Frequently Asked Questions

How it works

What information do you need from me to make my map?

When you are ordering your custom map, we need the following information to make sure we get exactly the right cruise:
• The name of the ship you sailed on.
• The names of the ports where you started and finished your cruise.
• The actual dates of your cruise.

If these details were different in any way from the planned itinerary, please use the actual ports and dates of your embarkation and disembarkation.

If you have any difficulties entering this information, please contact hello@thecruisemaps.com

How do you know the exact route that I took on my cruise?

We use the latest AIS satellite ship tracking technology to get a position report for your ship every 15 minutes for the dates you were travelling. This allows us to then create an extremely accurate track on your Cruise Map. If your map isn't completely accurate, you'll get a full refund.

How far back does your data go? Can I order a map for a cruise that I went on years ago?

AIS satellite ship-tracking data is only reliable from 2015 onwards, so we can make 100% accurate maps showing the exact route of any cruise from January 2015.

If your cruising history starts before then, we would love to help you complete your collection manually where possible! Please email hello@thecruisemaps.com for more details.

Can I order a map for a future cruise?

Yes! You can pre-order a map for any cruise up to two years in advance which will then be created and delivered to you after your cruise finishes. All of our maps are made using AIS satellite tracking data - they show where the cruise actually went - so they can only be created after the cruise.

What is included on my map?

Are ports of call and place names shown on the maps?

As standard for our ocean cruise maps, we include a written port label for every port that you stopped at on your cruise. This is very specifically only actual cruise ports, rather than every inlet, bay or cove that the ship may have visited. This distinction is most relevant to consider for expedition cruise maps. General place names (outside of your cruise route) aren't shown on ocean cruise maps because we felt it would clutter the design too much and make it less attractive on your wall!

On river cruise maps, we include both port labels and some place names. This is to provide gentle context in the absence of coastlines.

How can I customise my map? Can you mark special locations?

On every map, you have the option to add a completely personalised title.

We can also mark special occasions along the route, or add additional labels to port markers. We often get requests from customers who have got engaged, renewed their wedding vows or had a special birthday on a cruise. If you let us know the event and the exact time (and time-zone) or location (GPS coordinates) by email (hello@thecruisemaps.com) when you book your order, we'll include it in your map.

Product quality

What type of paper do you use for the maps?

We use FSC-certified 200gsm museum quality paper. This gives an ultra-durable matte finish to the map.

What frames do you use for the prints?

All of our wooden frames are made from sustainably-sourced pine with an choice of finishes: Classic Black, Natural Wood or Crisp White. Durable clear plexiglass covers the map, and framers tape is used on the back of the frame to provide a dust-proof seal.

What materials is The Cruise Album made of?

The album is designed to display 25 'Album Size' (A4) cruise maps (sold separately) in archival-quality sleeves. Every part of this album was designed and crafted by hand in the UK.

Product Quality Details:

  • A4 size post-screw binder
  • Buckram cloth cover
  • Brass fixtures
  • Logo debossed with gold foil
  • 25 archival quality plastic sleeves

Orders & Shipping

Can I see a preview of my map?

Every single map that is ordered undergoes a manual check of the AIS satellite ship-tracking data to confirm and resolve any imperfections in the vast dataset.

You can request a digital proof of your map once you’ve ordered, by replying to your order confirmation email. Once you confirm you’re happy with your map(s), we will print and send them to you.

We offer a 100% accuracy guarantee on all of our maps. In the very unlikely event of an error, we will issue a corrected reprint at our expense, or provide a full refund.

You can also preview the exact routes of your entire cruise history on our digital platform - www.thecruiseglobe.com.

Should I get a portrait or landscape print?

We carefully position every custom map so that it fits nicely in the frame, regardless of orientation. We give you the option to choose between landscape or portrait if you have a specific preference, or "Whichever Looks Best" if you're not sure! If you leave the decision to us, we will chose the orientation in which the route fills most of the page.

If you’re buying maps to fill your Cruise Album, it is worth considering that the album is landscape so if you do not want to rotate your album to view portrait maps, we recommend specifying the landscape orientation for all your Album Size maps.

We always check every print before we make it, and we'll always let you know if we think it would look better in a different orientation!

Can you map multiple cruises on one print?

We can only map multiple cruises on one print if the cruises in question were on the same ship and back-to-back (the second cruise started where and when the first cruise ended). When testing, we have found that the large scale that would be required to fit multiple cruises on one map, would mean the finer details of the individual routes would be lost.

We offer a special deal for customers looking to print their entire cruise history - see our Starter Bundle for more information.

To view all your cruises in one place digitally, create an account on our platform for free at www.thecruiseglobe.com.

Can I get a discount for ordering multiple maps?

We offer a 15% discount when you buy two or more maps. This discount applies automatically in cart.

We also offer a Starter Bundle for customers looking to collect their cruise history in our Cruise Album.

  • Get 50% off The Cruise Album when you buy any three (or more) Album Size maps.
  • Get The Cruise Album FREE when you buy five or more Album Size maps.

If you’re looking to place a larger order, please contact us (hello@thecruisemaps.com) for custom pricing.

Where do you ship to?

Everywhere! We ship globally, for free.

How much does it cost for shipping?

Shipping is completely free of charge, globally.

How long will my order take to arrive?

As with any fully bespoke product, we make each map individually to order. We take special care to ensure the accuracy and quality of your map. We aim to create maps within 3 business days from when you place your order. (This does not include pre-ordered maps which will be made in the 3 business days following the end of your cruise.) It then takes a further 3 business days for your map to be printed (and framed), and undergo final quality assurance checks in one of our expert facilities before being dispatched.

Shipping times vary significantly based on your location. In the UK/Europe/North America, it can be as quick as 3 business days. You will receive a shipment confirmation email as soon as your map is dispatched, with a tracking link where you will be able to find more information about your delivery.

Policies

How do you secure my credit card details?

We use Shopify Payments to handle all transactions, using a certified, secure encryption, and we do not store these details ourselves. As such, there’s no risk from The Cruise Maps.

Do you offer returns or refunds?

Unfortunately, given that our prints are so highly customised for each customer, we do not offer returns. In the rare event that you have issues with the quality of your print or if there are any mistakes in the route, please send us an email (hello@thecruisemaps.com) and we’ll make sure to make things right.

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