FAQ's

Your Holiday Price What’s Included

• Accommodation on board
• All meals and snacks throughout the cruise
• Complimentary tea and coffee during the day and early evening at selected venues also tea and coffee facilities in the cabin
• All entertainment and Sports and leisure facilities
• All port taxes for UK ports where collectable in advance
• Porterage on board
• Return flight – New York - London

What Is Not Included

• Travel to/from your port or airport
• All drinks on board
• Shore excursions (with exception to those stated in itinerary)
• Hairdressing, health and beauty treatments and selected fitness classes
• Personal laundry and dry cleaning
• Passport and visa costs
• Holiday Insurance
• Government levies or taxes introduced after publication of this brochure
• Discretionary gratuities to the crew, drivers, guides, etc on board and ashore

More FAQs

Travel

• Transport To/From Your Cruise

  At Titanic Memorial Cruises we believe your holiday starts from the moment you leave home and therefore we have negotiated a number of subsidized fares for modes of transport to and from the ship. These include coach, rail and air options. Working with National Express we offer an exceptional travel deal from any of the 1000+ pick up points on the nationwide network. These connect with a dedicated service to and from London Victoria, direct to and from the cruise terminal, operating only on our departure and arrival dates. Before booking call National Express directly on 08705 808080 (open daily 0800-2000hrs) to check suitable connections for your journey. Alternatively we can provide either standard or first class rail travel. Please call our Administration Department for prices from any rail station in mainland UK. If booking your own domestic or international flights to connect with your cruise, please ensure you allow at least 4 to 5 hours connecting time between flights. This is to allow for any flight delays, the need to change terminal, baggage reclaim and check-in for the onward flight. Through check-in from scheduled to charter flights is not permitted. If you prefer to fly from your local airport, we can take care of this as well by offering both flights and transfers to ensure you get to/from the ship. Should you wish to travel to the port the night before your cruise we also have attractive rates for hotels in Southampton. Southampton offers good car parking facilities operated by Southampton Cargo Handling. Details of how to pre-book car parking at your departure port will be provided in your ticket pack. Nearer the date of travel we will be able to provide you with a contact telephone number and details of how to book any of the above.

• Check-in procedures

  Embarkation at the Cruise Terminal commences, in general for ex UK cruises, 2-3 hours prior to sailing. All passengers are required to check-in no less than 1 hour before sailing time. Exact details regarding where and when to check-in for your cruise will be advised in your ticket pack. On arrival at the port you will be directed to the baggage drop-off area where porters will be on hand to take your luggage from you. Your baggage will then be taken directly to your cabin after passing through security checks. Wheelchair assistance is available from the port authorities on arrival.
  A complimentary shuttle bus service operates between Southampton railway stations and the Cruise Terminal during the morning for disembarking passengers and in the afternoon for embarking passengers.
  At check-in you will be required to produce your passport and tickets. At this time you will be issued with your ship’s pass and boarding card. You may then relax in the Cruise Terminal lounge until embarkation commences. Southampton Cruise Terminal offers refreshment, telephone and toilet facilities.

• Security

  We regret that owing to strict security measures, no visitors are allowed on board.
  At check-in you will receive a ship’s pass which acts as your security pass and on board account card for the full duration of the cruise. Each time you embark or disembark the vessel your card will be swiped to record whether you are on board or ashore. In addition your hand luggage may be subject to either x-ray scanning or a manual search each time you re-join the vessel.
  The Merchant Shipping Act prohibits the carrying of certain items on board ship, which include:
  All firearms and ammunition, sporting weapons, replica firearms, and explosives of any kind.
  Knives and other sharp bladed weapons.
  Flammable substances (petrol, methylated spirit, paint thinners etc).
  Items containing incapacitating substances that could be used to maim or disable, such as gas cylinders, unless they form part of a ladies hairdressing kit.
  Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
  Needless to say security for fly/cruises is also extremely tight, and a list of prohibited items will be detailed with your flight tickets.

