We are certain that you have many questions regarding your cruise. We've tried to be comprehensive, but please let us know right away if you are unable to find the answer you are looking for on this page.
Why does Tango At Sea offer hotels?
The hotels listed on Tango at Sea are suggestions in order to provide accurate information to our guests. We recommend arriving at least one day prior to sailing when flying great distances to allow for jet lag recovery and for any luggage lost during your flight. We would like our guests to have a smooth trip while on board and be somewhat rested upon arrival at the embarking port. If you are flying domestically, we recommended that you secure a non-stop flight to help reduce lost luggage and connection problems.
Are flights included in my cruise fares?
Airfares are not included. Tango at Sea now has an associate to assist with flights. Elizabeth has 30 years experience. Tango at Sea suggests contacting her to secure your flight. She is fantastic.
Elizabeth Gaitanis
utstravel@cox.net
www.utstravellh.com
(949) 281-5959
How do we get from the airport to the port?
If you have a transfer as described elsewhere, you will look for the name of the cruise line at the luggage area. Your name will be on their manifest. The cruise line staff will direct you to their transportation. If you are staying at a hotel, you will have to rely on a local taxi service or inquire if your hotel provides service to and from the port.
What is the cost of transfers?
Transfers are only for embarkation and disembarkation days. For the Alaska cruise they are $58 per person round trip or $29 per person one way for Port of San Francisco. Transfers are $55 per person round trip or $27.50 per person one way for our Ski/Sea Mexican Riviera cruise sailing from Port of Los Angeles. These transfers must be prepaid thru Tango at Sea 90 days prior to sailing.
When should I book my flight?
Early is always best to secure a good price. If you need transfers, then you must book your flight 90 days prior to sail date.
May I book with my own agent?
If you have an agent, please have them contact me. I pay them a commission. This is a group event, it is necessary to book through Tango at Sea. Once on board a guest booking through an agent or cruise line will be charged extra if you book your cruise outside of Tango at Sea.
When should I book my Tango At Sea cruise?
Early booking is better than later. We like to secure good locations for our guests. Also, numbers talk with cruise lines when we ask for necessary space. Cruise ships fill up from mid-ship out to forward and aft.
Can I take private classes with the cruise instructors?
Yes, guests arrange times with the instructor(s) of their choice. Classes can be taught at any location on board where space is available. Some scheduled times are listed on the schedule. Once you board, seek out possible locations for a private class.
May I ask an instructor to dance with me?
Instructors are paid to instruct and perform in the show. If they desire to dance with a guest, they will ask you themselves. If a male guest wants to dance with a female instructor they should feel free to ask. Most of our instructors will on occasion ask our guests to dance.
What are the special events held on TAS cruises?
Upon boarding we hold a 1-2 hour Get Acquainted gathering/meeting to share information. Attendance is mandatory. While At Sea we hold workshops. Milongas are in the evening. There are one or two cocktail parties. A professional show in the ship's theater by our instructors is for all guests on board if the cruise lines approves our outstanding instructor talent. Perhaps a tango symposium would be held depending on who is within our group. A discussion hour with all instructors to get acquainted with them and ask questions about their tango travels is a fun event. In 2005 we had a wedding on the beach in Cozumel with a couple from Canada. In 2009 we had a Honeymoon Couple from Finland in our group and we held a special event for them at a Milonga. Your suggestions are most welcome.
What is the Milonga Schedule?
Usually we have a Milonga each evening. We may hold an afternoon Milonga if time and space are available. Milonga start times vary from 10 pm to 10:30 pm. We usually slow down at 1 am to allow sufficient time to rest and enjoy the next day. Many dancers will elect to using other dance lounges on board the ship which may be available until 2 am or later.
What should I wear to the Captain's Party?
Captain's Cocktail Parties are formal. If male guests have and enjoy wearing tuxedos, this would be the time to enjoy your tux!! Otherwise a suit coat and tie is appropriate.
When can I board the ship?
Boarding generally begins at noon and in some cases at 1 pm. You must board one hour prior to sailing. The cruise line needs one hour to prepare their manifest for the Port Authorities.
When do I receive cruise documents?
You should receive your documents by 3-4 weeks before sailing. If you have not received them by then, please contact Tango at Sea immediately. We now have cruise documents available via eDocuments from the cruise line. This is extremely helpful to our non-US guests.
When should I book cruise line tours?
It is possible to book tours prior to sailing directly on the cruise line's webpage. Generally cruise lines lock you out 14 days prior to sail date. Alternatively, once on board you can book tours. Check out the Tour Desk hours as they are not always open for business.
WORKSHOPS
How is workshop instruction organized?
Each instructor couple has their own style of teaching a workshop. As a student, please remember they are teaching a group. Please note that instructors interacting and/or dancing with a student may at times be inappropriate. Please allow the instructor to make such choices.
How many workshops do you offer on a cruise?
Between twenty-seven and thirty 1.5-hour workshops in Beg/Int/Adv levels, at 3 different lounges simultaneously. This is the ideal arrangements. Occasionally we are only given two options at the same 1.5 hour. In those cases I group Beg/Int together with Advanced workshop held separately.
What are your workshop guidelines?
Workshop guests will be required to show and wear their Tango at Sea Identification at the door upon entering. Please try to be on time. Carry your Tango at Sea schedule with you; also the ship?s daily schedule. You want to be prepared with all the information you need for your day versus always running back to your cabin or the cruise line front desk for the data for the day.
What is the typical workshop structure?
Workshops are generally scheduled so that all guests may attend a workshop at the same hour (1.5 hour) in the Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced levels. Some workshops may be scheduled for women only and others for men only - such as Women's Technique/Men's Technique - where the workshop will have a gender separation and taught at the same 1.5 hour. We only hold workshops when we are "at sea". When we are in a Port of Call, we want our guests to enjoy those cities and/or the cruise line tours. Guests sometimes go in small groups to enjoy the ports/cities.
What topics are taught in the workshops?
In the daily schedule the topic listed will be Tango, Vals or Milonga. If it is appropriate to have a Men?s/Woman?s Technique class they will be listed by title. This allows an instructor to teach the appropriate needs of that particular group of dancers.
