Worldview and Apologetics Mind Games Cruise FAQ
I've never been on a cruise. Do I have to bring money for food?
No, this is one of the reasons cruising is a great value for your dollar. Your lodging, meals, many beverages, and entertainment are all included in the price of your ticket. You will enjoy the choices on the cruise ship: eat in the dining room, or go to the buffet. Take your plate outdoors and eat poolside in the sun or the shade, if you wish! You can even enjoy complimentary room service; the Bohlins always order coffee to be delivered at wake-up time each morning.
Do I have to share a bathroom, like down the hall?
Every cabin has its own bathroom.
Are there any expenses apart from our tickets?
You may want to go shopping in the gift shops for souvenirs, clothing or jewelry. Cruise ships offer very good duty-free prices on a wide range of items. If you want any beverage other than iced tea, juice, milk or water, that is extra. You can purchase a soda plan that allows unlimited soda (pop, for you Yankees). If you choose to purchase an excursion (other than the two we'll be doing as a group, which is included in your ticket price) or go shopping in any of the ports, that would be extra.
When you check in, you will be asked for a credit card for any on-board expenses you choose to make, although you do have other options. Per Royal Caribbean's website:
All of Royal Caribbean International ships operate on a "cashless" system, meaning your boarding card, (also known as your SeaPass card), will be used as a charge card to make all onboard purchases. Normally to activate this SeaPass account, most guests provide a credit card, (American Express, Optima, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and Diner's Club), to have these purchases charged to at the end of their cruise. Additionally, the SeaPass system may be activated with traveler's checks, debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo, or cash.
Do I have to tip the wait staff and cabin steward?
You usually do on most cruises, but the Mind Games Cruise price includes all gratuities. However, if you do order from room service, the food is included in your ticket, but it's customary to tip $1-2 for the waiter or waitress who brings your tray, per delivery. A 15% gratuity is also added to any purchases from bars, including sodas.
What if I get bored?
This is another reason cruising is such a great value. In addition to our Mind Games sessions, the ship will offer so many games, events, live music, and other choices that you won't be able to do them all. (Here's a link to a scan of a Cruise Compass, the daily ship newspaper, showing all the activities on one cruise: public.fotki.com/Radio88/freedom-of-the-seas/cruise-compass/day1pg1.html)
What if I get seasick?
The good news is that modern cruise ships are so large, and the stabilizers are so effective, that most people do not experience seasickness. But if you do, the dispensary (ship clinic) has free anti-nausea medicine. Some people wear acupressure wristbands, others bring ginger, and many take Bonine (or a generic equivalent) proactively.
Will I need a passport?
Yes, all cruise passengers are now required to show a valid passport when checking in. You should also keep it (or a copy) with you when you get off the ship in the various ports.
What if we have an elementary-age child?
You can spend focused time with him or her, or consider taking advantage of Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean children's and youth program. A lot of people think that Royal Caribbean offers the best ships and the best programs for kids.
Will all the Mind Games sessions be on the ship?
Most of them are, but we're excited about a lunch lecture on the beach in Grand Cayman. This was a highlight of the entire week for the 2011 cruise.
