Frequently Asked Questions
PREPARING FOR YOUR VOYAGE
Are there passport or visa requirements for this trip?
All U.S. and Canadian guests will need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months past December 15, 2010. Please visit www.travel.state.gov for additional passport and visa requirements. Guests who hold passports from other countries will need to verify specific Passport/Visa requirements as required by the countries on the itinerary.
Will I need vaccinations for this trip?
No vaccinations are required. However, you may wish to consult your doctor who can provide you with information about any medical risks you may be exposed to while travelling. Please visit www.cdc.gov for more information.
Do you provide ground transportation from San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico?
Yes. The MV Explorer will embark from Ensenada, Mexico at 5:00PM on December 15th. A shuttle will be provided from San Diego, CA to Ensenada, Mexico. Additional information, including schedules and where to meet the shuttle in San Diego, will be sent to you closer to the sail date.
Do you provide ground transportation from the Ft. Lauderdale cruise terminal?
No, we do not provide ground transportation from the Ft. Lauderdale cruise terminal. You must arrange your own ground transportation. Upon your arrival in Ft. Lauderdale, metered taxis are available for transportation to the airport for approximately $15.
What will the weather be like, and what clothing should I bring?
Average temperatures in the ports on your itinerary range from highs around 85 degrees Fahrenheit to lows around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightweight cotton clothes are the most practical for this type of climate. However, keep in mind that the ship is air conditioned and the evenings may be cooler. You should bring a sweater, sweatshirt, or lightweight jacket as well. Please visit these weather prediction sites for further information:
Is there a suggested packing list?
Yes, some of the items we suggest you bring include:
- workout shoes/clothes for exercise and/or yoga classes
- semi-formal clothes for the two formal dinners
- camera/ video camera
- battery powered alarm clock
- medical items (insect repellant with DEET, seasickness medication, and any prescription items you will need)
- personal hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
- sunscreen/lotion
- water bottle
- favorite board game to share with others
- costume for the costume parade
Is there a store onboard?
Yes, the onboard store has clothing items and sundries, including some over-the-counter medications, available for purchase. All charges are billed to your shipboard account.
ACCOUNTS & FINANCES
How do I make purchases onboard the ship?
We operate on a cashless system. All shipboard purchases are charged to the guest’s shipboard account, which is secured by a major credit card (Master Card, Visa, and American Express). Charges are posted to the guest’s credit card at the conclusion of the voyage.
What are the gratuity guidelines onboard the ship?
We encourage you to use your own discretion when it comes to tipping. As a guideline, we suggest $8 USD a day per guest. This amount covers housekeeping and dining room personnel. At the conclusion of the voyage, a gratuity form will be delivered to your cabin. For your convenience, gratuities may be charged to your shipboard account.
ONBOARD ACCOMMODATIONS
Where will my luggage be stored?
There will not be a luggage storage area prior to embarkation time. All luggage will be loaded onto the MV Explorer during check-in. Once luggage is onboard, it should remain in your cabin. Storage space is limited; therefore, collapsible, soft-sided luggage is recommended.
What type of atmosphere will I encounter aboard the ship?
The atmosphere onboard the ship is casual. There will be 2 or 3 evening events that call for semi-formal wear. There are no formal, black tie events.
Is laundry service available?
Valet laundry service is available at a small fee. The vessel is not equipped to accommodate dry-cleaning needs.
What types of outlets are available in the cabins?
There are five 110-volt outlets in each cabin and a hair dryer is provided.
Will there be a doctor on board?
A medical clinic is available on the ship. The medical staff consists of a physician and physician’s assistant and/or nurse. Medical services will be available for all passengers and will be billed on a per visit basis.
How can I communicate with family, friends, and colleagues onboard the ship?
Telephone, e-mail, and fax services are available on the ship. Cabins are equipped with phones that enable ship-to-shore calling 24 hours per day. To place a call from the ship, a phone card, available for purchase on board, is required.
Internet service on the ship is available in the Internet Café and from your own laptop if it is equipped with wireless technology. Passengers can use the Internet service to access web-based e-mail accounts such as yahoo.com, hotmail.com, and aol.com. There is no charge for Internet service.
The number to send a fax to the ship is 954.538.6163. There is a $5.00/per page charge to send and receive a fax on board.