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 DANCEFUN - Frequently Asked Questions

      

Dance Cruise *uestions    

Is the entire ship made up of dancers? 
What makes a dance cruise different from a regular cruise?
What is the average age on your dance cruises?
What do I get for my money?
Is a Dance Cruise suitable if we have kids??
Are there any age restrictions?
Can I book with my local travel agent or directly with the cruise line and still join your dance group activities?

 

General Cruise *uestions

Can I afford a cruise?
What can I do on a ship?
Will I feel bored or confined on board?
How long do cruises last?
Are all cruise ships the same?
What is a Day at Sea?
What's a shore excursion?
What type of clothing should I pack?
Is smoking permitted on the ship?
What are the tipping guidelines?
When can I board the ship?
Will I need a passport?
Are cruises really that popular?
What are in the Cabins?

Are there laundry facilities on board?

 

 

Pricing/Booking Procedure *uestions

How much is my deposit and when is final payment due?
Can cabins hold more than two passengers?
Is there any way to avoid the Single Supplement?
When should I reserve my cruise to get the best rate?
Can DanceFun make my airline reservations?
When will I get my air schedule if I book the air as a package?
Is there transportation to the ship from the airport?
Can I cancel my cruise?
Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
What is Travel Insurance?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dance Cruise Questions


*  Is the entire ship made up of dancers?
No, the entire ship will not be dancers. DanceFun hosts a number of dance groups each year to a variety of destinations around the world. Each group varies in destination and dance theme – Ballroom, Country, Swing, Salsa, Lindy Hop or a combination. The cruise line treats our group’s activities as private parties, open only to those sailing with our group [top]

* What makes a Dance Cruise different from a regular cruise?
On DanceFun Cruises you will find lots of activities geared for the active dancer.  DanceFun cruises offer:

  • Dances most nights hosted by our instructors
  • Our own DJ for the best dance music
  • A good number of dance workshops on the days at sea with our top instructors
  • Private parties for just us, as well as some shore excursions together
  • Nightly dining together
  • And more !  [top]

 

*  What is the average age on your dance cruises?
Typically we have a wide spread on ages within our groups.  Although we have guests older and younger, we do find larger numbers from 30’s to 60’s as a general trend. [top]

*  What is included in the price?
Included:  Welcome Aboard Party, Workshops with top Instructors, Private Dances hosted by our Instructors, Stateroom Accommodations, Meals and Beverages, All the Ship’s Entertainment & Activities, Exotic Ports of Call !  There are also other possible items included that vary each sailing: like games, parties, special excursions, gifts, etc.
Items not included:  Meals at "Reservations Only" Dining, bar beverages (alcohol and soft drinks), shore excursions gratuities, transportation to and from the ship.  [top]

*  Is a dance cruise suitable if we have kids?
Children are not only welcome, but on most ships there are programs geared to each age group form 3 through teens.  Cruise ships have state-of-art kids-only facilities, counselors, daytime activities and nighttime baby-sitting. Children of all ages are welcome on most ships. [top]

*  Are there any age restrictions?
Babies under 6 months of age and women in their last trimester of pregnancy are not permitted to sail.  This is in consideration the safety and comfort of the infant as well as the other guests.  Additionally the ships are not equipped to handle the potential specialized emergency needs.
Older children and young adults:  If you are bringing older children (under 21 they must be in a cabin with someone over 25, or in some cases can be in a cabin adjoining or adjacent to yours.  Please book this in advance.  The closer to final payment we get, the more difficult it is to find adjacent cabins.  [top]

*  Can I book with my local travel agent or directly with the cruise line and still join your group activities?
Sorry, but No. To be part of our dance group, you must book the cruise through DanceFun.  No exceptions.  Any dancer onboard who does not book through DanceFun will be denied access to our nightly dances, workshops, private parties, shore excursions, and nightly dining together. [top]


General Cruise Questions


*  Can I afford a cruise?
If you can afford to take a hotel-based vacation, you can afford to take a cruise vacation. There are cruises available at all price ranges - from budget to luxury - and all represent perhaps the best value for your vacation dollar. [top]

*  What can I do on a ship?
That depends on the ship, but generally the larger ships will have the most activities. You may wish to lounge on deck by the pool or enjoy any of the activities provided by the ship including the pool, the spa, the casino, trying your luck at bingo, or any of the almost nightly Broadway-style floor shows. And on a dance cruise is the added value of Dance – workshops, dances parties, mixers with other dancers and more!  Our clients tell us that on every cruise they meet new friends. [top]

