Cruise travel is a fantastic way to explore the world and you may find yourself a cruise enthusiast after your first taste of the luxury. But there are a few details that don't show up in the brochures that most first-timers on a cruise travel deal have to learn the hard way. Here is a list of those dіrty little secrets that you need to know to make sure that you enjoy your cruise and don't overspend your budget.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
1) Yes, it's trite, but in the case of cruise travel deals it is especially true. One sneaky way to get people onboard is to offer low-priced come-on fares that seem too good to be true. Well, often that is the case. Generally speaking, fares that are higher tend to include more. The flip side is that the so-called cruise travel deals may offer a low price fare, but then nickel and dime you to death so that you haven't saved anything at all.
2) Hidden costs and onboard charges are where the cruise lines make a big chunk of their revenue, so travelers must be aware of what is included and what is not. Below are some examples of the "ala carte" payment system common to many cruise travel deals:
3) Anything you buy onboard will be at least 25% more expensive than you would expect to pay on land. A $6 bottle of suntan lotion will likely run $10 or even more. So whether it's impulse buying in the gift shop or grabbing items that your husband forgot to pack, expect it to be overpriced. You are a captive audience and can't go down the street to another store if prices are too high. The list of items in this category is long but things like alcohol, lattes, hair cuts, sodas, dry cleaning, toothpaste, suntan lotion, swimsuits, etc are on the short list.
In addition, every cruise makes it very easy for you to spend via charges to your room tab. There isn't the emotional moment of pain when you ask yourself, "do I really need this?" like you might if you had to pull out your credit card first.
4) Also expect a few cleverly hidden charges before you ever get onboard the cruise ship. Unexpected fees that were not clearly spelled out in the advertised cruise travel deals can include port taxes, fuel surcharges, and mandatory tips.
5) In addition, the cruise line or vendor will try to sell you on package airfare, airport transfers, and "luggage service" that can be had at a better price elsewhere. At this point your $400 cruise travel deal is starting to approach $1500 and you haven't even left home yet.
6) The heavily advertised cruise travel deals are often for the least desirable accommodations onboard. Expect rooms near the noisy engine, inside with no windows, at either end of boat where it gets rough, and even below sea level. Check before you book, so you at least know what you're getting. It doesn't hurt to inquire about what a more desirable room would cost - you may be pleasantly surprised.
Take an hour and do a little research before you book your next cruise travel deal. You will not regret that small time investment. Make sure you know exactly what is included, what will cost extra, and when and how each cost is assessed. It's a lot easier to save in advance than it is to try to pay off an unexpected $2000 credit card bill after your trip for the cruise travel deals you saw advertised at just $349 per person. Or was that a cruise travel "steal"?
Read also
Cruise Vacations with Small Children: Tips for All-Family Fun
Tips How To Get the Best Cruise Deals
The Pros and Cons of Cruise Travel
Five Simple Steps To Book A Cruise Online
4 Impotant Issues When Planning a Caribbean Cruise
By CJ Anderson
Showing posts with label Cruise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cruise. Show all posts
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Disney World Cruises
More people are going on cruises. 
If you think that this is just for couples, think again because Disney World cruises promises to make this a fun filled vacation for the entire family.
Disney world cruises set sail to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. Since these destinations are quite close to the mainland, most of these last for just a few days.
Most packages last 8 days and 7 nights with the first 3 days at the amusement park before you get to board the ship. Those who want to stay longer can avail either of the Mediterranean or transatlantic adventures as well.
Unlike other cruises liners, Disney World is quite new in the business and they only have 2 vessels. These are namely the Wonder and the Magic. Both of these have similar features and amenities on board that can hold 2400 guests each. There are plans to add two more ships to the fleet that can hold about 4,000 passengers by 2011 or 2012.
Each night on board one of these ships promise to be different because guests will experience a rotational dining system. This means you will get to eat in one of three dining rooms nightly while most only offer this in one large room.
Meals are already included in the package so the only thing you have to spend for will be drinks. You can avoid this by bringing some on board for the entire trip.
Despite the large number of passengers, you will notice that the state rooms and suites are not cramp making it possible to hold 5 passengers.