• Immigration

  There is no need to pass through Immigration at every port of call you visit during your cruise, as you will have already supplied us with your passport details on your booking form. Immigration officers board the ship when it docks and carryship is ‘cleared’.
  If travelling on a fly/cruise you will need to pass through Immigration Authorities at the airports.

  Please note it is a requirement that your baggage is presented at our departure ports, to be scanned by Customs and Immigration officials.  You will also be required to have your hand baggage scanned before boarding the ship.

• Passports

  It is a condition of carriage that all passengers must hold a full and valid passport, the validity of which is dependent upon the destinations visited. Some ports of call will require at least 6 months after your return to the UK.
  It is your responsibility to ensure you hold a valid passport. If you need to renew your passport please allow at least one month for your application to be processed, and more during peak holiday periods.
  Please note all youths aged 16 years and over must hold their own valid passport. Children under the age of 16 also need to have their own passports. However, children included on an adult passport,which was issued before 5th October 1998 may still continue to travel providing they are travelling with the adult passport holder.

• Visas

  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 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 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.

  *Please note that any nationality entering the USA by air or sea, after 12th January 2009, and who currently travels under the US waiver programme, MUST complete an on-line pre-travel authorisation via ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) from https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. This form must be completed by the individuals travelling, at least 72hrs prior to departing from the UK if flying, or prior to arrival in the US, otherwise entry will be denied.

• Tickets / Documentation

  Providing you have supplied all information required at time of booking, you can expect your holiday tickets and travel documentation to be sent 14 – 21 days before departure. Your ticket pack will include details of how to get to your departure port, full embarkation details, itinerary and shore excursion details to give you enough time to plan and book your shore tours.

• Insurance

  It is a condition of carriage that all passengers hold full and valid travel insurance, to include repatriation cover. Any costs incurred owing to repatriation that are un-insured will be at the individual’s expense.
  If you fail to disclose any pre-existing condition to your insurers it may later invalidate any claim you attempt to make. We ask you to advise us of your insurance details before you travel. Remember: You must take your insurance documents with you on your cruise

• How much luggage can I take

  Your luggage allowance will vary depending on the type of cruise you have booked. If you are sailing from a UK port 200lbs (90kgs) of luggage is allowed. On fly/cruises, however, your allowance will be subject to the conditions imposed by the air carrier and will vary from airline to airline. On scheduled air services, the free baggage allowance in economy class is normally 20kgs with one piece of hand luggage at 5kg. Full details will be on your booking confirmation and your flight tickets. (Subject to change at any time)
  Once on board, empty suitcases can be stored under the beds in the cabin or in lockers. For safety and security, breakable items, valuables, jewellery and medicines should be packed in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases.
  Please note that under health and safety guidelines coach operators limit the weight of each suitcase to 20kg. On National Express services you are limited to two suitcases per passenger, weighing a maximum of 20kg per piece. Conveyance of any further baggage above this limit is subject to space being available on the day.

• Dress Suit Hire

  For many of you, hiring or packing a dress suit for formal nights can be a bit of a chore, but a solution is at hand. ‘Floating Formals’ is a suit hire service which you can pre-book by telephone from home. When you arrive on board, your tuxedo will be pressed and waiting for you in your cabin. When the cruise is over all you need do is leave the garment(s) with reception. It’s that simple.

  Hire rates start from approx £67.00* for cruises of 14 days or less. Suit hire for longer cruises on request. Orders can be placed up to 72 hours before your sailing date. Please call ‘Floating Formals’ on 0208 5184171 for full details and bookings. *Arrangements and costs are based upon 2009 prices and so therefore you will be able to obtain confirmed prices nearer the date of travel.
  These details may be subject to change.

• Clothing

  Daytime wear is casual: comfortable shoes are essential for going ashore, sightseeing and walking on deck, and as the sun begins to set, a lightweight jacket or coat is recommended too. During the day, the restaurants request you adhere to the appropriate dress code e.g. no swimwear. The weather in the Atlantic at this time year is unpredictable but we would like to conduct the memorial service on deck if possible so bring some warm clothes.

