Are you new to cruising? Here are answers to some of the most common questions. Be sure to let us know if we've missed anything so we can add it to our list!
Staying at an all-inclusive ("AI") resort means you'll pay one flat price for your room, all meals and drinks. But that’s only the beginning: tons of activities and entertainment, as well as taxes and tips, are included as well, so you won’t get shocked by hidden fees on check-out. Many upscale resorts add excursions and other luxury perks to the package. Meanwhile, ‘European Plan’ (EP) resorts do no not include meals, drinks, taxes or tips in the quoted price.
Many all-inclusive resorts are destinations in themselves, from beachfront access and an array of pools to numerous restaurants, spas, water sports, and dedicated spaces for kids. You don't even have to leave the property to have a full vacation experience.
With nearly everything paid for upfront, you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than racking up charges. Think of it like you would a cruise - with drinks included!
The bags you bring with you on board the plane typically answer to the highest levels of regulations. The Transportation Security Administration provides extensive lists of items that you are prohibited to pack in carry-on luggage. For example, you cannot pack sharp objects, sporting goods and martial arts items, firearms and tools within carry-on luggage. In many cases, these items are acceptable in checked luggage. For absolute certainty, consult the TSA requirements for updates before packing.
Some items that the TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage it permits within checked luggage, making it possible for travelers to bring them along during air travel. For example, you can pack your golf clubs on your next golfing holiday, provided you stow them in a checked bag. However, there are also certain items you cannot pack in either type of luggage. Flammable, explosive or dangerous substances, including liquid bleach, lighter fluid and fireworks, are all prohibited in luggage to go anywhere on an aircraft. A common lighter is permissible in carry-on luggage but prohibited in checked bags.
According to the airline you fly with, your carry-on and checked luggage will need to meet certain weight and size requirements. In many cases, exceeding these limits will result in additional fees. Besides the variation in size and weight restrictions by airline, an individual airline may have different allowances for its first-class, business class or economy class passengers. Different regulations may also apply for domestic or international flights. While many airlines have traditionally allowed one to two pieces of checked luggage, with fees for additional items, it's increasingly common for an airline to charge for all checked bags, especially for domestic flights.
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, because of losing it or inadvertently leaving it at home. If this happens to you, it does not necessarily mean you won't be allowed to fly. If you are willing to provide additional information, we have other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.
If we clear you through this process, we may give you additional screening. If we can’t verify your identity, you may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or to board a plane.
Acceptable IDs for screening purposes include:
Note: a weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification.
Arrive on time. Ask your airline what time you should arrive for your flight – arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel. Remember to leave enough time to check your bags and go through security.
Wear slip-on shoes. This way you can remove and replace your shoes quickly without sitting down.
Pets. Please remove your pet from its carrying case. Send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and carry it through the metal detector.
Children. Please take infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your carry-on bags. If possible, collapse the stroller before you reach the metal detector.
Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats is not tolerated. This kind of behavior will delay you and may cause you to miss your flight. If necessary, TSA officers may call local law enforcement.
You are allowed to bring one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces or less per container. Consolidating these containers in the small bag separate from your carry-on baggage enables TSA officers to screen them quickly.
3-1-1 for carry-ons. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The bag limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring.
Be prepared. Each time a TSA officer stops to physically screen a carry-on bag, it slows down the line. Practicing the 3-1-1 rule will facilitate the checkpoint experience.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces, and they don’t have to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. TSA officers may need to open them for additional screening.
If in doubt, put your liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in checked baggage.
You may now carry liquids more than 100 mL in your carry-on bag if:
If your liquids are not in a secure, tamper-evident bag, you must pack them in your checked bag.
If the liquids alarm during screening, we will need to screen them further.
Really, you should be asking yourself “why not”? Yes, the package price makes them convenient; but it’s really about the experience. These resorts go above and beyond to provide you with excellent service. Think butlers, 24-hour room service and more. Organized activities and kids’ clubs make them great destinations for families. And although adults-only resorts or adults-only sections can’t guarantee romance, they do make it a lot more likely.
