We have listed our most frequently asked questions and answers about travelling with Imagine Holidays. Please pick a category that best suits your enquiry.
A: All confirmation and receipts will be sent out within 3 working days from when the booking was made.
A: As a passenger you have a responsibility to check that all the information is correct on your documents. Please contact Customer Service Team on 0861 500 200 immediately, so we can ensure that the relevant operators have the correct information.
A: We will require this information to be put into writing from the lead passenger, along with your full name, reference number and new address details.
A: Your Travel Documents will be sent to you via email approx. 7-14 working days after you have paid your booking in full. If you booked a holiday to Mauritius, you will receive your travel documents approx. 6 weeks prior to departure.
Cruise Tickets will be sent via email no later than 7 days prior to departure although we do aim to get them to you 2-3 weeks prior where possible. Please ensure that you log on to your cruise line’s website and complete all of the pre-cruise information that they require to enable us to access your tickets in a timely manner.
A: With an e-ticket we send you an email confirmation of your booking which will contain your e ticket number. You should print out your e-ticket and keep it handy during your travel. An e-ticket allows your entire travel experience to be easy and safe because all of your booking and ticket details are held electronically.
A: We are able to resend your tickets, so don’t panic! Please contact our friendly Customer Service Team who will be able to assist you.
A: At the time of booking please provide this number to our sales advisor. Or, alternatively, contact the Customer Service Team and we can advise the relevant cruise line of your membership number to ensure you do not miss out on any benefits.
A: Full payment is required 15 weeks prior to departure.
A: You can make payments towards your holiday whenever you wish.
– To pay over the phone, please call our Customer Service Team (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) on 0861 500 200 who will take the payment using our secure payment system.
– To pay via bank transfer (EFT). Please forward your payment to our ABSA Bank, Branch Code 632756, Account number 4084933982. Please ensure that your Imagine Cruising reference number ICS is your payment reference.
A: Please refer to our terms and conditions.
A: Most airlines will not allow you to travel after your 36th week of pregnancy, or the 32nd week if you’re pregnant with twins or multiples. Speak to your GP or midwife before you travel. Cruise lines have separate regulations to airlines, so please inform us immediately and we can advise you accordingly.
A: If you require embarkation and disembarkation assistance, this must be arranged before your departure date. To arrange assistance please contact our Customer Service Team who can take full details of the assistance required and advise the cruise line &/or Airline accordingly.
A: We strongly advise, If you’re travelling with any medication , you may need to carry a medical certificate. Make sure that you check the consulate website of the countries you are visiting before you go and carry all medication in your carry-on baggage. You may need to show this medical certificate to clear airport security in many airports. If you require oxygen concentrated cylinders or medical sharps you must advise us at the time of booking so we can advise the airline and the cruise line so the necessary support is provided.
A: Most modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilisers that eliminate much of the motion that causes seasickness. We would suggest you consult your GP or local Pharmacist for a remedy if you’re susceptible to motion sickness.
A: Airlines & cruise lines generally cater for any dietary requests such as low fat, low sugar, dairy free, gluten free, wheat free and vegetarian diets. If you have any of these intolerances, other allergies or requirements please inform us immediately.
A: Please contact our Concierge Team on 0861 088 804 or email concierge@imagineholidays.co.za and we will be more than happy to help.
A: This depends on the airline that you are flying with; your luggage allowance will be detailed on your tickets.
A: If your tour is being booked on a group flight allocation, you will not be able to pre book seat or check in extra baggage online. We recommend you check in at the airport as early as possible in order to request the seats you would like. You can organise any extra baggage upon check in. If your tour is not booked on a group flight you can usually check in online 24 hours prior to departure and select seats at this stage. If you wish to pre book your seats before check in is available, the airline may charge.
A: As a general rule, arrive no later than two hours before a domestic flight is scheduled to depart and three hours for an international flight.
A: It will depend who you are flying with, please ask at check in.
A: Infants are classed from 0-to-2 years and they are required to sit on a parent’s lap during the flight. Seats can usually be purchased for infants at a special rate.
A: Most airlines will not allow you to travel after your 36th week of pregnancy, or the 32nd week if you’re pregnant with twins or multiples. Speak to your GP or midwife before you travel. Cruise lines have separate regulations to airlines, so please inform us immediately and we can advise you accordingly.
A: Extra leg room normally has to be requested at the airport check-in desk, although it is advisable to contact the airline before you travel. Please note there is normally a charge for this service.
A: If you specifically want direct flights we would always recommend you mention this at the time of booking. At the time of booking your sales advisor will advise you if the flight is direct or indirect. All flights are subject to change until they have been ticketed.
A: Assistance can be arranged before your departure date. To arrange assistance please contact our Customer Service Team who can take full details of the assistance required and advise the airline accordingly.
A: We strongly advise you to carry any medication you require in your hand luggage. Airport security requires a doctor’s note to show the medication you are taking when going through security so please advise us if this is the case. If you require oxygen concentrated cylinders or medical sharps you must advise us at the time of booking so we can advise the airline and the cruise line so the necessary support is provided.