*  Will I feel bored or confined on board?
Never! Think of a cruise ship as a floating resort on par with any Las Vegas megahotel. On-board activities begin at dawn and go into the wee hours of the night. The scenery is constantly changing, and every port is filled with new and exciting opportunities for exploration and fun! [top]

*  How long do cruises last?
DanceFun Cruises are usually 7 Days.  A few up to 12 Days. [top]


*  Are all cruise ships the same?
Absolutely not. They range from yacht-like vessels with 100 passengers to towering megaships with huge atriums and a maximum capacity of more than 3,000 people. We have picked those best for fun and dancing!  [top]

*  What is a Day at Sea?
A Day at Sea is a full day spent sailing between two ports. Most cruises include one or more Days at Sea. [top]

*  What's a shore excursion?
That's a term that refers to anything you do off the ship, in port. At every stop, you'll have the option of exploring the area on your own or as part of a group with a planned itinerary.  The cruise lines offer a plethora of options at each port.  Note, it is best to book your excursion once on board.  There will be information available at the shore excursion desk and in an excursion book in your room, as well as a talk by the Cruise Director on the first day of the cruise that you can attend in person, or it will be repeated on your in-cabin TV.   Booking onboard allows you to cancel within 24 hours – booking before the cruise guarantees your excursion, but if you cancel aboard ship there are usually cancellation fees. (around 10%)  [top]

*  What type of clothing should I pack?
Packing for a cruise is like packing for any resort-based vacation. You'll want to bring comfortable, casual clothing for daytime on board and in port, and swimsuits and workout clothes for pools, Jacuzzis, saunas and health clubs.
Tank tops, shorts or sandals are not allowed in the dining room.  They encourage jackets for men, but are happy with collared shirts and slacks.  And for the ladies they encourage dresses but are happy with slacks and blouse.  Also, especially for the ladies – the dining rooms can be cool.  We suggest a shawl for light wrap for your arms for the evening meals. 
For Formal Nights – They encourage formal wear.  Men will be dressed in at least a jacket and tie, and many in formal wear (tux)! 
Ladies are fine in anywhere from Cocktail dresses and pant suits to evening gowns.  You’ll want to dress to impress!  There are many photo Opportunities on formal night.  [top]

*  Is smoking permitted on the ship?
Smoking is permitted in designated areas only. Dining rooms and main Show lounge are smoke free. Smoking is not permitted at our dances. [top]

*  What are the tipping guidelines?
Most cruise lines charge tips to your onboard account automatically. These tips can be adjusted to the level of service by speaking with the purser's desk. Generally speaking, $10 per person, per day (example: $70.00 for a 7 day cruise. [top]

*  When can I board the ship?
Most cruises start embarkation 3-4 hours before sailing. We recommend that you arrive at least a minimum of 1 hour before the cruise is scheduled to set sail. [top]

*  Will I need a passport?
All cruises now require proof of citizenship. On some itineraries, a certified copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or government-issued photo I.D. are sufficient, on others a passport is required. Visas may also be required on the more exotic itineraries. We will advise you on documents you will need depending on your itinerary. All non-US and non-Canadian citizens must verify proof of citizenship and visa requirements with the embassy, consulate or immigration office of the countries in their cruise itinerary. [top]

*  Are cruises really that popular?
You better believe it! More than ten million people will cruise in the next year, and cruising routinely earns the highest ratings in customer satisfaction among all vacation categories. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.  The number of cruise ships doubles about every 10 years. [top]

*  What are in the cabins?

In your Cabin:

2 Twin Beds that can form a King Bed
Television
Phone
Vanity
Heating/Cooling Thermostat
A/C 110 volt and European 220 volt power outlets
Some Ocean & Balcony Cabins have a Couch
Balcony Cabins have Mini-Bars / Refrigerator

In your Bathrooms:

Hairdryer (in vanity)
Bodywash
Shampoo
Towels
A/C 110 volt and European 220 volt power outlets

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*  Are there Laundry Facilities on board?
Yes, most decks have a coin operated laundry room and the ship offers laundry & dry cleaning service for a fee.
Coins may be obtained at the information desk. See you cabin steward for laundry & dry cleaning service details. [top]

 




