Frequently Asked Questions for Attendees

If you are an individual who plans to attend a University at Sea® cruise conference and you have questions about cruising or about the conferences themselves please review the list below. If you cannot find the answers to your questions please feel free to email us at contactus@universityatsea.com or call us toll free at 1-800-926-3775.

1. How does the University at Sea® work?
2. How do I sign up?
3. When will I receive my credits?
4. Are these programs accredited?
5. Can my Travel Agent sign me up?
6. Can I sign up with University at Sea® directly?
7. Will there be room for me in the course?
8. Are Cruise Conferences tax deductible?
9. Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
10. How long are cruises?
11. Where can I go?
12. How do I book a cruise?
13. Are all ships fairly similar?
14. Are there different types of cruises?
15. Are there any special educational programs on-board?
16. What's an air/sea cruise?
17. Do I need a passport?
18. Are there different classes of service?
19. Will I get bored? Feel confined?
20. What can I do in port?
21. Do I have to participate in the activities?
22. Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
23. What's there to do at night?
24. Is there a charge for entertainment?
25. Will there be people like me?  
26. What should I pack?  
27. Will I need a tuxedo?  
28. Can singles have fun on a cruise?  
29. Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?  
30. What are different meal seatings?  
31. Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?  
32. Can I get a special diet?  
33. What if I don't like my tablemates?  
34. Are there non-smoking areas?  
35. Can we celebrate a special occasion?  
36. Is cruising right for honeymooners?  
37. Can we stay in touch with the outside world?  
38. What about tipping?  
39. Are there medical services onboard?  
40. Are there laundry services aboard ship?  
41. Do cruise lines accept group bookings?  
42. Are there meeting rooms onboard?  
43. Can I extend my cruise vacation?  
44. Is motion discomfort a problem?  
45. It sounds too good to be true! Is it?  
46. Who should I see if I have questions that haven't been answered?

1. How does the University at Sea® work? The University at Sea® is a series of continuing education seminars hosted on luxury cruise ships. Call 1-800-422-0711 to book your cruise and conference..

2. How do I sign up? Call us at 1-800-422-0711 and we will be happy to help enroll you.

3. When will I receive my credits? Upon completion of the course, you will be required to fill out the appropriate course evaluation, as necessary. Upon returning from the cruise, the conference coordinator will forward the evaluation forms and sign in sheets to the University at Sea®. We will then forward that paperwork to the programs accrediting body. After they have processed your paperwork they will mail you a certificate of completion which you will them submit to your appropriate state board for relicensure. Usually it only takes a few weeks after you return home for you to receive your certificates.

4. Are these programs accredited? All of our programs are properly accredited for the professions advertised. The appropriate accreditation statements can be found on any program's descriptive web page. If you have any questions about a programs accreditation, please call us, toll free, at 1-800-422-0711

5. Can my Travel Agent sign me up? Travel Agents are not authorized to book you. Call University at Sea® at 1-800-422-0711 and we will book you on the cruise and conference.  

6. Can I sign up with University at Sea® directly? Neither the cruise line nor a Travel Agent can provide you with the accreditation or amenities that come with University at Sea®. Please call us at 1-800-422-0711 to book your cruise and conference.

7. Will there be room for me in the course? There is always room for one more! As long as you can secure accommodations on the cruising vessel, we will be able to seat you in our class. 

8. Are Cruise Conferences tax deductible? We at the University at Sea® are not permitted to offer tax advice. The course itself is deductible if taken to maintain your license. We suggest that you speak with a licensed tax consultant. However, we would encourage you to look at the value of cruising, in its own right, even if your particular situation does not warrant a deduction. Consider that while on board, all your meals and entertainment are included! If you just think about what those things cost in any resort hotel, very quickly you will see that you are already saving a meaningful amount.

9. Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value? Yes! Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes all meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port if usually included, if booked through the cruise line's air package. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.) You'll be amazed how all-inclusive it is!

10. How long are cruises? Typically 7-nights for University at Sea® cruises . This allows for the attendee to have a chance to enjoy the cruise and the course equally without either affecting the other. We also offer longer cruises. Check the schedule for something that interests you.

11. Where can I go? The University at Sea® is steadily offering newer and more exciting itineraries on its calendar of events. For a complete listing of options please visit our site schedule overview calendar.

