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FAQ's about Cruising, Israel, and Footsteps Tours
Israel FAQ's
Do
I need a Passport to travel to Israel? YES - and you need to have
at LEAST 6 months validity left on your passport from your planned date of
DEPARTURE from Israel. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit
Israel - just a valid passport. Visitors from most European countries, Mexico,
Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and many other countries
also do not need visas.
What about travel
protection coverage? Here's information for travel insurance that
covers medical, emergency trip cancellation, travel delays, trip interruption,
baggage delay... travel insurance Please
do not get on the plane without full travelers insurance as your local health
insurance may not cover your medical needs while in Israel.
Note: Keep in mind your medical insurance policy may not provide coverage
abroad. Medicare and Medicaid are not valid outside the US. If you are forced
to cancel your trip at the last minute due to an emergency in your immediate
family, you forfeit all money paid for your trip. And, if you have a medical
emergency requiring emergency evacuation to a location providing specific
medical care, you would have to pay for that emergency evacuation.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations or shots are required for U.S. or Canadian visitors
to Israel. (If you've visited a country prior to coming to Israel where cholera,
typhoid or yellow fever is endemic, you will need a vaccination certificate.)
What is a a kibbutz? Communal settlement in modern Israel.
Originally, they focused, on agriculture, but many of them they are now are
engaged in a variety of activities including tourism, high-tech ventures,
and other industries.
Agricultural Products: Citrus and other fruits, vegetables, cotton, beef,
poultry, dairy products Major Industries: Food processing, diamond cutting
and polishing, textiles and apparel, metals
Time Zone? Israeli time is seven hours ahead of Eastern Time.
When it is 12 noon in New York, it is 7 pm in Jerusalem.
What is the currency
in Israel and how much should I bring with me? The Israeli currency
is called the Shekel and its current worth is about 4.2 Shekels for 1 US dollar
(you can consider 1 Shekel to be equivalent to 25 cents). You do NOT need
to purchase Shekels before you come to Israel. Most places are happy to take
your dollars and any large purchases can be made by credit card. My suggestion
is that you use a $20.00 bill to buy your first lunch. You will be given change
in Shekels which will be enough for postcards, cold drinks, ice cream etc.
When you run out of your Shekels, you can make another small purchase with
a large bill and just use the change for small purchases. There is no reason
to convert a large sum of dollars into Shekel as you lose a lot in the Exchange
rate. Rates are subject to daily fluctuations. If you want to know the rate
just prior to the start of the trip, visit the following web site: www.BibleOnTour.com
and use the Currency converter under the Israel page.
ATMs: Most banks have ATMs and are open every day except
Saturday. However, you are traveling with a group and not often in the city.
The whole group cannot wait while one or two people line up for the ATM machines
every time you run out of money. The ATM Machines provide you with Shekel
at the current exchange rate.
What items should I shop for in Israel? Israel is famous for its
exclusive lines of bathing suits (Gottex, Gideon Oberson), skin-care products
made from mineral-rich Dead Sea mud, glass, art, leather coats, silver jewelry,
diamonds, painted tiles, embroidery, religious items & antiques.
What are the voltage requirements in Israel? Voltage: 230 V; Plugs
H & C. You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to
use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter
kit. Most Israeli sockets are three-pronged, but many of them can accommodate
other varieties. Most luxury hotels provide hair-dryers and all hotels have
sockets for U.S. shavers.
How does Hebrew work?
Hebrew is read from right to left. Each character represents a sound. They
don't have vowels as such; some characters make a combination consonant/ vowel
sound.
Interestingly they use regular numbers, which are read from left to right.
Even more interesting is that our numbers come from Arabic, which is another
language that is read from right to left!
Is everything in Jerusalem made of stone? Apparently it's a city ordinance
that all buildings need to be made of stone, or at least have a stone facade.
There were a number of 20-or-so story buildings in the New City and they all
had stone on the outside.
