F A Qs

For FAQs about river cruises and yacht charters, please see below.

CRUISES

I am new to this. Where do I start?

First, think where you want to go, how long a cruise you would like, and how much money you want to spend. How large a ship you would like to cruise aboard? Then, find a cruise expert who can match your needs, requirements, lifestyle, and personality. Be sure to ask the following questions:

- What size cruise ship would you recommend?
- What should I budget for the cruise?
- What is included in the cruise price?
- What extra costs can I expect to pay?
- Which destinations are included?
- What kind of accommodation would suit my tastes and budget?
- What is the ship's onboard ambiance like?
- What facilities does the ship have?
- What kind of food and service does it provide?
- What kind of entertainment should I expect?

You can also research the internet, although you won't be able to ask those all-important questions.

Are there facilities for singles?

Yes. A cruise holiday is good for those, travelling alone (over 25% of all passengers are solo travellers - worldwide, that's over 4 million a year), because it is easy to meet other people in a non-competitive environment. Many ships have dedicated cabins for singles and special add-on rates for single occupancy of double cabins. Some cruise lines will even find a cabin mate for you to share with, if you so desire.

Is there enough to keep children busy?

A cruise provides families with more quality time than any other type of vacation, and family cruising is the industry's largest growth segment. Activities are tailored to various age groups. A cruise is also educational, allows children to interact in a crime-free environment, and takes them to destinations in comfortable, familiar surroundings. In fact, children have such a good time aboard ship and ashore, you may have difficulty getting them home after the cruise - as long as you have chosen the right ship.

Are there child-free ships?

If you don't like crowds, noise and long lines, try a small ship - a sail-cruise vessel or a river cruise could also provide the right escape. Companies, that operate child-free ships include Yachts of Seabourn, Star Clippers and Viking River Cruises.

Will I get seasick?

Today's ships have stabilizers - large underwater "fins" on each side of the hull - to counteract any rolling motion, and most cruises are in warm, calm waters. As a result, fewer than 3 percent of passengers become seasick. Yet it's possible to develop some symptoms - anything from slight nausea to vomiting. Both old-time sailors and modern physicians have their own remedies, and you can take your choice or try them all (but not at the same time):

- When you notice the first movement of a ship, walk back and forth on the deck. You will find that your knees, which are our own form of stabilizer, will start getting their feel of balance and counteraction. This is known as "getting your sea legs".
- Get the fresh sea breeze into your face (arguably the best antidote of all), and if nauseated, suck an orange or a lemon.
- Eat lightly. Do not make the mistake of thinking a heavy meal will keep your stomach anchored. It won't.
- When on deck, focus on a steady point, such as the horizon.
Drugs: In Bulgaria: Medrin and Dimenhydrinat
If yo are really distressed, the ship's doctor can give you an injection to alleviate discomfort. It may make you drowsy, but the last thing on your mind will be staying awake during the movie. A natural preventive is ginger in powder form. Mix half a teaspoon in a glass of warm water or milk, and drink it before sailing. This is said to settle any stomach for up to eight hours.

Isn't cruising expensive?

Compare what it would cost on land to have all your meals and entertainment provided, as well as transportation, fitness and sports facilities, social activities, educational talks, parties, and other functions, and you can see the remarkable value of a cruise.
Cost provides a useful guideline to a ship's ambience, type of passengers, and degree of luxury, food and service. The amount you pay determines the size, location, and style of accommodation you get. Be wary of huge discounts - it either means that the product was unrealistically priced at source or that quality will be reduced somewhere. Ships are as individual as fingerprints: each can change its "personality" from cruise to cruise, depending on the mix of passengers (and crew). The choice ranges from basic to luxury, so give yourself a budget, and ask your cruise expert how to make the best use of it.

Where can I go on a cruise?

As the saying goes: The world is your oyster! There are over 30,000 different cruises to choose from each year, and about 2,000 cruise destinations in the world. A cruise can also take you to places inaccessible by any other means, such as Antarctica, the North Cape, the South Sea islands, and so on. In fact, if you close your eyes and think of almost anywhere in the world where there's water, there's probably a cruise ship or river vessel to take you there.

