Cruising Tips

Cruising May Be Perfect Vacation

Whether you are looking for a new adventure or family friendly and relatively hassle-free vacation idea, cruising just may be the perfect vacation.

Imagine comfortable space, excellent food, entertainment on the ship, bars, movies, onboard shopping, gym, spa, pools, shore excursions and an easy way to see several countries and discover local culture, while you only have to unpack once. But with so many different lines, ships and destinations, the choices can be overwhelming. So, if you've never taken a cruise before, where do you start? What you need to know?

If this is going to be your first cruising experience, you may benefit from our tips.

CRUISING TIPS:

• If you are first time cruiser, it's important to have your budget in mind before you start looking for your cruise.
• Consult a travel expert (cruise specialist) who can help you sort through all the options and help you get the most bang for your buck. Many travel agents can offer discounts and additional perks that you might not be able to get if you are booking online or directly through the cruise line.
• Three to five night cruises are good start for first-timers to get acquainted with this type of travel. This way you will get a good mix of on-ship and in-port time for reasonable price.
• If you plan cruising with kids, consult your cruise specialist for nanny programs, youth centres and other fun for kids before your trip and plan ahead.
• Get travel insurance. It 's money well spent if flight delays, weather or other unforeseen circumstances prevent you from making your cruise.
• If you are senior, ask if the cruise line offers discounts for seniors, kids, or repeat cruisers. Many do.
• Make sure you know upfront what's included and what's not in your cruise, as it's easy to finish with big bill by the end of your cruise if you're not informed or not paying attention.
• To prevent overspending, track your onboard account every day. Also don't forget to take advantage of ship's specials.
• Choose your stateroom carefully. If you don't like noise, you probably don't want to be underneath the ship's entertainment area or next to elevator.
• Theme restaurants usually have surcharge and dressing up may be mandatory on formal nights. It is good to consult your cruise specialist about details before your trip.
• Expect to pay gratuities per person (about US $ 12 to $18) per day. Many cruise lines allow you to pay a flat fee at the beginning or end of the cruise.
• Keep in mind that alcoholic drinks and soft drinks cost extra, but basic beverages like coffee and tea are usually free. Also, free snacks are always available on most cruises.
• Make sure you have carry-on with your medications, toiletries, change of clothes and swimsuit in case your luggage gets to your stateroom late.
• Bring some stomach settling remedies should the high seas become high. Despite ship's stabilizers, some people or kids might find the rocking and rolling a bit disconcerting.
• Take some elegant clothes for all family members (including kids), for special events and captain's cocktail reception.
• Learn about the regions and countries you'll be visiting. Buy guidebooks and plan ahead what you want to do or visit on your shore excursions.
• Try to arrive at the port of embarkation the day before departure to avoid stress. That way you will be relaxed and you won't miss your cruise if your flight is delayed a few hours.
• Have your passport and ticket ready for the ship's representative.
• It takes a little bit longer for registering process and picture to be taken just to get on board, but it will be worthwhile when you receive magical cruise ship key card. Cruise ship key card will be the only identification needed when boarding and leaving the ship during your cruise.
• Book shore excursions as soon as you board - there is always rush for new experiences and interesting adventures.
• Always book long shore excursions or risky excursions through the cruise line. That way you know that the ship is going to wait for your group in case the tour returns late.
• Check onboard shopping prices before you leave the ship and decide to shop in local ports, you may save some money that way.
• What usually cost extra on most cruises: airfare to and from embarkation port, shore excursions, spa treatments, alcohol and soft drinks, gratuities, laundry services, theme restaurants, gambling, and some recreational activities.
• Before you leave the ship, set scheduled meeting places and times.