You’ll find plenty of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Central America, and most Caribbean islands. Many all-inclusive resort brands have several different properties, so if you find one you like, you can travel somewhere different each year and be confident you’ll be getting the same level of service wherever you go.
You can book your next vacation package, including round-trip air, from our website. However, when it comes time to make your deposit, a Yankee Trails Gift Card may not be used (sorry for the inconvenience). You may use your gift card when making additional/final payments. Simply conctact our office during regular business hours at 518-286-2400 (NY) / 352-633-4643 (FL) and one of our friendly agents would be happy to accept your gift card!
According to the airline you fly with, your carry-on and checked luggage will need to meet certain weight and size requirements. In many cases, exceeding these limits will result in additional fees. Besides the variation in size and weight restrictions by airline, an individual airline may have different allowances for its first-class, business class or economy class passengers. Different regulations may also apply for domestic or international flights. While many airlines have traditionally allowed one to two pieces of checked luggage, with fees for additional items, it's increasingly common for an airline to charge for all checked bags, especially for domestic flights.
Some items that the TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage it permits within checked luggage, making it possible for travelers to bring them along during air travel. For example, you can pack your golf clubs on your next golfing holiday, provided you stow them in a checked bag. However, there are also certain items you cannot pack in either type of luggage. Flammable, explosive or dangerous substances, including liquid bleach, lighter fluid and fireworks, are all prohibited in luggage to go anywhere on an aircraft. A common lighter is permissible in carry-on luggage but prohibited in checked bags.
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
Adult passengers 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.
We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, because of losing it or inadvertently leaving it at home. If this happens to you, it does not necessarily mean you won't be allowed to fly. If you are willing to provide additional information, we have other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.
If we clear you through this process, we may give you additional screening. If we can’t verify your identity, you may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or to board a plane.
Acceptable IDs for screening purposes include:
Note: a weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification.
Arrive on time. Ask your airline what time you should arrive for your flight – arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel. Remember to leave enough time to check your bags and go through security.
Wear slip-on shoes. This way you can remove and replace your shoes quickly without sitting down.
Pets. Please remove your pet from its carrying case. Send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and carry it through the metal detector.
Children. Please take infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your carry-on bags. If possible, collapse the stroller before you reach the metal detector.
Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats is not tolerated. This kind of behavior will delay you and may cause you to miss your flight. If necessary, TSA officers may call local law enforcement.
You are allowed to bring one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces or less per container. Consolidating these containers in the small bag separate from your carry-on baggage enables TSA officers to screen them quickly.
3-1-1 for carry-ons. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The bag limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring.
Be prepared. Each time a TSA officer stops to physically screen a carry-on bag, it slows down the line. Practicing the 3-1-1 rule will facilitate the checkpoint experience.
Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces, and they don’t have to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. TSA officers may need to open them for additional screening.
If in doubt, put your liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in checked baggage.
You may now carry liquids more than 100 mL in your carry-on bag if:
If your liquids are not in a secure, tamper-evident bag, you must pack them in your checked bag.
If the liquids alarm during screening, we will need to screen them further.
All departments are open Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5:00PM. Our offices are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Please watch this video as it answers just about every question you might have!
[ CRUISE EXPRESS - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! ]
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: 1-866-287-4278
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU RETURN FROM YOUR CRUISE
Yankee Trails would like to thank you for choosing our Cruise Express Shuttle Service. In addition to the phone line we've set up (above) for shuttle updates, and the general time at which our bus will arrive, we would like to also give you some helpful tips to consider, upon your arrival back from the cruise you've taken.
What are those stickers for?
To help identify you, please place the "Yankee Trails Cruise Express" sticker on the outer part of your clothing prior to getting off the ship, so it can be seen by our driver.
What time should I plan to get off (disembark) the ship?
Northeast Passengers: Your bus isn't scheduled to arrive until 10:30-11:30am, so enjoy breakfast onboard your ship and take your time disembarking. However, when making your disembarkation arrangements with the ship, be sure to request the proper number/color/code for luggage tags that ensure you can get to the Customs and Pick-Up Area in time to meet your bus. Generally speaking, if you are headed to these areas by 9:30am, you should have plenty of time to board the bus when it arrives.
