reservation guide

CONTACT INFORMATION

Parker Cruise & Tour
2222 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033
425-822-2628 – Kirkland
800-242-8262 – National Toll-Free
425-889-4658 – FAX
www.parkercruise.com – Website
kparker@parkercruise.com – General E-mail

Hours of Operation
M-F 9:00am to 6:00pm
Weekends 9:00am to 4:00pm seasonally
24-Hour Message Center – If our lines are busy during business hours your call will be forwarded to a live operator at our Message Center. Afterhours calls are automatically forwarded to the Message Center and will be returned as early as possible the next business day.

Emergency Contact
425-495-0306
www.parkercruise.com is the easiest way to find the registration page for your cruise, as well as links to the individual cruise line web pages. Click the “Already Booked” button on our home page for a list of cruise lines and a simple index to the important pages: Registration, Shore Excursions, Deck Plans, Home Pages. Our web site also includes general information about Parker Cruise & Tour, maps to our location, and a “CONTACT US” button that we encourage you to use, if you have questions anytime.

JUST BOOKED? NOW WHAT?

Thank you for booking your cruise with Parker Cruise & Tour!
The general order of business will be something like this:

Book/deposit cruise
VERIFY ACCURACY – Legal Names!
Buy Travel Insurance within 10 days
Pre-Register On-Line at www.parkercruise.com
Verify documentation needed – Passport?
Arrange pre/post-cruise hotel
Arrange air transportation
Make final payment 90-75 days prior to cruise
Buy Shore Excursions on line
Receive tickets 20-10 days prior to cruise or retrieve E-Tickets after final payment if applicable
Arrange transportation to pier
Pack your bags
Cruise!

We all plan our travel our own way, but this should at least give you an idea. Make a timeline. Study ports of call by reading travel guides, or browse the internet for general information about the places you’re going to be visiting. You’ll enjoy your trip more!

Remember! You can ALWAYS contact Parker Cruise & Tour for answers to your questions. If it’s after hours, please feel free to send an e-mail from the “contact us” link at www.parkercruise.com. We answer e-mails at all hours.

PRE-REGISTER ONLINE AT www.parkercruise.com

Our web site has a LINK to each cruise line registration page. After you’ve made your initial cruise deposit you should register at the cruise line’s web site. This can be done anytime up to “just after final payment”. Failure to pre-register may delay delivery of your pre-cruise information and cruise tickets.

Click the “Already Booked” button on the home page at www.parkercruise.com
Locate your cruise line on the list
Click “Online Guest Registration”
Follow the Instructions

**** If you do not have internet access….or…
**** If you have difficulty with the cruise line web site…

Call Parker Cruise & Tour. We’ll help you with your registrations over the phone.

Please have the following information at hand:
*** LEGAL names of all travelers
*** Passport Information
*** Emergency Contact Name & Number

TRAVEL INSURANCE*

Parker Cruise & Tour STRONGLY recommends the purchase of travel insurance. For best coverage, purchase travel insurance aka “cancellation insurance” within 14 days of your initial deposit.

Parker Cruise & Tour offers “Access America Classic” which is a most popular, and complete package that will protect you from cancellation penalties if you are forced to cancel during the cancellation penalty period for “covered reasons” which are primarily medical and emergency related.

COST: “Age-Based” and per person based on trip cost + a small fee per policy

Example: Trip Cost = $3001-$3500 per person…
Age 30 pays $125 for coverage…
Age 31-59 pays $145 for coverage… etc.

Your Parker Cruise & Tour agent will compute the cost for you at the time you purchase the insurance. You’ll receive a complete policy outlining all coverage by e-mail or U.S. mail shortly after purchase.

The basic coverage also includes:
Trip Interruption – Reimburses the unused, nonrefundable portion of your trip as well as increased transportation costs if you have to leave the trip early due to a “covered reason”.
Missed Connection – If you miss a cruise because of a delayed or canceled flight, expenses are covered up to $500.
Travel Delay – Receive up to $150 per day (limit $500) to cover additional expenses for accommodations due to a travel delay of six hours or more.
Medical/Dental – up to $25,000 Emergency Medical Transportation – up to $500,000

*DISCLAIMER – This is intended to be an overview only! Limitations may apply. Consult the actual policy and insurer for complete terms and conditions, or download from www.accessamerica.com.

PASSPORT & DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Please Check LEGAL NAMES – the names on your invoice should match the ID you will be using to travel. NO NICKNAMES. If there is an incorrect name, or an incorrect spelling, please contact us IMMEDIATELY. Service Charges incurred for correcting these names after cruise tickets or air tickets have been issued are the traveler’s responsibility.

PROPER IDENTIFICATION – You will be denied boarding if you do not carry proper documentation for your cruise. A passport is easiest and is now REQUIRED most cruises (call Parker Cruise & Tour for the exceptions).

