Your Cruise FAQs

There are a variety of ways in which you can book a cruise with us!

- On our website - Browse the available cruises and make your booking online. We'll be in touch with all the necessary documentation in due course.

- By phone - Rather book over the phone? No problem. Give our Cruise Experts a call on 01246 819 819 during our opening hours and we'd be happy to assist.

These are:

Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Bank Holidays: 9:00am – 9:00pm

- In Person - Our Cruise Bureau is open by appointment only. If you'd like to discuss your options in person, then give us a call on 01246 819 819 and we'd be happy to book you in. Please note the Cruise Bureau is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10am – 4pm, and is located at our Cruise Centre in Barlborough.

Your cruise fare typically includes accommodation, meals, entertainment, and access to various onboard facilities. However, additional costs may include gratuities, alcoholic beverages, speciality dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi. Please refer to the specific details of your chosen cruise line for a full list of inclusions and exclusions.

Before boarding the ship, you will need to bring your passport or other approved forms of identification, as well as any necessary visa documents, vaccination records, or travel insurance information. We advise checking the specific requirements for your cruise destination and those of your cruise line for full details.

You can stay informed about the itinerary and schedule of your cruise by accessing the cruise line's mobile app or online portal, which often provide up-to-date information on activities, ports of call, and any changes to the itinerary. Daily newsletters and announcements will also be available onboard, which will either be available in your cabin TV, or through the schedule posted to your stateroom each day.

Absolutely! It's crucial that you make us aware of any requests at the time of booking, so we can pass them on to your cruise line. This is the case for dietary restrictions or mobility needs, as well as anything else that may prove critical to the enjoyment of your holiday.

Travel insurance is not typically included in your cruise booking with Bolsover Cruise Club. However, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment and cover any unforeseen events during your trip. We strongly suggest taking out cruise-specific cover, as this will offer reassurance in the event there is any disruption to your cruise holiday, including missed ports of call.

Yes! Bolsover Cruise Club has a dedicated Cruise & Stay team who can tailor your holiday to your specific needs.

We can take care of every single element of your holiday, from the flights and sailing itself, right down to the theatre tickets and airport parking. Booking with us also means your holiday is fully protected; ABTA protection comes as standard with our itineraries, and those with a flight element are covered by the ATOL scheme.

All our Cruise & Stay holidays are also covered by the UK Package Travel Regulations, which ensures the standard of the holiday you have booked is exactly as it should be.

An adapted cabin on a cruise ship is a cabin that has been specially designed or modified to accommodate passengers with disabilities or those with specific accessibility needs. These cabins typically include wider door frames to accommodate wheelchairs, more open space for easier manoeuvrability, accessible bathrooms equipped with grab bars and a roll-in shower, lower closet rods and shelving, and often emergency alarms fitted in the bathroom. The aim is to ensure that all passengers, regardless of physical limitations, can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay on board the ship. We recommend that you request these cabins well in advance, as they are limited in number on most ships.

Cruise lines tend to open their new itineraries earlier than airlines, so booking early allows you to secure your preferred accommodations and itinerary. However, the best time to book a cruise depends on several factors including your budget, travel dates, and individual preferences.

If you're looking for the best deals, you may find lower prices by booking off-season, which means avoiding times when demand is typically high, such as summer holidays or Christmas.

If you're going on a cruise from the UK or overseas you'll need to pack your passport. It doesn't matter where you're headed, even if you're not planning to leave the ship - your passport is your ticket to proving who you are and where you're from when you're crossing borders.

Many cruises from the UK make stops at places abroad, and you'll need a valid passport to be allowed entry when you dock. Your passport will be checked when you first get on the ship, when you finally get off, and possibly at each stop along the way. This is just to make sure everything is above board with immigration rules.

Even if you're just cruising around destinations within the British Isles Common Travel Area, which includes places like the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, don't forget your passport. Yes, British and Irish folks usually have easier entry requirements within these areas, but the cruise lines do want you to bring your passport. This way, it's easier to handle any changes to the journey that might pop up unexpectedly.

Within a few days of booking a cruise, you will receive documentation that outlines when we need to receive the final balance for your holiday. Please note that we will need to receive payment on or before this date to avoid the possibility of any late-payment charges, or the possible cancellation of your cruise.

If you are in any doubt about when your balance is due, visit the 'My Trip' area of our website for further information.

The quickest and easiest way to pay the balance on your cruise is by visiting the 'My Trip' section of our website. Here, you will be able to quickly enter your card details and we'll get to work on sending our all your documentation. In the event that you need to speak to us, please give our Cruise Experts a call in 01246 819 819 who will be happy to assist.

Cruise ships operate a cashless system, so when you embark your cruise, you will be asked to provide card details. Any expenses you incur on board will automatically be applied to your account and charged once you have completed your cruise. A pre-authorisation amount may appear on your statement, which will be removed in due course.

If you want to settle your account in cash, ask the reception desk on board whether this will be possible.

The currency used on your ship will vary. For example, expenses on a P&O Cruises sailing will be charged in Pound Sterling, while on Cunard they are billed in US Dollars. It's a good idea to check with your cruise line before you set sail, as anything you spend on your cruise will be charged to your account in the onboard currency.

Onboard credit - also known as onboard spend - can be considered 'free money' provided by the cruise line for you to spend during your cruise. It is applied to your shipboard account, and it can be used for various purchases you make onboard your cruise.

