Here are some quick answers to the most commonly asked questions we've received from our guests.  If the question or answer you need is not there, please refer to the New To Cruising or Before You Cruise sections, or call our friendly Reservations staff on 01473 742424.

• What shall I pack?
  During the day dress is casual. Casual shirts, shorts and beachwear are ideal, although we do ask you to adhere to appropriate dress codes in the main restaurants. For going ashore and walking on deck, flat, comfortable shoes are a must. We would also recommend that you take that you take a lightweight jacket or sweater for the evenings.
  During the evening dress code is as follows:
  Formal nights - Ladies cocktail or evening dress. Men dinner jacket, tuxedo or lounge suit (of a dark colour).
  Informal nights - Men will be comfortable in a lounge suit or jacket and/ or tie. For ladies, anything ranging from tailored trousers to a dress.
  Casual nights - On the first and last nights of the cruise we relax the rules - still no vests or shorts though.
• Can I get my laundry done?
  All our ships provide excellent Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Pressing services. An ironing room and self service launderette is available. An ironing room and self service launderette is available on all ships, at a nominal charge.
• What extras should I budget for?
  Travel to/from your ports or airports
  All drinks on board
  Internet usage or telephone calls
  Shore excursions
  Salon treatments and fitness classes
  Laundry services
  Photographs
  Duty free or items purchased from our shops on board
  Gratuities
  Medical expenses
  Holiday Insurance
  Passports or visa costs
  Extras on board are charged in sterling. Payment is required at the end of your cruise and if you have pre registered your credit card, your bill will be settled swiftly and without queuing.
• How much luggage can I take?
  If sailing from a UK port 200lbs (90kgs) of luggage is allowed. On fly/ cruises allowance will be subject to the conditions imposed by the air carrier and will vary from airline to airline. As a guide a scheduled air service free baggage allowance in economy is usually 20kgs, while charted flights we allow 25kgs, (although this is subject to change). for safety reasons when using one of our advertised coach services each piece of luggage must weigh less than 20kgs.
• Visa requirements?
  Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruises and this will be advised to you at time of booking or when the requirement arises. It is the responsibility of all non-British passport holders to ensure that they are in possession of a valid passport and where necessary entry visas or permits for their chosen cruise. If you are unsure as to whether you are required to obtain such documents you must contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate. Failure to comply with this request may result in refusal of carriage or the imposition of individual fines by the local immigration authorities. Please note: When going ashore independently in certain ports of call (i.e. St Petersburg, Russia) it may be necessary for you to arrange a visitor’s visa. Please see your confirmation invoice for further details of how to do this. In St Petersburg, when participating in shore excursions arranged by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, all passport holders will be covered on a group visa.
• How can I keep in contact with home?
  It has never been easier to keep incontact with friends and family you can phone, email and even use your own mobile phone whilst on board - charges will apply.
• What are the dining times?
  The Maitre d’ on board allocates your dining table arrangements. It is possible to request first sitting (6.30pm) or second sitting (8.30pm) at time of booking or by contacting our Administration Department on 01473 292444*. When you arrive on board you will find a Restaurant Seating Card in your cabin, which will advise you of your table number and dinning time. This will be your allocated table for the duration of the cruise.
  Mealtimes are as flexible as possible – after all you are on holiday. Breakfast is generally served between 12.00 and 2.00pm in the main restaurants. A buffet breakfast and lunch will also be served in designated areas. Poolside cafes and the Marquee Pool bars are also available, weather permitting and only on specific ships (please check deck plans for availability).
  Open sitting; evening dinner is offered as an informal option again only in specific restaurants, which operate on a self service basis but bar service is available.
  Please check your Daily Times for opening hours and restaurant availability once onboard.
  *Choice of sitting may not be available on certain fare types.
• Can you accommodate my special diet?
  We will do our best to accommodate most dietary requests on board. We currently cater for:
  Vegetarian
  Low fat
  Dairy free
  Lactose free
  Gluten free
  Wheat free
  All special requests must be specified at time of booking.
• Are babysitters available?
  Unfortunately we do not offer a babysitting service, however kids clubs are run during school holidays when sufficient numbers of children are on board.
• What about gratuities, are they included?
  Gratuities to crew, drivers, guides etc. ashore are not included in the cost of your holiday. We're confident however that you'll wish to reward staff on board for their service, although tipping is entirely at your discretion. As a general rule £2.00 per passenger per day for your restaurant waiter is always very much appreciated.
• Where can I smoke on board?
  Smoking is only permitted on cabin balconies, and in specially designated areas of deck space.
• What medical facilities are available?
  For your peace of mind, all our ships have a medical centre offering primary care with a doctor and/or nurse on permanent call. They can easily be called from the phone in your cabin, if needed in an emergency. The medical centres operate outside the British and European health services and charges are levied for consultations, prescriptions and cabin visits. A scale of charges is displayed in the medical centre and charges incurred will be billed to your on board account. Sharp boxes are available on request. If you are taking medication, please remember to bring adequate amounts to last the duration of the cruise. A copy of any regular presciption would also be useful in the event of a medical emergency. Any serious pre-existing medical condition that could adversely affect your cruise must be brought to the attention of our Medical Department well in advance of departure.
• 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 berthed at a quay, we will operate a ship to shore tender service. On health and safety grounds only those passengers requiring the minimum of assistance to negotiate steps* and board/alight the tenders will be permitted ashore.  We regret that wheelchair reliant passengers will not be able to use this service. Any ports at anchor will be detailed on your chosen itinerary and confirmation invoice.
  *  the number of steps on the gangway from the ship to the tender will vary subject to the vessel involved. For more information call our Administration Department on 01473  292444.
  
• How do I obtain foreign currency?
  All our ships operate a Bureau de Change on board, where foreign currency can be purchased or sold subject to local currency restrictions. All major currencies are stocked, based on the cruise destinations, with no commission charge and competitive rates.
• What are the currencies I need for the countries I am visiting?
  For a list of currenices please follow the link www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/currency.htm
• What will the weather be like?
  For up to a 7 day regional forecast please follow this link
  http://www.holiday-weather.com/
• How do I get in touch with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines?
  By phone on 01473 742424
  Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 6.00pm Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
  Calls are charged at local rate and may be recorded for training purposes.
  Online at www.fredolsencruises.co.uk 24 hours a days 7 days a week.