Q. What types of cruises can I choose from?

Motivation Advantage has selected cruises from some of the world's leading cruise lines-Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line-all with exciting ports of call including the Caribbean, Mexico, and the US. Click on the Cruise Programs page for more detailed information.



Q. How do I decide where to go and when?

Select a range of dates that are your preferred sailing dates (at least 60 days from the date you wish to depart) and your preferred embarkation port. Complete the Cruise Vacation Request form and mail or fax it directly to Motivation Advantage, Inc.

Once you've made your specific cruise selection, our cruise reservation agents will do all the rest.



Q. Are there any age requirements for taking a cruise?

Yes, at least one member of the party must be a minimum of 21-25 years old (depending on the cruise line) and meet all other cruise line policy restrictions. Our reservation agents will provide all the details as needed.



Q. Do I have a choice of type of cabin?

Your cruise vacation package includes a standard inside cabin for two people. Our reservation agents will upgrade you to an outside cabin, if available, for an additional cost.



Q. If I have special needs, i.e., handicapped access, special diet, etc., can this be accommodated?

Yes, just attach a note with your Cruise Vacation Request form with your specific requirements and our reservation agents will make all the necessary arrangements.



Q. Do I have to give 60 days notice?

Yes. This time period is required to ensure that all requests are processed correctly by the cruise line. Any request with less than 60 days notice will not be honored. Also, please do not send in your request more than six months in advance of your requested dates.



Q. Does the cruise advantage voucher expire?

Yes. Please see your voucher for the expiration date. In general, however, your cruise voucher is valid for one year.



Q. How many people can occupy one cabin?

The cruise advantage voucher is valid for an inside cabin for two passengers. Additional passengers occupying the same cabin will incur costs as set forth by the cruise line. Our reservation agents will assist if you have additional passenger requests. Generally, the maximum occupancy for a standard cabin is four people. Children, even infants, are considered passengers by the cruise lines.



Q. Are children welcome on board a cruise ship?

Yes. Most cruise lines take pride in the supervised activities they have available for children. Activities include sports, games, swimming, movies, and special adventures. Your kids will love shipboard life and you won't have to worry about entertaining them every minute of the day-the cruise staff takes care of that for you! Please remember that if you are traveling with children as additional passengers, there will be an additional charge at the time of booking and additional port charges. Please include the children's names on your Cruise Vacation Request form and one of our reservation agents will contact you.



Q. Can I upgrade?

Yes. Your cruise advantage voucher entitles you to a standard inside cabin for two passengers. If you would like an outside cabin or even a longer cruise, our reservation agents will be glad to assist with your request. Upgrades result in additional charges, which are the responsibility of the traveler and must be paid at the time of booking.



Q. Can I use the voucher for group travel?

The vouchers were designed for individual family travel and are not intended for groups due to contractual obligations with the cruise lines. There is a maximum of 2 certificates allowed for each sailing.



Q. What if I can't go on the dates I've selected for my cruise?

The cruise vacation advantage voucher is fully transferable, so you may give it to a friend or family member, or you may change your reservation up to 60 days prior to the departure date for a $100 change fee plus any change fee imposed by the cruise line. Changes and cancellations less than 60 days may be possible, but the cruise lines impose heavy fees for any changes made to confirmed reservations less than 60 days from departure. Check with your reservation agent for specific cruise lines change and cancellation policies. If the reservation is confirmed and you do not arrive for your cruise, the voucher will be voided.



Q. Are there any blackout periods?

We do not impose any blackout periods on the use of your cruise vacation advantage voucher; however, all cruise reservations are based on availability. During popular holidays or special local events, cruises are often fully booked months in advance. We will contact you if the cruise you selected is unavailable for your requested dates.



Q. Do I need a passport?

With the phasing in of new U.S. Immigration laws, passports are required to enter or re-enter the United States. Passports are required for travel to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Central and South America beginning in 2006. Passports are required for Canada and Mexico beginning in 2007.

U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid passport is not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes a valid or expired U.S. passport, a certified (original) birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove identity, a valid driver's license or government identification card is acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph. However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship.

Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the embassy or nearest consulate of the country that you plan to visit for their requirements.



Q. Are there any other documents required?

If you are traveling to Mexico, a notarized letter of consent from parent(s) is required for children under age 18 traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone else's custody. Ask your reservations agent for more details.



Q. What are port charges and why do I need to pre-pay them?

Port charges are taxes imposed by the port authorities in each port the ship visits and vary in amount based on the ship's itinerary. Payment of port charges is the responsibility of the passenger and is required by the cruise line in order to confirm your reservation. Each passenger, regardless of age, is required to pay port charges.



Q. Is airfare to the port included?

Airfare is not included in this package. However, our reservation agents can assist you with flight arrangements if you wish at an additional cost to you.



Q. Is transportation from the airport to the ship available?

We can arrange ground transportation for you with the cruise line once your cruise has been confirmed and your flights reserved. Please note that there is a fee imposed by the cruise line for this service. If you wish to use this service, we recommend that it be arranged at least 30 days prior to sailing.



Q. Are there any hidden costs to a cruise?

Once on board ship, any incidentals that you purchase including alcoholic beverages, excursions and tours, spa and beauty treatments, and tips are the responsibility of the traveler. Food, daily activities and entertainment on board ship are included in the cruise package.



Q. What clothes should I bring on a cruise?

We recommend that you pack the same type of clothing that you would if you were going to a resort. In general, cruises are casual during the day and more formal in the evening. Most evenings, the attire is long pants and collared shirts for gentlemen and nice slack sets or dresses for ladies. Some ships have a Captain's party where the dress is more formal, with ladies wearing cocktail dresses or evening gowns and the gentlemen in suits or tuxedos. The cruise lines will provide information before you leave on their recommendations for daily attire.



Q. I've heard you're expected to tip the staff at the end of the cruise. How much should I tip?

Tipping is always your choice and is generally done the last night of the cruise. On most cruises, the waiters, busboys, and cabin stewards only earn a minimal salary and rely on the tips they receive as the majority of their income. In general, most cruise lines recommend $3 to $4 per day for the waiters and cabin stewards and $2 per day for the busboys. Other personnel who rendered special services to you can also be tipped. We recommend tipping in the amount you would for the same services at home.