CRUISES

Touchdown Tours 30 years of experience will create for you the best of the best boutique journeys. They are unique and especially personalised for individuals or groups.

World Cruising

Cruise travel has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a few weeks of R & R, a cruise is a great way to go. There are literally hundreds of itineraries to choose from and Touchdown Tours will help you decide which one is best for you. We will make your dream vacation a reality.

Cruise travel occurs the world over, not only via the oceans, but lakes and rivers. Imagine cruising down the Nile River in Egypt, marvelling at the massive temples and sampling the local culture and cuisine. Perhaps a colder climate is more to your liking, in which case a Canadian journey might be your preference. Or, you might prefer a Caribbean or Pacific cruise, stopping along the way to visit numerous islands, all with their own history, culture and magic.

Whatever type of cruise you decide on, one thing is for certain: you’ll have a ball!

Touchdown Tours 30 years of experience will create for you the best of the best boutique journeys. They are unique and especially personalised for individuals or groups.

World Cruising

Whatever type of cruise you decide on, one thing is for certain: you’ll have a ball!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHERE DO CRUISES GO?

Pretty much everywhere. Cruising is an ideal way to visit the more remote areas. Whether you’re after a Pacific or Caribbean cruise stopping at beautiful island ports, or you prefer to visit Canada and Alaska as a colder climate is to your liking, cruising can take you there.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK?

As soon as possible. Cruises become booked out far in advance so the sooner you book, the more chance you have of getting your choice of dates (school holidays periods are popular) and accommodation requirements onboard.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

For all international cruises (which include at least one foreign port) you will need a valid passport which means it must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your date of return. Cruise ships cannot revalidate passports. Failure to have a valid passport or any other correct documentation may result in you being denied boarding.
With regards visas, most standard cruising within Australia and New Zealand and the Pacific Isles, you do not need a visa. However, if you are departing a cruise at an overseas port you will likely require one.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CRUISES?

With most cruise companies, all accommodation and meals, entertainment, facilities such as the pools, gym and sporting equipment and most (but not all) other onboard activities. With the exception of water, tea, coffee and some cordials, drinks must be paid for and are usually about the same price on board as they would be on land.

ARE THERE SPECIAL OFFERS FOR RETIRED OR SERVING DEFENCE PERSONNEL?

In most cases, cruise ships do offer special deals for retired or serving defence personnel, however, it will depend on the cruise company. The friendly staff at Touchdown Tours can provide all this information to you.

ARE MY AIRFARES INCLUDED?

In most cases airfares are not included and you will have to purchase air tickets. In some cases, however, cruise companies sometimes have special offers which you can check with Touchdown Tours staff.

DO I NEED TO LET STAFF ONBOARD KNOW IF I TAKE MEDICATION?

Yes. You must advise the agent at the time of booking of any medical conditions or medication you need. You will probably be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire to ensure that the medical staff onboard are prepared for any eventuality.
It’s a good idea to bring along a few days of extra medication supplies on case of any unforeseen delays.

IS THERE DUTY-FREE SHOPPING ONBOARD?

For all international cruises, duty-free shopping is available onboard cruises.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Many people often ask “Do I really need travel insurance?” It’s something travel agents hear a lot. This specific type of insurance is not something to skimp out on, especially when you are paying large amounts for your travel. The few extra dollars could be not only money-saving but also life-saving.

There are many benefits to travel insurance. It will offer you:
· Coverage in cases of unforeseen events when travelling
· It can not only save you tens of thousands for medical emergencies but help with emergency accommodation and vehicle accidents
· Dental insurance
· Assistance with lost or stolen luggage, handbags, backpacks and other items
· Assistance when your flight has been cancelled or rescheduled – this can wreak havoc on your travel plans.

Many Aussies mistakenly believe that their Australian health insurance will cover them in other countries. This is not the case, and any trip to a doctor’s clinic or a hospital, especially the latter, can end up costing thousands, even tens of thousands.

Even within Australia, if you happen to be travelling in an area that is more remote and there is a sudden medical emergency, you may have to be airlifted out to a bigger city.

Things such as weather, strikes, or technical issues can result in people missing a connecting flight or even leaving on the one they are scheduled to be on. In such cases, the last thing people want is to be left out of pocket for something that was unavoidable and not their fault.

It is also important to mention that banks and credit card companies are now offering insurance for travel, however, this insurance is often not comprehensive travel insurance and many people find out too late, that it was not worth what they paid for it. Travel insurance companies are experts in travel and therefore have the expertise and the coverage that is necessary for people travelling overseas or domestically.

So, when travelling, whether it be domestic or overseas, travel insurance is a must and should never be overlooked. Always check the terms and conditions. Touchdown Tours only works with reputable travel insurance companies that can have you covered for every unforeseen event.