There are many things to do on board and to help you out, they have counselors that plan games and other activities. For those who want to spend some time away from the kids, you can ask the crew to assign someone to babysit them.
Given the popularity of Disney World cruises, customers are advised to book their trip at least 6 months in advance. On the day of your departure, make sure you are there at least 2 hours before because they make it a point to leave on time. If you miss your boat, they will try to make arrangements for you to meet up at the port where the ship will be docking. Should there be weather problems, the trip will be rescheduled at a later date.
One thing you should keep in mind when you go for a Disney World cruise or any other is to bring your passport. You are leaving US territory and you have to show this to the customs agent when you make a port call.
Source
If you think that this is just for couples, think again because Disney World cruises promises to make this a fun filled vacation for the entire family.Disney world cruises set sail to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico. Since these destinations are quite close to the mainland, most of these last for just a few days.
Most packages last 8 days and 7 nights with the first 3 days at the amusement park before you get to board the ship. Those who want to stay longer can avail either of the Mediterranean or transatlantic adventures as well.
Unlike other cruises liners, Disney World is quite new in the business and they only have 2 vessels. These are namely the Wonder and the Magic. Both of these have similar features and amenities on board that can hold 2400 guests each. There are plans to add two more ships to the fleet that can hold about 4,000 passengers by 2011 or 2012.
Each night on board one of these ships promise to be different because guests will experience a rotational dining system. This means you will get to eat in one of three dining rooms nightly while most only offer this in one large room.
Meals are already included in the package so the only thing you have to spend for will be drinks. You can avoid this by bringing some on board for the entire trip.
Despite the large number of passengers, you will notice that the state rooms and suites are not cramp making it possible to hold 5 passengers.
There are many things to do on board and to help you out, they have counselors that plan games and other activities. For those who want to spend some time away from the kids, you can ask the crew to assign someone to babysit them.
Given the popularity of Disney World cruises, customers are advised to book their trip at least 6 months in advance. On the day of your departure, make sure you are there at least 2 hours before because they make it a point to leave on time. If you miss your boat, they will try to make arrangements for you to meet up at the port where the ship will be docking. Should there be weather problems, the trip will be rescheduled at a later date.
One thing you should keep in mind when you go for a Disney World cruise or any other is to bring your passport. You are leaving US territory and you have to show this to the customs agent when you make a port call.
Source
Tips How To Get the Best Cruise Deals
If you are looking for a change from your daily busy lifestyle, then you should plan to spend your holidays on cruise. It is true that getting a best cruise deal can often be a difficult task. However, if you know where to look for sales and discounts, getting the best good cruise deal won't be tough.
If you search on the internet then you will be able to get some travel sites, which are great ways to find the best cruise deals. You should know that the competition amongst the many cruise line companies is increasing each and everyday. Therefore, the chances of getting a discounted cruise deals will increase every day.
Exploring the travel sites will allow you to get all the information about the cruise packages. Try to explore at least four to five travel sites that offer cruise deals. You should be aware of all the options that each different package offers. At the same time, you will be able to check and compare more prices on these packages as well. This will allow you to choose the right package for your budget, which can help you to enjoy your holidays worry-free.
Another option is to visit the office of a travel agent. Most of the travel agents are eagerly waiting for customers, and are offering great incentives to buy cruise packages. You should not try to finalize the deal in the first meeting. Try to meet different travel agents and compare prices.
If you are willing to spend time planning your vacation, then you should try to discuss it with your travel agent. You should know that most of the travel agents will create a package for you to fit your budget. Searching a cruise deals through a travel agent is a great way to shop.
You will be surprised know that travel agents will negotiate prices as well. If you don't agree to the price that they offer, then they will often settle for less than the original amount. Bargaining with the cruise companies or your travel agent is a smart way to get the best cruise deals.
Source
If you search on the internet then you will be able to get some travel sites, which are great ways to find the best cruise deals. You should know that the competition amongst the many cruise line companies is increasing each and everyday. Therefore, the chances of getting a discounted cruise deals will increase every day.
