Activa Travel Services, LLC

What To Know Before You Go

Note: For passport, security, and toll-free air, car and hotel numbers, see Travel Resources.

Cruises

Why should I cruise?
Can I get married on my cruise vacation?
Can I plan a group cruise through Activa Travel?
What other cruise tips can you give me?

Why should I cruise?
Choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make new friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments. Whatever your heart desires, you CAN have it all when you choose to cruise. Consider these perks:

1. VALUE: One price purchases your cabin, dining, entertainment and more!
2. ROMANCE: Secluded beaches, pampering, oceanview dining and spa services are just some of the romantic pursuits of cruising.
3. CUISINE: Tantalize your taste buds with exotic gourmet meals. Prefer pizza or ice cream? Or a healthier spa choice? Many cruise lines offer a wide variety, from a traditional ballroom setting to a small bistro to a casual eatery.
4. VARIETY: With more than 150 ships, 1,800 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, your Activa cruise specialist will find the perfect cruise for YOU! You also have the option of adding on a pre- or post-cruise land tour.
5. ACTIVITIES: Fill your days with sightseeing, sports, cultural lectures and educational tours. Or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dancing, musical revues, gaming or quiet stargazing.
6. SIMPLICITY: Don’t come back from your vacation needing a vacation! Planning a cruise is simple – leave the details to your Activa cruise specialist. Once you’re onboard, many of your expenses are pre-paid and hassle-free.
7. NEW HORIZONS: Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon. And the best part? You only have to unpack once!
8. FAMILY: Families love cruising! Children’s programs, swimming, kid-friendly menus and ship tours will keep your kids happy and give you some much-deserved time alone. What’s more, children often travel at a reduced rate.
9. PAMPERING: Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
10. SATISFACTION: Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience. See for yourself!

Can I get married on my cruise vacation?
Whether it’s just the two of you, a close-knit group of 200 or anything in between, combining your wedding and honeymoon on a cruise vacation couldn’t be easier. Every year, more couples are realizing that doing just that provides romance, value, simplicity and fun. From intimate weddings to grand celebrations, we’ll help you plan the wedding of a lifetime. Your Activa Cruise Counselor will assist you in determining which cruise line and cruise ship best suits your wedding plan.

Depending on your cruise line and destination, you’ll be able to say “I do” on board or in port. We’ll present your options, along with itineraries as unique as you and your partner. We’ll also make sure you feel pampered: Cruise lines are chock-full of spa treatments and other indulgences like breakfast in bed and champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. What’s more, your floating resort includes your meals, entertainment and transportation between exotic ports all in one price. We’ll even help you with custom wedding packages that include photos, flowers, music and more.

Romance awaits you – trust your Activa Cruise Counselor to help you find the right wedding and honeymoon package to suit your tastes, dreams and wallet. We live up to our promise: At Activa Travel, you pack, we plan.

Can I arrange a group cruise through Activa Travel?
Yes! Group cruising brings your friends and family together for an unforgettable cruise vacation – and Activa makes it easy for you to get started and get cruising.

Plan a group cruise as an incentive for your downlines or for a wedding, your next family reunion, even with your bowling team – you’ll be surprised how many groups make a perfect match for group cruising.

Consider these simple steps as you begin to plan your group cruise:

1. Define your group and the interests of the people in it. Do you want to island-hop, would you prefer more time on the ship, is a newer ship important to you? There are many itineraries and cruise lines and your Activa cruise specialist will help you choose what’s best for your group.
2. What size budget does your group have? Is a 3-day cruise best for most or can everyone participate in a 7-day cruise? Here’s a tip: Cruising rates often drop in September, October, early November, May and June.
3. How many cabins will you need? Qualifying as a group often adds value to your sailing but it requires at least 8 cabins.
4. Grow your group! Promote your cruise, along with all the fun and savings of group cruising. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many people are interested in group cruising.
5. Cruise lines require deposits and final payments in advance. For your convenience and assurance, be sure your payments are made per cruise policy through your Activa cruise specialist. Deposits also will help you clarify which group members are seriously planning to travel and who may want to wait until the next voyage.

