Your guide to cruising. ALL the PRE-DEPARTURE information you need

Transcription

1 Your guide to cruising ALL the PRE-DEPARTURE information you need for your cruise aboard voyager

2 contents BEFORE YOU TRAVEL LIFE ON BOARD Dining 13 Cabin service 13 Special diets 13 Alcoholic beverages 13 Tea & coffee facilities 13 Drinking water 13 Reception 14 Wake up calls 14 Gift shop 14 Duty free 14 Hair & beauty 14 Photography 15 Fitness centre / gym 15 Swimming pool 15 Library 15 Laundry & pressing 15 Religious services 15 Bridge visits 15 Cabin telephones 15 Internet, & fax 15 Mobile telephones 16 Onboard currencies 16 Spending on board 16 Your account 17 Onboard credit 17 Gratuities on board 17 Personal expenses 17 Safety deposit boxes 17 Medical facilities 17 Hand sanitisers 18 Norovirus 18 STEPPING ASHORE Shore excursions 19 Going ashore independently 19 Tendering ashore 20 Who to contact in case of emergency 20 get ready to set sail Welcome, I am delighted that you have chosen to book your cruise with Voyages of Discovery. This guide contains important and useful information which we hope will contribute to making your cruise more enjoyable. I would recommend you to take time to read through the information, which is there to help you enjoy and make the most of your cruise. All our staff are here to make sure you enjoy every moment of your cruise experience. Please do not hesitate to ask if you require any further information or assistance. Passengers are at the heart of our business and the number of passengers who return to cruise with us year after year is a matter of great pride to us and testament to the unique experiences we provide. We like to consider ourselves large enough to matter but small enough to care. On behalf of everyone at Voyages of Discovery we thank you for choosing to cruise with us and very much look forward to welcoming you on board Voyager. Cruise documentation 4 Passport / Visa 4 Fitness to travel 5 Passengers with special requirements 5 Dietary requirements 6 Travel insurance 6 EHIC European Health Insurance Card 6 Vaccinations 6 Medical / Medication 7 Baggage general 8 Baggage liability 8 The Baggageman 8 Spending ashore 8 What to wear 9 Onboard gift selections 10 EMBARKATION At the port 11 Your cruise card 11 What happens to my baggage? 11 Important reminders 12 Your cabin 12 general INFORMATION Safety on board/ emergency drill 21 Daily programme 21 Entertainment/activities on board 21 Single travellers 21 Lost & found 22 Smoking policy 22 Environmental policy 22 How to contact us 22 Tristar - chauffeur driven private transfer 22 DISEMBARKATION Packing your baggage 23 Leaving the ship 23 Travelling home 23 Yours sincerely Stuart Horne Director of Fleet Operations - Voyages of Discovery Should the information you require not be found within this booklet, you ll find more on our website at You may prefer to speak to your travel agent, tour operator or, if you have booked direct, a member of the Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on Alternatively, us at enquiries@voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk 2

3 Cruise Documentation A pre-cruise information pack, which includes shore excursion details, will be sent to you approximately 18 weeks before departure. Your final documentation, which includes confirmed flight timings (where applicable) will be sent approximately two weeks before departure. Prior to embarkation, please make sure that you have your cruise documentation and keep this with you at all times. This includes your shore excursions programme, insurance policy and your conditions of carriage. Your pre-cruise information pack will also contain health and insurance information specific to your itinerary. If any of your information on your cruise documentation is incorrect please contact your travel agent, tour operator, or if you have booked direct, the Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on or enquiries@voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk. Alternatively, you can update your records on the Already Booked section of our website at Please note that you can only amend your booking online up to two weeks prior to departure. Before You Travel Passport / Visa For countries where visas are required prior to departure, our Consular Services department can obtain visas for British citizens. Other nationalities should consult their travel agency/embassy. Your pre-cruise information pack contains all the information you need to apply for visas. Please note you should ensure that you obtain relevant visas for all the countries you are visiting on your cruise even if you do not intend to leave the ship. This is in case of any emergencies that may occur such as urgent medical treatment that may require you, or one of your party, to disembark. Should you wish to use our service we will add the cost of the visa, which includes a handling fee, to your invoice and send you all the relevant visa application forms and guidance notes that you will need. British citizens require a full 10-year passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK, for all countries visited, with spare blank pages available. This includes cruises of the British Isles. We also recommend that you take a photocopy of the personal details page of your passport and keep this with you at all times when ashore (ie the page with your photograph) as this may be required by immigration authorities/law. It is important that the name on your passport, including middle names, exactly matches those on your booking and cruise documentation. Airline and system restrictions do not allow hyphenation or addition of spaces for surnames. Please note passengers with Israeli stamps in their passports may require a new passport when visiting Arab countries. Please check with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides up-to-date information for all British travellers at foreign-commonwealth-office or telephone You are responsible for ensuring that your passport and visa documentation meets the entry requirements of all countries that you are visiting. Visa regulations are subject to change by the country s authorities and, where possible, we will notify you of any amendments that may affect you before travel. Where visa charges are payable locally you will be required to pay these on board. It is essential you pay attention to the ship s instructions regarding passports, landing cards and other travel documents, which vary from country to country. Delays caused by noncompliance of entry requirements will delay clearance of the vessel and impact on time spent in the port for all passengers. Fitness to Travel Before booking you are required to tell us of any pre-existing medical condition or disability, which may affect your cruise arrangements or subsequently if your condition changes, resulting in special