  During the evening there are:
  Formal nights – For ladies, this is the opportunity to wear a cocktail or evening dress. For gentlemen, dinner jacket or tuxedos – if you do not have a dinner jacket you may wish to hire one (please see Dress Suit Hire). Alternatively, a dark suit and tie is acceptable.
  Informal nights – Men will be comfortable in a lounge suit or jacket and tie. For ladies, anything ranging from tailored trousers to a dress will be appropriate.
  Elegant casual – Stylish leisure wear is ideal. Open neck shirts with collars please, for the men; whilst casual separates or a summer dress will be fine for the ladies.
  Casual nights – On the first and last nights of the cruise we relax the rules – although still no shorts or vests in the restaurant please!
  As a guideline there are normally three formal nights on a two week cruise, with the remaining nights split between informal and casual.

  There will also be various theme nights which you may wish to join in. Dress code guidelines are mentioned in the ship’s Daily Times so you can anticipate the tone of the next evening to come. The number of formal, informal and casual nights for your cruise will be advised in your ticket pack.

Well Being at Sea

• Health & Safety

  Health regulations are ever changing. We recommend that you check with your GP at least 12 weeks prior to departure for up to date information, or telephone MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) on 0906 822 4100 for health advice. In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign & Commonwealth office at WWW.fco.gov.uk/travel. It’s worth remembering that in some foreign countries general standards of hygiene, care and safety may differ form those in the UK. So when visiting ashore common sense is the watchword, especially when choosing drinks or sampling local cuisine.

• Medical Facilities

  For your peace of mind, our ship has a medical centre with 2 Doctors and two Nurses in permanent attendance offering primary care. They can easily be called from the phone in your cabin, if needed in an emergency. The medical centres operate outside of 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 onboard account. Sharp boxes are available upon request.
  We would ask that any guest taking medication bring adequate supplies to last the duration of the cruise. A copy of any regular prescription would also be useful in the event of a medical emergency. Please ensure you pack medication in your hand luggage if required en route to the vessel.
  Any serious pre-existing medical condition that could adversely affect your cruise must be brought to the attention of Titanic Memorial Cruises well in advance by completing a Medical Declaration Form.

• Use of Wheelchair

  Passengers relying on wheelchairs for mobility – at any time during the cruise – are welcome on board. But you must advise Titanic Memorial Cruises at the time of booking. For your own convenience, comfort and safety you must be accompanied by an able bodied companion. On health and safety grounds wheelchairs weighing in excess of 25kg that do not dismantle cannot be carried to ashore at any ports of call other than the start /end point of the cruise. In accordance with safety requirements we regret that the number of passengers using wheelchairs on board is restricted to 9. However, subject to further quotas, additional wheelchairs/scooters can be stored for use ashore only. Only those cabins indicated as adapted for wheelchair use have private facilities for wheelchair users. With exception of Southampton, Wheelchair bound passengers will need to be physically lifted onto the ship. Regrettably, unless able to board a vehicle unassisted, it will not be possible for wheelchair users to participate in the organised shore tour programme. However, our shore tour department may be able to arrange private tours with the use of adapted vehicles.

• Smoking Policy

  From 01 January 2009 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will introduce a non-smoking policy in all inside areas. Smoking will only be permitted on cabin balconies and on designated open deck areas. On fly/cruises all flights are non-smoking. This is subject to change.

• Single Travellers 

  Our single guests never need be alone on board as we have the reputation of operating the friendliest cruise ships afloat. Our staff will be waiting to greet you from the moment you arrive at the port and special activities will be arranged throughout the cruise to give you the opportunity to meet with fellow single travellers if you wish. Gentleman hosts will be on hand all cruise to make sure our single lady guests never go too long without a dance partner in the evenings.

• Special Occasions

  If you are celebrating a special anniversary or birthday whilst on board we would like to help you celebrate to make the occasion even more memorable. Please let us know if you are celebrating your Silver, Pearl, Ruby, Golden, Emerald or Diamond anniversary either six months before, during or after your cruise and we will provide a fantastic package with our compliments. All we ask is that you provide us with a copy of your marriage certificate prior to departure. Similarly a honeymoon on board is a unique time and we will mark the occasion in style. If it’s your birthday during the cruise we will help you celebrate with a special celebration cake presented at dinner.