Florida Passengers: Enjoy breakfast and leave the ship with reasonable speed. Do not get off of the ship several hours early as there is nowhere to sit and be comfortable. Please make sure you have the appropriate color/number/luggage tag (given to you by the cruise line when you board the ship) to disembark as follows:
Be Off Ship for Pick-Up/Departure Between:
Port of Miami: 8am-8:30am
Port Everglades at Ft. Lauderdale: 9am-9:30am
Port Canaveral, Orlando: 9am-9:30am
The Port at Tampa Bay: 9am-9:30am
NOTE: The shuttle will NOT wait for you to go back for left behind luggage. You must contact the port and arrange for left behind luggage to be shipped home.
Where will the bus pick me up after I've disembarked the ship/cleared customs?
Northeast Passengers: Unfortunately we do not have a "reserved" parking spot in the port. However, we will be picking you up in the same general area of the port that we dropped you off. This is the passenger arrival area, NOT the departure area.
Florida Passengers: Your return trip pick-up location is generally in the area of the Customs and Immigration clearance exit. The shuttle will leave the pier as soon as all passengers are boarded. Please be on time!
How do I know which bus is mine?
Northeast Passengers: The morning of your return you will receive a text from The Cruise Express. There will be a link in the text that will provide you with your bus number, and you will be able to track your bus via GPS from Rensselaer (NY) to the port.
Florida Passengers: The morning of your return you will receive a text from The Cruise Express. There will be a link in the text that will provide you with your bus number, and you will be able to track your bus via GPS.
Why do you need my cell phone number?
The Cruise Express Driver may call to confirm your position. If you have not given us a correct cell phone number, we cannot reach you. Make sure the driver has your correct phone number before leaving the shuttle upon your arrival. Also make sure your phone is charged the evening before you return, powered on and out of airplane mode once you've arrived in port. In addition to being reached by phone, this is also how you will receive text messages, regarding the location of your shuttle.
Should gratuities be offered to the driver and/or baggage handlers?
Gratuities (tips) for both the Driver and/or Baggage Handlers at the port are NOT included in the price you paid for our Cruise Express Shuttle Service. They are of course appreciated by both and should be made at your own discretion.
What if there's an emergency and in some way I could affect the shuttle service?
In the event there is an extreme emergency (ie. illness or injury and your cruise ended prematurely), our offices are open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (EST) and may be reached toll free 1-800-822-2400. Offices are closed Saturday and Sunday but you may call our Cruise Express Emergency Line at 1-866-287-4278 to reach an "on-call" individual.
NOTE: The Cruise Express will make every effort to provide that all passengers arrive and return within reasonable time. Please note that unexpected delays may occur, most of the time beyond our control (inclement weather, traffic conditions, etc.). Safety is always our main priority and will be the focus of any resolution to these delays. We appreciate your patience and understanding in advance of these situations.
Directions to each of our departure points can be found under About Us > Departure Points, or click [HERE].
You can book seats on our Motorcoach Tours here on our website, by phone at (518) 286-2400 (NY), (352) 633-4643 (FL) or Toll Free (800) 822-2400. Or, reserve your seat(s) in person at our Rensselaer (NY) or Sabal Palms, Lady Lake (FL) office. Need help booking online? See step-by-step instructions.
Yes, however Yankee Trails is not responsible for items lost, stolen, or damaged while on one of our Motorcoach Tours or Charters. While the bus does remain locked, we highly recommend not leaving any valuables onboard.
Yes - if you think you left an item on one of our motorcoaches, please email Laura at ltobin@yankeetrails.com. Please include the number of the bus you were on, your approximate seat location, date, destination and a detailed description of the item. She will let you know if it has been found and when you can come to retrieve it.
If you live outside of our area (Albany, NY) and want your item shipped, you will be responsible for the cost for the shipping.
Please note effective 1/1/2019 we no longer accept American Express as a form of payment. We apologize for any inconvenience.
We accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover), personal checks, in addition to Yankee Trails gift cards, coupons, and complimentary gift certificates.