What is expedition cruising?

Expedition cruises are operated by small ships that have ice-strengthened hulls or with specially constructed ice-breakers that enable them to reach areas totally inaccessible to "normal" cruise ships. The ships are typically converted to carry passengers in some degree of basic comfort, with comfortable accommodation and a relaxed, informal atmosphere, with expert lecturers and expedition leaders accompanying every cruise.

How safe are cruise ships?

You can't always stop passengers having too much to drink and falling over balconies. But, as far as marine accidents are concerned, cruising can claim the travel industry's best safety record, with fewer than 20 passenger fatalities during the past 20 years. Eleven of those happened when the Royal Pacific sank off Malaysia in 1992 after colliding with a Taiwanese trawler.

International regulations require all crew to undergo basic safety training before they are allowed to work aboard any cruise ship. On-the-job training is no longer enough. And safety regulations are getting more stringent all the time, governed by an international convention called SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)

Whom am I booked with?

At all times Cruise.BG acts as the agent for the respective suppliers and you will be bound by the relevant supplier booking conditions.

Full payment of bookings

The full balance will be due approximately 8 – 10 weeks before the departure date of your holiday and therefore “cleared funds” are required at the time of balance. If you are unable to pay the balance of your holiday within the specified time before your holiday, then your booking will be subject to cancellation and cancellation charges will apply.

What form of payment does Cruise.BG accept?

Cruise.BG will accept payment by bank transfer or by cash at its office.

Making Special Requests

Special requests by their nature are treated as a “request” only and cannot be guaranteed. To make a special request, you have to contact us and send us your written special request .We shall do our best to make that happen.

Are Cruises Cheaper if I Book Early?

The earlier you book the more discount and choice you will have. You will also get the stateroom and location on the ship that you want and have the potential of being upgraded. You will also get the choice of dinner seating (where appropriate).

What is Category Guarantee?

This means that the customer will get the accommodation type that they have requested, but their stateroom number may not be allocated at the time of booking.

Can you smoke on a cruise?

Yes some ships still allow smoking in certain bars and areas of the ship, or on your private verandah. Some also have cigar lounges/bars, however make sure the customers are aware not to take Cuban cigars if starting or ending their cruise in a US port. Most ships dining areas are totally non-smoking and there are even a couple of cruise ships afloat that are non-smoking throughout.

What is Early or Late Sitting?

Generally cruise lines offer two sittings for dinner - Early - 6.15/6.30pm or Late - 8.15/8.30pm. Passengers select their time of dining when booking - although seating requests cannot be guaranteed.

What is Open Seating?

This simply means that the passengers can dine with whom they like, when they like (within the dining hours).

What is Alternative Dining?

Alternative Dining gives passengers the option to dine in a separate restaurant to the main dining room - often smaller themed restaurants where you can escape the larger dining halls and noise – In most cases these are a le carte. It is therefore necessary to make a reservation and an extra charge may be made to cover gratuities.

Who are passengers seated with at dinner?

If customers are travelling with friends or family they will hopefully be sat together. However if travelling in a couple it is likely that they will be sat with people that they don’t know as most tables are for 4,6 and 8 people.

Can I access the Internet when onboard?

Most ships now have email and Internet facilities on board. Many now have Internet Cafes and some you can access the Internet in your stateroom. Please note charges vary.

Do Mobile Phones work on a ship?

Yes, some cruise companies have contracts with land-based phone companies and other major lines have connect services in place as a result rates vary. The connect services are switched off when the ship is in port so you will pay the local rate.

How do I book Shore Excursions once onboard?

You can either request this service from Cruise.BG, book at the Shore Excursions Desk or on modern ships via the interactive TV system in your stateroom. You can also order movies, play casino and other games and order wine etc all from the comfort of your stateroom.

Can I get Married Onboard?