Exploring the travel sites will allow you to get all the information about the cruise packages. Try to explore at least four to five travel sites that offer cruise deals. You should be aware of all the options that each different package offers. At the same time, you will be able to check and compare more prices on these packages as well. This will allow you to choose the right package for your budget, which can help you to enjoy your holidays worry-free.
Another option is to visit the office of a travel agent. Most of the travel agents are eagerly waiting for customers, and are offering great incentives to buy cruise packages. You should not try to finalize the deal in the first meeting. Try to meet different travel agents and compare prices.
If you are willing to spend time planning your vacation, then you should try to discuss it with your travel agent. You should know that most of the travel agents will create a package for you to fit your budget. Searching a cruise deals through a travel agent is a great way to shop.
You will be surprised know that travel agents will negotiate prices as well. If you don't agree to the price that they offer, then they will often settle for less than the original amount. Bargaining with the cruise companies or your travel agent is a smart way to get the best cruise deals.
Source
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Pros and Cons of Cruise Travel
Cruises are a great way to have fun and travel. I've never heard anyone come back from a cruise and say that they had a bad time. Every always says that they had a wonderful time and tells many great stories about the trip. Cruises are a great idea for a family vacation since there are many activities, and children can't wonder off too far. If you're single, you can go on a singles cruise and easily meet someone.
Since you're not going to be the one behind the wheel, you can just sit back and enjoy yourself. They normally cost less than a beach trip and are much more adventurous. The costs of meals are normally included in the trip, so you don't have to worry about spending money at pricey restaurants. Cruises are a very safe way to travel, and unlike with flying, the coast guard is always their just in case. There's no doubt that cruises are fun for the whole family. If you're a big people person, taking a cruise is a great way to make a few new friends and talk to all kinds of interesting people. If you are a big fan of ocean life, a cruise is a great way for you to go as well. Chances are that you'll even spot a dolphin or a whale.
With cruises though, the saying "buyer beware" is pertinent. There have been lots of report's of females being raped on cruise ships and nothing being done by the company to take care of the situation. Another con is that you have to go by the cruise ships schedule and time allocations. Of coarse, there is the con of seasickness too, especially if you're out at sea for a week or more. You can take seasickness pills with you, but they won't be cheap. The best way to enjoy going on a cruise is to go on your own small ship, that way you go on your schedule and only have the weather to worry about as a risk factor. With your own ship, you can also make crusing a yearly event.
By Christina Armani
Since you're not going to be the one behind the wheel, you can just sit back and enjoy yourself. They normally cost less than a beach trip and are much more adventurous. The costs of meals are normally included in the trip, so you don't have to worry about spending money at pricey restaurants. Cruises are a very safe way to travel, and unlike with flying, the coast guard is always their just in case. There's no doubt that cruises are fun for the whole family. If you're a big people person, taking a cruise is a great way to make a few new friends and talk to all kinds of interesting people. If you are a big fan of ocean life, a cruise is a great way for you to go as well. Chances are that you'll even spot a dolphin or a whale.
With cruises though, the saying "buyer beware" is pertinent. There have been lots of report's of females being raped on cruise ships and nothing being done by the company to take care of the situation. Another con is that you have to go by the cruise ships schedule and time allocations. Of coarse, there is the con of seasickness too, especially if you're out at sea for a week or more. You can take seasickness pills with you, but they won't be cheap. The best way to enjoy going on a cruise is to go on your own small ship, that way you go on your schedule and only have the weather to worry about as a risk factor. With your own ship, you can also make crusing a yearly event.
By Christina Armani
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Cruise Ship Shopping: What the Cruise Companies Don't Tell You
Free diamond necklace! Free tanzanite earrings! Free emerald earrings! Free antique map of the Caribbean!
You will hear a lot of freebies being tossed around on a cruise ship shopping show. After five trips around the Caribbean, I decided to sit in on one of these shows. They are always lauded as the best way to "know-before-you-go" and offer coupons, discount cards and even a special cruise ship-shopping card good for all these freebies. But you know the old saying - if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
The Benefits
If you are looking for expensive gifts, such as fine jewelry or watches, definitely attend a shopping seminar. Most cruise shopping directors will offer you manager cards. If you are looking for something specific, say tanzanite, the director can give you the business card of a jeweler who will give you the best price. Managers work on volume, salespeople work on commission.