A: Airlines do cater for dietary requests such dairy free, gluten free, wheat free and vegetarian diets. If you have any of these intolerances, allergies or requirements please inform us immediately
A: Half board usually means that accommodation, breakfast and dinner is included; whereas with Full board you the get accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
With an all-inclusive package you get all meals, snacks and fizzy drinks, though some make include alcoholic drinks also.
A: Log on to our website and you can re-visit your itinerary route. Occasionally Cruise lines need to make changes to the itineraries. We will inform you if this happens.
A: At the time of booking you will have a choice of first or second sitting, however, this is only a request and never guaranteed. First sitting is normally around 6.15pm and second sitting around 8.15pm. Table sizes vary from 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10. When you arrive on board you can speak to the maître d’ if you wish to amend your dining arrangements.
A: Shore excursions are bookable online with your relevant cruise line prior to departure. Alternatively, you are able to book shore excursions on board, though to avoid disappointment we would advise you to pre-book them prior to departure.
A: All cruise lines offer celebration packages, though prices and packages vary. You will need to add the package to your booking prior to your departure; please contact our Customer Service Team to add a package. Please note full payment will be required within 15 weeks of departure.
A: Tipping practices vary greatly amongst various cruise lines ranging from a required added service charge to no tipping at all. Please check with your sales advisor at the time of booking.
A: While most cruise ships are largely smoke-free, all the cruise lines provide at least some areas for cigarette, pipe and cigar smokers.
A: On some cruise lines you are able to get married aboard. For further information contact our Customer Service Team.
A: If you require embarkation and disembarkation assistance, this must be arranged before your departure date. To arrange assistance please contact our Customer Service Team who can take full details of the assistance required and advise the cruise line accordingly.
A: Most of the major cruise lines have mobile networks on their ships, which will allow you to dial out and receive calls whilst at sea. This can be quite costly so always check with your mobile provider prior to your departure.
A: Most cruise lines have a currency exchange on board so you can exchange small amounts of money including cash and travellers cheques. You cannot exchange ZAR (Rands) on board, please make arrangements prior to departure.
A: Most cruise lines are equipped with 110 and or 220 volts AC and are capable of handling all normal appliances. Most cabins will be fitted with power sockets suitable for battery chargers and a socket in the bathroom intended for razors, etc.
A: Most modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilisers that eliminate much of the motion that causes seasickness.
A: Your cruise basics will be full board unless stated, although drinks will be extra, along with any additional purchases that you make.
A: On most cruise lines, children over the age of 6 months are allowed on board, however children’s clubs normally only accept children over 3 years of age.
A: Most cruise lines provide supervised children’s clubs and activities; some cruise lines also provide a babysitting service.
A: All cruise lines operate a ‘cash free’ system where you sign for purchases using your cruise card which will be given to you upon embarkation. You will be required to register a debit or credit card; most cruise lines accept all major cards however some are unable to accept maestro, visa electron or pre-paid credit cards. Should you wish to settle your account with cash, you can do so once on board, however a credit card must still be registered when you check-in but will not be debited. If a card is not registered, then your account will need to be kept in credit by placing a cash deposit in order for you to continue to purchase items on board. This can be topped up at any time during your cruise.
A: Policies about bringing your own alcohol on board vary: however as a general rule, cruise lines reserve the right to refuse alcohol being carried on board.
A: A ship’s tender is a boat used to transport passengers to and from shore if the cruise ship is too large to dock in the port. You will be notified of any tender service whilst on board and those passengers with limited mobility, or wheelchair users, can usually use the ship’s tenders.
A: Cruise lines generally cater for any dietary requests such as low fat, low sugar, dairy free, gluten free, wheat free and vegetarian diets. If you have any of these intolerances, other allergies or requirements please inform us immediately.
A: Formal nights vary depending on the ship. Typically on a standard seven-night cruise there are two formal nights.
A: Due to airport security and custom checks you will be required to re-claim your luggage at the airport before embarking your cruise line. Once you arrive at the port, terminal porters will relieve you of your luggage and it will be taken directly to your cabin.
A: If you require oxygen concentrated cylinders, medical sharps or have any medical illness, you must advise your sales advisor at the time of booking so we can inform the cruise line.
A: Cruise lines have different regulations so please inform us immediately so we can advise you accordingly.
A: If the cruise line have supplied us with a cabin number at the time of your booking, it will be given to you by your sales advisor. However, if a cabin number is not provided, you may have been booked a guaranteed cabin. With a guaranteed cabin you will not be given a cabin number at the time of booking, but will be guaranteed a specific category of cabin. The biggest benefit of booking a guaranteed cabin is the possibility of being upgraded to a higher category cabin at no additional cost. This is at the cruise line’s discretion and dependent on cabin availability on your ship shortly before departure. Please note that we may not be aware of your cabin number prior to you boarding.
A: Most ships accommodate disabled passengers, but there are often a limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins on each ship. Please ensure that you request a disabled cabin prior to booking so that we can check the current availability.