We do not use "tickets" to board the bus, but recommend that you bring your confirmation. On tours where a ticket is required to enter a venue, such as a Broadway show or sporting event, tickets are distributed on the day of departure as you board the bus.
All tours must be paid in full before the date of departure. One Day Motorcoach Tours must be paid two weeks prior to departure, and Multi-Day Tours must be paid 30 days prior to departure. Ticketed events (i.e. Broadway shows, sporting events, Radio City Christmas Show, etc.) must be paid within 7 days of making the reservation.
We highly recommend our "Tour Protection" Cancellation Insurance, which can be purchased up to 30 days before your trip. For details on this insurance, and our cancellation and refund policies, click [HERE].
Yes! If yourself or a member of your group cannot go on a tour you've reserved, someone may take their place. We simply ask that you do your best to notify us in advance of any name changes to your reservation.
We highly recommend that you board at the location you signed up for. Drivers have a manifest indicating where passengers are supposed to board. Boarding at the location you signed up for ensures that all pick-ups run smoothly, without any unnecessary delays.
Yes. we do allow food and coolers on the bus. We only ask that you clean up your area before disembarking. Garbage bags are available onboard. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
The best way to give the "Gift of Travel" is with a Yankee Trails gift card! They can be purchased in any dollar amount and can be used toward any of our motorcoach, cruise, or air packages. Best of all, they never expire! Click on Gift Cards at the top of the page to order online.
First of all, that's called "chartering a bus". You can start by requesting a quote online - click [HERE] to fill out a form, and one of our knowledgable Charter Department staff members will contact you with more information. You may also contact our Charter Department by phone at (518) 286-2400 (NY), (352) 633-4643 (FL) or Toll Free (800) 822-2400.
We offer a group discount of 10% for reservations of 10 or more passengers on select tours (restrictions apply, please inquire before booking).
An Early Bird discount of 5% is offered on select Multi-Day tours when you book and pay in full at least 90 days in advance (please inquire when making reservations).
Members of our Preferred Customer Email Club receive exclusive last-minute discounts, along with coupons every Friday! Click [HERE] to receive these discounts.
We do not offer senior or AAA discounts.
Members of the Military (retired & Active duty) are eligible for 5% off which can be combined with the Early Bird mentioned above. A military ID or DD214 must be provided to "info@yankeetrails.com" and a code will be sent back to use for the 5% off. We thank you for your service!
While browsing our website or catalogs, you'll see Travel Point values next to our Motorcoach Tours. Since 1999, Yankee Trails has awarded Travel Points for each Motorcoach Tour you book under your account. These points are added automatically to your account and do not expire!
For every 1,000 points you accrue, apply them toward the next motorcoach tour of your choice for a savings of $20! To redeem your Travel Points, simply mention them to a representative at the time of booking (sorry, but we can't accept Travel Points with online reservations).
Travel Points are non transferable and are applied to the account that the reservation is made under, so if you're going on a tour with a friend, but you'd each like your "own" points, you should book separately under your own respective accounts.
If you have any additional questions about our Travel Points Program, feel free to contact us during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5pm and Saturday, 9am-2pm) at 518-286-2400.
Due to Department of Transportation regulations, all passengers must be accounted for on the bus regardless of whether they are taking a seat or not. You are welcome to hold your child under 2 on your lap, however, they will require a reservation and seat even if they are not using it. Please call the office if you have questions at 518-286-2400.
For those patrons requesting specific seats (i.e. motion sickness, recent surgery or injury, or to sit together with a group), we recommend arriving early at the first departure point. Priority Seating is no longer granted in these instances, and we apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
For those patrons with disabilities, please refer to the Disabilities and Assistance section of our website.
To use Wi-Fi while on a Yankee Trails bus, follow these steps:
1) Perform a network scan on your device.
2) Choose "UNITE _ _ _ _", where a 4-digit unique alphanumeric value is included in the network name.
Do NOT choose the similar network which includes "- GUEST".