Some cruise lines offer guaranteed buying at certain stores. This essentially means if you buy it from a recommended store and it does not hold up to expectations, the cruise ship guarantees the purchase. And because the cruise ship does not want to be liable, the stores they guarantee are usually exceptional in their merchandise and service.
If your budget is not in the fine jewelry range, the shopping maps can still be very useful. I found them to be very helpful especially as they did not just contain the recommended stores. When in ports, you usually have limited time, so it is very nice to have an accurate map to follow.
Some of the freebies are worth getting. I took my coupon guide to several stores and picked up a free tote bag, lanyard, and lithograph of the island.
The Drawbacks
The shopping show was a very lengthy presentation about fine jewelry and watches. If you are a bargain hunter, like me, these are not the best ways to discover true deals. Take the maps and coupons, but do not tie yourself to the map and "approved" locations.
As I mentioned, I did take time to find the freebies. But beyond the tote and lithograph, the free jewelry was extremely disappointing. The shopping director mentioned that if you needed great gifts or beautiful souvenirs, grab the free jewelry offered by the "approved" stores.
The one that really caught my attention was the free yellow diamond necklace. The shopping director said it was a "great little necklace." That was a huge overstatement. Reality: it was a microscopic yellow chip super glued to a small silver disc on a plastic cord. I would not wear such a thing, let alone give it as a gift! The free tanzanite earrings were also microscopic and very pale lavender colored. (When looking for tanzanite, the deeper the color purple, the more valued it is.) This continued for most of the jewelers I stopped at.
You may wonder why I complain when it is free. Normally, I would not because expectations of free "fine" jewelry would have been in check. But after attending the shopping show on the ship, expectations get high because you have a well-spoken, well-dressed shopping expert telling you how wonderful these freebies are. They are simply a way for the stores to pull you in with the free offer and try to up-sell you on their products. It is a fine marketing tactic, but be wary of it.
Once I abandoned shopping at the "approved" locations, I found true deals. Another thing you will not hear from the cruise shopping director is that the stores who are on the "approved" list are higher priced and less likely to give you deals. Little Switzerland is not on the "approved" list, but it is a fantastic jewelry store with amazing deals. We have shopped at this chain all over the Caribbean and have yet to be disappointed either in the quality of their products, their service or prices. In fact, you can find Mont Blanc pens and beautiful gemstone jewelry in their clearance cases for up to 75% off the original prices.
Another store I discovered was Boolchand in St. Maarten. They have jewelry, watches, and electronics at low prices and are willing to negotiate with you.
If you are a brand new Caribbean cruiser, you may find the shopping show can be helpful. The shopping director will certainly be able to tell you what to look for in a beautiful tanzanite, blue diamond, Caribbean amber, alexandrite, et cetera. But do not take everything as gospel. You will find most stores in the Caribbean, "approved" or not, will have good quality items (if you know what you are looking for) and will give you a good deal.
By Carol Wilkins
You will hear a lot of freebies being tossed around on a cruise ship shopping show. After five trips around the Caribbean, I decided to sit in on one of these shows. They are always lauded as the best way to "know-before-you-go" and offer coupons, discount cards and even a special cruise ship-shopping card good for all these freebies. But you know the old saying - if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
The Benefits
If you are looking for expensive gifts, such as fine jewelry or watches, definitely attend a shopping seminar. Most cruise shopping directors will offer you manager cards. If you are looking for something specific, say tanzanite, the director can give you the business card of a jeweler who will give you the best price. Managers work on volume, salespeople work on commission.
Some cruise lines offer guaranteed buying at certain stores. This essentially means if you buy it from a recommended store and it does not hold up to expectations, the cruise ship guarantees the purchase. And because the cruise ship does not want to be liable, the stores they guarantee are usually exceptional in their merchandise and service.
If your budget is not in the fine jewelry range, the shopping maps can still be very useful. I found them to be very helpful especially as they did not just contain the recommended stores. When in ports, you usually have limited time, so it is very nice to have an accurate map to follow.
Some of the freebies are worth getting. I took my coupon guide to several stores and picked up a free tote bag, lanyard, and lithograph of the island.
