• Why do I need to register to book?

Registration is necessary to create a profile for you so that the next time that you book your cruise, you will not need to enter the passenger information or mailing/billing addresses.

• I registered myself and booked a cruise for my clients. Why is my name showing on the invoice?

You’re name is appearing on the invoice because you are using YOUR profile for THEIR cruise. Each cruiser will need to register himself to ensure proper documentation is issued for the correct passengers. If you want to use your credit card to pay for their cruise, you will need to select the “If purchaser is not passenger 1: Click Here” link that is located on Step 2 under Passenger 1’s information.

• What kind of payment plans can be used when booking online?

Typically, the cruise line will allow just a Deposit to be due if the cruise does not sail within the next 60 days. If a cruise is purchased inside that 60 day window, Final Payment will be due at the time of booking. In some instances, the cruise line will require final payment due immediately despite when the sailing is scheduled. This will result in ONLY Final Payment to be accepted for that cruise.

• I booked a cruise and the final payment is going to be due soon. How do I make that payment?

For cruises that are booked through the individual cruise booking engine that are given Final Payment dates, your final payment will be AUTOMATICALLY charged on that final payment date provided unless notified otherwise. If you wish to change your credit card on file or have already made Final Payment, please email CruiseHelp@ytb.com so that we can mark your account accordingly.

As the RTA for the booking, you can also call the cruise line and make the final payment in the event that your client wishes to make their payment early. Clients can not make final payments and must either go through the RTA or CruiseHelp@ytb.com.

YTB will not be held responsible for any payments that are made where no notification indicating alternate payment methods, extensions, etc. are not emailed prior to the final payment date.

YTB can not make extensions and any request given to hold off payment can result in cancellation of your cruise by the cruise line to with, in that event, YTB will not be held responsible.

• My credit card was declined. How do I submit an alternate card number?

In the event that your client received notification that their credit card was declined, they will need to email CruiseHelp@ytb.com and inform our Cruise Department of the new card number so that payment can be attempted immediately. Cabins without payment stand a very high risk of being cancelled due to non-payment. If your cabin is not Paid in Full by the Final Payment date, you risk auto-cancellation by the cruise line which can result in partial or full penalty for all funds placed on the booking. In the event of auto-cancellation by the cruise line due to non-payment, YTB will not be held responsible.

• I booked a cruise but now I need to cancel. Who do I contact?

If you need to cancel your cruise, you will need to either contact the cruise line directly or email CruiseHelp@ytb.com to do so. If you contact the cruise line to cancel your client’s cruise, the cruise line will be able to inform you about the cancellation penalties if they apply or if there will be a refund. YTB does not receive any information regarding penalties or refunds and those inquiries must be called into the cruise line.

• Where can I book shore excursions?

Shore excursions can be purchased by clicking on the Shore Excursion link located on the Cruises Tab on the booking engine.

• How can I cancel my shore excursion?

Shore Excursions must be cancelled by contacting Port Promotions at 1-800-929-4548. Please note that in most cases, the excursions are paid for in advance and can not be refunded. Any inquires that you have will need to be addressed to Port Promotions on behalf of your client.

• I purchased insurance but no longer need it. What should I do?

Travel Insurance is purchased through AIG Travel Guard and all cancellations must be made by calling 1-800-826-4919. Since you’re trying to cancel a policy that your client agreed to, your client may be the only one that can cancel their insurance.

Please note that the insurance company may not be able to cancel your client’s policy after a certain time frame based upon the Company’s policy and State Regulations.

• How do I add on transfers to and from the airport?

Air transfers, at this time, can only be added by contacting your RTA so that they can add the transfers on to your reservation.

• Is the air added on to my cruise commissionable?

Recently, the majority of the cruise lines ruled to stop paying commission for any airfare added on to a cruise reservation. This decision was made to help keep costs down for your clients for not only their cabins but also the airfare in question. The decision was preceded by the Airline Industry's wide decision, years ago, to stop paying commission for any airfare purchased.

• Where do I find directions to the port?

Due to ever changing terminal changes, directions to your port can be found by visiting your cruise line’s home page and selecting their FAQ section.

• What does “Freestyle” cruising mean?

“Freestyle” cruising refers to Norwegian Cruise Line’s idea that cruises should be “care free”- to not have to worry about what to wear, when to eat, or what activities you want to participate in. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere for first time cruisers.