requirements. Medical conditions include, but are not restricted to, limited mobility, hearing or sight impairment, oxygen therapy, dialysis etc. If you do not tell us about your medical condition or limited mobility this may result in you being denied boarding at the port or airport. You will be asked to verify your fitness to travel status at the time of making your booking and, if required, a medical questionnaire will be issued for you to complete. Passengers with Special Requirements We will always try to accommodate passengers with special requirements. However, for reasons of safety the following conditions apply: Hearing and visually impaired passengers The safety of our passengers is our utmost priority and it is a requirement that any passenger who is profoundly hard of hearing, or who uses sign language as their principle means of communication, is accompanied by a travelling companion who can assist in the case of an emergency. It is a requirement that any passenger who has a visual impairment, and is not able to follow emergency signage and move around in an unfamiliar place, is accompanied by a travelling companion who can assist in the case of an emergency. Health care companions Passengers who require the use of a wheelchair or require any personal care should be accompanied by a travelling companion who is able to and who will be responsible for providing any necessary assistance. This includes embarkation/ disembarkation, daily personal care, movement around the ship, participation in the shore excursions programme or in the case of an emergency. Wheelchairs and motorised scooters We are more than happy for you to bring your wheelchair on board. However, due to the nature of the stepped gangway, it is not possible to use a wheelchair when embarking or disembarking the ship. Passengers requiring wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible manual wheelchair, which must be stored in your cabin. Wheelchairs cannot be stored in public areas as they will obstruct escape routes, emergency doors or stairwells. Some ports require the use of tenders to go ashore and conditions may preclude a wheelchair user from leaving the vessel; this decision will be made by the Captain and is binding. In some destinations there may not always be facilities for passengers with limited mobility. BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 4 5

4 Sometimes it may be possible to arrange wheelchair assistance at the port terminal / airport terminal. Any applicable charges for this assistance can be paid by you locally or will be charged to your onboard account. The same conditions apply to motorised scooters with the exception that they cannot be used on board due to space restrictions. Your scooter must be dismantled by yourself for embarkation and disembarkation and must break down into no more than five pieces and each piece must weigh less than 40lbs (18kg). Cabins 4116, 4216 and 4131 on Columbus Deck are adapted cabins and have a no-step shower facility. Cabin 6100 on the Promenade Deck is also an adapted cabin and has a shower over the bath with grab rails. All of these cabins are slightly larger than other cabins, (approximately 146 sq ft-152 sq ft) and are adapted with a smaller lip on the bathroom door. The cabin door width is 74cm and bathroom door width 78cm. Demand for these cabins is high and they are subject to availability. Dietary Requirements We can usually make provision for a range of special diets provided sufficient notice is given and we will do our utmost to accommodate any request. If you have not done so at the time of booking, please advise the Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on or by at enquiries@voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk of any requirements or food allergies no later than two weeks prior to departure. Requests for special in-flight catering will be given to the airline. However, we regret we are unable to guarantee such requests as the airline may not be able to cater for certain meal types. For more information on special diets please see page 13. Travel Insurance If you have taken our insurance and are resident in the UK your certificate will have been sent to you. If, however, you have taken alternative insurance cover and have not yet advised us of the policy details it is essential that you do so as soon as possible. Please ensure that you bring copies of your insurance documents with you on the cruise. Failure to provide us with details of your insurance before your cruise will delay the issue of your final documentation. Please note that you will not be permitted to travel without adequate insurance as outlined in our brochure. Your travel insurance, as a minimum, must cover medical charges, cancellation, curtailment, evacuation (from the vessel) and repatriation costs of not less than 5 million. Any pre-existing medical conditions must be disclosed to ensure you are fully protected. Please refer to the Insurance section (5) of the Fair Trading Conditions at the back of the Voyages of Discovery brochure for more information. EHIC The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to get state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge. In order for the EHIC to be accepted, you must attend a hospital or health centre that provides state healthcare. It is not accepted in a private hospital or clinic. Policy holders are under no obligation to provide insurance details in a state hospital or health centre. You have the right to insist that your EHIC is accepted for all necessary state-provided medical treatment. If you do not have your EHIC with you then you can call the Overseas Healthcare Team in Newcastle who will be able to provide you with a Provisional Replacement Certificate. They can be contacted on You can obtain further information and apply for the card free of charge on the official EHIC website ( Other unofficial websites may charge you if you apply through them. The card is valid for up to five years. Please check the expiry date on your card before you travel. Vaccinations We recommend that all passengers seek advice from their doctor or travel clinic at least 12 weeks prior to departure and take a copy of their itinerary and personal travel plans for review with the practitioner. It is your responsibility to ensure you are fully protected with the correct vaccinations and, where relevant, appropriate vaccination certificates for your cruise. Vaccination requirements are subject to change with or without notice. We recommend that you obtain up-to-date information in one of the following ways: via the NaTHNaC UK government-funded website at or MASTA at You can also contact your local travel agent and ask for a copy of the Department of Health s leaflet Advice On Health For Travellers or visit your local pharmacy. During our winter cruises some countries require a Yellow Fever vaccination. If you cannot be vaccinated for Yellow Fever, a GP letter or letter of medical exemption will be required. If required, this will be detailed in your pre cruise information pack. Other countries recommend that precautions are taken against malaria and other diseases. You should seek advice with regard to your personal itinerary, including pre / post-voyage travel, as malaria advice and / or prophylaxis may be recommended. Health advice varies from time to time depending on the situation of the country you are visiting. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all passengers. Medical / Medication Generally, you may bring your medication on board. However, some prescriptions, over the counter drugs, complementary therapies and other medicines that can be purchased in the UK may be illegal in the United Arab Emirates. Japan and China also have stringent regulations regarding some medication, eg. codeine is banned and products containing codeine, which may include paracetamol, cannot be imported or sold in these countries. Penalties can be severe if banned substances are found when entering these countries. Therefore if you are taking any medication and are in doubt please contact the United Arab Emirates, London Embassy Medical Department on prior to your arrival, the Japanese Embassy on or the Chinese Embassy on It is your responsibility to do this. Anyone travelling with medication and / or syringes should carry a prescription with them. All medication must be kept in labelled dispensing bottles or packages. If the medication is a controlled or injectable drug you are advised to carry with you a doctor s letter. For large items that need to be refrigerated, the Medical Centre on board should be advised in advance so that they can make arrangements for you. We strongly advise you to contact the Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on if you have any concerns. BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 6 7

5 Baggage General Approximately two weeks prior to departure, baggage tags will be sent along with your final documentation. Tags should be completed with your name, cabin number and then attached to your baggage before you leave home. This allows for your suitcases to be delivered directly to your cabin on arrival. Please refer to page 11 What happens to my baggage? We would like to remind you that porter services at the pier on embarkation and disembarkation are included in your cruise fare. Allowances / limitations A reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects may be taken on board the ship without charge. Empty suitcases will be stored in your cabin for the duration of your cruise, there is no separate baggage storage facility on board. Where flights are involved, you will find the baggage allowance shown on your air ticket or e-ticket and these weights must not be exceeded. If your baggage exceeds the designated weight you may be charged additional fees. Hand luggage should be limited to essential items only eg. travel documents, passports, valuables and essential medicines. Restrictions on the carriage of liquids in hand luggage also apply. Please refer to your final documentation for the latest information before travelling or check the latest information at Baggage Liability We are only liable for lost or damaged baggage from the time your baggage arrives alongside the ship. This liability is described in full in your Conditions of Carriage leaflet and is strictly limited. We strongly recommend that you obtain separate baggage insurance before you travel to cover the value of your belongings. Should your baggage be damaged or delayed in transit you must report this immediately to the airline or other relevant authorities and also to our representative locally. At the airport a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) should be obtained and any other relevant reports must be completed in order to trace the lost baggage and to support any potential insurance claim. For full details, please refer to our Conditions of Carriage leaflet. The Baggageman The Baggageman offers a door-to-door luggage collection and delivery service to Voyager in many of our overseas embarkation and disembarkation ports, enabling you to enjoy a relaxed unhindered journey without having to carry your luggage. Please note: This service is not available on cruises to Africa, the Far East & South America. Prices for Europe start at 144 per bag return fully inclusive. (A one-way delivery service is also available). Please contact The Baggageman directly on or via their website Spending Ashore If you intend to make any purchases ashore we recommend you change small denominations of currencies for the countries you are visiting before you travel. More information will be provided in your pre-cruise information pack. Many countries do accept sterling notes, euros or US dollars for purchases. In some ports, Foreign Exchange Representatives may be on hand to provide limited currency exchange facilities. Details will be available on board. Please remember that whilst there is no limit to the amount of funds you can carry during your cruise, you may not take out from a specific country more than you have taken in. WHAt to wear: DAYTIME During the day, the general atmosphere on board is informal. In warmer climes light, casual clothing is recommended (shorts are acceptable). However, we ask that swimwear be covered when entering the ship s interior public areas. A sweater and jacket for cooler days/evenings and a light raincoat are advisable. We recommend layered clothing to accommodate variations in temperature. For trips ashore and getting into and out of the ship s tenders, flat, comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must. You may wish to bring a camera, binoculars, umbrella, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. In certain countries shorts or short skirts and bare arms/ shoulders will not be appreciated locally and you may be prohibited entry to certain sites. In such cases, advice will be provided in your pre-cruise information pack and on board. Comfortable, relaxed clothing and sportswear, including shorts, athletic footwear and sandals, can be worn at breakfast. WHAt to wear: Evening Each evening a suggested dress code is advertised in your daily programme which is delivered to your cabin. Usually there are two formal evenings per cruise. The first is the Captain s Welcome Cocktail / Dinner and the second is the Farewell Gala Dinner. On these nights ladies are invited to wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses and gentlemen may wear a tuxedo or lounge suit with tie. On other evenings smart casual attire should be worn when dining in the Discovery Restaurant. Ladies may wear dresses or blouses with skirts or long trousers (no shorts). Gentlemen may wear buttoned shirts with collars and long tailored trousers (no jacket or tie required), and closed shoes (no shorts or sandals). The Veranda Restaurant and outside eating areas are less formal, and casual clothing, including jeans / shorts, is perfectly acceptable. As a courtesy to all passengers the dress code will be observed and enforced. Please ensure that you are therefore correctly dressed in order to avoid any possible embarrassment. BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 8 9