The Drawbacks
The shopping show was a very lengthy presentation about fine jewelry and watches. If you are a bargain hunter, like me, these are not the best ways to discover true deals. Take the maps and coupons, but do not tie yourself to the map and "approved" locations.
As I mentioned, I did take time to find the freebies. But beyond the tote and lithograph, the free jewelry was extremely disappointing. The shopping director mentioned that if you needed great gifts or beautiful souvenirs, grab the free jewelry offered by the "approved" stores.
The one that really caught my attention was the free yellow diamond necklace. The shopping director said it was a "great little necklace." That was a huge overstatement. Reality: it was a microscopic yellow chip super glued to a small silver disc on a plastic cord. I would not wear such a thing, let alone give it as a gift! The free tanzanite earrings were also microscopic and very pale lavender colored. (When looking for tanzanite, the deeper the color purple, the more valued it is.) This continued for most of the jewelers I stopped at.
You may wonder why I complain when it is free. Normally, I would not because expectations of free "fine" jewelry would have been in check. But after attending the shopping show on the ship, expectations get high because you have a well-spoken, well-dressed shopping expert telling you how wonderful these freebies are. They are simply a way for the stores to pull you in with the free offer and try to up-sell you on their products. It is a fine marketing tactic, but be wary of it.
Once I abandoned shopping at the "approved" locations, I found true deals. Another thing you will not hear from the cruise shopping director is that the stores who are on the "approved" list are higher priced and less likely to give you deals. Little Switzerland is not on the "approved" list, but it is a fantastic jewelry store with amazing deals. We have shopped at this chain all over the Caribbean and have yet to be disappointed either in the quality of their products, their service or prices. In fact, you can find Mont Blanc pens and beautiful gemstone jewelry in their clearance cases for up to 75% off the original prices.
Another store I discovered was Boolchand in St. Maarten. They have jewelry, watches, and electronics at low prices and are willing to negotiate with you.
If you are a brand new Caribbean cruiser, you may find the shopping show can be helpful. The shopping director will certainly be able to tell you what to look for in a beautiful tanzanite, blue diamond, Caribbean amber, alexandrite, et cetera. But do not take everything as gospel. You will find most stores in the Caribbean, "approved" or not, will have good quality items (if you know what you are looking for) and will give you a good deal.
By Carol Wilkins
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Cruise Vacations with Small Children: Tips for All-Family Fun
Many of my fondest childhood memories stem from family vacations. Fighting with my brother and sister in the backseat of the car, or someone needing to stop and use the bathroom every five minutes. Well, most of the memories, though fond now, seem to be centered on long car rides.
My husband and I decided to avoid the car trip aspect- especially as our daughter is an only child and yet can still get into backseat fights with her stuffed birds. We went cruising. My husband and I are seasoned cruisers and figured we would have this trip under control. It was my daughter's first time on a ship and she was excited.
Here is what we learned from our experience:
Adjust Expectations.
I had a very clear picture about how vacation would run. Our daughter would enjoy her time with us. We would eat together in the dining room, enjoy a round of putt-putt, use the pool, and when she was ready, she could go to the children's program to play. What I did not count on was that she was off her normal schedule and when that happens, the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality of a three-year-old comes out.
Lesson learned. Attempt to keep the young ones as close to their normal schedule as possible. We had a time zone change to deal with in addition to late nights, early mornings, and lack of naps. With so much activity and fresh air, our daughter also became exhausted faster.
Cruises offer so many activities it is tempting to sign up for a lot. But when cruising with young ones, do take time in the day to go back to the stateroom and have some quiet time. It seemed to help when we did this because it also took us out of the way of the friendly crew members. Smiling and talking and being pleasant to so many strangers can be taxing on anyone, let alone a small child who is not used to it.
Take a Stroller.
Take a stroller with you even for the older preschoolers- four and five-year-olds. At three years old, our daughter had decided she was too old for strollers.
Thankfully, we omitted that from our already large luggage allowance. And we promptly regretted it as soon as we reached our first port-of-call.