  • In addition to this we offer a choice of special packages which may be purchased in advance:

  • Anniversary Celebration – Flowers or chocolates in cabin on arrival, champagne and canapés served on your special day, anniversary gift, celebration cake and professional photographic session.

  • Birthday Celebration – Champagne breakfast served in your cabin, birthday gift and card, celebration cake at dinner and souvenir photograph.

  • Welcome Aboard – Floral bouquet, champagne and canapés, chocolates and a fruit basket – all placed in your cabin on arrival.

  Nearer the time we will send out correct prices and details of how and where to book these celebration packages.

• Shore Excursions / Going Ashore

  Usually the ship will dock in the port’s harbour and a gangway will be positioned so you may come and go from the ship as you please. In smaller ports the ship may be at anchor when we will provide tender boats to take you ashore. These tenders will run frequently to and from the ship and there is no charge for this service.
  We offer a choice of shore excursions in nearly every port of call. Our shore excursions are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable tour guides and are an excellent way of exploring the main attractions of each port of call; details of which we will send you with your travel documents. As these tours are very popular we strongly recommend that you pre-book in advance of your cruise to avoid disappointment, although they may also be booked on board at the Shore Excursions Desk. Please note that tours may be subject to minimum and maximum participating numbers and to local weather conditions. Tours and Excursions can also be previewed and booked during the cruise, by visiting FOi (Interactive TV) under the ‘Shore Excursions’ menu.
  A full programme, including a booking form, detailing all our excursions will be dispatched directly to you 8 weeks prior to sailing.
  For disabled passengers we regrettably cannot guarantee that assistance by qualified persons will be available at all ports of call. Unless able to board a vehicle unassisted it will not usually be possible for wheelchair users to participate in organised shore tours.

• Going Ashore Independently:

  Usually the ship will dock in the port’s harbour and a gangway will be positioned so you may come and go from the ship as you please. In smaller ports the ship may be at anchor when we will provide tender boats to take you ashore. These tenders will run frequently to and from the ship and there is no charge for this service.
  We offer a choice of shore excursions in nearly every port of call. Our shore excursions are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable tour guides and are an excellent way of exploring the main attractions of each port of call; details of which we will send you with your travel documents. As these tours are very popular we strongly recommend that you pre-book in advance of your cruise to avoid disappointment, although they may also be booked on board at the Shore Excursions Desk. Please note that tours may be subject to minimum and maximum participating numbers and to local weather conditions. Tours and Excursions can also be previewed and booked during the cruise, by visiting FOi (Interactive TV) under the ‘Shore Excursions’ menu.
  A full programme, including a booking form, detailing all our excursions will be dispatched directly to you 8 weeks prior to sailing.
  For disabled passengers we regrettably cannot guarantee that assistance by qualified persons will be available at all ports of call. Unless able to board a vehicle unassisted it will not usually be possible for wheelchair users to participate in organised shore tours.

• Tender Services

  Some ports will require passengers to go ashore by tender. Please ask about your particular cruise at the time of booking. On health and safety grounds wheelchair bound passengers will be prevented from going ashore on these occasions.

• Duty Free

  Passengers should kindly note that due to company policy, only alcohol purchased on our vessels may be consumed on board. Any alcohol brought from ashore will be placed in safe keeping by the ship’s security officers and returned at the end of the cruise. However, you may purchase cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol on board to enjoy in your cabin or to take home via our tax-free Cabin Shopping Service (which gives you excellent savings on shoreside prices). See Shopping On Board for more details.
  When returning from EU countries there is no limit to the amount of goods you can bring back into the UK. However, these must be personally carried and be for your own use- which includes gifts. If you bring back large quantities of alcohol or tobacco, a Customs Officer may ask you about the purposes for which you hold the goods. This particularly applies if you have with you more than the following amounts:

