Here is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions received from our passengers in advance of their cruise. If the question or answer you need is not here, please refer to our Welcome Aboard booklet or view our General Information section.
Alternatively you may wish to email us on Precruise@voyagesofdiscovery.com or call our pre-cruise Administration team on 0844 822 0800.
General Questions
Will the increases in VAT from January 2011 affect the cost of a Voyages of Discovery cruise?
No. The changes in VAT will not affect the fares on our cruises.
Can I book my cruise online?
We do not currently offer online booking or payment but we welcome feedback from those of our passengers who feel that we should offer this service in the future and would be keen to use it.
What is included in my cruise fare?
- All meals from breakfast to late-night snacks
- Captain’s cocktail parties and gala dinners
- 24-hour self-service tea and coffee
- Comprehensive programme of guest lecturers or informative talks by port lecturers and guest speakers
- Workshops on sea days on selected cruises (details are available onboard)
- Flights for fly cruises
- Selected UK transfers and parking on Harwich-Harwich cruises
- All gratuities
- All service charges
- Captain’s cocktail parties and gala dinners
- 24-hour self-service tea and coffee
- Comprehensive programme of guest lecturers or informative talks by port lecturers and guest speakers
- Workshops on sea days on selected cruises (details are available onboard)
- Flights for fly cruises
- Selected UK transfers and parking on Harwich-Harwich cruises
- All gratuities
- All service charges
What shall I pack?
A reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects may be taken onboard the ship without charge. Please bear in mind though that there is no separate luggage storage facility onboard so it will be necessary to store your suitcases in your cabin.
For fly cruises, you will find your luggage allowance within your final details which will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks before your departure.
During the day informal clothing is recommended. We suggest that you consider layered clothing to accommodate variations in temperatures, even within the same country. Casual shirts, shorts and beachwear are ideal for days on board and ashore, although we do ask you to dress appropriately when using the main restaurants. It should be noted that in certain countries shorts, short skirts, bare arms and shoulders will not be appreciated locally, and entry to certain places may be prohibited if it is considered that you are dressed inappropriately. For trips ashore and walking around on the deck, flat, comfortable shoes are essential. We also recommend that you bring a lightweight jacket, sweater or fleece and a light raincoat to accommodate varying temperatures and weather conditions.
During the evening, the dress code varies depending on the itinerary.
Formal nights -There are usually 2 formal evenings during the course of each cruise when ladies wear cocktail or evening dress and men a dinner jacket, tuxedo or dark coloured lounge suit. Gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket and tie when dining in the Yacht Club.
On other evenings the dress code will be semi-formal or smart casual.
Semi-formal - Men may wear smart tailored trousers and a shirt, and for ladies, anything ranging from tailored trousers to a dress is acceptable.
Smart/Casual nights – This dress code usually applies on days where long excursions are featured or on the first night when passengers might arrive late. It should be noted that shorts and sandals are not considered acceptable attire in the main restaurants during evening dining.
For fly cruises, you will find your luggage allowance within your final details which will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks before your departure.
During the day informal clothing is recommended. We suggest that you consider layered clothing to accommodate variations in temperatures, even within the same country. Casual shirts, shorts and beachwear are ideal for days on board and ashore, although we do ask you to dress appropriately when using the main restaurants. It should be noted that in certain countries shorts, short skirts, bare arms and shoulders will not be appreciated locally, and entry to certain places may be prohibited if it is considered that you are dressed inappropriately. For trips ashore and walking around on the deck, flat, comfortable shoes are essential. We also recommend that you bring a lightweight jacket, sweater or fleece and a light raincoat to accommodate varying temperatures and weather conditions.
During the evening, the dress code varies depending on the itinerary.
Formal nights -There are usually 2 formal evenings during the course of each cruise when ladies wear cocktail or evening dress and men a dinner jacket, tuxedo or dark coloured lounge suit. Gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket and tie when dining in the Yacht Club.
On other evenings the dress code will be semi-formal or smart casual.
Semi-formal - Men may wear smart tailored trousers and a shirt, and for ladies, anything ranging from tailored trousers to a dress is acceptable.
Smart/Casual nights – This dress code usually applies on days where long excursions are featured or on the first night when passengers might arrive late. It should be noted that shorts and sandals are not considered acceptable attire in the main restaurants during evening dining.
When and how do I make the final payment for my cruise?
We will send you a reminder one week before your balance is due. For security reasons, we do not keep card details on record, so you will need to contact us by phone to make a payment using a credit or debit card. Payments made by credit card will incur a 3% charge; however there is no charge on payments made by debit card. If you choose to pay by cheque, please make your cheque payable to “Voyages of Discovery”. Alternatively you may pay by bank transfer (bank charges may apply) please contact us for bank transfer details.
How much luggage can I take?