Pricing/Booking Procedure Questions


*  How much is my deposit and when is final payment due?
Deposit amounts depend on the specific cruise you are reserving.   Most deposits range from $375-$580 per person depending on the specific cruise. With a larger deposit amount, we sometimes split it into a first and second deposit.  Final payments are generally due about 90 days before the sail date. [top]

*  Can cabins hold more than two passengers?
On most ships, a number of cabins can accommodate up to 4 people.  Generally, there is a reduction in price for the 3rd &  4th  passengers in a cabin. The cabins accommodating more than two guests may have upper bunks.  These are limited on the ship so ask early to secure this type of accommodation.  We cannot hold these cabins without passenger names and full deposits.  Ask your DanceFun representative for rates and availability when you call. [top]

*  Is there any way to avoid the Single Supplement?
All cruise lines impose a single supplement to those traveling single, usually close to 200% of the base fare.  For those wishing to avoid the single supplement DanceFun helps by introducing potential roommates to each other, but we do not assign a roommate.  In our experience, we find that the earlier one registers for the cruise, you position yourself for greater success in finding a  roommate.  If by final payment you do not have a roommate, the cruise line will require you book as a single to secure your reservation.  If you book as a single and get a roommate after final payment your costs will be adjusted for the double occupancy rate.  For those who prefer a private cabin, single supplement rates will apply. [top]

*  When should I reserve my cruise to get the best rate?
Prices are not guaranteed until a deposit is paid. In most cases, our special rates will be withdrawn by the cruise line after final payment, and rates will increase. Remember that if you need special accommodations, such as specific area of the ship or a triple or quad cabin, the earlier these are booked the better your chances are for getting your requests met.  [top]

*  Can DanceFun also make my airline reservations?
The prices shown on our site are cruise-only.  On some cruises we offer group air rates from specific locations.  These will be listed on our website under the Air and Hotel link.  We can also get quotes for you from the Cruise line for air from a gateway city near you. [top]

*  When will I get my air schedule if I book the air as a package?
Air schedules are released by the cruise line about 30 days prior to sailing. The choice of airline, routing and flight times are at the discretion of the cruise line. The cruise lines will only book you on flights that will allow you to get to the pier in plenty of time for departure. If you want to request a specific airline with a specific routing and/or times, most cruise lines offer special "air deviation" programs. There will be an airfare deviation minimum charge of $50 per person for this service. [top]

*  Is there transportation to the ship from the airport?
If you purchase the cruise line's airfare through DanceFun, in most cases, the transfers are included.  If you choose to arrange your own airfare, you can still purchase round trip ground transportation between the airport and the ship from the Cruise line through DanceFun.  Ground transfers are non-refundable. As an alternative, local taxi cabs or airport shared ride vans are available at most airports.  They can be found right outside the baggage claim area. [top]

*  Can I cancel my cruise?
You may cancel your cruise.  The best way to do this is to call to verify penalty rates and/or check on how to file insurance claim (if applicable).  This must be followed up by request to cancel in writing – Email if fine.  Be sure to refer to the Cancellation fees specific to your cruise.  These can be found on your Cruise confirmation from DanceFun and are also listed on the website. [top]

*  Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your travel investment.  An illness, an accident or an unexpected situation can arise before or during any type of vacation. Such an event might cause you to cut short your cruise or cause your trip to be cancelled altogether.  The closer to your cruise date you cancel, the greater your loss of monies due cancellation fees or no refund available at all.  Remember to not just insure your cruise, but your airfare too. [top]

 
*   What is Travel Insurance?
Travel Insurance is an insurance policy that protects the cash investment in your trip, unforeseen medical expenses, lost luggage, and much more. 
One of the main reasons for travel insurance is for "Trip Cancellation" -- to refund the cost of your trip in case of: S.A.D. – “Sickness, Accident or Death”.
S – Sickness – you or your travel companion become ill (for a medical reason) and cannot travel or become ill and cannot complete your travel
A – Accident – you or your travel companion have an Accident and cannot travel, or have an accident on the trip and cannot complete your travel
D – Death – If a death occurs in your immediate family prior to your trip and you cannot go or a death occurs during your trip and you cannot complete your travel.
The cost of Travel Insurance is based on your age and the value of your trip.  Call us for more info or see: www.travelguard.com our recommend Insurance Carrier for more details.
1-866-DANCEFUN (1-866-326-2338) or 405-282-8989.  Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm, CST

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