  • 3,200 cigarettes
    
  • 400 cigarillos
    
  • 200 cigars
    
  • 3kg tobacco products (other than above)
    
  • 10 litres of spirits
    
  • 20 litres of fortified wine
    
  • 90 litres of wine
    
  • 110 litres of beer
    
• Your Customs allowance for landing in the UK from non EU countries is:

  200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars plus one litre bottle of spirits and two bottles of still table wine, 60ml of perfume, 250ml of toilet water when purchased at tax free rates. In total £145 worth of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs.
  Please note on fly/cruises it is the policy of most airlines that passengers can travel with alcohol that is 1 – 70% proof. Anything above 70% proof will be confiscated, as it is considered dangerous goods.
  All above allowances and restrictions are based upon 2009 guidelines; please check nearer the sailing date for up to date information and any changes.

Life On Board

• Your Cabin

  From the moment you step on board our staff will be waiting to welcome you and direct you to your cabin. Your cabin door is opened either by the use of your security swipe card or by the use of a key that will be found just within your open cabin door. A Welcome Pack of useful on board information, and a handy ship guide, will be in your cabin on arrival.
  

• Beds & Bedding

  On all our ships your beds will be made up for you by your cabin stewardess whilst you are enjoying your evening meal. Bedding configurations vary across the fleet, so please check your confirmation invoice for details. Many cabins can be configured as either a twin or double, and this will be detailed on your confirmation invoice where applicable. If you would like the conversion from twin to double please advise Titanic Memorial Cruises.

  All cabins are provided with complimentary stationery. Each cabin is also equipped with a hair dryer, television and a telephone. In addition, all suite accommodation features a fridge and entertainment system. Certain grades of suite accommodation enjoy extra benefits such as champagne and mineral water on arrival, flowers, fruit and dressing gowns. Please check when booking
  Your cabin stewardess will keep your cabin in immaculate condition, replacing any towels and linen as and when required. Separate towels will be provided for use around the swimming pool.

• Cabin Service

  All our vessels offer complimentary cabin service for breakfast and light snacks (except during embarkation and disembarkation), times and availability of each will be detailed in your Welcome Pack on board. Cabins have complimentary tea/coffee facilities.

• Children’s Facilities

  Please note that facilities are not supervised.

• Cocktail Parties

  All passengers will be invited to the Welcome Cocktail Party hosted by the Captain. This party will enable you to meet our staff on board and help you to get to know your fellow guests. A Farewell Party is usually held on the penultimate night. Various other cocktail parties may be held throughout the duration of the cruise.
  In addition you may wish to host your own private party at a named venue of your choice on board. Personalized invitations can be delivered to your guests’ cabins on request.

• Dancing

  There will be plenty of opportunity to practice and show your dancing skills on board. From ballroom to line dancing and dancing the night away in the disco, there is the variety to suit all tastes and skills. Dance classes are often held throughout the cruise, details of which will be advertised in the Daily Times. Gentlemen hosts are on board all cruises to make sure single lady guests are never too long without a dance partner.

• Dining

  Subject to availability and where possible we can guarantee your preferred dining options, 6.30pm or 8.30pm. Table sizes will remain on a request basis. When you arrive on board you will find a restaurant seating card in your cabin, which will advise you of your table number and dining time. This will be your allocated table number for the duration of the cruise.

  The main restaurants are:
  

  Ballindalloch Restaurant, Spey and Avon Rooms.
  Meal times are as flexible as possible – after all you are on holiday. Breakfast is normally served between 7.15am and 10.00am and lunch between 12.00 and 2.00pm in the main restaurants. A buffet breakfast and lunch will also be served in the Palms Café and weather permitting, in the poolside café and Marquee pool bar. Open sitting evening dining is offered as an option in the Palms Café. Please note all restaurants operate a non smoking policy.

• Catering for Special Diets

  We will do our best to accommodate most dietary requests onboard. We currently cater for vegetarian, low fat, dairy free, gluten and wheat free diets. All special requests must be specified on the booking form and we will endeavour to source the products required, but cannot guarantee specific brands. (Some special requests may not be possible due to the location of the vessel and availability at local ports).

