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Frequently Asked Questions
Tour registration deadline has been extended
- What are the 25th Anniversary Alaskan Cruise dates?
Saturday, August 31 Saturday, September 7, 2008
- What places will we visit on the 25th Anniversary Alaskan Cruise?
We will depart and return to Seattle, Washington. We will visit Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan in Alaska. We will also visit Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. For a current itinerary visit 25th Anniversary Cruise Itinerary.
- Will Rabbi Eckstein be with us on the ship?
Yes, Rabbi Eckstein and his wife, Joelle will join you on this 25th Anniversary Alaskan Cruise. Each day at sea Rabbi Eckstein will provide bible teachings and lead discussion on topical themes. If possible Rabbi Eckstein and Joelle will also join you for a Sabbath meal on Friday, September 5, 2008.
- What does the cruise cost?
Cost is based on the type of cabin requested. A listing of prices for cabins reserved for The Fellowship can be found on our brochure or our website. You can also call Noseworthy Travel at 800-929-4684 Ext. 2 for information on available cabins.
- What are the cabin selections?
There are a variety of cabin categories to choose from ranging from inside, ocean view, balcony and suites.
Can I select the deck of my cabin?
Yes, depending on availability on board the ms Westerdam. You can request a specific deck that your cabin category is located on and if it is available Noseworthy will be able to secure that cabin and deck for you.
- Is transportation from the airport to the ship included?
Yes, if your domestic air is purchased through Noseworthy Travel services. For passengers arranging their own air to Seattle can Call Noseworthy travel services and order round trip transfers to and from the ship and airport for $42 per person.
- Should I plan to travel to Seattle the day before the ship departs?
It is not necessary to arrive in Seattle the day before the ship departs unless you want time to explore Seattle. Most flights arrive in plenty of time to board the ship.
- Is a deposit required?
A deposit of $400 per person is due with your registration to secure your cabin. Final payment is due May 30, 2008.
- Is my deposit refundable?
You can cancel for any reason up until 90 days prior to departure and will receive your deposit back except for the $100 per person cancellation penalty. Once you are within the 90 days prior to departure your cancellation penalties go into effect.
- Will we be able to get off the ship and visit cities listed in the daily itinerary?
Yes, one of the unique opportunities about taking a cruise is that you have the opportunity to go ashore at each port city. You have the options of visiting sites on your own or arranging shore excursions that can be booked through Holland America. Shore Excursions booked through Holland America are not included in the price of the 25th Anniversary Tour. These tours can be booked directly by visiting the Holland America site.
Tours can be booked up until 10 days prior to sailing.
- Do I need a passport?
Holland America Line recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise.
In 2008, the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will go into effect. The actual date of implementation has not been set; as of the date of this writing it is anticipated to occur in the summer of 2008. Once implemented, all persons, including citizens of the United States, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to have and carry a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States by air, land or sea.
As of February 1, 2008, U.S. citizens may apply to the Department of State for the new U.S. Passport Card, which may be used only for arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Mexico at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry. THE NEW CARD MAY NOT BE USED FOR TRAVEL BY AIR. For more information, please see the U.S. State Department website.
For more information and implementation dates, please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778. Prior to the final implementation date, U.S. and Canadian citizens may travel without a passport on itineraries that do not require re-entry to the US by air. In these cases, all U.S. and Canadian citizens must carry the following documents as proof of citizenship for travel within the western hemisphere countries listed above: 1) picture identification issued by an official government agency AND an original or certified copy of birth certificate from the state or province of your birth; or 2) picture identification issued by an official government agency AND a U.S. or Canadian Naturalization Certificate.
- What will the weather be like?
Average Temperatures for August:
Seattle: Average High 73 / Average Low 55
Anchorage: Average High 54 / Average Low 47
- What should I pack?
We recommend layering of clothing. Including sweaters, casual pants, short-sleeved shirts and a lightweight jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
There will be one formal night on board and one semi formal night. Attendance at these formal events is optional. All other evening meals will be resort casual. The cruise line does not permit shorts or jeans in their dining room.
- How can I register?
You can register on-line at Register for Cruise or by calling Noseworthy Travel at 800-929-4684 Ext. 2.
- Can I arrange to fly from my home city to Seattle?
You can book airfare to and from Seattle by contacting Noseworthy Travel at 1-800-929-4684 Ext. 2. You can also work with your travel agent or book on-line yourself, to arrange your airfare to and from Seattle. If you choose to book your own flights remember you will need transfers to and from the ship and airport. To order these you can call Noseworthy Travel services with your flight schedule.
- How late can a new registration be accepted?
We can accept new registrations up until the ship sells out. Registration must be accompanied by full payment, payable by check, credit card, certified check or cashiers check.
- What is the cancellation procedure?
Once Noseworthy receives your registration and you are confirmed on the ship you can cancel for any reason up until 90 days prior to departure and there is only a $100 cancellation penalty. After that time regular cancellation penalties go into affect. If you have the recommended travel insurance and your cancellation reason is a covered reason you will get everything back except for your insurance premium.
Cancellation Policy:
100% of Cancellation Fees are covered by the optional Travel Insurance Program provided premium has been paid and reason for cancellation is insurable. Those who do not take insurance should be aware of the following cancellation penalties. From Day of registration to 90 days prior to departure, you will be charged a $100 non refundable cancellation fee. From 90 days prior to departure you will be charged any airline penalties and a single room fee if your cancellation forces your roommate into a single plus the following charges:
89-76 days prior to departure = $350
75-57 days prior to departure = $450
56-29 days prior to departure = 60%
28-16 days prior to departure = 85%
15 days prior to departure = 100% of total cost.
Submit cancellation in writing. On or after day of departure, no refund for any services not used.
- Can I use my cell phone?
There is limited coverage once within the Alaskan Mountain Range depending on your service.
- Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend that everyone takes the optional travel insurance. It goes into affect once you make your final payment at 90 days prior to departure. We can't add or delete it from an account once you have paid in full or at the 90-day mark. It covers several items, however it is basically there for that unexpected medical emergency for you or an immediate family member. You will receive an insurance flyer with your first billing statement.
- What happens if I become ill on the cruise?
If you become ill on the ship and see the doctor, you will be required to pay for his services and submit the insurance claim upon your return home. Please be certain to keep all of your receipts. If you are hospitalized off the ship then contact the insurance company immediately so that they can begin the process for you. They will work with you in making plans to fly you home.
- What should I do if I'm prone to motion sickness?
When possible we book passengers in the middle of the ship or more to the back of the ship.
There are also over the counter products such as non-drowsy Dramamine that will help with motion sickness. You can also see your doctor to see what he recommends based on your medical history.
- Will we be dining as a group?
Holland America offers three choices for dining. Dining is on a first come, first serve basis with Holland America and is only confirmed at time of booking. However, Holland America works very hard keeping our groups together. IFCJ will be requesting early dining. If you wish to dine in the late dining or take advantage of the anytime dining please just let us know. Each of these is on request only.
- When should we expect our cruise documents?
Your cruise line documents will arrive approximately 3 weeks prior to departure. If you have purchased airline tickets with Noseworthy travel they will also be included in this mailing. We ship all documents by UPS or Fedex, therefore we will need a physical address on each individual.
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