Group cruising also provides extra potential benefits, including:

• Special Amenities Such As Flowers, Chocolates & Champagne In Each Cabin
• Special Cruise Rates
• Exclusive Group Events Like A Special Happy Hour
• Free Cruise Fare For Your Group Coordinator, Depending On The Size Of Your Group & The Sailing

What other cruise tips can you give me?

Cruising Is A Good Value
In fact, cruising is among the best vacation values! We have cruises to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes your meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. Which means you’ll know the cost of your cruise vacation before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.) You’ll be amazed!

You Set The Time & Destination
Cruises can be as long or as short as you want. We offer itineraries from three days to three months. And your destinations are seemingly endless, with more than 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water.

Booking A Cruise Is Easy
Just call or email Activa Travel and one of our Cruise Counselors will help you pick the cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes and budget. We’ll make all the arrangements, from your doorstep to your ship and back. Activa Travel is affiliated with the Cruise Line International Association, Inc (CLIA) and our Cruise Counselors have completed an extensive program of training, including sailing on and inspecting a vast number of cruise ships.

Cruise Ships Are As Individual As You Are
Cruise ships span from intimate to yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 2,600, in atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise. With all this variety, you’ll be happy to have the guidance of your Activa Cruise Counselor!

Cruises Come In All Shapes & Sizes
There are cruises designed for virtually every interest and personal preference, including boutique cruises; luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; and special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment. Further, some cruise lines feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon rainforest or the African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America coast.

For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords. For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific suntan. Many cruise lines even create special onboard themes, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea.

Onboard Learning Begins Here
To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive selection of onboard enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, you also may find special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.

No Passport Required?
That depends on the type of cruise and your destination. Most cruises do now require passports. Your Activa Cruise Consultant will help you with travel documentation requirements.

One Class Fits All
Today’s cruise ships are “one-class,” which means that everyone can use all of the ship’s facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you’ll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities and entertainment as everyone else on board.

Discover The Freedom Of The Sea
Worried you’ll get bored or feel confined while cruising? Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom. There’s plenty of room – it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that’s onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.

Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books or watch the ever-changing seascape. If you’re more active, join in an exercise class, dance class or sports contest. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck, go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. Many ships offer unique activities like rock-wall climbing, spas and onboard adventures. (Some activities have additional fees.) You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, or play backgammon or bridge. All this just when you’re onboard!

An Adventure In Every Port
There’s so much to do in port, you’ll have a hard time choosing! Explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there’s still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world’s best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.

In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you’ve ever dreamed of doing while never having to pack and unpack!

You Set The Pace
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It’s your vacation!

Kid-Friendly Seas
With so many cruises booked by families with children, most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for kids, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies and the adventure of new places, they’ll love a family cruise. Children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won’t have to wonder what they’re up to every minute. Youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Some cruise lines even have youth counselors with childcare training from US colleges. Ships offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Babysitting in the cabin is available at an additional charge. Your Activa Cruise Counselor will give you details on the childcare options onboard your ship. And here’s an added bonus: Children often travel at a reduced rate!

You’ll Love The Nightlife
Again, it depends on your ship, but in most cases, when the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There’s dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What’s more, there are many special events like the Captain’s Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues. And the best part? On a cruise, entertainment is on the house. There’s no cover, minimum or charge for admission. The shows are live, the films first-rate and they’re all included in your cruise fare.

There’s Something For Everyone
There’s no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises – all ages, from all walks of life, singles, couples and families. Just ask your Activa Cruise Counselor for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.

No Tuxedo Required
Many cruise lines feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise. Yet formal dinners or parties can also be part of the fun. Don’t buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

Bring Your Appetite
When it comes to meal time, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places to eat – in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, just to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some dining rooms accommodate all guests at one time, called a “seating,” while many ships offer you a choice of several eating times and others encourage you to dine at your leisure. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time (typically 6:00p and 8:30p). Just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late and have your Activa Cruise Counselor request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to dine at night someplace other than the formal dining room, such as an intimate restaurant that features Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual and, sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. Many ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners as well. The choice is yours!