I heard that their workweek is different? Israelis work from Sunday
to Thursday; their weekend is Fri/Sat. Saturday is also called Shabbat, their
holy day, and almost nobody works. The very religious don't even operate machinery
(cars/dishwashers) or simple light switches on Shabbat. So the streets are
empty of cars.
What will airport security be like? Airport security for
flights to Israel is among the most thorough in the world. Expect a complete
check of your suitcase and hand luggage. This is often accompanied by a set
of specific questions asked by a highly trained Israeli security specialist.
Although you might feel intimidated, remain calm. The entire procedure is
designed with your personal safety in mind. We can be thankful that Israel
is so security conscious!
Can I extend my stay in Israel? The answer is yes. Individuals could
remain in Israel to do additional exploring on their own. The travel agent
from Bible On Tour can help make the necessary hotel arrangements.
Can I upgrade to business class or first class? A limited number
of upgrades are available on all flights. For detailed information, including
costs, contact Bible On Tour.
Will I get motion sickness on the tour bus? It is a very
large bus and most people have no problems. We have heard people recommend
Bonine for Motion Sickness and always ask your doctor what is best for you
Do I need to have Israeli money for these food expenses, or do they
take US dollars?
Virtually every store will accept U.S. dollars, though sometimes they will
give you back your change in Israeli shekels. Though U.S. dollars are easy
to use, it's often good to have some Israeli shekels for making small purchases
since the price in shekels is often rounded up to the next highest dollar.
Can you accommodate special food requests for those with special needs?
Because of the large number of tourists served each day, it is difficult for
hotels and restaurants to accommodate special food requests. However, the
wide variety of food choices makes it relatively easy for most individuals
to find the foods they can eat. Those with very special needs might want to
bring along some snack items to supplement their diet.
Can we drink the water? Yes, the water in Israel is fine,
especially at the hotels. So for the most part you don't have to worry about
water or food. If you're not sure or want to be extra cautious, you can buy
bottled water. Bottled water will be available on your bus for a charge of
$1 per bottle.
What is the Food
Like? All hotels provide full buffets for both breakfast and dinner.
The Israeli breakfast buffet in the hotels provides many options including
eggs, a large variety of cheeses, fruit, vegetables, fish, cereals, breads,
juices, tea and coffee.
Dinner buffets also provide a large variety including soup, a large variety
of salads, several options of meat, fish and or poultry, cooked vegetables,
starches (potatoes or rice) and desert. Please note, soft drinks such as coke
and sprite and wine are not provided at dinner. Only water can be found on
the table.
In Israeli hotels, we follow all of the Kosher regulations which do not allow
the mixture of milk and meat products together. Therefore breakfast is a dairy
meal and most nights, dinner is a meat meal. Some hotels provide a dairy dinner
once a week.
Is there internet access? Most hotels have Internet Access
of some sort. If they do not have access in the rooms, then usually the hotels
have access in the lobby area.
How do I pay to call family and friends in the USA? Best
way to call is to purchase a phone call at the hotel gift shop or ask the
guide for the first opportunity to purchase one at a Kiosk or gift shop. You
do NOT want to call the US directly from your hotel room (very expensive).
How can I call home
from Israel? To call ISRAEL from the US, dial 011 + 972 (Israel’s
country code) + local area code number (single digit number-delete 0 if it
appears before a number such as 02 for Jerusalem would be just 2) + local
number. To call ISRAEL CELL PHONES from the US, dial 011 + 972 (Israel’s
country code) + cell area code number (2 digit number-delete 0 if it appears
before a number such as 051 would be just 51) + local number. To call the
US from Israel, dial 00 + 1 (US country code) + area code + local number.
Local phone cards: If you'll be calling home a lot, or calling another European
country, use local phone cards (purchased at post offices, convenience stores
and newsstands), and dial direct. This will save you money and hassles. US
phone cards: Another, more expensive (but possibly more convenient) option
is to bring an international calling card from your long distance provider
(Sprint, AT&T, MCI, etc). Be sure to ask for their best price option for
calling from Europe to multiple US numbers. If you choose this option, use
their toll-free access numbers and double-check for any hotel connection charges.