On fly/ cruises, allowances will be subject to the conditions imposed by the airline and will vary from airline to airline. Baggage allowances are 20kgs on most airlines for checked luggage and 5kgs for hand baggage. Specific details of luggage allowances and any restrictions which apply will be provided with your final details, 2 weeks prior to departure.
When will our summer 2012 cruise programme be announced and on sale?
Our summer 2012 cruise programme will be launched and available to book in April 2011.
Can I get my laundry done?
A valet service is available for laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services. Passengers taking 2 or more consecutive cruises will receive a discount for laundry or pressing, but not dry cleaning.
How do I know which Visa and health requirements apply to my cruise?
Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the entry requirements set by each country that you are visiting. Certain cruises require you to have a visa. We will provide an indication of the requirements which apply to British Citizens at the time of booking and more up to date information within 14 weeks of departure, since requirements can change. Non-British Citizens should consult the relevant Embassy or Consulate for further information. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport and are visiting an Arab country you should check the entry requirements with the relevant Embassy. Details of these, as well as other useful information about the countries you are visiting are available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on www.fco.gov.uk . All passengers should speak to their healthcare professional to discuss the requirements for their itinerary and consider the impact of any potential health risks. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered with the correct inoculations and supporting documentation in advance of your cruise, keeping in mind that requirements can change, often at short notice.
What will the weather be like?
Please follow this link for information about your destinations www.holiday-weather.com
or www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides
or www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides
How do I get to Harwich and what facilities are available?
We hope that the following information will be of assistance www.harwich.co.uk .
Further information about arrangements specific to your cruise will be provided with your final details.
By Rail:
Rail passengers can travel to Harwich International Station which is adjacent to the ferry and cruise terminals. Regular service connections to London (70 minutes) and also to other UK destinations.
By Road:
From the M11: Leave at junction 8 and join the A120 eastwards, heading for Braintree and Colchester.
From the M25: Take the A12 at junction 28 (signposted Chelmsford) and then join the A120 at Colchester, after approximately 30 miles.
From the A14: Take the A12 at Ipswich and join the A120 at Colchester.
In all cases keep on the A120 following signs to Harwich. On approaching Harwich, follow signs for Harwich International Port. On arrival, follow the internal port signs for the destination of Discovery within the port complex.
On sailings departing from and returning to Harwich, we offer free parking and transfers from selected locations in the UK to the port. Details will be sent to you approximately 13 weeks prior to departure.
Further information about arrangements specific to your cruise will be provided with your final details.
By Rail:
Rail passengers can travel to Harwich International Station which is adjacent to the ferry and cruise terminals. Regular service connections to London (70 minutes) and also to other UK destinations.
By Road:
From the M11: Leave at junction 8 and join the A120 eastwards, heading for Braintree and Colchester.
From the M25: Take the A12 at junction 28 (signposted Chelmsford) and then join the A120 at Colchester, after approximately 30 miles.
From the A14: Take the A12 at Ipswich and join the A120 at Colchester.
In all cases keep on the A120 following signs to Harwich. On approaching Harwich, follow signs for Harwich International Port. On arrival, follow the internal port signs for the destination of Discovery within the port complex.
On sailings departing from and returning to Harwich, we offer free parking and transfers from selected locations in the UK to the port. Details will be sent to you approximately 13 weeks prior to departure.
When will I receive my final documents?
Your final cruise documents will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure provided that we have all your mandatory passenger information. You can check the status of this information and update it on
www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk/mybooking
www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk/mybooking
When will I receive my airline tickets and will I be able to check in on line?
Most airlines now offer ticketless travel, however we will provide you with a flight information sheet with your final cruise documents two weeks prior to the departure of your cruise. As we purchase airline seats in bulk, under a group reference number you may not be able to check in online in most instances.
Before you Sail
Am I able to cruise if I am hard of hearing?
As the safety of our passengers is our utmost priority, it is a requirement that any intending passenger who is profoundly hard of hearing, or who uses sign language as their principal means of communication, is accompanied, at their own cost, by a companion who is able to assist the passenger who has impaired hearing with communication or in understanding audible announcements, signals and alarms.
How much spending money should I take?
You should budget for the following:
- Travel to/from your home to the port/airport
- All drinks on board
- Internet usage or telephone calls
- Shore excursions if not already pre-booked
- Meals/refreshments ashore
- Spa/Hairdresser/Beauty Salon treatments
- Laundry services
- Photographs/videos or photo development
- Duty free or other items purchased from our shop on board
- Gratuities if not already included in your holiday price
- Medical expenses
- Visa costs which may be charged to your account
Please note that extras on board are charged in sterling and payment is required at the end of your cruise. Please see our Welcome Aboard booklet for further information.