6 embarkation OnBoard Gift Selection Embarkation For a welcoming touch or to mark that special occasion on board Voyager we have a selection of gifts which you can purchase or that friends or relatives can treat passengers to. Celebrate an anniversary or birthday with one of our onboard gift selctions, which include Champagne, a card and fine foods. Or choose an individual item, such as a bouquet of flowers or a fruit basket to enjoy in your cabin. Gifts can also be presented in the restaurant on request. The Atlantis Spa is the perfect spot to enjoy some pampering, offering the ultimate relaxation for your cruise holiday. It can provide gifts for men and women, including hairdressing and massage, to help you unwind during your days at sea. HOW TO ORDER YOUR ONBOARD GIFT SELECTION Please note we will need to receive your gift order at least 10 days prior to departure BY PHONE on and press Option 1 At the Port Your cruise embarkation time will be detailed in your pre-cruise information pack. Please arrive at the port at the specified time and make sure your passport and documentation are readily available. If you have flown overseas from the UK you will be transferred to your embarkation port. Upon embarkation, your passport will be collected and retained for the duration of your cruise, unless there is a requirement for you to have it when ashore. All immigration formalities during the cruise will be undertaken by the ship s staff on your behalf. After completing check-in formalities, a steward will show you to your cabin. Your cabin key card will be in your cabin. You will be required to undergo security checks when embarking / disembarking in each port. This involves passing through a security archway and having your belongings X-rayed. Your awareness and acceptance of security matters contributes in a positive way towards maintaining a secure ship environment. Your Cruise Card As you embark you will have your photograph taken by the ship s security staff and will be issued with a personalised cruise card. This will serve as your security pass (this forms part of our onboard security system) which you will be required to show when embarking and disembarking during your cruise. Your personalised cruise card is also your onboard charge card for all of your onboard purchases. Please carry this at all times. Your cruise card also carries the contact number for the ship should you need it. What Happens to My Baggage? For UK departure cruises - although there is no restriction to the amount of baggage you can bring on board you must be able to store it comfortably within your cabin. We recommend that your suitcase is not overpacked and should weigh no more than 23kgs/50lbs. No-Fly cruises - on arrival at the cruise / rail terminal please check you have entered your cabin number on all items that will be sent to your cabin. You will be met by porters, who will collect your baggage. The baggage will go through port 10 11

7 X-ray security measures before being taken to the ship and delivered directly to your cabin. Please allow one to two hours for delivery of all items of baggage. Should your baggage not arrive or if you did not write your cabin number on your labels please speak with a member of staff at Reception. Fly-cruises - your baggage allowance will be advised in your final documentation. On arrival at your destination you will need to collect your baggage from the arrivals baggage carousel and take it with you to the transport arranged. Your baggage will then be delivered directly to your cabin. Important Reminders Please ensure you do not pack your cruise documents, tickets and passports in your checkedin baggage as these will be required at your departure point. The sailing time will be indicated in your final cruise documentation and you should allow sufficient time for your journey to the port, allowing for possible traffic congestion en route. Passengers who are not at check-in one hour before the ship is due to sail will be considered as no shows. The ship s departure cannot be delayed to wait for late-arriving passengers. Your Cabin All cabins have private facilities with bath and / or shower, air-conditioning, TV, hairdryer and safe. Suites have a bath with shower over and include fridges. All cabins feature 220 volt current facilities and are fitted with UK three-pin plugs as well as European two-pin. Bathrooms are fitted with 110 USA and 220 European shaver sockets. All electrical items must be checked with Reception prior to use on board. For safety reasons the use of travel irons and kettles in cabins is strictly prohibited. The door to your cabin is self-locking so please remember to take your key card with you when leaving your cabin. Key cards should be left in your cabin at the end of your cruise. Dining All meals are arranged on an open-sitting basis and may be taken in the Discovery Restaurant on the Discovery Deck (Deck 5), or al fresco by the Veranda Restaurant. Continental breakfast is also available in your cabin by dialling cabin service. In the evening, there are two restaurants to choose from. The Discovery Restaurant on the Discovery Deck (Deck 5) and the Veranda Restaurant on the Bridge Deck (Deck 7), both offer open-seating dining, with the Veranda being less formal. Meal times vary depending on arrival and departure schedules at the ports of call but they are always detailed in the daily programme. An indication of meal times is detailed below: Veranda Discovery Breakfast 7.30am-10.00am 8.00am-9.30am Lunch 12.00pm-2.00pm 12.30pm-1.30pm Dinner 6.30pm-9.00pm 6.30pm-9.00pm Cabin Service Complimentary cabin service is available daily between 7.00am and 10.00pm with the exception of turnaround days. The menu is a fixed cabin service menu, but during restaurant opening hours passengers can order meals from the dining room menu. Drinks from the bar will be charged to your onboard account. Special Diets If you or a member of your party has a particular dietary requirement we are able to offer the following dietary options: diabetic, gluten free, celiac, lactose free, low fat, low salt, no spices, vegetarian and vegan. Halal and kosher meals are not available. If you didn t advise us at the time of booking, please advise the Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on or enquiries@voyagesofdiscovery. co.uk about any requirements or food