It may be cheaper to call from a pay phone rather than from your hotel room.
How much luggage can I bring? You are limited to one piece
of checked luggage whose total dimensions are not to exceed 62 inches (height
plus width plus depth) and 50 pounds. The airlines do allow two checked suitcases
but due to the bus size, you are only allowed to take one suitcase.
If I can only have one piece of luggage, can I bring a small rolling
carry-on bag? Some airlines restrict carry-on's to not be larger than
45 inches (9” x 14” x 22”) and may not weigh more than 18
pounds. We are asking passengers to limit themselves to one piece of checked
luggage (not to exceed 50 pounds) that will be portered to and from their
rooms and that will be transported by truck between hotels. You may bring
a small rolling carry-on bag (if within the airline size guidelines), but
you will need to porter it to and from your room, and will also need to place
it in the cargo hold underneath the bus because there is not sufficient room
in the passenger compartment to store it.
Do you have any packing tips? Pack a light jacket or sweater.
While daytime temperatures should be pleasant, evenings can be cool, especially
at higher elevations such as Jerusalem. Most churches and Orthodox holy sites
require respectful dress. This generally means shoulders and knees must be
covered for both men and women, and men must cover their heads (a baseball
cap is adequate). On days that we visit these sites, we will warn you to dress
accordingly. Nylon pants or pants with zip-on/off legs provide an easy, quick
cover-up. Women could also pull on a light skirt over shorts and use a scarf
to cover the shoulders.
How much spending
money do you recommend per day? While many people spend very little
during the course of the tour and still have a great time, be prepared with
reliable access to funds for your daily needs. These include lunches, additional
beverages at meal times, snacks, and souvenirs. You can plan to spend between
$10-25 per person per day.
Can I use
credit cards? It's important to have an alternative in case one money
method doesn't work. We recommend bringing at least two of the following money
options:
· ATM card
· Credit card
· Cash
Using an ATM card is like writing a personal check: the money is withdrawn
from your checking account. While they have Visa or MasterCard symbols on
the front, ATM cards are not credit cards. Your card allows you to get cash
from European ATMs at a rate close to the excellent interbank/wholesale exchange
rate. To use your card overseas, it must have a Cirrus or Plus symbol on the
back. You also need to know your four-digit PIN code. Many European machines
do not accept longer codes and may not have alphabetical equivalents marked.
Check with your bank for overseas transaction fees and daily withdrawal limits
before you leave.
A Visa or MasterCard credit card also offers excellent exchange rates, as
well as important fraud protection. Use your credit card for hotel charges,
meals, souvenirs, and other major expenses. While many credit cards can also
be used for "cash advances" at ATMs, steep interest rates and fees
make this an option for emergencies only. (Before you leave, get a 4-digit
PIN code for your card just in case, and find out about fees and interest
charges.) As at home, save all receipts until you can verify your statement.
Although credit cards and ATMs are widely used throughout Israel, there are stores (especially in The Old City of Jerusalem) that only accept cash. Therefore, we recommend that you also bring cash or traveler’s checks (in US dollars) for those times when credit cards or an ATM cards are not accepted.
How should I keep my cash and credit cards safe? We strongly recommend using an undergarment money belt. It's essential for the peace of mind it brings. You could lose everything except your money belt, and the trip could still go on.
How is tipping handled on this trip? Your driver and tour guide are well tipped by Bible On Tour. Likewise, tips for all local guides and hotel staff are also fully paid by Bible On Tour. There is no need to tip beyond this. It is not necessary to tip the restaurant staff when group meals are provided, nor is it necessary to tip the hotel staff.
How hard is it to find bathroom facilities? Bathroom facilities are always a challenge while traveling, and Israel is no exception. The guides and the faculty members are sensitive to this need, and they will do everything possible to make sure that there are regular stops at available bathroom facilities.