A: If you would like an upgraded cabin from those that we advertise or those listed on our website, please ask our sales advisors to check availability for you. If you have already booked and want to upgrade your cabin, please contact our Concierge Team on 0861 088 804 or email concierge@imagineholidays.co.za and we will be more than happy to help.
A: Search for your specific cruise line through the “Cruise Lines” tab at the top of our website. Here you can select your cruise line and then ship to access the deck plans, enabling you to identify your cabin number and its position.
A: Cabins are split into 5 different categories: Inside: an inside cabin does not have a picture window, port hole or balcony. Outside: an outside cabin has a port hole or picture window. Balcony: a balcony cabin will have patio doors leading to a balcony/veranda with chairs and a table, allowing you to relax and enjoy the fresh sea air while cruising. Juliet/French Balcony: a Juliet/ French Balcony has no outdoor seating area, but has windows that open up and a railing is placed directly behind the glass. Suites: suites have the most facilities and space on board any ship. They normally offer a divided living space and some have additional bedrooms.
A: On arrival, your luggage will be placed outside your cabin and your cabin steward will introduce themselves and answer any questions you may have.
A: The majority of cabins consist of a small private bathroom with a shower, wash basin and toilet, along with a shaver socket, telephone, TV and wardrobe. Hairdryers are also usually provided but please check this with your sales advisor. Complimentary soaps and shampoos are sometimes provided, but if you have forgotten to bring your own, you will usually be able to buy them on board.
A: This can be done easily by logging into the Manage Booking section of our website and selecting ‘Add Passport Information’.
A: South African Passport Holders do require visas for most countries. As we are not legally visa trained, we are unable to give advice on visa requirements for your holiday. Please check with the embassy of the countries. If you are an EU or Foreign Passport Holder, please check with the relevant embassies. You are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be travelling to or transiting through.
For expert advice or if you would like the visa application to be done for you through a third-party supplier please contact: Visa Logix on 021 4255896 or 011 3911773 or visit: www.visalogix.co.za
A: When travelling to a foreign country you must have a full and valid passport with at least 6 months validity on your passport after the date of your return or you may be refused boarding. Your passport must contain sufficient blank pages for visa issuance. Please ensure that the names and initials on your flight & cruise tickets are the same as your passport.
A: We strongly advise you to obtain adequate travel insurance from the day the booking is made. Imagine Cruising will not accept any liability for any passengers who fail to obtain adequate travel insurance.
A: Due to individual health requirements, we are unable to give advice on vaccinations and/or medications required for your holiday. Please check with your GP or visit www.travelclinic.co.za for more information.
A: Please contact our Concierge Team on 0861 088 804 or email concierge@imagineholidays.co.za and we will be more than happy to help.
A: We require all cancellations in writing from the lead passenger on the booking and this can be by email. Cancellations are effective from the date we receive them and not from the date they are sent. Upon receipt we will contact the relevant suppliers of your holiday to ascertain the cancellation charges. We will then confirm the charges to you before cancelling the holiday.
A: Yes you can, however, the charge for the amendment is dependent on how close you are to departure. Please contact our Customer Service Team who will be able to confirm the relevant charges.
A: Yes, please refer to our booking conditions and contact our Customer Service Team.
A: 105 Days or more before departure: if you want to cancel your cruise 105 days prior to departure you will lose your deposit. Please note if a low deposit has been paid then any further money due will need to be collected before cancellation. If you have already paid your balance in full then we will calculate the deposit you would have paid and refund the difference.
104 – 57 days prior to departure – if you want to cancel your cruise between 104-57 days prior to your departure you will lose 50% of your holiday cost. This does not include flights as these are always at a 100% loss.
56 – 42 days prior to departure – if you want to cancel your cruise between 56-42 days prior to your departure you will lose 75% of your holiday cost. This does not include flights as these are always at a 100% loss.
41 – 22 days prior to departure – if you want to cancel your cruise between 41-22 days prior to your departure you will lose 80% of your holiday cost. This does not include flights as these are always at a 100% loss.
21 – 15 days prior to departure – if you want to cancel your cruise between 21-15 days prior to your departure you will lose 90% of your holiday cost. This does not include flights as these are always at a 100% loss.
14 days prior to departure – if you want to cancel your cruise 14 days or less prior to your departure you will lose 100% of your holiday cost.
A: Please contact our Customer Service Team who will able to add this on for you.
A: Please contact the Customer Service Team and we will happily add a hotel or car parking to your booking. Please note full payment will be required within 15 weeks of departure.
A: Where available, attraction tickets can be added to your booking: please contact our Customer Service Team. Please note, full payment could be required within 15 weeks of departure.
A: Due to data protection we can only discuss the booking with the lead passenger who is normally the person who has made the booking. If you do need to speak to us about the booking directly and you are not the lead passenger, we will need authorisation from the lead passenger first. This can be done over the phone.
A: We are open the following hours:
Sales:
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Customer Service:
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
