailings. An air fuel surcharge assessed  by the   airline will apply to all Tahiti ($60 per person roundtrip) and Europe ($80 per person roundtrip) passengers with cruise departures on/after 5/1/2005. If the airline charges less than the above amounts, our guests will be charged less accordingly.
 
Q: Do you have a standard cancellation policy?
 
A: Cancellation penalties are assessed as follows:
120-91 days prior to sailing date: $200 administration fee per person
90-60 days prior to sailing date: 10% of fare per person
59-30 days prior to sailing date: 25% of fare per person
29-15 days prior to sailing date: 50% of fare per person
14-0 days prior to sailing date: 100% of fare per person
Cancellation period is based on vacation start date, not cruise departure date.

 


 

Air/Sea Questions
Q: Can economy air be upgraded using frequent flyer mileage?

A: RSSC uses contracted fares, which do not allow mileage upgrades.  Passengers or travel agents are welcome to check with the airline directly for exceptions to this rule.

Q: May I choose specific airlines, flights and times?

A: Yes, as long as we have a contract with the requested carrier or it is one we are using as a preferred carrier.  There is a concierge fee of $100 per person to request specific flights.

Q: When will I receive my air schedule?

A: Air schedules are sent out 90 days prior to departure.  Should you require immediate confirmation, you may book your flights through Radisson Seven Seas Concierge at any time.  For a small fee, your flights will be confirmed upon your request.  Deposit must be provided before air is confirmed.

Q: Can I be confirmed on the same flights as my friends and family, and will there be a fee charged to do so?

A: At the time of booking, please ask Reservations to cross-reference your booking with your friends and family.  RSSC will do everything possible to confirm your flights together.  There is no additional fee to cross-reference your bookings.

 

 


 

Operations Questions
Q: When are documents sent out?

A: Approximately 25 days prior to the sailing. 

Q: May I pre-purchase transfers for my disembarkation?

A: Return transfers must be arranged on board with the tour desk and will be billed to your shipboard account.

 


 

Planning Your Trip    
To plan and book your sailing, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises strongly recommends the services of your professional travel agent.  He or she is best qualified to assist you with all your travel needs.
Tickets and Documentation    
After receipt of final payment and required guest information, cruise documents will be sent to guests approximately twenty five days prior to departure.  If you are on an RSSC air/sea program, your flight itinerary will be issued wherever possible in the form of e-tickets.  Airlines have mandated that all travel agencies and cruise lines issue e-tickets on all e-ticket eligible itineraries.  If passengers require a paper ticket on an e-ticket eligible itinerary, airline fees will be assessed.
Passports & Visas    
Passport and Visa requirements may vary depending upon nationality.  It is the guest's responsibility to obtain a passport that is valid for six months after your cruise ends for all international destinations.  Regardless of port or destination RSSC strongly recommends all U.S. Citizens to travel with a valid passport. Please consult your travel professional or customs authority for documentation requirements for your cruise. A passport is required if embarking or debarking the ship outside of the U.S.A.

Visa requirements must be verified and obtained approximately 90 days prior to sailing at www.zvs.com/members. In Name field, type RADISSON; Password: 77720.

Blanket visas through RSSC cover only our shore excursions, not trips that passengers decide to do by themselves.  It is the passengers responsibility to determine passport and visa requirements for their cruise itinerary.  It is the guests' responsibility to ensure that they are in possession of all required visas and travel documents prior to sailing.

Note: Effective January 1, 2006

All persons wishing to enter the United States must have a valid and current passport.  This will apply to United States Citizens wishing to re-enter the United States.  Entry or re-entry to the United States will not be permitted with a United States issued certified birth certificate, naturalization document or expired United States passport. Important Travel Notice

What to Pack    
Attire ranges from country club casual to informal and formal. Country Club casual (resort-style outfits) is appropriate for daytime on board ship or ashore.  Evening attire can be Country Club casual, informal or formal.  Casual wear includes open neck shirts, slacks and sport outfits.  For informal evenings, dresses or pantsuits, coats and ties are suggested.  Formal evening-wear is gowns and cocktail dresses, tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits.  Cruises of seven to ten days have one or two formal nights; longer cruises of eleven to fourteen days usually have three formal nights.
Special Dietary Requests    
Using the Guest Information Form, please advise Radisson Seven Seas Cruises between four and six weeks prior to sailing of any special dietary requirements you may have.  General dietary needs such as low salt or low cholesterol foods can be satisfied onboard the ship just by speaking with the dining wait staff. 
Special Occasions    
If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or other special occasion during your cruise, allow us to celebrate with you by having your travel consultant advise us on your Guest Information Form of such occasions between four and six weeks prior to departure.
Shopping    
The ships' boutiques offer a selection of designer fashions, perfumes and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' logo items. Toiletries and convenience items are also available for purchase. The boutiques may be closed occasionally while in port due to local government regulations.
Guest Protection Program    
We strongly encourage guests to obtain some form of trip cancellation and medical coverage as Medicare and many other health plans do not cover participants traveling outside the United States. RSSC has arranged for a comprehensive passenger protection program that provides health and baggage insurance, together with other benefits, at competitive prices. The cost of this protection plan is calculated based on the price you pay for your cruise, and will be automatically charged unless declined at the time of booking or in writing at the time of Final Payment, or can be viewed through the links noted below. These terms are fully presented in the Description of Coverage insert included with RSSC invoices or are available by calling the plan administrator, BerkelyCare at 800-453-4023 or 516-294-0220.

Please note, we've made several changes to our insurance coverage for 2006 sailings. Click here to learn more about these changes.