allergies no later than two weeks prior to departure. In certain parts of the world some items will need advance ordering and some items may not be available at all. We suggest that you arrange to meet with our Restaurant Manager to discuss life on board your requirements at the beginning of your cruise. We will make every effort to satisfy your request although this cannot be guaranteed. Alcoholic Beverages There are a number of bars to choose from, featuring a very extensive list of premium and nonpremium beverages as well as teas, coffees and soft drinks. Only alcohol purchased in the ship s bars and restaurants may be consumed on board. All drinks served on board will be charged to your onboard account. There may be some restrictions with regards to alcohol consumption when visiting Arab countries and this information is available on board. Tea & Coffee Facilities Tea and coffee stations are situated on the Bridge Deck (Deck 7), aft, where complimentary tea and coffee is available 24 hours a day. Drinking Water The water from the tap in your cabin is chlorinated and is safe to drink. If you prefer bottled water this is available in your cabin or from any of the ship s bars and will be charged to your onboard account. Some passengers like to take their own drinking bottle on holiday and top it up from the various points where water can be accessed, which makes sure you always have some water to hand and stay hydrated. life on board 12 13

8 Photography A professional photographer is available on board. All photos will be displayed at the Photo Gallery and a DVD presentation of your entire cruise will also be available to purchase at the end of your cruise. Library There is a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, general interest and reference books available to read in the library on Discovery Deck (Deck 5). We also offer a selection of games, playing cards and jigsaw puzzles. All books, cards and board games are currently available 24 hours a day and we ask passengers to return each book or game borrowed to the library when no longer required. Reception Our Reception staff will be pleased to assist you and answer any queries or questions in respect of the services and facilities on board. Reception is located in the main foyer on Livingstone Deck (Deck 3) and is open 24 hours a day. If any issues arise whilst on your cruise, please inform the Hotel Director, via Reception, immediately. If you do not report these issues to us straight away, affording us the opportunity to resolve your concern, this may affect your rights. If we are unable to assist whilst you are on board or during your flight, you must notify us in writing within 28 days of returning from your cruise. You are advised to use our Passenger Feedback form which is available from Reception. feedback@voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk Tel: Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on Wake up Calls Wake up calls can be arranged through Reception. Simply give Reception your cabin number and the time you wish to be called. Gift Shop The shop is situated on Discovery Deck (Deck 5) and offers a selection of gifts, clothes, jewellery and some small necessities you may have forgotten, such as toiletries. For those with a sweet tooth, a selection of confectionery is available. Purchases are charged to your onboard account. The shop is open when the ship is at sea and opening times are advertised in the daily programme. Due to local customs regulations, concerning the sale of Tax & Duty Free goods, the shop is closed when in port. Duty Free The ship is a Tax & Duty Free environment. A booking form is placed in each cabin and any orders will be delivered to your cabin on the last day of your cruise. Any alcohol and cigarettes purchased ashore will be retained by the ship s security staff and returned to you on the night prior to your disembarkation. Hair & Beauty Hair styling for ladies and gentlemen, manicures, pedicures and a variety of relaxing massage therapies as well as facials/body treatments are all available on board at the Atlantis Spa and Sauna. This is situated mid-ship Promenade Deck (Deck 6). It is recommended that you book your appointments early to avoid disappointment, particularly on days at sea. Meet the experienced personnel for a complimentary consultation to select the services that are most suited to you. A list of services can be found in your Guest Information folder in your cabin, opening hours are noted in the daily programme. All services / charges are made directly to your onboard account. Fitness Centre / Gym The Fitness Centre is located on Bridge Deck (Deck 7) and offers a range of exercise machines. Passengers should take great care when using the equipment as participation is entirely at your own risk and is unsupervised. Always remember to warm up and cool down after any exercise. Swimming Pool The swimming pool is located midship on Bridge Deck (Deck 7) and two hot tubs are located adjacent to the pool. The swimming pool is emptied in the evening, as a safety precaution, and filled with sea water each morning, weather permitting. We kindly ask you shower before entering the pool / hot tubs. Some port regulations do not permit the pool to be full during a port stay. It is recommended not to spend longer than 15 minutes in the hot tubs per day. Please be aware that some swimwear fabrics will discolour when repeatedly exposed to chlorinated water. Out of courtesy to your fellow passengers we kindly ask that you do not reserve sun loungers. Pool towels are located by the pool. You are kindly requested to return the used towels back to your cabin or the towel bins provided on the open decks. Laundry & Pressing A laundry and pressing service is available on board. Complete the form in your cabin, place the clothing in the laundry bag provided and your Cabin Steward will do the rest. The charges are detailed on the form and will be charged directly to your onboard account. Religious Services If a Minister is on board we will endeavour to offer an interdenominational service. Please note this cannot be guaranteed. Bridge visits Bridge visits usually take place on days at sea and can be booked on the appropriate morning at Reception. They commence at 9.00am in Scott s Lounge. The visits are on a first come first served basis and you will receive a reminder slip confirming the time and date of your visit. If the tour is to be conducted at 1.00pm we advise you to take lunch prior to your visit. cabin telephones All cabins have a telephone and full instructions on how to use it can be obtained on board. Internet, & Fax Internet facilities are available and passengers can access their personal accounts whilst on board (dependent on satellite reception). Instructions and charges are available from Reception. All charges will be added to your on board account. life on board 14 15