• Wine List

  We offer an excellent range of wines on board at exceptionally good prices on all three vessels. You may order your wine for dinner in advance by filling in the order slip available outside the main restaurant. Alternatively wine waiters will be on hand in the restaurants to help you choose. Passengers on Balmoral are now able to order wine for in cabin consumption as well as in the restaurant via FOi (Interactive TV), under the section ‘Wine Selection’ menu.

• Telephones

  Our ships operate satellite telephone systems. All cabins are equipped with telephones.

• Use you Mobile phone on board

  You can now keep in contact with your friends and family when aboard. All you need to do is contact home mobile phone operator to enable ‘international Roaming’ and make sure to take your phone with you.

  There is no charge to connect to this service and call costs are similar to using your phone while abroad.

  This service is owned and operated by Maritime Communications Partners A/S. Please contact your home mobile phone operator for further information on call charges and any other bill related enquiries.

• Air Conditioning

  All cabins are fully air conditioned, as are all public areas. You will find a temperature control gauge in your cabin, which will allow you to adjust the air temperature to your comfort.

• Voltage

  The Ships voltage is 220 volts. A European 2-pin socket is required. To ensure your electrical appliances are safe to use, please check with reception. Adapters can be hired on board, or can be bought from the shop.

• Securing Your Valuables

  All cabins will have an electric Safety deposit box.

• Paying on board

  The currency on board is Sterling. A credit account system is operated on board allowing bar drinks, wine in the restaurants, laundry charges, shore tour bookings, purchases from the shops, any medical expenses and any other incidental expenses, to be automatically charged to your account. Payment is required at the end of the cruise and if you have pre-registered your credit card, your bill will be settled swiftly and without queuing. The following credit cards are accepted: American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, MasterCard and Visa. We also accept Visa debit cards but regret we are unable to accept: Maestro (switch), Solo, Electron, travel agent debit cards or travellers’ cheque cards.

• Gratuities

  We’re confident that you’ll feel like rewarding staff on board for their service although of course tipping is entirely a matter of your own personal discretion, as is the amount you may wish top give as your way of saying 'thank you' By way of a helpful guideline - £2.00 per passenger per day for your cabin stewardess and the same amount for your restraint waiter would take care of your tips.

Ship Services

• Laundry Services

  All our ships provide an excellent Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Pressing Service. A full price list and details will be found in your Welcome Pack waiting for you in your cabin. An additional 25% is charged for same day service.
  An ironing room is available on all our ships and in addition, there is a self-service launderette on board, where a nominal charge is made for the use of the washing machines

• Dance Hosts

  Gentleman hosts are available to ensure that our single lady guests never go too long without a dance partner in the evenings.  There are usually two dance hosts available.

• Bureau De Change

  Our ship has a Bureau De Change, where foreign currency can be purchased or sold subject to local currency restrictions. All major currencies are stocked, based on the cruised destinations, with no commission charge and competitive rates.

• Daily Times

  Each evening a Daily Times newsletter will be placed in your cabin, detailing events and timings for the following day. This will include time zones changes and dress code guidelines.

• Photographs / DVDs

  Our resident photographers will be on hand throughout your cruise to help capture those special moments. Their photographs are processed on a daily basis and will be displayed for you to purchase if you wish. It is also possible for your own camera films to be processed during the cruise, although we are unable to process Advantix films. Camera film is available to buy in the ship’s shop. All charges will be billed back to your on board account.
  It is also now possible to obtain a DVD of your cruise from our on board photographers.

• Alcohol on Board

  Any Alcohol purchased ashore, which you may wish to bring aboard ship, must be handed to the ship’s staff for safe storage until the end of the cruise.

• Lost Property

  Any items of last property should be registered with reception, in the first instance. In the event you suffer loss of property you should write to Miles Morgan Travel On your return home. Items of lost property are forwarded to this address where they will remain for three months waiting to be claimed. If unclaimed, we reserve the right to dispose of these items to approved charities.

• Christian Service

  After breakfast on Sundays during days at sea, the Captain will lead prayers and readings.