12. How do I book a cruise? Planning a vacation has never been easier! If there is a particular University at Sea® course that you want to participate in, please call our or email our University at Sea® to discuss your vacation and cruise conference..

13. Are all ships fairly similar? Far from it. Cruise lines ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet long. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or over 2,600. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic, old world luxury. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven vessels or sail-assisted ships.

14. Are there different types of cruises? There is an incredible diversity of cruise vacations available -- all custom designed to suit different interests and personal preferences.

For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific sun tan. Plus, many cruise lines feature special-interest themes on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea! 

15. Are there any special educational programs on-board? Well, it's good that you asked because that's our specialty. All the cruises mentioned on this website, offer the University at Sea® . for offerings in your profession, please use the navigation links in the upper right hand portion of this website.

16. What's an air/sea cruise? A fly/cruise or an air/sea cruise vacation package includes either free or specially-reduced airfare along with your cruise ticket. These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.

17. Do I need a passport? This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You will need some proof of citizenship and identification. You'll receive complete information on required documents well in advance of your departure.

18. Are there different classes of service? Today's cruise ships are "one-class". Everyone onboard can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard.

19. Will I get bored? Feel confined? Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.

Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape. If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym.

You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board!

20. What can I do in port? So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (often referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid.

Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain.

Explore dark catacombs. In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack!

21. Do I have to participate in the activities? On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation! However, the University at Sea® continuing education courses offered on board are monitored for attendance. You will only get credit for those hours that you actually attend.

22. Do cruise lines welcome families with kids? More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate. 

23. What's there to do at night? At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, and the Masquerade Parade.

24. Is there a charge for entertainment? Never, except for very special events - wine tastings, cooking classes, for example.. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.

25. Will there be people like me? No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises now... all ages... from all walks of life... singles, couples and families. Just ask your CLIA-affiliated travel agency for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.

26. What should I pack? Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.

27. Will I need a tuxedo? On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. If you do want to dress to the nines, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

28. Can singles have fun on a cruise? Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles–early on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even offer gentlemen hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or a fourth at cards. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. If you ask them, many cruise lines will even find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation.

29. Can I use my hair dryer or shaver? Most American cruise ships have 110 volt outlets in the staterooms. Some staterooms even come with hairdryers.

30. What are different meal seatings? Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one "seating." But most ships have two seatings, which differ only by time. Typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A newer seating concept is know by several names ("Freestyle" "As you wish") but it involves much more flexibility in dining times and location on the ship. Whichever seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for a large table. In addition, some ships offer alternative dining rooms, such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern themed restaurants, separate from the main dining room.

31. Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told? Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. You'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too) every time you sit down. And there's virtually no limit on what or how much you can order. But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because all your meals are included!

32. Can I get a special diet? Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences.

33. What if I don't like my tablemates? Rarely is this a problem. However, if you wish to change tables, speak with the maitre d'. He'll make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely and politely.

34. Are there non-smoking areas? Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking areas and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell your Continuing Education Reservations Agent.

35. Can we celebrate a special occasion? Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapés. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise your reservations Continuing Education Agent in advance.

36. Is cruising right for honeymooners? Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance... cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars). Most lines provide special services–from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne and breakfast in bed. Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.

37. Can we stay in touch with the outside world? Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on most ships are equipped with televisions. While most ships now have satellite telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. And, you can make phone calls from most ports. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities.

38. What about tipping? Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.

39. Are there medical services onboard? Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.

40. Are there laundry services aboard ship? Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.

41. Do cruise lines accept group bookings? Most lines will work with groups–often at special rates–depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year. Ask  your Continuing Education Agent for details.

42. Are there meeting rooms onboard? Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for groups. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment or internet connections. You can rest assured that any cruise ship hosting one of our programs will have the latest and greatest in the way of conference rooms and meeting services!

43. Can I extend my cruise vacation? Cruise lines feature special pre- or post-cruise hotel packages that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation. Also, tours can be arranged in such ways as to blend seamlessly with your cruise vacation. Just ask your Continuing Educationl Agent for assistance!

44. Is motion discomfort a problem? Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advanced availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

45. It sounds too good to be true! Is it? The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!)

46. Who should I see if I have questions that haven't been answered? If, after reviewing the FAQ sections you still can't find the answers you are looking for please send us an email at contactus@universityatsea.com or give us a call, toll free, at 1-800-926-3775.

If you have questions about the University at Sea® Program, please send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-926-3775.