9 There is a dedicated internet hub with internet stations on the Discovery Deck (Deck 5) in addition to wi-fi connection with various hotspots around the ship. Internet speed will be slower than that experienced at home as the vessel is unable to have a highspeed broadband connection to shore. Internet connection is provided via a satellite and can be affected by weather and/or geographical location and may not always be available. Fax facilities are available at Reception. Mobile Telephones It is possible to make and receive mobile telephone calls whilst at sea. As the calls are via satellite they will be charged at a higher rate than normal by your service provider. Remember to bring your charger! Not all mobile telephones work in all countries. We therefore suggest that you obtain the relevant information from your mobile telephone service provider (including call and roaming charges) prior to departure to ensure your phone is set up to receive and make calls in an emergency, whether by voice or text when ashore or on board. We recommend that you leave all contact details, including your mobile telephone number with family and friends at home should they wish to contact you on board. Call charges will vary depending on the provider and they should be advised to contact them before committing to calling or sending a text message. To contact the ship from the UK: Tel: Fax: OnBoard Currencies There are limited currency exchange facilities on board. The Reception offers a limited foreign exchange service for sterling, euros and US dollars only, on a cash for cash basis. Spending On Board All prices on board are in UK sterling, however, all purchases are made by means of a cashless card system and charged to your onboard account. Passengers will be issued with a receipt for all onboard purchases. Your Account You will be asked to register your credit or debit card with Reception shortly after embarkation. We accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express credit cards (2% surcharge for American Express). We also accept UK debit cards bearing the VISA or MasterCard logos. Cash and travellers cheques are both welcome, but we cannot accept personal cheques. We regret that we have no facility to accept payment by Cirrus or Maestro and no cash advances can be made against credit or debit cards. Should individuals in the same cabin wish to open individual accounts then each account must be validated in the first 24 hours of the cruise. An interim statement will be issued mid-cruise for you to check your account. Queries should be directed to Reception. The final balance will be charged to your credit / debit card and your statement / receipt will be delivered to your cabin during the final night of the cruise, avoiding any need to queue. If you wish to settle by cash, Reception will collect a refundable cash deposit based on your own estimated spending. You will be required to settle your account at the end of your cruise. If you are intending to use your credit or debit card whilst on board or in one of our destinations, we recommend you notify your bank of your intentions in order to ensure there will be no problems with pre authorisation or charges. OnBoard Credit For any passengers holding onboard credit, this can only be used towards drinks purchases from the bar and dining room wine lists. Gratuities On board For UK bookings gratuities for cabin staff, your waiter and his/her assistant are included in your cruise fare. For your convenience, a service charge is already included in bar/wine prices. If you wish to offer any further gratuity for exceptional service this is at your own discretion. Personal Expenses All meals and entertainment on board are included, however you should budget for personal expenses such as meals ashore, shopping and transport. Travellers cheques are now a less convenient way of obtaining local currency as they are becoming increasingly more difficult to exchange in most countries, therefore we recommend that you speak to your bank / post office to discuss other available options such as pre-paid currency cards. Safety Deposit Boxes A safety deposit box is provided in your cabin for your security and convenience. We strongly recommend that you do not take large sums of money ashore and ensure that items of value are always kept locked in your safe. Medical Facilities Use of the Medical Centre facilities are chargeable, therefore you should ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover any costs. Please note: the NHS does not cover treatment on board the ship. Charges for medical treatments, surgery or cabin visits are available on board. If you do use the Medical Centre, charges for services and medication will be charged to your onboard account. Such charges are usually claimable under your travel insurance policy, less any excess amounts, but it is important you check you have appropriate cover for your needs. You must pay for any treatment and claim any amounts back via your insurance policy. Our medical team on board offers a professional service, care and medication. They are located in the Medical Centre on Columbus Deck (Deck 4) and are available during their clinic hours and in the case of an emergency, 24 hours a day. life on board 16 17

10 Hand Sanitisers We pride ourselves on being a happy and healthy ship. In the interests of all passengers we ask that you adhere to our hand sanitiser policy. We require passengers to use hand sanitisers when boarding the vessel, after visiting the toilet, before meal times and whenever available. The hand sanitisers dispense a set amount of liquid and are located in prominent places around the ship. We also advise passengers to wash their hands frequently when on board. Norovirus Norovirus is a highly contagious condition and can be transmitted easily in an enclosed environment, such as on board ships. Norovirus is extremely debilitating and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Norovirus is often transmitted by touch from an infected person, such as through touching door handles, hand rails, food utensils and magazines. The virus is easily communicable. If you experience acute gastrointestinal symptoms, eg. cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea within two days of departure, please notify our 24 hour Duty Office by calling (from the UK) or (from overseas). + You will need to prefix this number with the international access code from the country you are calling from. In the interests of public health, prior to embarking the ship, you will be asked to complete and sign a Health Questionnaire declaring yourself free of the symptoms of Norovirus. Knowingly embarking with symptoms of, or similar to, Norovirus is irresponsible and may lead to you being disembarked and your cruise cancelled. The medical team on board closely