Posted by admin | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 08-02-2009
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first time cruiser, especially if you’re a first time cruiser, these tips will go a long way to ensure that your cruise experience is everything it should be.
1. Go In A Day Early: Unless you live within two or three hours of the pier, it’s advisable to spend the night before your departure at a hotel close to the pier. That way you take away the risk of missing the ship and you eliminate the stress that goes along with delayed or canceled flights or auto mechanical problems. You’ll wake up refreshed and be able to truly enjoy the first day of your cruise instead of being exhausted from traveling all day. It’s well worth the price of the hotel. (If you’re driving, be sure to get a hotel that allows free parking. With what the cruise lines are charging for parking these days, it can almost pay for the price of a hotel).
2. Inside Or Outside Room: Rooms on board the ship come in many different shapes, sizes, and locations, some even include a balcony. Your budget will dictate for a large part the type of room you choose. For the claustrophobic person, inside rooms with no windows may present a bit of a problem.
3. Location Of The Room: The location of the room, meaning the front, middle, or the back of the ship, can make a difference in the amount of movement you experience while in your room. If you suffer from sea sickness, you’ll do much better if you book a room towards the middle. The same is true for choosing a room lower in the boat as opposed to on one of the higher levels. To be safe, pack Dramamine.
4. Carry-On Luggage: A porter will greet you at the pier before you check in and take your luggage. Most people will turn over every bag they have and then go on their merry way to check in. A wiser plan would be to have each person carry on a small bag. This bag should contain one set of clothing for each of the following:
- Casual, such as shorts and a top.
- Swimwear and appropriate footwear.
- Evening wear suitable for dinner.
- A small variety of toiletries that would enable you to freshen up, such as deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and hairspray.
Although it’s not common, occasionally luggage on the way to rooms is lost. A small carry-on will at least make it possible for you to function while on your cruise. Also, sometimes your luggage is not delivered to your room until after you are already at dinner.
5. Shore Excursions: The cruise ship will offer you rates for excursions at each of your destinations. Excursions will range from guided tours to scuba diving to swimming with dolphins. A service charge has been added by the ship to each package, and almost every excursion can be purchased much cheaper on shore when you reach your destination. An added side note to this, however, is that if you book your shore excursion on your own, be certain it ends in plenty of time for you to return to the ship before it sets sale. While booking the excursion on your own usually saves you quite a bit of money, if something goes wrong and you’re late getting back to the ship, it will set sail without you. If you’ve booked your excursion through the cruise line and the excursion arrives back late, the ship will wait on you and the others in your group, so the extra money you spend for the excursion does come with some peace of mind.
6. Soft Drink Cards: Although the price of your cruise includes all of your food, soft drinks are extra. Buying individual cokes can be quite expensive, but the ship does offer a way to save you money on pop. Soft drink cards may be purchased at the beginning of the cruise. They generally run around $30, and for that you’ll be able to drink all the pop you want.
7.Credit Cards: Be sure you have a credit card for check-in. The card must be in your name and have available credit. A hold will be placed on the card for any incidental expenses you incur during the cruise. If you do not have a credit card, most cruise lines will allow you to place a cash deposit at check-in, but it’s best to check with the cruise line ahead of time to confirm their policy.
Follow these simple tips and you’re sure to have a more rewarding experience. Good luck.