3) When prompted, enter the PASSWORD: yankeetrails (case sensitive)
Wi-Fi (wireless internet service) will be provided with limited connectivity, on a first come, first served basis. Out of courtesy to others onboard, we ask that you limit use to 15-30 minutes. The streaming of any type of video file will be prohibited. Yankee Trails will not be responsible for connectivity issues preventing passengers from utilizing the wireless network. Wi-Fi service is not guaranteed.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:
For 4, 5, 6 & 7 Day Cruises:
For 8 or More Day Cruises:
Baggage will be handled by the cruise personnel upon arrival at the Pier. Maximum Bag Weight: 50lbs
Additional Checked Bags may be purchased in advance of your sail date for $25 each by calling during regular business hours.
Our overhead compartments are smaller than an airplane therefore the hard-sided, wheeled carry-ons generally do not fit. Good carry-on bags for the bus are soft-sided bags and include tote bags, duffel bags and backpacks.
Your bus isn't scheduled to arrive in NYC/NJ/Boston until 10:30am-11:00am, so enjoy breakfast onboard your ship and take your time disembarking. However, when making your disembarkation arrangements with the ship, be sure to request the proper number/color/code for luggage tags that ensure you can get to the Customs and Pick-Up Area in time to meet your bus. Also, doing self-assist with your luggage gives you more freedom with disembarkation. Generally speaking, if you are headed to these areas by 9:30am, you should have plenty of time to board the bus when it arrives.
Unfortunately we do not have a "reserved" parking spot at the ports in either Manhattan, Bayonne, NJ or Boston, MA. However, we will be picking you up in the same general area of the port that we dropped you off. This is the PASSENGER ARRIVAL AREA, NOT the Departure Area.
Our new Text 2 Join option is very simple to use:
There are a few things to be aware of before you start using Text-to-Join (as of June 24, 2015):
Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
In the event you do suffer from motion sickness, consider staying mid-ship and not too high to reduce the effects of motion sickness. Speak to your physician as well about several options to further reduce the chance of you becoming ill during your cruise.
While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruise lines understand that some people may have health needs during a cruise. Thus they are committed to providing first response and emergency care to guests until they can be transferred to a shoreside medical facility. Most cruise lines have 24-hour medical services and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians (AECP). Cruise lines and travel agents encourage vacationers to obtain medical insurance, travel with adequate supplies of medical prescriptions and devices and to disclose pre-existing medical conditions before sailing.
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is $3.50 - $5.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter and about half that for the dining room assistant. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services or at your discretion. Some lines include an automatic gratuity in the price of your cruise and will advise you of that as well as the amount while other lines maintain a no tipping policy. Check with your travel agent regarding the individual cruise line’s policies.
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 packages for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing marriage vows.
The majority of ships are "smoke-free" but feel free to ask your agent if any areas are designated onboard for those who do smoke. Smoking is also prohibited in ALL staterooms.
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, diabetic, or other diet preferences, including gluten-free, vegan, etc. This request should be made in advance, so be sure to advise your travel agent when you book your cruise.
Choices, choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different dining options – in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria and at an espresso bar, to name just a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships’ dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a “seating.” Many ships offer you a choice of several seating times, and others offer multiple restaurants for “anytime” dining. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late – then have your travel agent request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to enjoy dinner someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features Italian or Asian cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!
We always recommend checking the cruise line's website where your attire is concerned, just to be sure. Otherwise, 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.
On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is generally "on the house", or free of charge. There’s usually no cover, minimum or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all usually included in your cruise fare. However, some ships do offer special dinner options or shows, with alcohol, that may require an extra fee. Be sure to inquire about this with your Travel Agent during the booking process.
When the stars come out, a cruise ship 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, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues.
More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Twenty-five percent of cruisers sail with children and a majority of cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for kids, 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. Trained youth counselors will help keep them safe, busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens.
So much that you’ll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing 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!
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, often a new one every day of the trip!
Cruise ships are 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. Smaller ships focus on the treasures and delights of myriad destinations.
If you’re more active, join in exercise or dance classes, or sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take in some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also watch a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, or play backgammon and bridge. And that’s just when you’re on board!
