Q: What does the term “Cruise Companion” mean?
A: This term refers to nonmedical companion, whose services include but not limited to accompanying you on a cruise, assistance preparing you for a cruise departure, support after the cruise, social companionship, company for meals, company on shore excursions, support with access to transportation, light laundry, shopping, errands, chores, medication reminders, safety monitoring.
Q: Who can benefit from Jules Cruise Companion service?
A: Anybody that wants to have a cruise, depending on their needs and circumstances, seniors (Solo or a Couple), single parent with a child, anyone with travel or cruise anxiety, people with mild disabilities or physically challenged. Anyone who wants to have a cruise holiday and does not want travel by themselves (for whatever reason). You may be inexperienced or intimidated by travel, you will benefit from the professional assistance of a cruise companion. We cruise with people who are self-caring with mild medical conditions. We will cruise with anyone.
Q: What are the services of a Jules Cruise Companion?
A: After initial contact the Jules Cruise Companion will email a Client Registration Form.
After we receive the completed Client Registration Form we will send you a starter pack including Guide to Medications and preparation a Guide to Packing,
After receiving your nonrefundable service fee, we will give you the Cruise Companions details for you to book travel arrangements.
When we receive all the information we fill send you a proposal.
On the agreed date or commencement of the contract, Jules Cruise Companion can either:
Meet you at the port to embark on the cruise, or
Come to stay with you in your home or in hotel nearby for a few days before the embarkation day to help in final preparations.
During this period at your home Jules Cruise Companion will assist you with preparing you for the cruise, for example go through the packing, assessing medications, Emergency Planner, Activity Planner and collecting all necessary documentation,
If the day of the holiday/trip/vacation involves a flight, Jules Cruise Companion will accompany you in the ground transport to the airport terminal, assist with luggage, assist you with check-in, assist with boarding, finding meals and travel to the hotel or cruise terminal.
On the day of the cruise, Jules Cruise Companion will accompany you to the cruise terminal, assist with luggage, assist with boarding, exploring the ship, finding the state room, finding meals and eating locations. Accompany you on shore excursions if requested.
Q: Who decides what Cruise and Companion service I need? How is that decided?
A: Every person is unique. First you decided you want to take a cruise. You have thought about the itinerary and the length of the cruise you would like to take. Next you determine the dates in conjunction with the Jules Cruise Companion service, through collaboration and negotiation. The discussion may include others involved in your day-to-day care, such as family members, social workers, medical staff and other care workers. We liaise with you, the client and all appropriate people before we decide on the dates of the companion service. There is no cost or obligation connected with this initial discussion. The end result of this discussion we will send you a proposal with projected costs. A professional Cruise Companion makes your cruise experience more enjoyable and less daunting.
Q: What times of the day, week, and year do you provide services?
A: Even though you will be with one (1) cruise companion, they are able to offer flexible service over 24 hours of the day (within reasonable limits). The service covers a maximum of 10 hours of paid companionship within a 24 hour period. These 10 hours can be consecutive hours or in blocks over the day.
Q: How do I make the travel arrangements including cruise, flight, accommodation and ground transport?
A: You, the client makes all travel arrangements (all ground, air transportation & cruise) either personally with the cruise company, airline or via a registered Travel Agency. We will give you the passport details and cruise/airline loyalty numbers of the cruise companion for you to make the booking.
Q: Who pays for all the travel costs and the Cruise Companion service?
A: You, the Client. The cost is private paid service. All cruises, flights, ground transport, accommodation, food, living expenses, and any other ancillary costs for the Cruise Companion. All flights for the Cruise Companion to get to the start point and to leave the end point of the assignment must be booked as a fully flexible refundable fare booked with the airline or a travel agent.
You, the client pays for a return economy airfare for the Cruise Companion. Each economy airfare can be one-way to different destinations, no fare being greater A$2000 each way. In circumstances where you, the Client elect to fly or cruise in either “Business Class” or “First Class”, you agree to meet the cost of an equivalent airfare for the Cruise Companion.
Medical insurance does NOT pay because we do not provide medical services, rather companion care services.
Q: How much does this service cost?
A: Every client and itinerary is very different, so cost varies. Our cost will depend on the nature of the trip. The client takes care of their travel costs (cruise, flights, ground transport, accommodation, food etc.) and the travel cost of the Jules Cruise Companion’s (cruise, return (roundtrip) flights, all ground transport, transfers accommodation, food, short excursions etc.).
All of these costs are for the Cruise Companion to get from their home to the starting point of the assignment and back to their home or negotiated end point of the assignment. In addition there is a non-negotiable daily rate for the Cruise Companion for each day of the trip.