Will I have a chance to do laundry? We will be keeping you busy everyday and you will not have time to do your own laundry except in your room. Laundry service is available at hotels, but you must make sure there is enough time to get it back before we pack up and leave. Bring clothing that can be washed in your hotel room and that will dry quickly. You can bring small packets of Woolite and/or laundry detergent for this purpose.
If I do not have a roommate, will you help me find one? We can't guarantee that we can find a roommate for you; however, Bible On Tour will do everything possible to pair together individuals who wish to have a roommate. Ultimately, each participant is responsible for finding his/her own roommate, and single rooms must be paid for if a roommate is not secured.
Can I receive
messages from home while on the trip? You will receive a complete
hotel list for your tour prior to departure. Leave a copy with family and
friends so they can contact you if necessary. Although the hotels may have
fax machines and e-mail, please do not rely on them for receiving personal
messages. If family and friends need to reach you, please have them phone.
For those who have web-based e-mail accounts (such as Yahoo or Hotmail), Internet
cafés are another convenient option.
Will there be opportunities
for shopping? This tour is not primarily designed to be a shopping
tour. However, there will be a limited number of opportunities to shop while
in Israel. In addition, many of the sites we visit have gift shops where you
can shop for small souvenirs. There are also a limited number of special vendors
who specialize in items like necklaces, DVDs, and books, and you will have
an opportunity to purchase them. Finally, you will have an opportunity to
shop on your free afternoon in Jerusalem.
How much
walking will we do? Israel is a land of beautiful hills and valleys,
and we will be walking on several of them. The walks are not extremely strenuous,
but be prepared to do some walking over uneven terrain. The best way to prepare
is to begin walking, on a daily basis, in the shoes you will be wearing while
in Israel.
Will my tour schedule ever change? Every effort will be made
to ensure you see the sites listed in your program; however, we reserve the
right to alter the sightseeing itinerary to accommodate changes in local conditions
and/or circumstances.
Will my group travel together on the same airline? Every effort will
be made to keep groups together if they are traveling from the same departure
city; however, depending upon the size of the group and the availability of
seats on the same flights, some groups may be on several different domestic
and/or international flights. You will be on the same tour bus during the
entire program.
What if my luggage is lost or damaged? File a claim at the
airport before you leave the baggage claim area. It will be the airline’s
responsibility to get lost luggage to you or to compensate you for damaged
luggage. We strongly suggest that you pack at least one change of clothes
in your carry-on bag.
What about my luggage? Upon arriving at the hotel, you will
be asked to label your bag (with a sticker provided by the hotel) with your
hotel room number. The porters will then bring your bag to your hotel room.
You will be responsible for your carry-on. Travel
Insurance
What meals are included in my journey? Breakfast and dinner
are included. Lunches only included when specified. Coffee or tea is served
at breakfast but beverages at dinner will be at a supplemental charge. All
other meals are at your expense. Tap water in Israel is safe to drink. Drink
bottled water only in Jordan and Egypt.
How long is the typical sightseeing day? Some days you will
depart the hotel between 7:00-9:00Am and return on the late afternoon around
5:00-6:00PM. Your guide will announce the sightseeing schedule.
What are the buses like? The deluxe touring motor coaches
are air-conditioned and will accommodate approximately 50 passengers.
Are there rest rooms on the buses? Maybe,depending ont he
bus, sufficient stops will be made for the comfort of our passengers.
Should I exchange some money before departure? This is totally
up to you. You can use US currency for small purchases and credit cards for
larger ones.
What about traveler’s checks and credit cards? We do
not recommend the use of traveler’s checks as you may experience difficulty
using and/or cashing them. In addition, banks usually charge a significant
handling fee when cashing travelers checks. Credit cards are recommended for
larger purchases. VISA and MasterCard are much more prevalent than Discovery
and American Express. Larger stores accept checks.
Will US currency be accepted for small purchases? Yes, generally
US currency is accepted for small purchases.