monitor levels of health. If there is any evidence of raised levels of illness on board, the shipboard team have strict protocols to follow to control the spread of the illness. The actions taken are dependent upon the nature of the illness. For example, where Norovirus is suspected we have a thorough environmental sanitation programme and provide help and advice to everyone on board, which includes emphasis on the importance of regular and thorough hand washing, especially before eating, and personal hygiene. In order to prevent the spread of any such outbreaks, if passengers are diagnosed with Norovirus, they are immediately confined to their cabin. This allows us to care for that passenger, whilst reducing the risk of infecting other passengers or crew. Rigorous cleaning procedures are carried out throughout the entire vessel during and after any outbreaks of Norovirus. Passengers not complying to an isolation order (confinement to cabin) and thereby risking fellow passengers and the cruise, will be disembarked at the next port and handed to the authorities. Shore Excursions Voyages of Discovery prides itself on the quality and variety of its shore excursion programme and offers a comprehensive selection in all ports of call, catering to differing interests and abilities. Details of the various shore excursions available are contained in the Shore Excursion Guide, sent approximately 18 weeks before departure, and can also be viewed on our website at this time. Our port lectures are designed to enhance any visit ashore by expanding the information provided within the Shore Excursion Guide for each land tour. The lecturers also act as escorts on selected excursions. Shore excursions may be booked approximately 18 weeks before departure by completing the appropriate booking form, over the phone or online via our website. Tickets for pre-booked excursions will be in your cabin on arrival. Excursions can also be booked on board, subject to availability, they may however carry a higher cost. All shore excursions are offered subject to availability and we recommend booking early to avoid any disappointment. The content of shore Stepping Ashore excursions may be subject to change. Timings (i.e. departure times, meeting points etc.) will be advised in the daily programme. Gratuities for your guide/driver are not included and are at your discretion. You may wish to carry some local currency to show your appreciation when good service has been provided. Going Ashore Independently Passengers who want to explore ashore independently should undertake their own research before going on their cruise. The Shore Excursion Desk personnel on board organise our Shore Excursion programme and their role is to provide assistance to those choosing to participate in our shore excursions. However, they will assist where possible with private arrangements (cars, drivers guides etc) and the cost of this service will be charged to your onboard account. We are unable to offer this assistance pre-departure. The library on board provides a comprehensive source of information on a variety of places of interest and port information is also provided in your cabin. stepping ashore 18 19

11 Ports of call are chosen for their proximity to places of interest. It is sometimes the case that the port is further away and it may be necessary to book a tour to visit the main destination or make use of local transport. In some instances the port itself is of little interest, but acts as a base for other places of interest, which are further afield. Sometimes the ship will be berthed within walking distance, or a short bus or taxi ride away, from the city centre. The allocation of the berth within the port is directed by the Port Authority. A shuttle bus may be provided either by Voyages of Discovery, the local port or tourist authority, for which a small charge will usually be made. If exploring independently, it is your responsibility to ensure that you return to the ship in plenty of time prior to sailing. Actual departure timings will be announced on board. Should you miss the ship s sailing, your passport will be left with the Port Agent and you will be responsible for the costs involved in re-joining the ship in the next port. Passengers going ashore will need to have their personalised cruise card with them, which will be swiped on leaving and re-joining the ship. This security arrangement protects you and keeps the Captain informed of who is on board and if any passengers are missing at the time of departure. Tendering Ashore At some ports the ship will be at anchor outside the port and passengers will be taken ashore by ship s tender or local boats. Tenders will run a service between the ship and shore. Priority will be given to passengers booked on our shore excursion programme. In such instances clear instruction is given on board and we ask that you pay close attention to any announcement. At anchorage, access to and from tender boats requires a certain level of mobility to negotiate the steps to reach the tender platform and to physically board and disembark the ship. Members of the ship s crew will be on hand to help at all times. Please note, those with restricted mobility may be unable to go ashore at such ports on safety grounds. Who to Contact in an Emergency Your cruise card is printed with the contact numbers for the ship in case of an emergency. The name and contact numbers for the local port agent are shown in the onboard daily programme. In the event that you cannot contact the ship or local port agent please call our dedicated 24 hour Duty Office: From the UK: From overseas: You will need to prefix this number with the international access code from the country you are calling from. Safety on Board / Emergency Drill general Information Before the ship sails a full emergency drill will be held. By law all passengers are required to attend. The drill will give you exact information of what to do and where to muster in the event of an emergency. Life jackets must be worn and can be found in your cabin wardrobe. Instructions on wearing your life jacket and where your emergency drill (muster) assembly point can be found are on the inside of your cabin door. Full instructions will be given to you during the emergency drill. If you detect a fire on board or smell smoke, please notify the nearest crew member at once or telephone 999. The ship has lifts allowing access to all passenger decks, however these should not be used in the event of an emergency. In the event of adverse weather conditions it is important to take extra care moving around the ship. In the case of severe weather you may be advised to stay in your cabin. Daily Programme A daily programme will be delivered to your cabin each evening for the following day. This will include port departure and arrival times, excursion departure times, daytime activities, evening entertainment, dining times, opening hours of shipboard services and other useful information. Spare copies are available at Reception. Entertainment / Activities on Board Enjoy our excellent selection of entertainment on board. Evening highlights include shows from our professional team of entertainers, live bands and a selection of live music in the lounges. Other onboard entertainment includes a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme themed to the cruise itinerary. On selected cruises quizzes, crafts and various games are available. Full details will be found in your daily programme. Single Travellers Our single travellers need never be alone on board as we have some of the friendliest crew you ll ever meet. Our dedicated teams will be waiting to greet you the moment you arrive and our cruise staff will have planned many special activities throughout the cruise giving you the opportunity to meet your fellow single travellers should you wish. general information 20 21

