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Seminar At Sea Where Education can be fun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the Port of Galveston?

About 70 miles from Houston Bush International Airport.
Port of Galveston Pier #25, 2502 Harborside Drive Galveston, Texas 77550
Take I-45 South to Exit 1C - Harborside Drive (Highway 275). Turn left (east) onto Harborside Drive. 
Continue approximately 4.7 miles to Kempner/22nd Street. Turn left onto Kempner/22nd Street. 
Proceed to Cruise Terminal - Pier #25.  Parking lots are before the Cruise Terminal.

What does my cruise price include?

Depending on your travel agents package your cruise includes shipboard accommodations, meals, and most entertainment aboard the vessel. However with Seminar At Sea  the prices includes federal fees, port charges and all meals, gratuities, entertainment, and cabin.

What does my cruise price not include?

 Your cruise price does not include organized shore excursions, alcoholic beverages or carbonated soft drinks, photographs, spa and beauty treatments, medical services, casino expenditures or other miscellaneous items you may purchase on board. 

What is the difference between an outside and an inside cabin?

An outside cabin or "Oceanview" will have a window or porthole. An inside or "No View" cabin will have artwork or draperies on the walls.

  Should I buy travel insurance?

We recommend the purchase of travel insurance, as some things cannot be anticipated. Trip insurance will cover you if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death to you, a traveling companion, or family member. It does not cover unstable, preexisting medical conditions. It will cover you should a medical emergency occur on your trip. If you cancel your vacation for a covered reason, or incur medical expenses while on your trip, you would need to pay these fees in advance and then file a claim for reimbursement. If you have specific questions about this insurance and its coverage, please contact the insurance company at (800) 453-4059.

Are cruise itineraries subject to change?

Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change. Guest safety is the number one priority for the cruise lines. On rare occasions, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances require a change in itinerary. In these situations, the cruise line staff will do everything in their power to visit an alternate port of call.

  Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are "one class." Everyone on board can use all of the ship's facilities.

  Will I get bored or feel confined?

Not likely. Cruise ships are like floating resorts and offer just as many options as a fine resort. It usually takes a couple of days to fully explore all the onboard possibilities. In addition, you have the opportunity to explore new and exciting ports of call. You can take time to yourself lying poolside on a deck chair or you can join a dance class or sports activity. Later, catch a movie or play backgammon. The choices are endless.

  When can I board the ship?

Embarkation normally begins approximately 4 hours prior to departure. Passengers must be aboard no later than 30 minutes prior to sailing.

  What about my medication?

Please carry any medication in its original bottle. It is recommended that medication be carried in your pocket or purse so that it will be available when needed. Checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you're using any prescription drugs, vitamins or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply with you. Many types of medication may not be readily available either aboard ship or in ports of call. Commonly used medication may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor. 

What about electrical appliances?

Electric razors and hair dryers can be brought with you. Staterooms for most cruise lines are equipped with 110 volts AC and are capable of handling all normal appliances. Some appliances may require the use of an adapter.

  Can I park at the pier?

Parking is available at the major piers. The exact rates and style of lot vary. You may want to check with www.seaportsinfo.com for valuable information pertaining to these details, as well as the piers.

  Can I bring visitors on the ship?

For safety and security reasons, no visitors are allowed on board.

  Will I get seasick?

Seasickness is rare on larger cruise ships because they are equipped with stabilizers which are designed to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward or the ship's doctor. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consult your physician prior to travel.

  How do I pay for onboard purchases?

For your convenience, you may charge most of your purchases on board. A personal account will be set up when you board and purchases will be billed automatically to your major credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you may use a cash deposit. The amount of this deposit varies from cruise line to cruise line, usually ranging from $100 for the week to $100 per day. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the purser's desk to cover gratuities and to pay off your onboard account if you don't want the charges to be applied to your credit card.

  What are the tipping guidelines?

The following guidelines are suggestions only. Please remember to recognize outstanding service. Waiters and cabin stewards $3.00 per passenger per day Assistant Waiters $1.50 per passenger per day Head Waiters $2.50 per passenger per day A 15% gratuity is added to all bar and wine checks.

  What are my dining options?

Most cruise lines offer two seatings for the main dining room: Main Seating and Late Seating. Dining preferences may be requested at the time of the booking. No requests are guaranteed. Your seating and table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation. Either seating will allow you to see all the shows and experience everything your cruise has to offer. For your convenience, in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight buffets, many ships also offer complimentary room service. Low-fat and vegetarian entrees are often offered at lunch and dinner. In addition to the traditional seatings, some cruise lines now offer "freestyle" dining. This provides guests with the flexibility to dine when they wish. You may also choose your dinner companions and request specific table sites rather than being assigned to a particular time and table for the duration of the cruise. 

I'm on a special diet. Can I get special meals on board?

Low-sodium meals, kosher meals, and certain other diet-restricted meals will be available. Dietary requests should be made at the time of booking. 

What if I am celebrating my birthday/anniversary?

If you'd like to celebrate an anniversary or birthday on the ship, we can add that to your reservation in advance or you can let the maitre d' know. The cruise lines love to celebrate with you. 

What is an assembly drill, and do I have to go?

These are commonly referred to as lifeboat drills. Everyone on board the ship is required to be in attendance for a compulsory safety drill before departure to comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations.

  Do I have to participate in the cruise line's organized activities?

  On a cruise, the choice is yours. You may do what you want. You can do it all or just relax by the pool.

  Do cruise lines have activities for kids?

More and more cruises are booked every day by families. Most cruise lines have supervised activities for the kids. Choose from swimming, sports, movies, and games. The cruise staff will keep them busy so you don't have to worry. Some children may be considered too young to participate in these programs.

  What about the evenings?

The evenings are just as exciting as the days. From the casinos, to the nightclub, to the entertainment, to passenger talent shows, there is always something going on. If you are a real night owl, you may even have a chance to see a sunrise at sea. 

Can we stay in touch with the outside?

Quite easily. Most ships have televisions in the rooms plus a daily newsletter with headlines. There are either phones in the rooms or you can have the ship's radio operator contact the mainland for you. Also many ships offer fax capabilities or internet lounges. There are charges to contact the mainland in any form. Please check with the purser to find out exact amounts. 

Are the casinos and shops open all day?

  Shops and the casino are open while you are at sea; however, they will be closed while the ship is in port.

  How will I know what activities are happening aboard the ship?

Your cabin steward will leave a news update in your stateroom which will provide a schedule of events for the following day. This update will tell you where and when everything is happening. 

How do I pay for purchases in port?

Most shops accept major credit cards and traveler's checks. Some ships and ports of call have ATMs; however, they may not always be in service and fees are involved. It is not necessary to convert your money in advance. 

What can I do in port?

There's lots to do depending on your preference. Each port of call offers a unique experience. You can explore on your own, take the cruise line's organized shore excursions, browse the many shops, relax at the beach, or take in some historical sites. There is truly something for everyone. 

Do I have to get off of the ship at each port of call?

  Absolutely not! You can relax at the pool or participate in one of the cruise line's organized activities. You can do anything you wish.