It is the ultimate responsibility of the traveler, not Parker Cruise & Tour, to be aware of the proper documentation and visas required for travel to various countries, particularly because the conditions may vary due to your nationality or origin and it is not possible for us to stay on top of the ever-changing conditions in the current political climate. Cost of all Visas and other travel documents, entry and exit fees charged by some countries even if not disclosed prior to travel shall be borne by the traveler.

IF YOU ARE TRAVELING WITH SOMEONE ELSE’S KIDS UNDER 18 make sure you have the appropriate documentation which should include a notarized letter from their parents allowing them to travel.

THIS REQUIREMENT MAY ALSO MAY APPLY TO YOUR CHILD UNDER 18 if both parents not traveling, particularly if you are divorced.

IF YOU ARE DENIED BOARDING for any reason, the cruise line will not offer a refund, and Parker Cruise & Tour cannot help you get a refund.

CANCELLATIONS, NAME CHANGES; PENALTIES & FEES

In addition to cruise line or travel supplier cancellation penalties, a minimum service charge of $35 per person will be charged to start the cancellation process after the traveler’s initial deposit or final payment. Total cancellation penalties may exceed the original total cost of the trip. Parker Cruise & Tour cannot ask a travel supplier to make an exception to a published cancellation or name change fee policy. A “name change” made after final payment will be deemed a cancellation and re-booking of space; cancellation penalties will still apply even if (for example) only one name in a double occupancy cabin is changed.

A name “correction” may be deemed a name “change” particularly in the case of name changes due to changes in marital status. Please be sure your legal name appears on your Parker Cruise & Tour reservation, and that it matches the ID you will be using for travel.

It is the responsibility of the passenger, not Parker Cruise & Tour, to be aware of cancellation penalty conditions and effective dates. Cruise Line Cancellation Penalties are applicable to virtually AL cruises or cruise-tours and will vary according to proximity to the dates of travel. Conditions are posted on the cruise line web site and in the brochure applicable to the cruise you’ve booked.

Parker Cruise & Tour strongly recommends that you purchase Travel Cancellation Insurance to protect yourself from loss if you are forced to cancel for a covered reason (primarily medical or emergency). Complete coverage information is available from Access America.

DINING INFORMATION

All cruise lines have “Open Seating” for breakfast and lunch. For Dinner, most cruise lines have dispensed with the traditional dining of the past. You are no longer required (in most cases) to eat at the same table, at the same time, and with the same companions every night of your cruise.

SOME of the cruise lines still have the option of “assigned dining” available to you for dinner, if that is your preference. Be sure to let your Parker Cruise & Tour agent know if you’d like assigned dining and if it’s available we will forward your request to the cruise line. Assigned Dining is “on request” only. Parker Cruise & Tour cannot guarantee your first choice of dining time will be available.

Princess Cruises – “Personal Choice” – about 7-10 dining venues on the ship, a few of them carry a service charge and require reservations; most are included in your fare. When you show up for dinner with your party in tow, you will be assigned the first available table. Princess also offers “assigned dining” but we have found that most passengers who ask for assigned dining CHANGE to “Personal Choice” once they board the ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line – “Freestyle Dining” – similar to Princess.

Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Int’l, Celebrity Cruise – Primarily still ASSIGNED DINING for dinner, and the “Open Seating” dinner restaurant choices are more limited; sort of the opposite of Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. If you are cruising with any of these three fine companies, you can avoid the traditional assigned dining and the formality if you wish, and you’ll still have a great cruise.

AIR DISCLAIMER & ADVISORY

Most cruise travelers book their air independent of their cruise and they take responsibility for connecting the two. Because cruise line air arrangements are “notorious”, particularly if are you cruising from a U.S. port, we recommend our travelers consider purchasing air independent of the cruise line offering. We will do everything we reasonably can to facilitate this.

IF YOU BOOK CRUISE LINE AIR:

Regardless of when you book the cruise, the cruise line will choose the air carrier and routing about 45 days prior to travel.
The cruise line makes flight information available to the travel agent ONLY after final payment, and generally about a month prior to travel.
Frequent flyer mileage programs often are exempt from cruise line air tickets (you don’t get miles), airline seat selection and special requests are solely the responsibility of the traveler; air seats are often not assigned until the traveler checks in at the airport.
Parker Cruise & Tour has NO CONTROL over air carrier, seat assignments, routing, schedule, or delays. If you have special needs, preferences, or you are uncomfortable with these conditions, Parker Cruise & Tour STRONGLY encourages you to make custom air arrangements at additional cost, or air arrangements on your own. If you purchase cruise line air and your flight is delayed, the cruise line is responsible for getting you to the ship.

IF YOU BOOK AIR ON YOUR OWN:
You will know what you’re getting as soon as you make the reservation. You will be responsible for getting to the ship on time! Every cab driver in a port of embarkation can get two people to a cruise ship faster and cheaper than a pre-purchased cruise line transfer. We think this is the way to go.

If you purchase air on your own and you are delayed and miss a cruise departure, the cruise line cannot help you. For this reason we recommend you plan to arrive at the port of embarkation at least a day prior to the cruise and spend a night at a hotel.