Click the document names below for additional information regarding the Guest Protection Program:

2005 Complete Description of Coverage - Standard
2006 Complete Description of Coverage - Standard
2006 Description of Coverage Summary - Standard
2006 Complete Description of Coverage - World Cruise
2006 Description of Coverage Summary - World Cruise

Baggage    
The amount of personal baggage allowed on our vessels is not limited, but airlines do have limitations. The customary allowance per person is two checked pieces that must not exceed 107 inches (273 cm) when length, height and width measurements are combined.  No single piece may exceed the three-dimensional sum of 62 inches (158 cm) and a weight of 70 lbs. (31.75 kg).

 


 

Air Transportation    
 

Air transportation is based on economy/coach or similar class of service on scheduled or charter services of IATA, U.S. or international air carriers.  Designated air departure or return cities are at the discretion of Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and are subject to change without notice.  RSSC reserves the right to choose the air carrier, routing and scheduling to and from each city and the right to substitute charter flights for scheduled air and vice versa.  Service is subject to availability.

Airline tickets issued by RSSC are restricted by contract and may not be reissued or exchanged for another air carrier or routing.  In addition the airline tickets are non transferable to another guest.  Cancellation or rebooking charges may be assessed by the airline for any changes which are the sole responsibility of the guest.

Advance seat selection is subject to the policy of the participating air carrier and may not be available. The service and responsibility of the air carrier used in conjunction with any RSSC cruise program is subject to and limited by the "Contact of Carriage" as specified by the air carrier for each ticket issued.

Guests using an Air/Sea Program may upgrade to Business or First Class air service subject to space availability by the airline used in conjunction with the itinerary, and upon payment of the applicable airfare.  RSSC does not redeem airline accrued frequent flyer mileage for Air/Sea upgrades.  The possibility of such redemption is at the sole discretion of the airlines and must be handled directly with the participating carrier.

Embarkation/Disembarkation    
Embarkation times will be included in your final cruise documents.  Please arrive for boarding during these times, but no later than one hour prior to the time of sailing.  Regretfully, early embarkation is not possible.  However, on occasion, the ship may board guests as soon as the ship is ready. For disembarkation, guests should plan on vacating their suites shortly after the scheduled arrival time into port.  Cruise-only guests should not schedule flights prior to four hours after disembarkation (five hours for San Jose).
Customs Inspections    
Upon returning to the United States, all baggage is subject to inspection by U.S. Customs Service.  Guests originating or terminating their cruise in a foreign port may also be subject to inspection by local customs officials.  Residents of the United States are allowed a duty-free exemption of $400 per person and those over the age of 21 may include one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes in their exempted purchases.
Hotels and Land Programs    
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises offers its guests the option to purchase hotel stays or land programs.  You may extend your stay in your port of embarkation or disembarkation in one of the hotels listed, or opt for a special exclusive package in some of the most prestigious hotels in the world.  The prices include room, tax, service charges, full breakfast, porterage and transfers as applicable.  Please note that rates do not include early check-in or late check-out.  Official standard check-in time is usually 3:00 pm and check-out time 11:00 am.  One night or additional night accommodations may be purchased to ensure early check-in for guests arriving on early flights, or for guests with late flight departures.  Radisson Seven Seas reserves the right to substitute hotels.

Some optional land programs are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of participants is not achieved.  Cancellation penalties apply on land/hotel programs cancelled within 30 days of departure (60 days in 2004).  Guests participating in the RSSC Air/Sea Program and not deviating will receive airport transfers to/from the pier or hotel.  For guests with independent flight arrangements, a private car transfer from the airport to the pier can be purchased in advance and flight information must be advised at least thirty days prior to departure.  We regret that motorcoach transfers cannot be booked pre-cruise for guests with independent flight arrangements.

All post-cruise transfers can only be booked on board at the tour office.

 


 

Business Services    
Business equipment is available, including fax machine and copy services.  Fax reception is complimentary; fax transmission and ship-to-shore phone calls are available at standard tariffs.  For a nominal fee, guests may send or receive e-mail via computers on board.
Mail    
Outbound mail service and postage are available on all ships at a nominal charge.
Laundry/Valet Services    
Laundry and valet services, including pressing and dry cleaning, are available with charge and may be arranged through your Stewardess.  On board Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager, self-service laundries including irons and ironing boards are located on select guest decks.
Beauty Salon/Barber Services    
Beauty salon services and spa services including manicures, pedicures, facials and a variety of spa treatments are available by appointment on all ships.  Unfortunately, to ensure proper scheduling, these services may not be pre-arranged.  However, once on board, the ship's dedicated staff will make every effort to accommodate your schedule.
Shore Excursions    
A program of shore excursions may be made available for purchase on board each ship.  A shore excursion booklet will be sent in advance with final documentation.  Radisson Seven Seas reserves the right to withdraw any shore excursion or land program if the required minimum passenger number is not met.  Cancellation by RSSC of any of these programs does not constitute grounds for cancellation of your cruise.  Shore excursion program fares are per guest and subject to space availability.  Operation of these shore excursions is subject to weather conditions, flight schedule changes and local conditions.  Any cruise cancellation penalties remain in effect as per terms and conditions outlined in the cruise brochure.
Tipping    
Gratuities are not expected on board; they are included in your cruise fare.
Medical Services    
Each ship has a licensed and registered doctor and nurse for professional and emergency services, which are available at customary charges. The ships' medical centers are designed to provide medical care for certain temporary illnesses and accidents, and are not intended or capable of providing on-going treatment of pre-existing medical conditions.  For guests requiring oxygen equipment, an oxygen concentrator is the only form of oxygen equipment allowed aboard ship, and must be provided by the guest.  RSSC wheelchairs on board are for emergency purposes only.

 

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