FAQ

Flights

Q. Can I fly from my local airport?

Virgin Atlantic only operate flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. If you require a connecting flight from a local airport we can explore this option but it may mean that you also need an over night stay at an airport hotel. We can provide all of that for you.

Q. What age is a child considered an infant?

A child up until the age of 2 is considered to be an infant, they will pay a reduced fare and normally sit on the parent or guardian's lap. For a infant to have there own seat a child fare will apply.

Q. How do I get extra leg room on my flight?

Exit seats are reserved for passengers who are fully able bodied and can be booked at check in on a first come first serve basis.

Bulkhead Seats - these are saved for passengers with special medical requirements, If you have any medical requirements you will need to notify us and Virgin Atlantic. You can normally upgrade your seats to premium economy subject to availability cost.

To upgrade your seats please call 0871 226 7005 or email us on tcdcruises@virginholidays.com for further details.

Q. What is my luggage allowance?

For full details on the Virgin Atlantic luggage allowance please visit their luggage allowance page.

Q. Can I fly if I am pregnant?

Congratulations! Providing your pregnancy has been uncomplicated and you are not experiencing a related medical condition, there will be no problem until your 28th week of pregnancy. Please note the cruise operators have separate regulations regarding this. Upon confirmed information of your pregnancy we must be notified immediately.

Q. How do I reserve my seat?

Use Virgin Atlantic's update your booking page and follow these steps:

• Enter your Virgin reference number (ie 123/S09) and name.
• The next page will automatically show booking details unavailable, however continue to enter your departure date and reference number.
• This will then show your parties flight details.
• Go into the amend booking section.
• Then choose the "where's my seat" section - this will bring up a seating map, showing all flight seats available to request.

Please note seating requests cannot be guaranteed. But will be honored whenever possible.

Q. Is baggage checked straight through to final destination on a UK domestic flight?

Sometimes, but this depends on the airline, please ask at check-in.

Q. I am traveling to the United States, do I need a Visa?

Click here to find out about the Visa Waiver program.

Q. I am travelling to the Florida and I have booked a villa/private home and do not have the full address. How do I complete my ESTA form before I travel?

If you have booked a villa or private home in Florida, "CITY & STATE" will suffice.

Q. When do I need to check in for my flight?

When traveling within the European Union you must check in a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure. When traveling worldwide you must check in a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure.

Some airlines have online check in and twilight check-in, further details of this can be found with your tickets when available.

On The Ship

Q. Why do I need to pay service charges and gratuities?

Most cruise lines automatically add tips to your on board account which you settle at the end of the cruise. Tips are then distributed amongst the staff. If you wish to tip specific members of staff you can also do so at your discretion. Some cruise lines include tips as part of the overall price so you do not pay on board.

Q. How many formal evenings should I expect?

Formal evenings vary depending on the ship, however usually there are at least 2 formal evenings on board a week long cruise. Formal evenings require Suit Jackets for Gentleman and a Cocktail dress or Trouser Suit for the ladies. On Formal Cruises you can usually hire formal attire onboard. Please Note Ocean Village, NCL and Island Cruises are informal cruises.

Q. Are children allowed on board?

Children over the age of 6 months are usually allowed on board, however please note that children's clubs will generally only accept children aged 3 years or more.

Q. What are the dining times on board?

Generally ships which offer 2 dining sittings require first sittings to start around 6.30pm and second sittings around 8.30pm. Sittings can be requested at the time of booking. Many ships offer anytime dining so you can choose when and where you eat.

Q. What are the table sizes?

If you have requested which dining sitting you would like you can also request the table size; tables come in sizes of 2, 4, 6 and 8.

Q. Where can I book shore excursions?

At your cruise operator's website or once you are on board your ship.

Cabins

Q. What should I expect from my cabin?

There are several kinds of cabin which can be described as the following:

Inside Cabins

These are without windows or balconies and come equipped with exactly the same facilities as those facing the outside of the ship.

Outside

This will be an ocean view cabin featuring a porthole or picture window to see where your ship is taking you and the port that you are in.

Balcony

A balcony enables you to feel the sea air in the privacy of your own cabin.

Suites

Suites are the next level up, offering more than one bedroom and bathroom, walk in wardrobes, king size beds and dining tables. Some even have whirlpool baths and grand pianos.