What about the “VAT” or Value Added Tax? VAT
(Value Added Tax) is a sales tax that is charged for most goods in Israel,
Jordan and Egypt. This amount is part of the price – not added on at
the cash register. VAT in Israel, Jordan and Egypt is at least 17%. It is
possible for you to claim back most of this tax. The best way to do this is
to see if the retailer you are buying from is affiliated with “Tax Free”
shopping. If so, they will give you the instructions for your refund. Generally,
all you have to do is collect a completed form from the store which lists
your purchases. You MUST have the form stamped by customs when you leave the
country. Look for the TAX FREE SHOPPING symbol.
Should I bring my
prescription medicines? Bring your medicine in the original bottle.
Also, bring a copy of the generic names for each. If you have medications,
which need to be refrigerated, you will need to make the appropriate arrangements
with the airlines & hotels.
An ID bracelet or a note from your doctor regarding any special treatments
you are receiving will prove invaluable in the event of an emergency. Always
carry medication that is needed on a daily basis in your carry-on.
I have limited mobility. What special facilities
are available? Due to the lack of handicapped accessible facilities,
persons needing wheelchairs or ambulatory assistance will find travel on this
program quite difficult and many sites will be inaccessible.
What if I lose something on the program? Leave valuables,
including items of sentimental value, at home! Put your name, address, departure
date and bus color on all belongings so that any recovered items will be returned
as quickly as possible. Shipping costs will be your responsibility. We suggest
you make a list of all items you take along with their perceived value. Double
check before you leave the hotel, bus, airplane, etc. Bible on Tour cannot
assume responsibility for lost items.
What about prepaid phone cards? If you decide to purchase
cards here or overseas, you will need a card or access for each country. (Make
sure your prepaid card is for international use.) If you have a cell phone
you can check with your local provider for International Service.
Is there any free time during the program? Each day is quite
full with sightseeing but you can notify your guide if you wish to miss a
day of touring (itinerary permitting).
Any last minute items I shouldn’t forget? Bible, sunglasses,
a sun hat, sunscreen, wipes and wash cloths, camera (and extra film and batteries)
and sundry toiletry items are musts. You may wish to bring a calculator for
exchange rates while shopping. Passengers bringing video cameras are advised
that museums and archeological sites frequently charge a fee for their use.
In the event of inclement weather, bring a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella.
Any other tips?
Yes…
1. Be on time for the bus and be prepared to rotate seats on the bus.
2. Settle personal charges the night before checking out of the hotel.
3. Notify your Tour Leader, Bus Captain or Guide if you will not be on the
bus for sightseeing.
4. No smoking allowed in dining room or on bus
5. Remember you are a guest in another country…
Be gracious…Expect that customs and food will be different than at home
and enjoy your new adventure.
Footsteps of Paul Trip
What are required
Passports & Visas? Overall EU nationals and US/Canadian citizens
do not need a visa. US/Canadians visitors must have a valid passport that
will be in effect at least another 6 months after the end of their trip. For
more information, please contact the appropriate consulate or embassy.
Health requirements? No vaccinations or immunizations are
needed when traveling to Greece.
Do you provide travel insurance? This is up to the individual to
get travel insurance. When you book your trip, we recommend that you consider
travel insurance. Here's information for travel insurance that covers medical,
emergency trip cancellation, travel delays, trip interruption, baggage delay...
travel insurance
What is the voltage in Greece? 220 V (pls. bring your transformer
with you)
Luggage: You can brings one 50 lbs. bag per person to check in. Plus,
you get to carry on a small bag. I would recommend trying to bring one bag
instead of two because it will be less for you to carry. Always check with
the airlines before you leave to make sure that their regulations have not
changed.
Can I have medicine with Codeine in it? No…and you
can be prosececuted if it is found. Codeine can be found in pain medication
and cough medicine.
What currency or credit cards should I bring? All major credit
cards are accepted in Greece, but small restaurants and shops may only accept
cash. ATMs are widely available.