Examples of the purchases you could make with your onboard credit include spa treatment, shop purchases, speciality dining and shore excursions, although each cruise line will have its policies and restrictions.

Typically, when embarking on a cruise from the UK there is no limit on the quantity of baggage you can bring. However, a weight limitation of 30kg per item is often in place for handling reasons. It's crucial to bear in mind that all your luggage must fit into your cabin!

In the instance where your cruise requires a flight, the airline establishes your luggage allowance. Most airlines typically permit between 20 to 25kg of checked luggage in addition to your carry-on baggage. The specific allowance can vary by airline, so it's recommended to check beforehand.

The tipping policy may differ among cruise lines, with some including gratuities in the cruise fare. In the event they are not already included, tips with automatically be added to your onboard account, or you can choose to pre-pay them. Please refer to the information provided by your cruise line for full details.

Age restrictions and adult-only areas vary by cruise line and ship. Some cruise lines offer designated adults-only areas such as pools, lounges, or restaurants, while others have minimum age requirements to access certain facilities. Please check with our Cruise Experts or review the cruise line's policies to understand any specific age restrictions or adult-only areas onboard.

You can arrange shore excursions either directly with the cruise line or through Bolsover Cruise Club. Our experienced team can help you explore the available options and book excursions that suit your interests. It's advisable to book in advance to secure your spot, as popular excursions may fill up quickly.

In the event of unforeseen events that cause changes or cancellations to your cruise itinerary, the cruise line will provide necessary updates and alternatives to ensure a smooth travel experience. If major changes occur, such as itinerary alterations or cancellations, the cruise line will communicate the options available to you, which may include rescheduling, alternative routes, or compensation in some cases. Our team, along with the cruise line, will work closely to assist you and provide solutions.

Some cruise lines offer self-service laundry facilities that are free of charge, while others may require a payment for you to use them. There are also discrepancies in whether laundry detergent will be supplied, or if you will need to provide your own.

In some instances, a complimentary laundry service will be included in your cruise fare. The easiest way to find out is to check with your individual cruise line.

How you choose to spend your cruise days is entirely up to you! Disembark the ship at ports of call if you choose, or stay on board and continue to enjoy the ship's facilities and entertainment. If you do decide to leave the ship, you can explore the port at your own leisure or join a shore excursion organised by your cruise line.

Most cruise ships do provide internet access. However, factors such as availability, speed and cost may vary based on the cruise line and the itinerary.

It's essential to know that cruise ship internet is generally not as fast or reliable as what you're accustomed to onshore due to the technological challenges of maintaining a stable connection while at sea. However, the internet should be sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, emailing, and social media usage.

The cost of accessing the internet also varies widely among cruise lines. Some offer internet packages at a daily rate, others might charge based on data usage or provide free access as part of specific room packages. It's recommended to check the details with your particular cruise line prior to travel. Some cruise lines will include internet access in the cruise fare.

Please note that these services and costs can change, and the availability of the internet might be affected by the ship's location and the weather.

Booking a shore excursion through a cruise ship offers benefits such as a guaranteed return to the ship even if the excursion is delayed, thereby providing security and peace of mind. It also offers added convenience as the cruise line takes care of all logistics like transportation and tour guides. Additionally, cruise lines typically partner with trusted tour operators to ensure quality and safety standards. Any emergencies during the tour can be promptly communicated to the onboard staff.

A muster drill, also known as a safety drill, is a compulsory briefing that takes place on a cruise ship before it sets sail. It serves as an essential safety procedure designed to familiarise all passengers and crew with the location of their assembly station, also known as the muster station.

In the event of an emergency, it's at these stations where passengers would gather. To ensure the passengers' understanding and preparedness, this drill includes demonstrations and instructions, such as how to put on a life jacket. These drills aim to enhance passengers' safety awareness and ensure they are ready to properly respond in case of an emergency.

It's important to note that participation in a muster drill is mandatory, regardless of how often you have cruised before.

A formal night - sometimes called a gala evening - on a cruise ship is a special event where passengers are encouraged to dress in elegant or formal attire.

The number of formal nights during a cruise is dependent on the length of the trip. A week-long cruise generally includes two formal nights. However, shorter trips characteristically feature one formal night, while very short cruises (for example, three days long) might not host a formal night at all. Check with your cruise line or your itinerary for how many you can expect whilst on board.

While formal nights offer an opportunity to dress up and create a special atmosphere, you don't need to take part if you don't want to. Passengers who prefer not to participate can choose to dine in the ship's other restaurants or enjoy the alternative activities available during these evenings.

Not all cruise ships are equipped with UK plug sockets, meaning it's a good idea to check the specific requirements before you travel. Although some cruise lines may have plug adaptors you can borrow or buy, this is not guaranteed, so it pays to be prepared. Please note that extension leads are often not allowed on board and will be confiscated at embarkation. The best way to be sure is to check with your respective cruise line prior to travel.

One of the main benefits of cruising is there are so many different ships and cruise lines to choose from. Some come with a whole host of features, including water slides, go-kart tracks and even rollercoasters. while those at the smaller end of the scale are likely to have fewer facilities. It all depends on what you want from your holiday, which is why speaking to our Cruise Experts is a good way to determine which one might be right for you.

No matter which cruise you decide on, there will be an entertainment schedule running throughout the day. You will be informed of what this includes through the daily schedule delivered to your cabin and/or displayed on your cabin TV.