Yes, The Food’s That Good
Everything you’ve heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you’ll find a variety of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables and desserts) and each day brings a different selection. Ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish? Feel free to order more than one entrée or appetizer or even dessert! Yet just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn’t mean you’ll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you’ll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price because your meals are included!

Special Diets Welcome
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise your Activa Cruise Counselor when you book your cruise.

Celebrate Your Special Occasions
Celebrations are encouraged – most cruise lines will even treat you to a complementary cake and a chorus of “Happy Whatever” to honor the occasion. In addition, many cruise lines offer special packages so your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapés, for example. You can even arrange for a special private party. Just advise your Activa Cruise Counselor in advance.

Make Yours An Unforgettable Honeymoon
Cruising is just right for romance: Cozy dinners for two, sunset strolls on deck, dancing under the stars, you name it. Most cruise lines offer special services like Sunday or Monday departures, champagne and breakfast in bed. Some ships even offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.

Stay In Touch With The Outside World
Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Many staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. While at sea, you can also call someone onshore through the ship’s radio officer. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access.

Tips On Tipping
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.

Rest Assured, You’ll Have Medical Services
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professionals on staff to handle almost any emergency. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform the cruise line at the time of booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers. Onboard medical care is expensive; as with any trip, Activa Travel highly recommends trip protection insurance to cover you for unexpected emergencies.

The More The Merrier With Group Bookings
Most cruise lines welcome groups – often at special rates and with special amenities depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company. Your Activa Cruise Counselor has booked a variety of group cruises and is ready to help make yours memorable!

Got Business? Get A Meeting Room.
Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center for private or corporate group meetings. If you’d like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, ask your Activa Cruise Counselor to contact the cruise line’s group sales department to coordinate schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services, and more.

Go Ahead, Stay Longer
Cruise lines feature special pre-or post-hotel packages that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation. Many travelers enjoy arriving at their port of embarkation a day or two early – especially in winter months when air travel can be questionable from certain destinations.

Worry Not About Motion Discomfort
Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, the availability of advance weather information and the development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

Sound Too Good To Be True?
The one complaint we hear time and again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it’s hard to find any negatives. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of your life – until you top it with your next cruise!

Many cruise FAQs are reprinted with permission of the Cruise Lines International Association, Inc (CLIA).

Airline Tickets

How can I find a lower fare?
To find the best fare, be flexible and check prices often. Airline prices change without notice, so when you find a good fare, purchase it as soon as you’re confident with your dates and names.

We also recommend these tips that may help you qualify for a lower fare:

• Stay Over Saturday Night
• Fly Tuesday, Wednesday Or Saturday – Avoiding Monday Or Friday
• Depart Mid-Morning Or Late Evening
• Avoid Traveling Over A Holiday Weekend – Or Leave Earlier Or Later Than Most Travelers
• Purchase Your Ticket At Least 21 Days In Advance For The Best Fares & Availability – and MUCH SOONER If You’re Traveling Over A Holiday
• Use The Same Carrier Your Entire Trip – When You Purchase Online, Display As Many Flights As Possible

Is my ticket refundable?
Most airline tickets are non-refundable. While some do not have restrictions or cancellation penalties, these tickets are considerably more costly. Need to change your ticket? You may pay a fee of at least $100 plus any increase in the fare. When you book your ticket, review the cancel and change penalties.

Can I give my airline ticket to someone else?
Most airline tickets do not allow name changes but you usually can use your ticket at a later date, provided you’re willing to pay fees. Remember to review the cancel and change penalties when you book your ticket. You should also note that the name on the airline ticket must match the valid photo identification provided by the passenger. Please ensure the accuracy of the passenger name, including spelling, before you purchase an airline ticket!

When do I have to check in for my flight?
Because airlines have become more stringent, it’s important to check in according to the most current airline policy. Many airlines now allow you to check in online, which saves you valuable time. Verify check in times when you contact the airline to reconfirm your flight. If you’re not at the right gate at boarding, airline personnel have the right to deny your boarding or assign your seat to another passenger.