- Travel to/from your home to the port/airport
- All drinks on board
- Internet usage or telephone calls
- Shore excursions if not already pre-booked
- Meals/refreshments ashore
- Spa/Hairdresser/Beauty Salon treatments
- Laundry services
- Photographs/videos or photo development
- Duty free or other items purchased from our shop on board
- Gratuities if not already included in your holiday price
- Medical expenses
- Visa costs which may be charged to your account
Please note that extras on board are charged in sterling and payment is required at the end of your cruise. Please see our Welcome Aboard booklet for further information.
Can I take a wheelchair on board?
Yes, but passengers requiring wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible chair. We regret that we are unable to accommodate mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs. The use of a wheelchair needs to be declared at the time of booking. We do ask as a booking condition that all wheelchair users are able to walk up and down the gangway, unaided. If you require airport assistance, please advise us at time of booking so that we can pass your requirements to the airline. The airline arranges assistance from the check-in desk to the aircraft.
Which currencies do I need for the countries I am visiting?
Euros and US dollars are accepted widely in many of the ports of call that we visit. For a list of currencies please follow the link www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/currency.htm .
I am sharing a cabin with a friend. Can we have separate on board accounts?
Yes, if you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, please visit the Reception desk on embarkation day to arrange this. Both passengers will need to provide credit/debit card details in advance.
On Board Voyager
How much luggage can I take?
On fly cruises, allowances will be subject to the conditions imposed by the airline and will vary from airline to airline. Baggage allowances are 20kgs on most airlines for checked luggage and 5kgs for hand baggage. Specific details of luggage allowances and any restrictions which apply will be provided with your final details, 2 weeks prior to departure.
Can I get my laundry done?
A service is available for laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services. Passengers taking two or more consecutive cruises will receive a discount for laundry or pressing, but not dry cleaning.
How much spending money should I take?
You should budget for the following:
- Travel to/from your home to the port/airport
- All drinks on board
- Internet usage or telephone calls
- Shore excursions if not already pre-booked
- Meals/refreshments ashore
- Spa/Hairdresser/Beauty Salon treatments
- Laundry services
- Photographs/videos or photo development
- Duty free or other items purchased from our shops on board
- Gratuities if not already included in your holiday price
- Medical expenses
- Visa costs which may be charged to your account
Please note that extras on board are charged in sterling and payment is required at the end of your cruise. Please see our Essential Cruise Information booklet for further information.
- Travel to/from your home to the port/airport
- All drinks on board
- Internet usage or telephone calls
- Shore excursions if not already pre-booked
- Meals/refreshments ashore
- Spa/Hairdresser/Beauty Salon treatments
- Laundry services
- Photographs/videos or photo development
- Duty free or other items purchased from our shops on board
- Gratuities if not already included in your holiday price
- Medical expenses
- Visa costs which may be charged to your account
Please note that extras on board are charged in sterling and payment is required at the end of your cruise. Please see our Essential Cruise Information booklet for further information.
What are the currencies I need for the countries I am visiting?
Euros and US dollars are accepted widely in many of the ports of call that we visit. For a list of currencies please follow the link:
www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/currency.htm
www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/currency.htm
How do I know what Visa and health requirements apply to my cruise?
Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the entry requirements set by each country that you are visiting. Certain cruises require you to have a visa. We will provide an indication of the requirements which apply to British Citizens at the time of booking and more up to date information closer to departure, since requirements can change. Non-British Citizens should consult the relevant Embassy or Consulate for further information. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport and are visiting an Arab country you should check the entry requirements with the relevant Embassy. Details of these, as well as other useful information about the countries you are visiting are available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on www.fco.gov.uk.
All passengers should speak to their healthcare professional to discuss the requirements for their itinerary and consider the impact of any potential health risks. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered with the correct inoculations and supporting documentation in advance of your cruise, keeping in mind that requirements can change, often at short notice.
All passengers should speak to their healthcare professional to discuss the requirements for their itinerary and consider the impact of any potential health risks. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered with the correct inoculations and supporting documentation in advance of your cruise, keeping in mind that requirements can change, often at short notice.
How can I keep in contact with home?
You can phone, email or use your own mobile phone whilst on board - charges will apply. Further details are available in our Essential Cruise Information booklet. Please note that internet facilities/signal may not be available at certain points during your cruise itinerary.
What are the dining arrangements?
Breakfast and lunch are arranged on an open sitting basis and can be taken in the Discovery or the Veranda Restaurant.
In the evening there are three restaurants to choose from, all of which offer dining on an open seating basis, with the Veranda Restaurant offering a more informal environment. On selected evenings our specialty grill restaurant offers an alternative dinner menu at no extra charge. You will be able to dine here at least once during your cruise and reservations should be made on board.
In the evening there are three restaurants to choose from, all of which offer dining on an open seating basis, with the Veranda Restaurant offering a more informal environment. On selected evenings our specialty grill restaurant offers an alternative dinner menu at no extra charge. You will be able to dine here at least once during your cruise and reservations should be made on board.
