On board facilities/dining

Babysitting

We regret that babysitting facilities are not available.

Bars

You will find all sorts of beverages as well as cigarettes available. Opening times will be advertised in the on board Daily Telescope. Children 17 years and under are not permitted to purchase any alcoholic beverages.

Buffets

Buffet breakfasts are served in the restaurant. Buffet breakfast and lunch is also served in the Buffet area on the aft Deck 7 (weather permitting).

Casino

Open for your amusement only while at sea. Complying with custom regulations, it is closed while in port. Children 17 years and under are not allowed to play in the Casino. Free gaming lessons will be available on the first sea day of each cruise.

Children

We are pleased to have children on board, however, their parents or appointed guardian are responsible for their safety on board. In the interests of maximum safety, children must not be allowed to play unattended on outside decks or stairways, in corridors, near the swimming pool or in and around the elevator. All parents are requested to make sure their children learn about basic rules of safety, and they should be warned not to play with any of the ship’s safety equipment. During show performances in Club Live, children 12-years and under are requested to be seated with their parents/guardians. Children 14-years and under are not permitted in the Sky Bar or Disco after 10pm unless escorted by a parent/guardian and must leave these venues no later than 11.30pm when they become adult-only venues. There are no special facilities for young children (0-3 years) although a limited number of cots and high chairs (high chairs are affixed to the tables and are not freestanding) are available, however these must be requested at least 8 weeks prior to departure.

Cinema

Passengers may view films and travel-documentary videos at specified times. Times and titles of the films to be shown will be in the Daily Telescope.

Deck chairs

These are for the use of passengers at no charge. Please do not reserve empty deck chairs by placing articles on them as these items will be removed and handed in to the information desk, if left unattended for more than 15 minutes.

Dining room

There are two meal seatings and generally the evening meal times are 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Times may vary depending upon the port of call. During breakfast the dining room has open seating. Requests for early or late seating will be assigned whenever possible but no requests can be guaranteed. Any changes to your table allocation must be made with the Maître d’. Smoking is not permitted in the restaurant.

Duty Free shop

The Duty Free shop is stocked with essentials and also with a good range of luxury and gift items that make shopping an additional attraction, and at tempting prices. Complying with port regulations, the Duty Free Shop is closed in port and 30 minutes before arrival and after departure. Opening times will be advertised in the on board Daily Telescope. The distribution of duty free alcohol and cigarettes will take place on the last sea day of the cruise and is subject to availability.

Entertainment

On board entertainment is included, specific to your relevant cruise.

Fitness and sauna

The shipping company accepts no responsibility for accidents that may occur due to unskilled or careless use of the equipment. Proper sports shoes or trainers must be worn in the fitness room.

Hair salon

Situated on Deck 7, aft, the Hair Salon offers services to both men and women. We recommend passengers book their appointments as soon as possible after embarkation to avoid possible disappointment. You will find opening hours in the Daily Telescope.

Laundry*

Laundry facilities are available at a nominal charge and a price list is available in your cabin. Items can be laundered on a per item basis and charged accordingly. Alternatively, for this cruise we will provide a ‘bag-wash’ service. A ‘bag-wash’ will entitle you to fill a ships' laundry bag and have the items washed and ironed for approx. £7.50 per bag. Delicate items, suits, outside coats and special care fabrics will not be accepted as part of a bag wash. Simply bag up your laundry and leave it on your bed with the laundry list completed and your cabin steward will take it away and return it when the laundry is ready. Dry-cleaning facilities are not available on board.

*Prices are subject to change.

Library*

Indoor games and reading material are available in the Library. Against a refundable deposit (£2 for library books and £5 for board games, cash only) you may borrow books or games. The Library opening hours will be advertised in the Daily Telescope.

*Prices are subject to change.

Photographer

There will be a photographer on board who will capture your memories as a lasting souvenir. All pictures taken during the cruise will be on display at the photographer’s desk, the opening times will be advertised in the Daily Telescope. You are under no obligation to purchase any of the photographs. If you are celebrating a special occasion during the cruise, advise the photographer who will be pleased to take photographs of your memorable occasion. The Photo Shop and Gallery is situated on Deck 5, next to the Shore Excursion Office.

Shopping on board

The Duty Free shop on board offers a selection of goods at shipboard prices (local tax is not added). Due to local custom regulations, the shop is only open while at sea. Opening hours are advertised in the Daily Telescope. The sale of Duty Free alcohol and cigarettes will take place on the last sea day of the cruise and items are subject to availability.

Special diets

Any passenger required by a doctor to follow a special diet must alert the company to their special needs at least 8 weeks prior to sailing. The galley staff will fulfil your request if at all possible. We must point out, however, that dietary requirements for passengers suffering health problems as well as for infants are the sole responsibility of the passenger, guardian or escort. Parents of infants are recommended to bring adequate supplies of baby food with them which the Food and Beverage department on board will be pleased to store and prepare each mealtime.

Special theme nights

There will be special themed nights, details of these are found under the heading dress code. Passengers may bring along costumes to wear and there will be materials available and craft lessons for making costumes on board.

Sports and games*

Indoor and outdoor games are organised daily by the cruise staff. Rubber soled shoes are advisable when participating in any deck sport. Sports equipment is always available from the Information Desk against a refundable cash deposit (£5 for sports equipment, cash only). You may borrow board games from the Library against a refundable cash deposit (£5 for board games, cash only), opening hours will be advertised in the Daily Telescope.

*Prices may be subject to change.

Swimming pool

Van Gogh has a seawater filled pool which is filled dependant on sea conditions and port regulations. Passengers are advised to be extra careful when walking around the pool, especially during rough weather. Diving or jumping into the pool is dangerous and thus prohibited. An adult must supervise young children when using the pool. Please do not enter the lounges with wet feet. You are requested not to use towels from your cabin at the pool or while ashore. We would suggest you bring a beach towel on board.