We recommend you arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours prior for international flights. Doing so allows for tighter security measures, restricted parking access and gate changes. Other considerations? Traffic, holiday passenger volume and Murphy’s Law. Remember, too, that you’ll need to remove your shoes to go through security so you may want to wear slip-on shoes and pack an extra pair of socks.

How much luggage can I take on my trip?
Each passenger is usually entitled to one carry-on bag, as well as one additional personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop. Most major airlines allow two checked bags and one carry-on per passenger. Some airlines charge extra for suitcases weighing more than 50 pounds, and a few budget airlines charge for each bag. To avoid additional baggage costs, please check your carrier’s web site or contact them directly for specific baggage policies and liability limitations.

What are e-tickets?
Electronic tickets, or e-tickets, are the convenient, paperless way to fly. Rather than worry about losing paper tickets, you can easily access your reservation by your last name and flight number at the airport. A few airlines do still issue paper tickets; if you do have a paper ticket (which would have come in the mail because you can’t print them yourself), treat it like cash because it can be expensive to replace.

What if I lose my paper ticket?
Most tickets are paperless e-tickets. However, if you’re issued a paper ticket and you lose it, you’ll need to fill out a lost ticket application directly with the airline. Most airlines require you to purchase a new ticket to travel – and likely at a higher fare, if the fare has increased. If the original ticket is unused and returned, the airline will reimburse you for the amount of the new ticket after a period of six months. Note that airlines typically charge an additional non-refundable fee of $75-$100 for each lost ticket application, so check your airline’s policies and restrictions. That said, we recommend that you treat your paper ticket like cash and keep it in a safe place. (This does not apply to e-tickets.)

What is a PFC?
Most airports impose the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC). Used for airport improvements, PFCs are $1-3 per person, per airport, with a maximum charge of $12 on a roundtrip ticket. Other surcharges can include airport facility charges, international taxes, federal taxes, state taxes and government fees – all of which are reflected in the fare quotes.

How do I get seat assignments?
You may be able to select your seat assignments online when completing your reservation. Most major airlines make seat assignments available up to 90 days prior to your departure. Typically airlines block 40% of their seats for airport check-in only. Exit rows and bulkhead seats are restricted from pre-assigned seating. If you’re unable to book specific seat numbers when you make your reservation, they will be made when you check in on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I use my debit card to purchase airline tickets?
Yes, however, we recommend that you use a credit card instead. Some debit cards (and a few credit cards) don’t allow higher-cost travel purchases without special authorization from your credit or debit card’s bank. What’s more, if you use your debit card to buy a refundable airline ticket and you need to cancel or change your trip, the money already has been debited from your account and a refund may take weeks or months – especially since the airline process is usually slower than most retail transactions.

What if my credit card is declined? How does that affect my airline reservation?
If your credit card is rejected, we will notify you that your airline tickets cannot be issued. Note that tickets are not purchased, and rates and space not guaranteed, until your credit card is charged and approved. That said, carefully check that you accurately entered your credit card information, including the delivery address, which must match the billing address, and the current expiration date.

Car Rentals

How can I save money when renting a car?

1. Understand your coverage before you rent. You already may be covered by your auto insurance when you rent a car, as well as by the credit card company that you use to pay for your rental. Many rental agencies are strong insurance sellers, so if you’re certain you’re already covered, you’ll be able to decline their insurance with confidence. You’ll want to check to see if you’re covered for damage to people or the car, and for loss of income while the car is being repaired. If you’re not covered, you’ll want to purchase rental insurance.
2. If you’re traveling with more than one person, book the car in the driver’s name to avoid additional driver fees.
3. Many rental agencies charge a considerable fee for drivers under the age of 25, so whenever possible, make sure the person driving is over 25.

Hotels

What if I need to cancel or change my hotel reservation?
During business hours, contact Activa Travel and we’ll take care of the cancellation for you. After hours, contact the hotel directly, or simply wait to contact us the next business day if you’re confident that doing so will not incur penalties. If you contact the hotel directly, we recommend that you record the date, who you spoke with and your cancellation or change number.