• Where can I find information regarding how to print E-docs?

E-doc (electronic document) information can be located on your itinerary that is emailed to you or by emailing Documentsinfo@ytb.com.

• Why do I need to Check-in and submit Pre-cruise Documentation online?

Online Check-in and Pre-cruise Documentation is extremely recommended not only speed up the boarding process at the pier but they also provide the cruise line with Immigration info, advises you what to pack, what to expect, important contact numbers, etc.

Pre-cruise documentation can either be found online or will be mailed to the RTA for the booking to dispense to the client. Each cruise line has different policies about Pre-cruise docs, but information regarding them will be included in the invoice for the client’s cruise.

• Four passengers are cruising; why are two fares at one rate and the other two at a lesser rate?

The cruise line’s only have so much availability for double occupancy cabins and to show their appreciation for those who book Quad (4 person occupancy) cabins, they discount the 3rd and 4th passengers. The total balance due will still have to be paid despite who is actually paying for the cruise.

• How do I buy a gift to be placed in my client’s cabin?

If you would like to purchase a gift to be placed in your client’s cabin, you will need to click on Bon Voyage Gifts on the Cruise page. This will bring you to a website that you will be able to click the gift that you’d like to deliver and select the port on your client’s itinerary that you’d like to have it delivered.

• What does “Cruise to Nowhere” mean exactly?

Cruises to Nowhere are typically 1-2 night cruises that leave out on Thursday or Friday that will allow for a weekend getaway. This is very good cruise to market for new cruisers that want to “give cruising a try”.

• What documentation do I need to bring with me to board?

You will need to bring all Documentation that you have received for your cruise- Paper/Electronic Documents, Passport (as needed), & any Pre-cruise Documents that you’ve filled out that the cruise line might have requested to be printed and brought with you.

• What should I pack?

Many cruise lines will include a list of things to bring/not to bring in their pre-cruise documents such as: towels, blow dryer, what to wear, etc, and is also listed on your cruise line’s website under their FAQ section.

• How old do you have to be to take a cruise?

For Guests Under 25 Years of Age

All cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin meets a minimum age requirement. The information that follows was provided by the cruise lines at the time of this writing, is subject to change, and should be verified with your cruise counselor prior to booking.

The lowest minimum age requirement for any cruise line is 18. The following cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin is 18 or older: Clipper, Cruise West, Cunard, Oceania, Orient Lines, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, Sea Dream, Star Clippers, Uniworld, and Windjammer.

The following cruise lines require that either 1) All passengers in a cabin must be 18 or older, or 2) If anyone in the cabin is younger than 18 years old, someone in the cabin must be 21 or older: Clipper, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Viking River Cruises.

The following cruise lines require that at least one person in each cabin is 21 or older: Costa (25 for March and April sailings), Crystal Cruises, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, First European Cruises, MSC Italian Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The following cruise lines require that either 1) All passengers in a cabin must be 21 or older, or 2) If anyone in the cabin is younger than 21 years old, someone in the cabin must be 25 or older: Carnival, Holland America, and Windstar Cruises.

One exception to these age requirements is made for underage married couples, who as long as they are both 18 are allowed to board unaccompanied. These couples may be asked to show proof of their marriage.

Your age on the date of sailing is generally considered your age for the length of the cruise.

• What documentation do I need to submit for my client’s senior/military rate?

An active military ID submitted to the cruise line is required to show proof that the rate is valid. To take advantage of the senior rate offered, valid ID showing proof of age is required. If proper documentation is not submitted to the cruise line by you, the RTA, with the booking number for the cruise, the cruise line will not give the rate and will return the fare to the pre-discounted rate. Any balance left due on your cabin can result in cancellation of your cruise with up to full penalty of funds applied.

• How early do I need to arrive at the port?

The recommended time length to arrive for any type of travel is always two hours in advance. This time will allow you to complete any forms that need to be filled out, check-in, etc. Arriving later than two hours in advance will run you the risk of being unprepared for boarding which can result in long lines and delayed boarding. This is why many cruise lines offer online check-in and pre-cruise docs; to speed up the boarding process for those who are prepared.

• Where can I view the most current passport requirements?

Passports always recommended for any type of travel despite the travel destination. The most up-to-date passport requirements are located at www.travel.state.gov. This website is updated by the U.S. Department of State and has the most current passport and visa requirements for all types of travel.