There is a non-refundable one-off service fee to be paid at the time of booking.
If the client requests Cruise Companion to accompany on a shore excursion or on-board specialty dining or activity that requires an additional fee (theatre tickets, museum fees, sport events, etc), the client pays for the excursion.
Q: Is there a minimum amount of time for the whole service?
A: No, there is no minimum length of companion service. It is reasonable to consider that about seven (7) days would include time to pack, get to a cruise terminal, take a 2 or 3 day cruise and return home again.
Q: Is there a minimum or maximum length of cruise required?
A: No. We assist you to take a short 1-4 night, medium 5-15 night or long 16+ night cruise. Keeping in mind the service can start 4-7 days before the beginning of the cruise, as we offer a preparation service such as packing, medication assessment, flights or transportation etc.
Q: How do I begin to use the service of a Cruise Companion?
A: After your initial inquiry contact through the website and email, we will take time to get to know you. We will ask you to complete a Client Registration Form. At this point you will be asked to read and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Then we begin providing relevant general information and guides to gain a clear mutual understanding of expectations. There is no cost or obligation related to this initial exchange.
Q: What is the rest of the process to secure the service?
A: Over the course of discussions more specific information will be exchanged including specific costing, what we cover in the service and what we don’t. In addition to the Client Registration Form we will ask you to complete a Client History Summery.
Before we proceed with booking an assignment, there is a one-off service administration fee.
We then send information such as the Cruise Companion personal details for you or your travel agent to complete the travel bookings, a packing plan, and in-depth information sheet.
We will send you a Proposal to be signed and returned.
Q: Do you require a contract or Client Service Agreement?
A: We ask our clients to sign a Client Service Agreement. It is intended to ensure that all parties clearly understand the Terms & Conditions. It also provides us with the information to prepare for the Cruise Companion assignment.
Q: What do I have to supply to Jules Cruise Companion for the travel plans?
A: We have supplied the Independent Contractor Cruise Companion details for you to precede with cruise and travel bookings. Then you, the client after booking travel arrangements you provide us flight, ground transport, accommodation and cruise details. At this point we will send you the final Proposal for the assignment.
Q: How long does the whole service agreement process take?
A: Depending on what needs to be achieved, this whole process can normally be completed within 1 to 2 month after initial contacted.
Q: What paperwork is needed to complete the Client Service Contract process?
A: What Jules Cruise Companions need from you to complete the Proposal includes;
- Client Registration Form including Cruise & Travel Request Form,
- Client History Form.
Other information that we need include;
- A copy of Travel Insurance (please note you will need to give the Cruise Companion authority to contact the Travel insurer on you behalf if required),
- A “Cleared to travel” or “Fit to Fly” letter from a Registered Medical Officer,
- A copy of the Medical Clearance Forms from all the carriers.
Other information that we may need include;
- A copy of your Advanced Health Directive,
- A copy of your Enduring Power of Attorney.
Q: How does the Jules Cruise Companion get to the start point of the assignment?
A: The Cruise Companion is based in Australia and can fly to any location in the world for a Cruise Companion assignment. You, the client pays for a flexible refundable return economy airfare, food, accommodation, ground transport for the Jules Cruise Companion to get to the start point and to leave the end point of the assignment.
The flight can be one-way to different destinations, no fare being greater A$2000 each way.
In circumstances where you, the Client elect to fly or cruise in either “Business Class” or “First Class”, you agree to meet the cost of an equivalent airfare for the Cruise Companion. Each fully flexible refundable airfare is to be booked through an airline or a registered travel agent.
For accommodation during transit you, the client pays for one (1) night’s accommodation for Jules Cruise Companion for each day of travel that is greater than 12 hours in 24 hour period (including ground transport, airport pre-boarding, flights etc.) Accommodation in transit will be in a reasonable hotel.
Q: Where does the Cruise Companion sleep while on a cruise assignment?
A: Cruise Companion’s accommodation will consist of a minimum of:
- Cruise accommodation – staterooms will be negotiated as to best fit the client’s needs. The client may choose a suite or 2 bedroom stateroom or adjoining staterooms, or a single stateroom with twin bed configurations,
- Private accommodation – a single private room with a minimum of shared hygiene facilities,
- Hotel accommodation – twin beds with private hygiene facilities, it will be in a reasonable hotel.
Q: How do I get to or from the airport and to and from the cruise terminal?
A: You, the client arrange ground transportation directly with a company or through a registered travel agent to take you from your home or hotel to the departure airport or cruise terminal.
Q: What happens if my flight is late?
