Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions regarding cruise travel. Click on each question of interest for our thoughts on the subject.

1. Will we have adequate space in our stateroom?
2. Will there be hidden extras in the cost of the cruise or the Seaquest Seminars course? Onboard. Off the Ship.
3. Can I get Internet Access?
4. I am vegetarian. Will I enjoy my dining choices?
5. Should I tip, and if I choose to, when?
6. I am considering taking your course to add to work or professional skills. I may also want to recommend it to, or send, other team members. Are tax deductions for these purposes possible?

Will we have adequate space in our stateroom? Before we walked into our first cruise ship stateroom, we were concerned that we might be a little cramped. Within seconds of actually arriving, we were reassured and commenting,. "Look at this couch/sitting area. Isn't that bed king sized? Look at that storage space!" That was a standard inside cabin on a Holland America ship. Of course, it may not be the size of home, but we certainly found it met our needs for comfort and privacy. We realize that each of us has different standards. But for most, your bedroom quarters will be more than adequate on Holland America. Remember that you can choose larger staterooms (see stateroom layouts), and that you are going to have many beautifully appointed inside and outside spaces around the ship for recreation, relaxation, sightseeing, reading, dining (though dining in your stateroom can be quite nice), socializing, or just getting away from it all.

Will there be a hidden extras in the cost of the cruise or Seaquest course?

>>On Board: We have enjoyed ourselves immensely on cruises, yet spent little extra onboard (sometimes nothing at all, outside of tips we choose to give). Almost all your basic costs aboard are included in your cruise/course fee: Lodging, food, entertainment, the seminar and semiinar materials, and of course the ship itself as your 24 hour a day magic carpet through and to beautiful, fascinating venues.

Alcoholic beverages and sodas require an extra charge (unless included with complementary social hours), as do spa treatments, on board shopping, and casino games.

Some cruise lines (Holland America included) have recently added an extra, specialty restaurant for which a supplementary fee is charged. However, other than this restaurant, you have the entire range of excellent onboard dining and food options included in the cost of your cruise/seminar. We have yet to meet the person who felt they lacked for dining opportunities on a cruise. Normally the challenge is in not overdoing!

Fees are charged for use of the internet or phone calls using the ship's communication systems. Phone calls remain expensive. Compared to home, internet rates on board are relatively expensive, but have been dropping as ships are outfitted with modern systems.

Tipping is another cost to consider. In line with many cruise lines, Holland now automatically adds an amount ($10 per person per day in 2005) to your on board bill for gratuities. This amount covers gratuities for your room steward, your dining room waiter and assistant waiter. (You may contact the front office on the ship at the end of the cruise to make adjustments to these amounts if you wish.) Should you choose to tip others (for example for room service), this is typically done at the time the service is provided. Holland adds a 15% service charge (in 2005) to bar charges, and for dining room wine service.

>>Off the Ship: We often like to design our own explorations for maximum flexibility. This works for us. But it may not for you, depending upon your interests and how much help you like to have with trip details and arrangements. In any event, tour, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and dining expenses you have while away from the ship are up to you.

Holland America provides several interesting tours/excursions in the regions we will be visiting. To ensure your spot, it is prudent to reserve before departure, at the time of booking, or as soon as you know for sure you want to take that tour. It is also possible to book these excursions once on the ship on an as available basis.

There are also a number of outfitters in each area we will be visiting. It pays to do your homework -- the Internet is a great tool for this. Contact providers and check that they meet your standards before leaving home.

Can I get Internet access? In a word, yes. Currently, the Internet is available for a charge through an onboard Internet Cafe on the Holland ships. Access through WiFi hotspots on the ship is also possible for a fee. A new network, providing individual DSL-like Internet access in individual staterooms, is currently being installed on Holland's larger ships.

A less expensive option is to find Internet cafes in the towns we will be visiting. Be advised that connection speeds may be slow or variable (non-DSL or cable), and that keyboards (and special symbol locations) may be set up for the local language.

Dining choices: how about vegetarian? Vegetarians should typically find the Holland cuisine quite accommodating. In fact, your ship caters to many different appetites and tastes, and can accommodate a range of dietary requirements. You can look forward to multiple dining options throughout the day and night.

I am considering taking your seminar to add to work or professional skills. I may also want to recommend it to, or send, other team members. Are tax deductions for these purposes possible? In the United States, I.R.C. Regulation 1.162-5 and IRS publications layout the circumstances under which educational programs can be tax deductable. For further information, please click here.

Unless otherwise noted, all website materials © 2005 Seaquest Seminars, and Health and Environment. You may use these materials to inform others about Seaquest Seminars and to make decisions regarding participation with Seaquest.