Frequently Asked Questions about Billy's Bearfoot Cruises
Is it an all gay cruise?
- No, we are a group sailing on a mainstream cruise. This means that there will be non-gays on the ship too. Typically, we are a nice sized group that isn't overwhelming large (which means you get to meet everyone more than once!) We've never faced any "difficulties" onboard from the other cruising guests, in fact more often other guests want to know who we are and why they aren't having as much fun as us.
- No, we are a group sailing on a mainstream cruise. This means that there will be non-gays on the ship too. Typically, we are a nice sized group that isn't overwhelming large (which means you get to meet everyone more than once!) We've never faced any "difficulties" onboard from the other cruising guests, in fact more often other guests want to know who we are and why they aren't having as much fun as us.
I've never been on a cruise before, what should I expect?
- The modern cruise ships that we select are packed full of amenities, you wont be bored! The ships have lots to do onboard including things like Broadway style shows, and comedy clubs. Dining options onboard are varied and plentiful - weather you participate in the group diners or escape away for a more intimate dinner or if you prefer food on the go from the buffets or quick service outlets. Bars are scattered around the ship for your libations and of course the pool decks and sports are a focal point with the adult only areas, hot tubs, surf simulators, basket ball courts, mini golf, rock climbing. So essentially you can be as active as you like while holding a cocktail or a burger if you choose.
- The modern cruise ships that we select are packed full of amenities, you wont be bored! The ships have lots to do onboard including things like Broadway style shows, and comedy clubs. Dining options onboard are varied and plentiful - weather you participate in the group diners or escape away for a more intimate dinner or if you prefer food on the go from the buffets or quick service outlets. Bars are scattered around the ship for your libations and of course the pool decks and sports are a focal point with the adult only areas, hot tubs, surf simulators, basket ball courts, mini golf, rock climbing. So essentially you can be as active as you like while holding a cocktail or a burger if you choose.
Do you have a room mate finding program?
- We don't have an official program, but we are happy to make introductions to people who are looking to meet others who are looking for room mates. Our facebook group has a thread where people are looking to pair up to save costs, why not stop by and connect with people who may be a suitable room mate.
- We don't have an official program, but we are happy to make introductions to people who are looking to meet others who are looking for room mates. Our facebook group has a thread where people are looking to pair up to save costs, why not stop by and connect with people who may be a suitable room mate.
Are the group cabins all located in the same area of the ship?
- We have secured cabins at the lowest rates possible so that you get the best deal possible, ships have lots of different categories of rooms, have blocked rooms and some are located in bunches on a couple of decks, the sooner you book the better your chances to be located with the bulk of the group.
- We have secured cabins at the lowest rates possible so that you get the best deal possible, ships have lots of different categories of rooms, have blocked rooms and some are located in bunches on a couple of decks, the sooner you book the better your chances to be located with the bulk of the group.
What hidden fees should I expect?
- When you receive a price quote, the price includes your cruise price, port fees and taxes. (many other operators do not include the taxes and fees to appear to be quoting you a lower fare). Most meals are included in the cruise fare - the exception is if you choose to dine in any of the specialty restaurants where they charge a surcharge - example, the steakhouse restaurant may charge you $25 to dine. What's not included in your cruise fare include but not limited to: beverages, gift shops, spa, photo gallery purchases and gratuities. Gratuities for your beverages are billed to each check, gratuities for your housekeeping and food service staff are not included. Most cruise lines recommend paying for your housekeeping and food service staff gratuities when you book your cruise or you can pay them while on ship to your onboard account (typically they are between $12 and $15 per person per day). Our recommendation is to pay them in your cruise fare and be done with it all!
- When you receive a price quote, the price includes your cruise price, port fees and taxes. (many other operators do not include the taxes and fees to appear to be quoting you a lower fare). Most meals are included in the cruise fare - the exception is if you choose to dine in any of the specialty restaurants where they charge a surcharge - example, the steakhouse restaurant may charge you $25 to dine. What's not included in your cruise fare include but not limited to: beverages, gift shops, spa, photo gallery purchases and gratuities. Gratuities for your beverages are billed to each check, gratuities for your housekeeping and food service staff are not included. Most cruise lines recommend paying for your housekeeping and food service staff gratuities when you book your cruise or you can pay them while on ship to your onboard account (typically they are between $12 and $15 per person per day). Our recommendation is to pay them in your cruise fare and be done with it all!
How does dining work on the ship?
