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cruise Travel Tips and Tricks
How can I get the best Value? Book your cruise early to get the best value If you are cruising alone, there is a single supplement to consider which usually ranges between 10% to 100% of the per person rate. Some cruise lines may also offer a roommate program which may help to avoid the single supplement. Repositioning cruises may be a great deal! When a cruise line moves from one region to another between seasons, you may find a great bargain there. If your vacation dates are flexible, often times you will find better rates in the off season so book your trip for then. A quick three or four day cruise is a great way for first time cruisers to experience a vacation at sea. It is also a quick and inexpensive way to relax and rejuvenate!
What type of accommodations should I book? Book a cabin in the middle of the ship if you are concerned about getting sea sick. These cabins will have the least amount of movement. Inside cabins do not have windows and are the lease expensive cabin type. Outside cabins will either have a porthole or window, the higher categories have balconies. Avoid cabins near the ship's laundry, galley or entertainment venues. They tend to be noisier than others. If you have special needs, make sure the cruise line can accommodate those needs before you book your vacation A suite typically has a separate bedroom, living room and bathroom and are the most expensive cabin type. All cruise lines have varying definitions of what a suite is. Make sure you know what kind of suite you are getting before you book.
What are the amenities? Most ships now have wireless internet cafe so you can stay connected while onboard. If you have a special event to celebrate while onboard, most cruise lines can assist you with this! Most cruise lines offer pre and post package options or your travel agent can arrange these as well. Get the most from your cruise by combining a land package with your cruise. Elan Travel may offer exclusive amenities and savings on many different sailings. Amenities may include shipboard credit, complimentary shore excursion and more!
Ships and kids, what to consider? When traveling with children, check the ships demographics to make sure you've selected a ship that is right for you. Check to see what type of children's programs the ship offers, kids clubs keep your little ones safe and entertained Short cruises, weekend cruises, and cruises during school breaks tend to draw younger passengers. Click here to see some different cruise line highlights for families
What kind of ship is right for me? Small ships are good for an intimate environment and has highly personalized service and unique itineraries. Medium size ships have onboard activity and entertainment but without the mass amount of people. Large ships feature a variety of entertainment options and plenty of new friends.
Other considerations? For optimal relaxation, choose a cruise that has an equal number of port days and sea days.
Getting Ready for your Cruise
What do I need to do before I go? Gather correct identification. Most trips will now or soon require a passport. If you have any dietary needs, let the cruise line know 60 days prior to departure. Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, credit cards, travelers cheques or any other import documentation you may bring. Leave the copies with a family member or friend back home. Also leave the ship contact information in case of emergency. Make sure you have proper immunizations if you a traveling to an exotic foreign port. You may need to bring proof of immunizations. If you suffer from motion sickness, make sure to discuss with your doctor prior to leaving. He may recommend a prescription or over the counter motion sickness medications. Set up a web based email account prior to departure so you can email friends and family easily while onboard. Reconfirm flights 24 hours before departure. Make sure to bring a brief medical history written by your doctor if you have an ongoing medical condition. Make sure to do over travel documents to verify all information is correct. If you book "cruise only" you a responsible for getting to the pier on time for check in. Elan Travel always recommends arriving a least a day early to avoid possible delays. Make sure to arrive at the airport and at the cruise pier in plenty of time. Security procedures can be very involved and cause delays. Save time at the pier by filling out your personal information on-line. Most cruise lines offer this convenience. Don't purchase duty-free liquor onboard with the expectation to drink it then. It is confiscated until the last day of the cruise. Make sure to study the ports you are visiting. It will give you on ideas on what to do when you get there. If you want to learn to scuba dive, do so at a local dive center before you go. That way you can spend you vacation scuba diving, not studying.
What Should I pack? Life onboard is usually casual, pack for comfort. Make sure to bring appropriate footwear. Some cruise travel through different climates, pack accordingly. Bring work out clothes if you plan on using the gym onboard. Bring a sweater, rain gear and hat even if traveling to a warm destination. Most cruise lines have dress codes for dining rooms. Usually it ok to wear shorts and t-shirts to casual dining venues such as the pizzeria or buffet. In the dining room though, the dress code can range from casual to formal. Casual means anything but t-shirts, jeans and shorts. Informal means business casual, women may wear dresses or pantsuits while men may wear jackets. Formal means women should wear cocktail dresses and men should wear suits or tuxedos. Most cruise lines will offer formal wear rentals for men, and sometimes women. Almost all ships have a laundry service or some have a laundry room where you can wash your clothes. Don't forget the sunscreen and sunglasses. Camera, extra film/memory cards, batteries, charger etc... Don't pack important things like documents, electronics and medications. Put those in your carry on. Make sure to write a list of your prescriptions and dosages, in case they get lost. Make sure to pack enough medication for your entire journey. Try not to bring large amounts of cash, use travelers cheques and credit cards instead.
Luggage Use hard sided luggage, your packed items will be safer. Garment bags that have hanger hooks outside the bag may get caught and do damage. Put a business card or personal information inside the luggage as well as on the outside.
On the Cruise!
On your Cruise Don't panic if you luggage does not arrive at your room right away. It may take a few hours depending upon how many people are onboard. Walkie talkies are a great way for families to keep in touch onboard. Plan to spend an average of $10 - $15 dollars a day on tips. Additional tips may be required as you feel necessary. If you are a soda drinker, consider purchasing an "unlimited soft drink" cup. Most ships offer this money saving investment. Don't hesitate to ask the cruise staff any questions. Most of them have visited the ports you are stopping at many times! They may have a wealth of information to share with you. Double check you bills. Many cruise lines automatically add a 15% gratuity already making tipping unnecessary. Take advantage of the in-room safe if you have one, don't leave valuable lying about in the open. Make sure to learn the exit route from your cabin to open deck in case of emergency. Make sure to sign up for activities, spa or salon appointments early to avoid disappointment later. If you have issues with your cabin, report them to your room steward immediately. Not all ships may offer tables for two, but if it is your preference, please request it when being seated. Some cruise lines may provide deck plans, carry them with you until you are familiarized with the ship. Items usually not included in the cruise fare are alcoholic beverage, soft drinks, laundry, phone calls and gambling. Most ships have shopping onboard. It may be wise to wait to purchase anything until the last day as most ships will have a sale.
Shore Excursions Shore excursions can book up fast, please book in advance. If you have not before you departed, you may want to do so as soon as you get onboard. Prices can vary on shore excursions. Make sure to budget accordingly. Not all shore excursions are suited for all individuals. Physically challenged or elderly individuals should review shore excursions for accessibility. Realize that exploring on your own may result in you not being covered by the ship's insurance. You may want to check the ship's policy beforehand. You are not obligated to take an organized shore excursion, there are other tour operators that may offer private shore excursions or you may explore on your own. If you explore on your own, make sure to keep an eye on the time. If you miss the ship, you will have to meet it at the next port and at your own expense. Always bring identification on a shore excursion. Bring a photocopy of your passport as well. Don't bring valuables, excess cash or unneeded credit cards on shore with you.
Disembarkation Double check the bill for accuracy at the end of your cruise. If your cruise is less than satisfactory, inform a cruise line representative immediately and your travel agent upon your return. |
