A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidays 33Going Ashore Independently:Your cruise fare is fully inclusive of port taxes and charges, so as soon as the ship is cleared by customs and immigration in each port you are free to get on and off the ship as many times as you wish. When the ship is berthed some distance from the centre of town a shuttle bus service is often provided to assist with your visit and save you money on taxi fares. All day tickets (for which a small charge is made) can be bought from Reception. Shuttle buses do not operate in ports where we feel it is easy/more economical for Guests to use independent transport such as taxis, or when we are prohibited from running a service - this is particularly the case in the Caribbean.Certain ports of call, such as Civitavecchia for Rome, or Leixoes for Oporto, are visited specifically to facilitate our shore tour programme, so independent transport may not be readily available.Please note the ship cannot wait as a consequence of the late return of any independent tours/transport you may have booked.Single TravellersOur single guests never need be alone on board as we have the reputation of operating the friendliest cruise ships afloat. Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines staff will be waiting to greet you from the moment you arrive at the port and special activities will be arranged throughout the cruise to give you the opportunity to meet with fellow single travellers if you wish. Dance hosts will be on hand on all cruises to make sure our single guests never go too long without a dance partner in the evenings.Smoking PolicyFred.Olsen Cruise Lines now operate a strict 'no- smoking' policy in all inside areas. Smoking will only be permitted on cabin balconies and on designated open deck areas.Special OccasionsIf you are celebrating a special anniversary or birthday whilst on board we would like to help you celebrate to make the occasion even more memorable. Please let us know if you are celebrating

34 A-Z Guide to Cruise Holidaysyour Silver, Pearl, Ruby, Golden, Emerald or Diamond anniversary either six months before, during or after your cruise and we will provide a fantastic package with our compliments. All we ask is that you provide us with a copy of your marriage certificate prior to departure. Similarly a honeymoon on board is a unique time and we will mark the occasion in style. If it's your birthday during the cruise we will help you celebrate with a special celebration cake presented at dinner.In addition to this we offer a choice of special packages which may be purchased in advance: Anniversary Celebration - Flowers or chocolates in cabin on arrival, champagne and canapés served on your special day, anniversary gift, celebration cake and souvenir photograph. Birthday Celebration - Champagne breakfast served in your cabin, birthday gift and card, celebration cake at dinner and souvenir photograph. Welcome Aboard - Floral bouquet, champagne and canapés, chocolates and a fruit basket - all placed in your cabin on arrival.For more information on any of the packages detailed above please see our main brochure or call Reservations or the Administration Department on 01473 292444.Swimming PoolsAll vessels have outdoor swimming pool/s which are filled with seawater and heated to approximately 30°C (86°) and Jacuzzis which are approximately 34°C (93°F). Weather permitting the pools are kept open from 8am - 8pm. Towels for use around the pool and on the sun deck are available in your cabins. For hygiene purposes all pools and jacuzzis are treated with the appropriate chlorine based chemicals. Black Watch and Boudicca also now feature state of the art SwimEX exercise pools.TendersSee: Shore Tours / Going Ashore