1. How much is my cabin deposit and when does it have to be paid by?

Your deposit for the cruise is £100 per person regardless of age. We cannot book you onto the cruise without it. Your deposit is non-refundable.

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2. How many people can I have in my cabin?

Cabins can fit between one and four people. They must have at least one person over the age of 18. The first two people in each cabin regardless of age will have to pay the adult price. If there are any families larger than four looking to book please make us aware at the very start of the process as occasionally, we are able to secure larger family cabins.

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3. What cabin type can I have?

Each group is allocated a select number of inside cabins (no window), outside cabins (picture window), balcony cabins (with full length French doors and a veranda) and on request, suites. Our Performing Groups Specialist will tell you what is available to your group. See our What type of cabins page.

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4. Can I travel whilst pregnant?

Yes, but only up to 24 weeks and with a doctor’s note. After this you are not permitted to travel. With a doctor’s note you can bring infants under 6 months.

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5. Is there a single supplement?

As MSC are a family cruise line who very rarely have single travellers the supplement is 100%. This means that someone wishing to have a cabin by themselves would have to pay the same as two people. Travelling as a single parent? Click here.

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6. Can I add onto the group whenever I want? Will the prices stay the same?

All group prices have a deadline. You will have been told this date by Our Performing Groups Specialist or your dance teacher. Once this deadline is reached, we can still book you onto the group (subject to cabin availability) but at the current general sale rates which will be higher.

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7. What else do I need to do to secure my place?

In order to book we need your deposit and booking form provided by us. Please complete the booking form in as much detail as you can as we will need everything on it eventually. If you don’t have valid passports yet you can provide these by the balance due date specified on your confirmation. Once we send you your confirmation it’s imperative that you sign and return it to us within two weeks as this is the last element needed to secure your place.

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8. Can my child still perform if I book directly with MSC or through another agent?

No. Performing on a cruise ship is a specialist service offered only through Ponders Travel. Any cabins that are booked outside the group will not be permitted to perform on the ship’s stage, dine with the group, or take part in any other group activities.

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9. I’m a single parent and don’t want to pay for two adults. What are my options?

In the past to avoid this problem we have paired two single parent families together in one cabin. If you don’t wish to share with another family then both adult fares will need to be paid.

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10. Someone in my cabin can no longer come. Can I put someone else in their place?

We can make as many name changes within your cabin as is necessary for no extra charge up until the balance due date. This ONLY applies to the cruise fare, any extras booked separately (such as flights and hotels) may incur other charges.

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11. Can I add someone else into my cabin once it’s booked?

We can request for extra guests to be applied to your booking so long as your cabin has enough space. This is up to the discretion of MSC Cruises and they may move you into a different cabin to do so.

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12. What is my cabin number? Can I request a specific cabin?

We will always do our best to take note of any cabin requests you have but please note that we book group cabins on a first come first-served basis. When we book your group, we aren’t always given your cabin numbers straight away. Once we have them you will be notified. Due to this please be cautious when making specific requests as we can’t always honour them.

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13. What else can I add onto my cruise?

It’s always best to pre-book with MSC as most additional items cost an extra 20% onboard! We can pre-book excursions, internet packages, spa treatments, anniversary/birthday packages, laundry services and the fun pass which gives you unlimited access to the onboard attractions such as the 4D cinema*, Ferrari simulator* and bowling lanes*. *Subject to ship and attractions onboard.

Any additional items cannot be added any later than the balance due date, however we would STRONGLY suggest that you book these with us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Use our contact page to get in touch with us at Ponders or call our office on 01954 232802

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14. When is my balance due?

The specific date will be on your confirmation. It is roughly just over two months before departure. After this date no further amendments can be made to your booking.

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15. When will I get my tickets?

Tickets will be emailed to you approximately 10 days before travel. This is on the condition that we have received payment and all required information on your booking form.