A: Throughout the trip, the Jules Cruise Companion will be with you to support any travel changes such as flight delays. The Jules Cruise Companion will stay with you at all times. All of our Cruise Companions will give periodic cell phone or email updates to your designated friend or family member during the trip if requested. If your flight is cancelled or seriously delayed, we will assist you to make arrangements to deal with those changes.
Q: What do I do if I need a wheelchair at the airport or cruise terminal?
A: You, the Client or travel agent arranges with the cruise lines and the airline at the time of booking, if a wheelchair is required during board any ships or planes.
Q: Could Jules Cruise Companion accompany me throughout an entire vacation?
A: Yes. We can accompany you from your home, on the pre-cruise flight, on the entire cruise and return to your home on post-cruise flight.
Q: Why do I need to pay for a cruise companion?
A: Though we love spending time with clients and cruising, we take our job very seriously, Jules Cruise Companion is a business and even cruise companions have bills to pay.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Electronic funds transfer only into a designated bank account on the designated date as indicated in the Proposal.
Q: Where can a Jules Cruise Companion cruise?
A: Anywhere in the world except destinations that the Australian/United Kingdom/United States government has declared unsafe.
Q: How do I know that I will be in good hands?
A: Jules Cruise Companion is an experienced cruiser and air traveller who are fully insured. A mature, non-smoker, English speaking professional.
Q: How does the company ensure I am getting the best quality service from my Cruise Companion?
A: As I am a sole trader, I provide the companion service myself. As service demands increase, clients will be offered the service of an Independent Contractor, who has been extensively screened with very high hiring standards.
At the end of the assignment the Cruise Companion will remind you to complete a follow up electronic client feedback survey. We always encourage clients and their families to let us know if they are unhappy with our Cruise Companion in any way.
Q: Is Jules Cruise Companions licensed?
A: Our Company is registered to do business in Australia. We are not a licensed home health care company for that reason, we do not need a license. A license is only needed to provide medical and personal care services, which we do not provide. We provide companion services only.
Q: Is Jules Cruise Companion Director registered?
A: Yes, our Company Director is registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) as a Registered Nurse and is located in Queensland, Australia.
Q: Are Cruise Companions Registered Nurses?
A: No, Jules Cruise Companion offers companion services for people who want to cruise. However, it does so happen that some of our independent contractors engaged as Cruise Companions do have these qualifications in their background and we view these qualifications as positive. Other Cruise Companions are ex-cruise employees or well-traveled cruisers.
Q: What qualifications do you look for in a Cruise Companion? Do they have training?
A: First and foremost, we are people who care and enjoy serving others. We are identified as honest, reliable, mature and personable. We are experienced (personally and/or professionally) caring for older adults and people with disabilities. We have the ability to excel at performing our core services, socialization, travel coordination, transportation, event planning, laundry, etc., are important qualifications. All independent contractors must participate in a comprehensive orientation to Jules Cruise Companion. Each new independent contractor must complete a pre-employment orientation program that covers care giving practices, safety, and company policies. Some of the qualities we look for in potential Cruise Companions include character, style, empathy, and reliability and detail orientation. All Cruise Companion Independent Contractors must also complete our pre-employment orientation program before they are placed with a client.
Q: How do you screen your Cruise Companions?
A: We take reasonable steps to screen our independent contractors. We conduct at least 4 references including at least 2 professional references. You are welcome to run a national criminal background check based on state and county criminal records or check their driver’s record.
Q: How do you determine which Cruise Companion to assign to me?
A: As the principle of the service, I will be assigned to you for your cruise and travel. If I am unavailable because I am on a cruise assignment, we could firstly negotiate a change of travel dates. If dates clash or you cannot change your cruise dates and as service demands increase, clients will be offered the service of an Independent Contractor from a pool of people with similar qualifications and travel experience.
Q: Can I interview Cruise Companions before I agree to a cruise/travel assignment?
A: As a small business, it is not our normal process to have clients or their family members interview me, the Cruise Companion, but this is not a hard and fast rule. We do get to know each other via email and potently phone calls (Skype or Messenger) during the process of negotiating the Service. Frankly, I find that simply beginning service and trying out the relationship is the best way to determine whether the match between companion and client will work.
Q: What happens if I don’t like the person assigned to me as my Cruise Companion?
A: We understand that the ‘chemistry’ is important in providing a Cruise Companion service and we want you to be totally comfortable with your Cruise Companion. As I am the principle Cruise Companion, every effort will be made to come to a professional and reasonable conclusion using open communication, non-judgmental frame of reference and co-operation. Both parties have to take responsibility for reaching an amenable outcome. Once an assignment has commenced you cannot change Cruise Companions, and like mature people we will work through any issues.