- For most cruise lines, dining is based in one of 2 ways - the first is a 2 seating format where you are assigned to dine at the early or late seating time (typically at either 6:30 or 8:30pm) OR a format where you dine when you like and make reservations when you want.
For our cruises, we will try to make fixed dining arrangements for the group, but you are able to deviate from the group arrangements if you prefer. We make the group arrangements so that we have an opportunity to all eat together and mix mingle amongst ourselves (we don't want anyone to feel left out).
Depending on the cruise line will depend if the ship has a "formal" night or not. Years ago, Formal Night was well respected and everyone used to dress up in tuxedos and ball gowns etc. Nowadays, fewer and fewer people are opting to dress up. On the formal nights you will see a variety of attires - some will still go all out and dress up in tuxedo etc, where as some others will wear pants and a shirt, some will wear a jacket, some will wear a tie... ultimately its your vacation, if you want to dress up - go for it, if you prefer to not - the minimum in the dining room on a formal night would be dress pants and a button down shirt.
- For most cruise lines, dining is based in one of 2 ways - the first is a 2 seating format where you are assigned to dine at the early or late seating time (typically at either 6:30 or 8:30pm) OR a format where you dine when you like and make reservations when you want.
For our cruises, we will try to make fixed dining arrangements for the group, but you are able to deviate from the group arrangements if you prefer. We make the group arrangements so that we have an opportunity to all eat together and mix mingle amongst ourselves (we don't want anyone to feel left out).
Depending on the cruise line will depend if the ship has a "formal" night or not. Years ago, Formal Night was well respected and everyone used to dress up in tuxedos and ball gowns etc. Nowadays, fewer and fewer people are opting to dress up. On the formal nights you will see a variety of attires - some will still go all out and dress up in tuxedo etc, where as some others will wear pants and a shirt, some will wear a jacket, some will wear a tie... ultimately its your vacation, if you want to dress up - go for it, if you prefer to not - the minimum in the dining room on a formal night would be dress pants and a button down shirt.
How does tipping work onboard?
- see section above (what hidden fees should i expect)
- see section above (what hidden fees should i expect)
Will I get sea sick?
- We can't guarantee you will not get sea sick, however, the modern day ocean vessels are huge floating cities, for the most part you barely feel the movement of the ship, this can be attributed to the vessel's stabilizers that they use to maintain a smooth ride. That being said, there can be rough seas from time to time - if you are worried about this, ask for a mid ship cabin on a lower deck and have a supply of motion sickness pills (Dramamine or Bonine) or those wristbands or patches for behind your ears.
- We can't guarantee you will not get sea sick, however, the modern day ocean vessels are huge floating cities, for the most part you barely feel the movement of the ship, this can be attributed to the vessel's stabilizers that they use to maintain a smooth ride. That being said, there can be rough seas from time to time - if you are worried about this, ask for a mid ship cabin on a lower deck and have a supply of motion sickness pills (Dramamine or Bonine) or those wristbands or patches for behind your ears.
Do I need a passport?
For cruises starting in a port outside of the United States, yes you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months prior to the end of your trip.
For cruises starting and ending in the same US port:
- If you are a Non US Citizen - Yes, you will need your passport and if applicable a visa or ESTA or Permanent Resident Card
- If you are a US Citizen - there are certain cruises that you can go on that allow you to sail with your State issued Birth Certificate (not a hospital issued birth certificate) along with your Government issued photo ID. For the cruises we have scheduled, this exception applies. For more info contact us or check out www.getyouhome.gov
For cruises starting in a port outside of the United States, yes you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months prior to the end of your trip.
For cruises starting and ending in the same US port:
- If you are a Non US Citizen - Yes, you will need your passport and if applicable a visa or ESTA or Permanent Resident Card
- If you are a US Citizen - there are certain cruises that you can go on that allow you to sail with your State issued Birth Certificate (not a hospital issued birth certificate) along with your Government issued photo ID. For the cruises we have scheduled, this exception applies. For more info contact us or check out www.getyouhome.gov
Do I need Travel Insurance?
- It is not mandatory to have travel insurance, but it is recommended. Travel Insurance means that if you have an emergency and need to cancel your cruise or if you have an emergency while onboard that you will have insurance against expensive medical costs.
- It is not mandatory to have travel insurance, but it is recommended. Travel Insurance means that if you have an emergency and need to cancel your cruise or if you have an emergency while onboard that you will have insurance against expensive medical costs.
How do I sign up?
- Easy! Contact us and we will get you booked!
- Easy! Contact us and we will get you booked!
