Boarding, Disembarkation and Variation of Itineraries
You are expected to arrive at the pier at least 2 hours prior to scheduled time of departure. It is your personal responsibility to board the vessel on time, so it is essential you verify the official time of departure as stated in your confirmed travel documentation. Should you fail to board at the required time, your booking will be cancelled leaving you liable to settle all associated costs.
Disembarkation commences approx. 2 hours after arrival at your destination port. Should you desire to terminate your cruise at a port other than your originally scheduled destination, special authorization by the relevant authorities must be requested as commercial cruise line traffic is subject to very specific legal guidelines and international transport legislation (Jones Act).
Forfeited days on board will not be refunded and additional costs and fees might be charged.
Booking fee
Because of the low cruise costs for the customer and the higher handling effort for our special rates, Cruise By Design, LLC charges a small one time booking fee  per full-paying guest. This booking fee is waived, if booking premium or luxury cruises, as well as for bookings completed online.


Children
Most cruise operators stipulate a minimum age of 6 months. Transatlantic, Hawaii, South-American and some other Cruises might require a minimum age of 1 year prior to travelling. On some cruises other age limits might be set at the discretion of the cruise line.
An adult or guardian accompanying a minor, whether or not the same family-name is shared, must provide written and certified authorization by the relevant authorities. Requirements vary from operator to operator.
During days at sea most cruise operators offer Kid's and Teen's Clubs and other child care services for children 3 years and older. During days at port opening hours of such services are usually restricted. Babysitting services are available at a charge on almost all cruises and should be requested 24 hours in advance.

Cruise Travel and Pregnancy
Most cruise companies will allow you to travel as long as your cruise is completed prior to the commencement of the 24th week of your pregnancy. An official medical certificate stating your due-date and ability to travel must be provided. Please refer to the relevant Terms & Conditions of each individual operator.


Facilities for Disabled Travellers and Medical Services
Most cruise ships offer a variety of cabins suitable for disabled passengers. Please provide a certificate detailing the nature and degree of your disability at the time of booking. Every disabled passenger is expected to either be self-sufficient or to travel with a suitable escort/assistant.
Should you require a wheelchair you are requested to provide your own equipment. Assistance during the embarkation/disembarkation process can be arranged, please advise the cruise operator in advance.
Doctors and nurses are on duty on every vessel. Consultations are charged according to the current schedule of fees. Medical equipment onboard is limited and only provides a basic level of care. Serious illness or injury might require emergency transport at your own expenses.
The purchase of an international travel/medical insurance is strongly recommended. Please note that most cruise ships do not have Dialysis facilities.

Internet Access
All cruise ships provide public internet access at a charge. Packages for use throughout your cruise are also provided at additional cost.

Tipping / Gratuities
It is common practice to tip your cabin and waiting staff. Most operators recommend an amount of approx. 10 - 13 USD per day, which is usually added to your onboard account.

Travel Documentation
Most cruise companies will send you electronic travel documentation and tickets via e-mail, also known as E-Docs / E-Tix.
Luggage tags can be collected at the pier prior to embarkation. In addition, it is highly recommended you clearly mark all your luggage with your name and contact details. You are advised to pack a separate overnight-bag for your last night onboard as the service personnel will collect your luggage on the evening prior to disembarkation.

Smoking

All cruise ships have especially marked smoking areas. Cabins are generally non-smoking and restrictions for smoking on your cabin balcony might apply.
Cruise operators reserve the right to penalize disregard of smoking policies.

Special Meal Requirements
Provided you inform us of your special meal requirements such as Diabetic, Kosher, Lactose or Gluten Free meals etc upon booking, special meals can be made available.
Special food for the consumption by babies will not be provided on most cruises and must be purchased and brought onboard by the parents.

Payment Onboard
Your personal onboard expenses will automatically be charged (at the last night) of your cruise to the credit card number you authorized at check in. The final account statement will be forwarded to your cabin on the last night of your cruise. Account queries should be settled with the staff at the Purser's Desk/Reception. In case you do not own a credit card you are required to make an appropriate deposit in cash or travellers' cheques at the reception.


Meals Onboard
Most cruise vessels provide you with a choice of several restaurants. Dinner models vary from cruise line to cruise line:
Flexible models such as Freestyle Cruising, Personal Choice Dining, "My Time" or "As You Wish" dining models allow you to have dinner at the time of your choice within the published opening hours, generally between 1730 hrs and 2230 hrs.
More traditional models would typically offer you 2 separate sessions (seatings) starting approx. at 1815 hrs and 2015 hrs respectively, with pre-allocated tables. Ideally you would advise us of your preferred session and table requirements at the time of booking.
The cruise line will attempt to honour your request, but cannot guarantee or confirm specifics.
Breakfast and Lunch sessions are usually open and options such as Buffet Restaurants, Room Service or reservations in smaller Specialty Restaurants are offered. Surcharges might apply for certain options.


Land Excursions
Land Excursions can be booked onboard at the Shore Excursion Desk and will be charged to your account. Most excursions can also be booked via the website of your cruise line prior to your departure. Passengers are free to organize their own excursions at any given port. In addition Cruise By Design can also organize shore excursions. We can handle all the details so you can enjoy your trip. If you plan your own excursions please keep in mind, additional visas and formalities might be required for some destinations.