We recommend "Scoot Around" (1-888-441-7575) and
Special Needs at Sea (1-800-513-4515)
Required data usually includes:
1. Height and Weight
2. Port, Sailing, and Return Date
3. Cabin Number and Reservation Number
Scooter is usually delivered directly to your stateroom onboard the ship, but be sure to ask about this during the reservation process.
We recommend a passport on all cruises. While the U.S. Government may not require a Passport for Sea travel on certain “closed loop cruises” originating in the U.S. and for travel only within the Western Hemisphere, other specified documentation is required. For specific U.S. governmental Passport and Visa regulations visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/passports.html
Be sure to ask your travel agent what passport requirements apply to your cruise vacation. We strongly recommends that all travelers apply for or renew their passports as soon as possible. Government regulations are continually being modified and it is best to be prepared. Besides, a passport grants you unlimited cruise vacation options around the world!
PLEASE NOTE: Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference.
The choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment; river voyages into the heart of a destination.
There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unique frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon Rain Forest or the African Serengeti. Or, discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada, Colonial America, and America’s Rivers.
For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii, the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords or the castles and museums of Europe’s rivers.
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 relaxing your cares away. Plus, many cruise lines create special “themes” on board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!
Far from it. Ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 5,000.
Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.
Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 500 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. You can embark on your cruise vacation from a wide variety of over 30 North American ports close to home or exciting and exotic locations around the globe.
As long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer itineraries from one night to three months.
Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes your accommodations, on board activities and entertainment, most meals, plus transportation from port to port. You’ll know what your vacation will cost you before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions and personal services such as massages or hairstyling.)
Yankee Trails offers experience and convenience when it comes to cruising. Our full-scale travel agency has been in operation since 1999, and our knowledgeable agents are just a phone call away if you have questions. Whether you’re planning a cruise for two people or fifty, we can help!
Additionally, we offer the convenience of our very own CRUISE EXPRESS shuttle transportation to and from the pier (on NY, NJ, and select Boston departures), including *FREE PARKING! With this unique service, you don’t have to worry about parking, which can be very costly at the piers, or navigating your way to the pier and back – just sit back and relax on one of our luxury motorcoaches as we whisk you away to paradise!
*Free parking available at all Cruise Express shuttle departure locations. Subject to change without notice.
Yes! If you booked your cruise through the cruise line or with another travel agency, you may still book your transportation to/from the pier on our Cruise Express shuttle. You would be charged the full price of $90 per person, round trip. If you choose to book your cruise with Yankee Trails, the cost of our Cruise Express would be only $65 per person, round trip, depending on your stateroom category. Sometimes, during special promotions we run throughout the year, we offer our Cruise Express shuttle service for FREE!
Yes, we can offer you everything the cruise line offers. We can book any of the special rates, upgrades, or promotions available at the time of booking. AND, when booking your cruise with Yankee Trails, you’ll receive the discounted Cruise Express shuttle.
The bags you bring with you on board the plane typically answer to the highest levels of regulations. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides extensive lists of items that you are prohibited to pack in carry-on luggage. For example, you cannot pack sharp objects, sporting goods and martial arts items, firearms and tools within carry-on luggage. In many cases, these items are acceptable in checked luggage. For absolute certainty, consult the TSA requirements for updates before packing. Acceptable carry-on sizes and weights are usually dependent on the airline chosen, and therefore we highly recommend visiting their website prior to traveling.
1. Passengers may bring portable O2 machines on the bus.
2. Several of our busses have AC/DC outlets at each seat. If necessary, for a portable oxygen apparatus, be sure to request at time of booking. NOTE: The area used for handicap access does not have an outlet.
3. Passengers may NOT bring O2 tanks to store under the bus. However, they can have one tank running and spare at their seats (NOT in overhead compartment or beneath the bus in luggage compartment). If they are on a cruise and need tanks then they must make arrangements to order the service for their stateroom.
4. In-Room O2 Concentrators can go under the bus and cannot be charged as extra baggage.
Unfortunately we are unable to adjust cruise lines' rates. However, Yankee Trails can offer any discounted rates, sales, or special offers that the cruise line is offering when you book. Depending on the cruise line and/or sail date, we may be able to offer you some extra amenities as well, when booking with our agency.