Yes! Quite a few cruise lines offer wedding packages, some you can get married in port, others whilst at sea. Please note the Captain or a Senior Officer will perform the ceremony. Just like at home they will also arrange a cake, flowers and your wedding breakfast.

Are Cruises good for Honeymooners?

Yes, cruising is a perfect romantic experience for honeymooners. Many lines offer a Honeymoon package (with stateroom upgrades) and you can also renew vows onboard.

Cruise Terminology

Aft - Towards the back, rear or stern of a ship
Anchorage Port/Tender Port - A port in which a ship cannot berth either because there is no quay or the dock is too small to accommodate the ship. The ship will drop anchor to keep the ship in position and passengers will travel from the ship to shore in a smaller boat called a 'tender'.
Berth - Dock, pier or quay. Can also refer to the bed in your stateroom or stateroom
Boarding Pass - Issued to passengers at the time of check-in as a form of identification. The boarding pass enables passengers to board the ship initially and to re-board throughout the cruise. Often it takes the form of a plastic card and can be used for on board purchases and consumption.
Bow – The forward most part of a ship.
Bridge - The area from which the ship's officers navigate the ship. The Bridge is located high up to the front of the ship. There is usually an opportunity throughout the cruise for passengers to visit the bridge and see the computerised, navigational devices.
Cashless System - Cash is not normally accepted for purchases on board. Typically all on-board expenses, (and sometimes gambling expenses) are billed to the individual passengers onboard account for payment by credit card on the final morning of the cruise.
Casual Dress - As a recommended form of attire meaning that men need not wear a jacket or tie but may wear a sport shirt. Women may wear trousers, skirt or an informal dress.
Convertible Lower Beds - Either two lower single beds convertible to a double, usually king size bed or a lower bed which converts to a settee.
Disembark – go ashore from a ship
Embark – go onboard a ship
Galley - The ship's kitchen.
Gangplank/Gangway - A narrow walk way, generally with a non slip surface for passengers and crew to board the ship.
Gross Registered Tonnage - A measure of the ship's volume. The measure is equal to one hundred cubic feet of space enclosed.
Hull - The frame and body of the ship exclusive of masts or superstructure.
Knot - The primary unit of speed, equal to one nautical mile or 1,15 land miles per hour.
League – A unit of length, approximately equal to 3,45 mautical miles.
Midships - In or toward the middle of the ship; the longitudial centre portion of the ship.
Muster Station - An area on board ship, either inside or on deck, where passengers to instructed to go in the event of an emergency. Passengers will be called to their Muster Station and don their life jackets as part of the emergency drill within the first few hours of the cruise.
Port side- The left side of the ship when facing forward.
Starboard - The right side of the ship when facing forward.
Stern - The rear of the ship.
Tender – Is a boat, or a larger ship used to service a ship, generally by transporting people to and from shore when the ship is on anchorage port.
Themed Cruises - A cruise where some or all of the on board activities are intended to attract people with a special interests i.e. music, wine tasting, history, art appreciation.

RIVER CRUISES

More than 1 million people a year take a river or inland waterway cruise, making this one of the industry's fastest growing sectors. Whether you want to cruise down the Nile, along the mighty Amazon or the lesser Orinoco, the stately Volga or the primal Sepik, the magnificent Rhine, or the "blue" Danube, along the mystical Ayeyarwady or the "yellow" Yangtze - to say nothing of the Don and the Dnieper, the Elbe, or Australia's Murray - there are more than 1,000 river cruise vessels to choose from.
What sort of person enjoys cruising aboard these vessels? Well, anyone who survives well without formal dinners, bingo, casinos, discos, or lavish entertainment, and those who want a totally unstructured lifestyle.