As I mentioned previously, children wear out quickly in fresh air and lots of activities. My daughter needed a hug so I picked her up and as soon as she laid her head on my shoulder, she crashed. She is quite tall for her age and solid, so carrying her became awkward. This happened not just the one time but several more times during the trip. Even if you do not think you will need it, reconsider. We commiserated with several parents of Kindergarten-age children who were lugging their sleeping off-spring back to the ship.
Watch Blood Sugar Levels.
If your growing child is anything like ours, be sure to snack often. The wind, sun, sea air, port-of-call activities, et cetera can take a huge toll on children. They may have amazing stamina but also amazing lungs when hungry. Our daughter is a great kid but does not realize when she is hungry. She does not like to stop playing long enough to eat.
When cruising, take advantage of the always present food. Grab fruit to take back to your stateroom. Even the chocolates from the pillows are useful in restoring blood sugar long enough to quiet the child long enough to get a meal.
Take Advantage of Children's Programs.
Even if it is supposed to be "family vacation," do not feel guilty about dropping your child off for a couple hours at the children's program. Most cruise lines offer a fantastic kid's program run by professionals. If sailing with Royal Caribbean, the people in charge of the children are all college graduates with degrees in education. Most children enjoy playing with others their own age and we found it was a great activity for our daughter. Sometimes you need a little time apart and this is a great way to achieve that.
Whatever your plans for vacation, have a wonderful time!
By Carol Wilkins
My husband and I decided to avoid the car trip aspect- especially as our daughter is an only child and yet can still get into backseat fights with her stuffed birds. We went cruising. My husband and I are seasoned cruisers and figured we would have this trip under control. It was my daughter's first time on a ship and she was excited.
Here is what we learned from our experience:
Adjust Expectations.
I had a very clear picture about how vacation would run. Our daughter would enjoy her time with us. We would eat together in the dining room, enjoy a round of putt-putt, use the pool, and when she was ready, she could go to the children's program to play. What I did not count on was that she was off her normal schedule and when that happens, the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality of a three-year-old comes out.
Lesson learned. Attempt to keep the young ones as close to their normal schedule as possible. We had a time zone change to deal with in addition to late nights, early mornings, and lack of naps. With so much activity and fresh air, our daughter also became exhausted faster.
Cruises offer so many activities it is tempting to sign up for a lot. But when cruising with young ones, do take time in the day to go back to the stateroom and have some quiet time. It seemed to help when we did this because it also took us out of the way of the friendly crew members. Smiling and talking and being pleasant to so many strangers can be taxing on anyone, let alone a small child who is not used to it.
Take a Stroller.
Take a stroller with you even for the older preschoolers- four and five-year-olds. At three years old, our daughter had decided she was too old for strollers.
Thankfully, we omitted that from our already large luggage allowance. And we promptly regretted it as soon as we reached our first port-of-call.
As I mentioned previously, children wear out quickly in fresh air and lots of activities. My daughter needed a hug so I picked her up and as soon as she laid her head on my shoulder, she crashed. She is quite tall for her age and solid, so carrying her became awkward. This happened not just the one time but several more times during the trip. Even if you do not think you will need it, reconsider. We commiserated with several parents of Kindergarten-age children who were lugging their sleeping off-spring back to the ship.
Watch Blood Sugar Levels.
If your growing child is anything like ours, be sure to snack often. The wind, sun, sea air, port-of-call activities, et cetera can take a huge toll on children. They may have amazing stamina but also amazing lungs when hungry. Our daughter is a great kid but does not realize when she is hungry. She does not like to stop playing long enough to eat.
When cruising, take advantage of the always present food. Grab fruit to take back to your stateroom. Even the chocolates from the pillows are useful in restoring blood sugar long enough to quiet the child long enough to get a meal.
Take Advantage of Children's Programs.
Even if it is supposed to be "family vacation," do not feel guilty about dropping your child off for a couple hours at the children's program. Most cruise lines offer a fantastic kid's program run by professionals. If sailing with Royal Caribbean, the people in charge of the children are all college graduates with degrees in education. Most children enjoy playing with others their own age and we found it was a great activity for our daughter. Sometimes you need a little time apart and this is a great way to achieve that.
Whatever your plans for vacation, have a wonderful time!