Whatever type of cabin you have selected it will usually consist of the following:

• Small private bathroom with shower, wash basin and toilet.
• An international shaver socket, towels, soap and shampoos.
• Telephone, radio and TV.
• Vanity/desk unit and chair.
• Wardrobe and drawer space, bedside drawers.

Your cabin may also have:

• A bath - more likely in higher grade cabins and on British ships.
• Hairdryer.
• VCR or DVD player.
• A sitting area with a sofa or two chairs and a table.
• Fridge/mini bar and personal safe.

When you arrive into your cabin your cabin steward will introduce him or herself and answer any questions you may have regarding the cabin facilities. Your steward will also supply you with clean towels and make your bed on a daily basis.

Q. When will I find out my cabin number?

Sometimes you can select your cabin number at the time of the booking so you can see exactly where your cabin will be. If you do not have your cabin number then you have been booked into a 'Guarantee cabin'. This means that you have been booked into your requested category but your are eligible for any complementary cabin upgrade that may become available.

Q. I'm not registered as disabled, can I book a disabled cabin?

As there are few cabins which accommodate disabled passengers on each ship they are reserved for passengers who are fully immobile only.

Holiday Extras

Q. Where can I book my airport hotel or car parking?

Click for airport hotels, parking & airport lounges.

Q. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes! If you are traveling abroad you must obtain adequate travel insurance. This can be purchased from your local post office or by contacting us 0871 226 7005.
Please note we cannot accept any liability for any passengers who fail to obtain travel insurance.

Tickets

Q. When will I receive my tickets?

You should expect your tickets 7-10 days prior to departure. If we receive them any earlier we will sent them out to you straight away.

Q. Help! I do not have my tickets

Don't panic, our system will tell us if we have sent your tickets to you or not. So if your departure date is getting closer we will already be chasing them for you.

Q. I didn't make the booking, can you help me?

Due to data protection laws we can only discuss a booking with the lead passenger on the booking, which is generally the person who initially made the booking. All paperwork and confirmations will also be sent to the lead passenger at their address.

Q. Can I do a name change?

A. Any change requests must be put in writing to us from the lead passenger. The charge depends on how close you are to departure, and we can normally action this upto 7 days prior to depature, however this depends on your cruise operator. Refer to the terms and conditions.

Q. What should I do if I wish to cancel my holiday?

A. Any cancellation requests must be put in writing to us from the lead passenger. Where applicable you will be subject to charges.

Q. What are the cancellation charges?

Refer to the terms and conditions.

Q. I cannot travel on the dates I have booked, can I change my holiday?

Yes you can! Providing you stay with the same cruise operator. Refer to the terms and conditions.

Q. Do I need a vaccination?

Please always check with your doctor before travelling.

Q. When will I receive my booking confirmation?

As soon as your holiday is booked we will sent out your confirmation and receipts, you should receive them within 3 - 5 days of booking.

Q. I have paid a fuel supplement but have seen in the news that the fuel price has come down, does this affect me?

Fuel supplements are calculated on the day that you make your booking meaning they are not reduced.

Q. When must I pay the balance of my holiday?

A. Full payment is due 13 weeks prior to departure.

Q. How can I pay for my holiday?

You can call us on 0871 226 7005 to make a payment. Refer to the terms and conditions for any applicable charges.

You can also send a cheque made payable to Travel City Direct Cruises:

Travel City Direct Cruises

Unit 1-2 Coped Hall Business Park, Wootton Bassett

Swindon

Wiltshire

SN4 8DP

United Kingdom

Please ensure that you name, address and reference number is clearly detailed on the back to ensure we can allocate the cheque to your booking.

Q. I have already returned from my cruise.

We value all feedback that we receive from our customers so if you have had a fantastic time and want to tell us about your experience or if you think we could provide a better service we want to know about it.
Please write to us at:

Travel City Direct Cruises

Unit 1-2 Coped Hall Business Park, Wootton Bassett

Swindon

Wiltshire

SN4 8DP

United Kingdom

Or e mail us at tcdcruises@virginholidays.com.

Q. What should I do if I have a complaint about my holiday?

A. In the unlikely event that there is a problem with your holiday, please put your complaint in writing to us. This must reach us within 28 days of your return date.