THE MAIN POINTS

- River cruise vessels are built to enable you to enjoy the ever changing scenery ("the riverscape"), all at eye level
- You'll wake up in a different place each day, often in the very heart of a city or town.
- You never have to take a tender ashore - you simply step off the vessel when it ties up.
- The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal, never stuffy or pretentious.
- Cruising along one of the world's rivers is a delightful way to unwind at a slow pace.
- The ride is typically silky smooth - there's no rolling like aboard many of the ocean-going cruise ships, so you won't suffer from seasickness.
- Good food and service are essential elements of a successful river cruise operation.
- All meals are provided, typically in a self-service buffet arrangement for breakfast and lunch, with sit-down service for dinner. Additionally, basic table wines may also be included for lunch and dinner (included wines are typical for the German river cruise operation or cruise/tour packagers).
- Almost all cabins have outside views; there are virtually no interior (no view) cabins, as aboard most of the ocean-going cruise ships.
- A whole range of optional, extra-cost excursions is available, while some excursions may be included.
- You will typically sail by day and dock at night (exceptions: Danube and Russia river cruises, where most vessels sail at night), so you can get a restful sleep, without engine noise. However, bear in mind that, if your cabin is towards the aft, there well be the soft humming of a generator, which supplies power for air-conditioning, heating, water supply, lightning and cooking.
- You can, if you wish, leave the vessel in the evening to go out for dinner, or to the cinema, theatre, or a concert (exceptions: Danube and Russian river cruises)
- Rivers provide a sense of continuity - difficult to achieve from a coach tour, where you may change lodgings each night, and encounter border crossings. Also, while onboard, you deal in a single currency.
- The dress code is completely casual.
- There are no cars to drive, or park.
- There are no intrusive art auctions, bingo, wet T-shirt contests and the like.

YACHT CHARTERS

Will I need a skipper?

Depending on your sailing experience, you may already be qualified to skipper a yacht. Simply fill out our on-line sailing resume,and we'll review your experience and tell you what you are already approved to charter. You’ll also have the option of using a professional skipper provided by us.

Can I afford a sailing vacation?

Yes, you can. The "per person" cost of a sailing vacation is usually at or below the cost of a resort vacation or ocean cruise, without the crowds!

What kind of a boat should I charter?

That all depends on you. Your sailing vacation can be tailored to fit your party and your preferences. How many people are you sailing with? Are they couples travelling together or do you need single cabins for some guests? How much space and comfort would you like? Whatever your needs, Cruise.BG is sure to have a yacht that is right for you. Choose from a fleet of mono-hulls and catamarans ranging from 32 to 57 feet, with 2 to 5 cabins.

What documents must I carry to meet entry requirements?

While some island nations do not require a passport, you’re always advised to carry one when travelling from country to country. For up-to-date and detailed entry requirements, please check the "Useful Information" section on our site.

Yes, Cruise.BG will make all of your travel arrangements, including air travel, hotel accommodations, car rentals and land tours at the lowest fares available.

What type of equipment will I find on board?

Cruise.BG's yacht supplier carries the most up-to-date equipment and all the extras a sailor could ask for, including GPS satellite navigation systems, autopilots, CD players with cockpit speakers. Some even have generators and air conditioning. The below deck areas are modified from standard factory production models to give you more room, comfort and luxury. For a complete listing of equipment and amenities found on board, see what's included.

Do you provide boat and chart briefings?

Yes, Cruise.BG is well known for the preparation we provide our guests. Prior to your charter departure, the respective marina manager will give you a complete chart briefing covering the local cruising grounds, and answering any questions you may have about navigation, anchorages, prevailing conditions, clearing customs or any part of your desired itinerary. Then he/she will give you a complete briefing aboard the yacht you will be sailing, covering all the operating systems, including rigging, electrical system, water system, windlass, stove, head, dinghy, outboard and emergency systems.


How could I schedule a meeting with Cruise.BG and what are the Cruise.BG's Opening Times?

To guarantee you a personal service, please call in advance to schedule a meeting with us.

Office Hours

Mon - Fri
09:00 - 12:00
13:00 - 17:00

What is Cruise.BG’s Licence number?

PKK-01-5950, issued by the Bulgarian State Tourism Agency