Questions to ask before you cruise

• Does the cruise line offer special rates for pre and post cruise hotel stays. Sometimes the cruise line can offer a great deal on hotel rooms, especially if they are part of the same company, and if that’s the case, you may also find that the hotel will allow you parking for the duration of the cruise, saving you the hefty cost of parking at the port. • What can they offer on transportation to and from the departure port? Some cruise lines offer package fares that include airline tickets or may have departments that book your tickets for you – this can be convenient but isn’t always the cheapest option so find out what it would cost to make the bookings yourself – but remember if you do book solo, and you are delayed, the cruise company may consider that it isn’t obligated to refund you the travel cost to the port where you finally catch up with the liner. • What's the policy on deposits and refunds? Policies vary according to the cruise line and the trip length. Refund rules will vary also, while most lines allow you to cancel with no penalty up to the time when your final payment is due, some have a sliding scale of charges. • What is the fuel surcharge? Usually this is a cost per person, up to a certain number of people per cabin, and per day (with a maximum amount clearly stated). You pay it on top of your cruise fare and you need to be aware that cruise lines reserve the right to increase it at any time.