Spectrum of the Seas actively supports sustainable cruising with focused efforts on reducing emissions and managing waste efficiently:
Waste Management:
- Wastewater undergoes advanced treatment to meet environmental standards.
- Non-recyclable waste is compacted or incinerated onboard to minimize volume, then responsibly handled ashore.
- Recycling programs are in place to repurpose plastics, paper, and metals, minimizing the ship’s footprint.
Air Emissions Reduction:
- The ship employs fuel-saving technologies to boost energy efficiency.
- LED lighting across the vessel reduces energy consumption.
- Systems onboard capture and reuse waste heat for climate control and other purposes.
- Special hull coatings reduce drag, optimizing the ship’s fuel efficiency.
Smoking Policy
To maintain a comfortable environment, Spectrum of the Seas has strict smoking rules:
- Prohibited Areas: Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed inside staterooms, balconies, or indoor spaces.
- Designated Smoking Areas: Specific open-deck areas are available for smokers.
- Note: Cigar and pipe smoking is allowed only in the exclusive Churchill’s Cigar Lounge.
Alcohol Policy
Spectrum of the Seas offers a flexible alcohol policy, ensuring guests enjoy responsibly:
Bringing Alcohol Onboard:
- Guests may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person.
- If consumed in public dining areas, a corkage fee applies.
Purchasing Onboard Alcohol:
- Duty-free alcohol purchases are delivered to staterooms on the final day of the cruise.
Age Restrictions:
- Guests under 18 cannot purchase or drink alcohol on the ship.
- In U.S. waters, the legal drinking age is 21.
- Select wines, such as the Little Luxuries Collection, are exempt from corkage fees.
Emergency Drills and Safety
Safety is a top priority, with every sailing following strict maritime protocols:
- Emergency Drills: Mandatory drills occur before departure to ensure passengers are familiar with emergency procedures.
- Instructions and Life Jackets: Every stateroom contains a safety folder detailing routes to assembly stations. Life jackets are provided, and children’s jackets can be requested from the room steward.
Language Onboard
- Primary Language: English is the main language used for announcements and printed materials.
- Additional Assistance: Support is also available in French, German, and Spanish.
Express Check-Out
Spectrum of the Seas offers a seamless check-out process:
- Credit Card Payments: If a card is registered at check-in, no further action is needed, and the final bill will be delivered on the last day.
- Cash Payments: Guests paying in cash need to provide a deposit at the start and settle any balance before leaving the ship.
- For Longer Cruises: On world voyages, accounts are cleared at the end of each segment.
VAT (Value-Added Tax) Policies
Spectrum of the Seas follows VAT regulations depending on the waters it sails:
Spanish IVA (VAT) for Dining and Bars:
- A 10% VAT applies to food, bar orders, and room service while in Spanish waters.
- VAT will be shown as a separate item on your receipt and reflected in your bill.
European VAT in Shops, Photo Gallery, and Spa:
- If the cruise doesn’t dock outside the EU, VAT applies to onboard purchases, including gifts, photos, and spa products (but not treatments).
- Liquor and tobacco products can’t be purchased for home use during these periods.
VAT Calculation:
- Prices listed do not include VAT, which will be added at purchase.
- Updates on VAT periods, such as German, Spanish, or UK VAT, will be provided in the daily cruise newsletter.
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