Q: Does the Cruise Companion have to eat with me?
A: No, while on a cruise there is no obligation that you have to eat your meals in the company of the Cruise Companion. While in transit to a cruise there is no obligation that you have to eat your meals in the company of the Cruise Companion, but you are obligated to supply them with a meal/money for a meal/pay for their meals. However, if you prefer to enjoy a meal together, you may feel free to ask our Cruise Companion to join you.
Q: Do you provide medical assistance?
A: No, although I and some of the Independent Contractors are qualified nurses, in the capacity of Jules Cruise Companion we cannot provide medical assistance. We will provide reasonable effort to obtain the medical assistance you require.
Q: Does Jules Cruise Companion provide oxygen if it is medically necessary for the patient?
A: No, Jules Cruise Companion does not provide a companion service for clients requiring oxygen therapy.
Q: Can a Cruise Companion give a client their medication?
A: No, but we can help a lot in ensuring medications are taken properly, especially over different time zones. We can provide medication reminders, coaching and encouragement. We can notify interested parties if a client has not properly taken medications. We can pick up medication from the store with you days before the cruise. We can report if any other problems arise with medication compliance.
Q: Do you provide ‘hands on’ personal care like bathing, toileting, dressing and personal grooming?
A: No. However, we can provide some assistance to clients to accomplish these tasks themselves, to make it easier and safer for them. Some examples: ‘stand by’ assist for walking and showering to reduce the risk of falling; clients can lean on our extended arms when getting up or sitting down; prepare the bathroom for safety; hand clients items in their bathing and toileting; assist with socks and shoes. In cases of early dementia, we can provide prompting, coaching and encouragement for people who are physically able but require guidance.
Q: What happens if I fall sick while on my way to the cruise or on a cruise?
Before the assignment we will work with you to formulate an Emergency Plan. While on an assignment, if medical assistance is required for the client, the Cruise Companion will notify the nearest medical facility or hospital, by calling an ambulance or first responder, Ships Doctor or airline personnel. If the client is to be admitted to a hospital, the Cruise Companion will escort the client to the hospital and give regular reports to designated family contact.
Q: Does Jules Cruise Companion provide home-to-home service?
A: Yes, Jules Cruise Companion will escort the client from their home back home or to the cruise location.
Q: Whose vehicle is used for any transportation?
A: If you have transport, the Cruise Companion may be able to use the vehicle while in the preparation and conclusion phase of the assignment.
Q: Can I make changes in the service if something comes up?
A: Potentially, with negotiation. We ask for as much notice as possible of any itinerary changes. We also fully understand that some situations of care are unpredictable and require last minute changes. We also understand that clients’ care needs change over time and service requirements may change, too. Of course, the more notice we have about schedule changes, the better.
Q: How can I cancel the service?
A: In the event of a cancellation by the client, of a cruise assignment that has been agreed on, the client WILL STILL BE LIABLE to pay our fees to reach the client, or the point of the meeting.
If a Client cancels the assignment after the Proposal has been signed and more than three months will forfeit 100% of the service fee.
If a Client cancels the assignment after the Proposal has been signed and less than three months will forfeit 100% of the service fee and 1 week’s rate of the Cruise Companion.
If a Client cancels the assignment after the Proposal has been signed and less than one month will forfeit 100% of the service fee and 2 week’s rate of the Cruise Companion.
If the client is unable to cancel the overall travel arrangements, the cruise companion will travel alone. See full Terms & Conditions and Fee, Rates, Expenses & Payments Schedule.
Q: Am I required, or permitted, to give gratuities or gifts to the Cruise Companion?
A: No.
Q: Do you have insurance?
A: Yes, Public Liability Insurance
Q: Does Jules Cruise Companion provide professional liability insurance for their clinical independent contractors and independent contractors?
A: No, all independent contractors responsible for their own insurance.
Q: Does the Cruise Companion have travel insurance if they are injured in my home or any part of the cruise, flight or ground transportation?
A: Yes. Cruise Companions (Independent Contractors) cover their own travel insurance in case injuries while in the clients’ homes or elsewhere.
Q: Does Jules Cruise Companion provide Worker’s Compensation?
A: Jules Cruise Companion Pty Ltd is not the employer therefore there is no coverage for Worker’s Compensation.
Q: Cell phone access overseas?
A: Check with you cell phone provider, it could cost you a lot of money using your service overseas. Turn off the International Roaming feature.
Q: I am interested in joining your team. Are you hiring?
A: We are always interested in growing our Independent Contractor team. If you have an excellent background in the healthcare or cruise or travel industries, I want to talk with you. Please contact me and we will talk with you to see if being a Cruise Companions is right for you.