How Much to Tip? While you are on your tour and it is a schedule
group lunch, the tip is included. All your guides and porters are taken care
of through Bible On Tour so no additional tips are needed. The prices in some
restaurants already include the tip, it is mentioned on the price list. In
most of the cases, it is left to the traveler’s discretion
Bread and Water Charge: Be aware that in Greece that there
might be charge for bread and water (this is when you have lunch or dinner
on your own). This could be around $1.50-$2.00
Where do we meet our group at the airport? Meet your group 2 ½ hours
before your flight leaves the USA at the ticket counter of the airline, unless
otherwise specified by your leader
When do I get my tickets? Your tickets, name badges, and
luggage tags will be provided by your tour leader at the airport prior to
check in
How can I avoid jet lag? Our biological clocks are based
on a day/night cycle. These are called "circadian rhythms" because
they occur about every 24 hours. When flying through more than three time
zones you circadian rhythm can be thrown off-gear. Efficiency, physical comfort
and thought processes can be affected. Jet lag can be minimized and your biological
clock reset fairly quickly.
· The number one cause of jet lag is fatigue during the 24 hours before
the flight. Get a good night's sleep the night before we leave. Don't stay
out late with friends.
· Ironically, bad cases of jet lag are often made worse by the very
frills that airlines provide their passengers. Over-eating, over-drinking,
and lack of exercise during the flight contribute to the situation.
· Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing on the flight. Women should
wear slacks or long dresses (not shorts or cut-offs) to prevent skin irritation
from rough seat covers; Wear comfortable shoes. Prop your feet up whenever
you get a chance to reduce swelling during long flights; Drink lots of water
and juices. Be wary of Alcoholic beverages, sugared soda and caffeinated drinks.
Alcohol and caffeine contribute heavily to bad jet lag. The aircraft's air
system draw moisture out of the air and you. Wash your face often during the
flight with a moist cloth or napkin; Exercise during the flight. Walk around
the plane once in a while; Try to drink a glass of water or juice at least
once every hour.
· Consider skipping the movie. It usually starts around 11 PM body-clock
time. Sleep or at least rest with your eyes closed instead. (Incidentally,
the last 10 minutes of the movie is a good time to use the bathroom. There
is seldom a line.)
· Set your watch to local time as soon as they announce it. It will
put your mind on time, even if your body hasn't yet caught up.
Seasickness? If you tend to get sea sick, please bring appropriate
medicine. We have heard people recommend Bonine for Motion Sickness and always
ask your doctor what is best for you
Special dietary needs? Make sure you tell Bible On Tour at time of booking
if you have any special dietary needs. We would also recommend contacting
the airlines and letting them know. This does not guarantee the type of meal
you desire. In my experience though, I would let the waiters know when you
get to each meal that you have special dietary needs.
Water Quality: Overall, the water quality is excellent. But you have to be aware that in a few regions and on certain islands, the water is not drinkable. If in doubt ask your tour guide in Greece or buy bottled water, even for your coffee.
Communications: GSM access networks, similar to the ones in Europe, cover the whole of Greece. Mobile phones are very popular and cheap so to avoid roaming charges could purchase local prepaid SIMs to use. You can easily find a public telephone, property of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), that work with a telephone card. Cards for mobile phones and for telephone booths can be purchased from kiosks, local post offices, local OTE offices, or tourists' shops.
Country dialing
code: +30
Time: 7 hours ahead of the US East coast. When it's noon
in New York, it's 7 pm in Athens
Euros $1-.77 Euro (As of Jan 31, 2007)
Religion: 98% Eastern (Greek) Orthodoxy is the major religion.
Monasteries of Meteora visit: During this included tour,
plan to wear long pants or a long skirt—no shorts. In addition, women
should have a long-sleeved blouse and a scarf
Good Walking Shoes are Critical: This program features many
included tours that follow steep, unpaved, or uneven routes; and even an average
day of light sightseeing or shopping can put great demands on your feet. Supportive
sports shoes are ideal for daytime shore excursions. If you prefer more ankle
support, take light hiking boots. Bring five to seven pairs of socks. Aboard
ship, you'll want non-slip shoes with rubber soles.