What arrangements can you make to accommodate my special diet?
We can usually make provision for special diets if we are given sufficient notice. We recommend that you discuss any specific requirements with our Maitre d’ once on board.
What happens if I am taken ill during my cruise?
We would ask you to advise us of any serious pre-existing medical condition that could adversely affect your cruise well in advance of your departure. We hope that you will not need to use the ship’s medical facilities on board during the course of your cruise. We do have a well-equipped Medical Centre on board which is staffed by a fully qualified Doctor and two nurses. As the Medical Centre operates outside the British and European health services, charges are made for consultations, prescriptions and cabin visits. Details of these charges are available on board. These costs are usually reclaimable from your travel insurance provider less any excess. Please ensure that you have your insurance documentation with you when you travel. Should you require urgent medical attention ashore we will assist you in contacting your insurer so that they can make the necessary arrangements for any treatment you might require in an overseas location, and your subsequent repatriation.
How do I get ashore if the ship is not berthed alongside?
In certain ports of call, where the vessel is at anchor and not at a berth, we will operate a ship to shore tender service. Only those passengers requiring the minimum of assistance to negotiate steps and board/alight the tenders will be permitted ashore. If you would like further information about the arrangements for your cruise please contact us.
What arrangements are made for single passengers on board?
The onboard Social Host will arrange a singles party each cruise to give single travelers the opportunity to meet others.
How do I get to Portsmouth and what facilities are available?
I want to take a wheelchair on board
Passengers requiring wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible chair. We regret that we are unable to accommodate mobility scooters or motorised wheelchairs. The use of a wheelchair needs to be declared at the time of booking. We do ask as a booking condition that all wheelchair users are able to walk up and down the gangway, unaided. If you require airport assistance, please advise us at time of booking so that we can pass your request to the airline. The airline arranges assistance from the check-in desk to the aircraft.
Can I purchase gifts on board or on board credit for a friend or relative?
Yes, if you are a friend or relative of a passenger, please call our Administration Department on 0844 822 0800, who will be happy to assist.
On Board Discovery
What are the dining arrangements?
The Maitre d’ on board allocates your dining table. Please advise us of any dining requests or dietary requirements at the time of booking. There are two dinner sittings, early and main, and timings will depend on the day’s programme. In general early sitting is at 6.30pm and second sitting at 8.30pm approximately. Please check your Daily Programme for details of the restaurant opening hours which may change from day to day. You may also dine in the Yacht Club at least once per cruise.
Where can I smoke on board?
Smoking is only permitted in specially designated areas of deck space.
What happens if I am taken ill during my cruise?
We would ask you to advise us of any serious pre-existing medical condition that could adversely affect your cruise well in advance of your departure. We hope that you will not need to use the ship’s medical facilities on board during the course of your cruise. We do have a well-equipped Medical Centre on board which is staffed by a fully qualified Doctor and 2 nurses. As the Medical Centre operates outside the British and European health services, charges are made for consultations, prescriptions and cabin visits. Details of these charges are available on board. These costs are usually reclaimable from your travel insurance provider less any excess. Please ensure that you have your insurance documentation with you when you travel. Should you require urgent medical attention ashore we will assist you in contacting your insurer so that they can make the necessary arrangements for any treatment you might require in an overseas location, and your subsequent repatriation.
What arrangements can you make to accommodate my special diet?
We can usually make provision for special diets if we are given sufficient notice. We recommend that you discuss any specific requirements with our Maitre d’ once on board.
How can I keep in contact with home?
You can phone, email or use your own mobile phone whilst on board - charges will apply. Further details are available in our Welcome Aboard booklet.
Can I purchase gifts on board or on board credit for a friend or relative?
Yes, if you are a friend or relative of a passenger, please call our Admin department on 0844 822 0800, who will be happy to assist.
An on board gift selection list is also sent to the passenger along with the final invoice if this gift is not a surprise.
An on board gift selection list is also sent to the passenger along with the final invoice if this gift is not a surprise.
On Shore
When will I know which excursions are available?
The shore excursion details will be made available approximately 13 weeks prior to departure. These can be pre-booked or booked onboard.
How do I get ashore if the ship is not berthed alongside?
In certain ports of call, where the vessel is at anchor and not at a berth, we will operate a ship to shore tender service. Only those passengers requiring the minimum of assistance to negotiate steps and board/alight the tenders will be permitted ashore. If you would like further information about the arrangements for your cruise please contact us.
Please note that Voyages of Discovery is not responsible for the content of external websites.
0844 822 0802
©2012, Voyages of Discovery - All Rights Reserved. Voyages of Discovery is a trading name of All Leisure Holidays Ltd.
Registered in England No. 2888825. VAT No. 680 1949 19