Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapes, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise your cruise counselor in advance. Without a doubt. Most lines provide special services - from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed.
Most ships have a daily newsletter with news headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores.
You can call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. And you can make phone calls from most ports of call. Tipping is a matter of individual preference. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters in the world.