PAID IN FULL? NOW WHAT ???

After you have made full final payment for your cruise or tour package:

If you have not already done so, pre-register on-line for your cruise. See page 4 for details and information.
Pre-purchase Shore Excursions from the cruise line website, linked from the “Cruise Line” page at www.parkercruise.com
If you have pre-registered on line and your tickets are “e-tickets” the cruise line will mail you a cruise information packet that includes shore excursion and “Welcome Aboard” information with Questions & Answers about your cruise.
Your e-tickets (if applicable) will be available about a month prior to the cruise. Your agent will tell you how to retrieve them, or see below.*
If you are getting “hard copy” tickets, you’ll receive them by regular U.S. mail about 10 days to 2 weeks prior to your cruise departure date.
If you have questions, contact Parker Cruise & Tour by phone or e-mail.

To retrieve e-tickets for Norwegian Cruise Line: Visit www.ncl.com/edocs… enter your reservation number and follow the instructions.

Princess Cruises – all information is included in a packet sent to you by U.S. Mail to the address you used to pre- register on line.

Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean & Celebrity still provide hard copy tickets in most cases. Your agent will notify you if an exception is made.

AIR TICKETS – If you have purchased cruise line air E-ticket is the norm, printable from your airline’s web site. You may also be able to obtain or modify seat assignments on-line. (Per airline policy, seat assignments and special requests are the responsibility of the passenger. Parker Cruise & Tour has no control of this. Air seats may be available at airport check-in only.)

MISCELLANEOUS

Shipboard Account – The cruise line will take an imprint of your credit card during embarkation. Your room key will then act as a charge card for all onboard purchases including gift shop, shore excursion, bar, and spa services. A detailed statement will be delivered to your stateroom the last night of the cruise.

Shore Excursions – You may either reserve in advance of the cruise at the cruise line’s website, or you may reserve cruise line shore excursions aboard the ship at the shore excursion office. Charges will appear on your Shipboard Account. Currency Exchange – If you are visiting a foreign port that does not readily accept US Dollars, Currency Exchange will be available aboard your ship, or at services on the pier at the port of call. It is not necessary for you to change currency prior to leaving home.

What to Wear – During your cruise days casual attire is the norm. For most evenings business attire is acceptable. All cruise lines still have “Formal Nights” (usually 1 or 2 a week) and passengers in the main dining rooms are expected to dress appropriately: cocktail dress or nice pants suit for the ladies, coat and tie for the gentleman. Some passengers opt for Tuxedos/Gowns on Formal Nights. Formal or not, after 5:30pm on any cruise ship it is not appropriate to enter dining areas, lounges, or showrooms wearing shorts, levis, or beachwear. Whether specifically stated in cruise line policy or not, it negatively impacts the enjoyment of the vacation of other passengers if you do not exercise discretion in regards to dress.

Cruise Line “Past Passenger Programs” – All cruise lines have some sort of program to recognize repeat cruisers and loyalty. Benefits available to you for a particular cruise may range from nothing to as much as a small discount off your cruise fare or a shipboard credit, or perhaps a private cocktail party aboard the ship. Be sure to let your agent know you are a past-passenger; we will verify if there are any special offers available to you.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Parker Cruise & Tour is acting as “seller of travel” only, and not as a supplier of cruise or air travel. In that, we are not liable for any loss, damage, injury, illness, death, cost or delay arising from or in connection with the services and facilities provided by or any act of a supplier such as a cruise line, airline, shore excursion operator, train, bus, restaurant, etc. whether or not such arrangements were made by Parker Cruise & Tour.

Parker Cruise & Tour is acting on behalf of various travel suppliers ONL Y as seller of travel. We pledge to forward to our travelers all information, tickets, refunds, etc. upon receipt from the cruise line, and in a timely fashion. We cannot be held liable for human clerical error or computer error. This extends to errors in computation or misquoting of fares or charges, or typographical errors on invoices or any marketing materials including internet or e-mail.

From time to time a travel supplier may add a fuel charge, or a government entity may increase the amount of tax to be charged to the passenger AFTER the initial booking. The passenger will be liable for all such charges. This includes taxes or fees charged to arriving or departing passengers that may not have been disclosed prior to commencement of travel.

If you are dissatisfied with the services provided by a particular travel provider, Parker Cruise & Tour is not liable for and cannot act on your behalf in obtaining full or partial refund of your fare, nor can we act on your behalf in any legal action.

We reserve the right to CANCEL a reservation prior to the cancellation penalty period and refund payment if we consider the booking to be a risk to the traveler or Parker Cruise & Tour, financial or otherwise. We reserve the right to cancel and refuse service to individuals who are belligerent or abusive to Parker Cruise & Tour staff.

THANK YOU for booking your travel with Parker Cruise & Tour and for trusting us to assist you with your travel planning. We will do our best to assist in any reasonable way, and to give you realistic expectations of what you may encounter in your travels.