What to Bring
· Short-sleeved cotton shirts or Polo-style shirts- 8
· Long-sleeved breathable shirts–2. For sun protection.
· Cotton sweater or sweatshirt
· Windbreaker or waterproof/breathable jacket.
· Pants: two pairs, lightweight & loose fitting. November-March,
bring one heavier pair, or light long underwear, to keep warm in the evening
· Skirt for woman-1
· Sun hat.
· Swimsuit (You may not use the cooler months November - March).
· Comfortable shoes
· Sunglasses
· Any necessary medicines without Codeine
Taken from Eerdman’s
Handbook to the Bible: Reader’s Digest: Atlas of the Bible, and Moody
Atlas of the Bible
Cruising
Do
I need a passport to travel oversees? Yes.. for most our trips you
will need a passport. YOu can obtain a passport from a Passport Office, U.S.
District Court, or Post Office. It can take 2 months to get a passport so
please apply as early as possible. Also, the passport needs to be valid 9
months after the return of your trip. Please double check your current passport
to make sure that it is up to date. Passport
Application
Do
I need any special shots when traveling oversees?At this time there
are no special shots required for the areas we visit, but it is best to ask
our agent when making your reservation for the most up to date information.
If I take medication...how much should I bring? Be sure to
take extra medication with you just in case there should be any delay in travel.
Should
I get travel insurance? Travel Insurance is optional and covers loss
of luggage, reimbursement of cancellation penalties, and medical care abroad.
Here's information for travel
insurance that covers medical, emergency trip cancellation, travel delays,
trip interruption, baggage delay... travel
insurance
How much luggage can I bring? We suggest you travel lightly,
so you do not feel burdened by your luggage. You can bring a lot of luggage
on a cruise but your room may not be large to handle all your luggage. It
is very important to put your name and address on the inside as well as the
outside of your luggage. If
you are taking a flight before your cruise...pack lightly because they will
charge you for extra weight and baggage
What should I pack? Take clothing that can be mixed and matched
and does not wrinkle easily. Pack like you would for any resort. Make sure
you always pack comfortable shoes. We will be walking on our excursions and
sometime the terrain can be up and down hills just depending on your itinerary.
Cruise itineraries are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore.
In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by
occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear
something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even
a dinner jacket or gown.
Is
there a dress code at religious sites? Modest dress is the expected
at religious sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless (or upper arm baring), cleavage
revealing, or midriff baring shirts. Woman should also avoid short (above
the knee) skirts and may need a head covering for visits on some itineraries.
Will I need a tuxedo(cruises)? On some cruises, formal dinners
or parties are part of the fun. But 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. If you do want to dress to the nines, many ships offer tuxedo rental
services.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver(cruises)? All modern ships
have 110 volt outlets in the staterooms. Some staterooms even come with hairdryers.
Can we celebrate a special occasion? Absolutely! Most cruise
lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy
Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be
more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapés. You can even arrange
for a special private party. All you have to do is advise your reservations
agent in advance.
What about tipping? All tipping is normally included in the
final quoted price for your trip. Please note the “Included” section
of the brochure
Are there medical services onboard? Virtually every cruise ship (except
for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully-equipped
medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.
Should I exchange
money before I go? Normally, you would not need to exchange money.
If you do, we suggest you do it in the airport or at the hotel of the city
you are visiting rather than stateside, which is more expensive.
Are
there laundry services aboard ship? Almost all cruise ships have
laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however,
an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many
ships also have self-service launderettes.
Is motion discomfort a problem? Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries
boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on
modern ships, advanced availability of accurate weather information, and development
of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated
the incidence of motion discomfort.
How to Combat Jet lag? Click here
Dental Care for your trip? Click here
Who should
I see if I have questions that haven't been answered? If, after reviewing
the FAQ sections you still can't find the answers you are looking for, please
send us an email at contactus@BibleOnTour.com
or give us a call, toll free, at 1-800-926-3775.