12 22 On some of our cruises we occasionally have Just You departures; Just You is part of our family of brands who specialise in holidays for the single traveller. On Just You sail dates in addition to all the usual dedicated singles activities and events, we are pleased to offer the services of a Just You host who will assist and support you. Lost & Found Please ask at Reception if you have mislaid an item. Should the item not be found prior to the end of your cruise the ship can provide you with a Statement of Loss to support any insurance claim. Where possible, items left on the ship will be returned to our office in the UK and will be retained for three months. Some items cannot be returned to the UK Office, such as duty free items, items of clothing with the exception of formal wear, costume jewellery, toiletries, medication, foods and liquids. If you wish to contact us after your cruise regarding a missing item please call our 24 hour Duty Office on (from the UK) or (from overseas). All losses ashore should be reported to the local police and a report obtained in order to support any insurance claim on your return home. Smoking Policy All areas inside the ship and outside areas where food is being served are non-smoking. Smoking is restricted to designated areas on open decks. Please extinguish cigarettes in the ashtrays provided. Do not, under any circumstances, throw your cigarette, alight or extinguished, over the ship s side. Smoking is not permitted on excursion coaches or flights. E-cigarettes - electronic cigarettes are nicotine delivery devices for smokers which are used as a less harmful alternative to smoking real cigarettes. An increasing number of countries are now either banning or limiting their use so we recommend you refer to the website below for further information on individual country restrictions. This website is an information forum. Please note the use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted on any of our coaches and they are currently not permitted on flights please check the airline website before travel for the most up-to-date information. We reserve the right to alter our smoking policy during the cruising season should new national or international maritime legislation be introduced which affects this policy. You will be informed on board accordingly. Environmental Policy Voyages of Discovery take environmental responsibilities very seriously and are committed to reducing our environmental impact. This includes the proper control and disposal of waste matter generated on board. We adhere to stringent regulations and procedures as required by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). We recognise that without appropriate management and treatment the waste generated on board, together with the fuel and other products we use to transport, feed, entertain and take care of you, would have a greater impact on the environment. How to contact us Our Service Centre is open from 9.00am to 8.00pm on weekdays and 9.00am to 5.30pm on Saturdays. For any questions or queries please contact the Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on or enquiries@voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk. If you need to contact the office whilst on your cruise please call our 24 hour Duty Office on (from the UK) or (from overseas). Alternatively you can contact us by post: Voyages of Discovery Compass House, Rockingham Road Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7QD Tristar - PRIVATE TRANSFERS If you have booked one of our higher grade cabins, we are pleased to be able to offer a free chauffeurdriven transfer from your home to the port/airport (subject to 75 miles maximum distance). Should you live further than 75 miles from the port/airport, we can still offer the transfer at an additional cost. Please contact the Voyages of Discovery Customer Services team on or enquiries@voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk for further information. Packing your Baggage Your suitcases should be left outside your cabin on the last night of your cruise. Cases will be collected from outside your cabin and stored until disembarkation. Please ensure they are locked. You will not have access to your suitcase once it has been collected from outside your cabin, therefore, we recommend you take a small overnight bag for any essential items that you may need - this is likely to be your hand luggage. Please ensure valuables, all medication, travel documents and passports are retained in your possession and are available to you at all times. Leaving the Ship Disembarkation procedures will be provided on board towards the end of the cruise. Upon the vessel s arrival into the final port, the ship is cleared by the local authorities and the Disembarkation baggage unloaded before disembarkation can commence. Disembarkation is a staged process and is dependent upon transfer and departure requirements. Full disembarkation can take up to two hours. Travelling Home For cruises arriving into a UK port, announcements will be made inviting independent travellers to disembark once all baggage has been unloaded. Announcements will also be made for passengers who have pre-booked coach transportation back to an airport, alternative port or Victoria Coach Station in London (where available). Please be mindful of how long disembarkation (and coach transfers where applicable) may take when making any onward travel arrangements. We wish you a safe journey back home. disembarkation

13 For further information call us on: COMPASS HOUSE, ROCKINGHAM ROAD, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE LE16 7QD All information contained in this book is believed to be correct at the time of going to press (October 2014), but is subject to change without prior notice as may be necessary for operational reasons.