• Shopping on Board

  The onboard boutiques offer a wide range of products from luxury items including jewellery, glassware and perfumes to elegant eveningwear and casual day clothes. The onboard shop stocks essential items such as camera film, sun cream, toiletries and various other necessities, as well as souvenirs and cruise mementoes. The shops will be closed in some ports due to custom regulations.

• Library

  The ship has a well appointed library on board offering a wide variety of books, including some large print books. There is also a selection of board games, DVDs and CDs for use during your cruise.

• Casino

  There is a small gaming area where you can try your hand at Blackjack and Roulette. Please note that games of chance may not be charged back to your cabin account.

• Fitness Centre

  The ship has a fully equipped fitness centre offering treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes and a variety of free weights. A choice of fitness class s to suit most levels is available throughout the cruise, including yoga, aerobics, stretch & tone and Pilates, conducted by fully qualified fitness instructors. A small charge may be made for some classes. The minimum age to use the fitness centre is 18 years.
  Additionally you may wish to ‘smile a mile’ walking around the deck of the ship or swim a few lengths of the swimming pool (weather permitting). You can practice your golf swing in the nets. You may wish to then relax in the sauna or steam room. Showers are available.

• Beauty Salon

  The Atlantis Health & Beauty at Sea - which is perfect for pampering and special treats. They offer a wide range of services including hairdressing, manicures, massage and spa treatments.
  We advise you to book early once on board to avoid disappointment. Some treatments are only available at limited times.
  Information on the available treatments can be viewed on FOi (Interactive TV) by visiting 'General Information' from the main menu and selecting 'Atlantis Spa and Fitness Centre'.

• Swimming Pools

  All vessels have outdoor swimming pool/s which are filled with seawater and heated to approximately 30°C (86°) and Jacuzzis which are approximately 34°C (93°F). Weather permitting the pools are kept open from 8am – 8pm. Towels for use around the pool and on the sun deck are available in your cabins. For hygiene purposes all pools and Jacuzzis are treated with the appropriate chlorine based chemicals.

• FOi - Fred. Olsen Interactive TV

  On Balmoral, televisions in cabins offer our own interactive information channels called FOi. This offers pay-per-view movies, shore excursion information (and the facility to book via FOi), up to date information on activities taking place on the ship during your cruise, wine ordering (to your cabin as well as table), and future cruise destinations (including promotions).

• Internet Centre

  There is an internet station on board. Use of these facilities requires and internet access card which can be purchased from reception on board. A card costs £10* for 30 minutes and a £10* refundable deposit is required.  To access the internet you simply insert the card into the reader, which makes the connection to the internet. Time is deducted from the card and when you have finished you remove the card and are free to use the remaining time left later during the cruise. User’s can browse the internet freely with no restrictions and e-mail is available via web based email accounts. Please be aware that to access the internet, we use satellite communications and these services cannot produce the same speeds experienced in the home environment. Therefore please be patient if a site doesn’t load immediately. The computers we use only have browsing facilities; all other options are protected due to frequent tampering. We no not provide other software, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, for the creation of documents to send as attachments.
  * Prices based upon 2009 charges and will be subject to change.

• Post / Postcards

  If you wish to send postcards home during the cruise please hand them to Reception on board who will give them to our local port agent for posting in the next port of call. A small charge will be levied to cover postage costs. Obviously, the more remote the port, the longer the postcard will take to reach home! Delivery of mail cannot be guaranteed.

• New To cruising Programme

  For any first time cruisers we offer a programme to ensure you become relaxed with your new surroundings. Just complete the reply slip in our A-Z booklet supplied with your initial confirmation invoice. From the priority boarding, to being introduced to senior officers, we want to make your very first ever cruise a time to remember without anxieties.

• Lecturers

  A carefully chosen team of specialised lecturers have been selected to travel on board the Titanic Memorial cruise with us.

• Port Talks / Lecturers

  On most cruises, we have either a knowledgeable Port Lecturer on board or an experienced member of our tours staff who will give talks on the forthcoming ports of call throughout the cruise. This will enable you to gain an insight into the history and geography of the port of call and find out what the main attractions and local services are, giving you a chance to plan ahead.

• Disembarkation

  Within your ticket pack you will find a disembarkation questionnaire which we ask you to complete in advance of sailing and hand to our check-in staff which will enable the Reception Manager to identify any passengers with onward travel connections necessitating priority disembarkation. You will then be issued with a colour-coded disembarkation card. On the last evening of your cruise please ensure that your luggage is placed outside your cabin door prior to midnight, as our staff will need to ready all baggage to be taken ashore. Please remember to pack an overnight bag as you will need suitable clothing and personal effects for the actual day of disembarkation.
  On arrival into port the vessel has to be cleared by Customs and Immigration Officials before disembarkation can commence. This enables you to have a leisurely breakfast, vacate your cabin, and take a comfortable seat in one of the public lounges before being called forward according to your colour coded disembarkation card.
  In general, disembarkation commences after the ship has been cleared but please allow up to 4 hours for the entire ship to be cleared. Please plan your onward journey accordingly.
  Assistance will be given to those passengers with wheelchairs.
  Once leaving the vessel please ensure you collect all your luggage from the baggage reclaim area before continuing your onward journey. As baggage is arranged in the reclaim area according to deck colour it is very important to ensure that your original baggage tags are still affixed to your belongings. Please ensure you take only your belongings. Passengers who take luggage belonging to fellow passengers will have to pay any charges incurred in returning luggage to its rightful owner.
  Full disembarkation procedures will be placed in all cabins, and for operational reasons may differ slightly from the above.

• Return Flights

  Your return flight from New York – London is included in your cruise fare (other UK airports may be available at a supplement; ask us for details) .This flight can be arranged in accordance with your requirements, you may wish to return home immediately at the end of the cruise or you may have other plans and wish to travel home at a later date the choice is yours. Just let us know at the time of booking your cruise and we will do our best to accommodate you. (Also see Terms & Conditions for flight details) We are able to provide and book accommodation pre or post cruise this is at an extra charge please ask for details.

• Nautical Terms

  If you are not familiar with certain nautical terms, you may find the following list of commonly-used words helpful:
  Aft Behind or near the back of the ship
  Ahead Something in front of the ship’s bow
  Astern Something behind the ship
  Berth A ship’s place to dock; or, a passenger’s bed
  Bow The front end of the ship
  Bulkhead A wall or upright partition separating a ship’s compartments
  Chart A nautical map used for navigating the ship
  Course Measured in degrees, the direction in which the ship is headed
  Debark To leave a ship
  Draught The depth of water needed to float a ship; the measurement from a ship’s waterline to the lowest point of its keel
  Embark To go on board a ship
  Flagstaff The pole at the stern of the ship from which the flag of the ship’s country of registry is flown
  Forward Towards or at the front of the ship
  Galley The ship’s kitchen
  Hull The framework of the ship
  Keel The main structural member of a vessel extending along the centre of the bottom; the lateral area beneath the hull
  Knot A unit of ship’s speed, one nautical mile (approx. 1.15 land miles) per hour
  Latitude Distance north or south of the Equator
  Leeward Toward the side of the ship that is sheltered from the wind
  Longitude Distance east or west of the Meridian of Greenwich
  Manifest List of ship’s passengers and crew
  Midship The middle of the ship
  Muster To assemble passengers and/or crew on the ship
  Pilot Person licensed to navigate ships into or out of harbours, or difficult waters
  Port The left-hand side of the ship (when facing forward), signified by a red light on the side of the ship
  Stabilisers Operated by gyroscope, retractable finlike devices below the waterline that extends from a ship’s hull to reduce roll and provide stability
  Starboard The right side of a ship (when facing forward), signified by a green light on the side of the ship
  Stern The rear of a ship
  Tender A vessel attending a larger one; used to ferry passengers to and from shore at ports of call
  Waterline The line along which the surface of water touches a ship’s hull
  Windward On the side of the ship, from which the wind is blowing