By Carol Wilkins
Monday, June 2, 2008
Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship: Review and Tips to Enjoy Your Trip
The Caribbean Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, measuring more than 900 feet long with 900 balcony staterooms and a capacity of 3,100 passengers. On a ship so large, you're sure to stay busy with activities and amenities. You may even get lost! Don't forget your camera, because this may be a once-in-a-lifetime event for you. Here is what you can expect on your cruise on the Caribbean Princess.Embarkation
We began our vacation in our hometown of Pittsburgh PA, flying out of Pittsburgh International Airport at 8:10 am via US Air, to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Our flight was about 2 ½ hours long, and we landed around 10:30ish. This was my first flight, and I was so nervous. Once we landed, I thought it wasn't so bad and the nervousness went away. After landing, we went to baggage claim to get our luggage, and then we walked outside to find a taxi to take us to Port Everglades, the main ship port in Fort Lauderdale. The taxi ride from the airport was about 5 minutes. Once we got out of the taxi, a Princess Cruises worker took all of our tagged luggage, except for what we wanted to carry aboard. It was nice not having to lug everything around the port.
For our cruise, passengers were allowed to begin checking in at 12:30 pm. The brochure said 1:00, but I guess they let us on early. That gave us about 6 ½ hours aboard before the ship even left Port Everglades at 7 pm. We actually made the mistake of getting on too early, because then we were bored after a few hours. It was nice to be able to get through the whole embarkation process without waiting in many lines, but it would have been nice to explore Ft Lauderdale before we got aboard.
For embarkation, here's what you can expect. First, remember to have all of your cruise documents ready to show the officials. You'll go through several different lines before actually getting on the ship. The first line you go through will ask you for your passport or birth certificate and photo ID, as well as your boarding pass. In our case, we had our birth certificates and licenses. Whatever bags you're carrying aboard will go through an x-ray machine, just like at the airport. After bags are checked, you'll receive a number card. Then, you'll have to sit down and wait until they start calling numbers. Once your group is called, you can proceed to the next line. In this line, you'll again need to provide your photo ID and boarding pass, along with a credit card you want to use to establish your shipboard account. After your credit card goes through, you'll receive your room key, which will also be used like a credit card, to buy things like pop and souvenirs. It will have your name, room number and date of your cruise on it. Keep this card on you at all times.
Next, you'll proceed to the ship where an official will swipe your room card and take your picture. This is for when you get off of the ship at the ports of call, because it helps them keep track of who is getting on and off. You'll walk through another metal detector and pass your bag(s) through another x-ray machine. This is all a huge pain, but it's nice to know that they are taking extra steps to keep criminals, weapons and terrorists off the ship. Now you'll be able to go to your stateroom.
Stateroom
For our cruise, we stayed in a balcony stateroom with 2 double beds. The 2 beds can be put together to make 1 queen. Inside a balcony room, you'll find a TV, refrigerator, desk and chair with a telephone and hairdryer, 2 nightstands with 2 lamps, a small cupboard with a room safe for your valuables, an open closet to hang your clothes, a shelf on top of the closet that holds your life jackets and beach towels and robes if you request them. The bathrooms inside the staterooms are quite small. The shower has no bathtub; it's just a shower stall with a curtain. If you're a big person, it might be a challenge taking a shower in there! The bathroom, of course, has a toilet and a sink as well. You'll find toiletries in the bathroom, like soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.
There are cabin stewards that are responsible for cleaning your room everyday. Most of the time, they will refresh your room twice a day. They wait until you leave, then they go in to make your bed, empty the garbage and replace used towels. It was nice coming back to our room in the evening with chocolates on our bed along with the next day's newsletter; on Princess it's called the Princess Patter.
Muster Drill
Your first night on the ship will include participating in the mandatory muster drill. You must do this, no matter how much you don't want to. An announcement will be made to go to your stateroom and get your life jackets. On the back of your room door, you'll see a letter, which will indicate which muster station you need to go to. There are several muster stations around the ship, and there will be plenty of staff members around to show you where to go. At the muster drill, you'll be instructed how to put your life jacket on and what you would need to do in an emergency. It lasts about 20-30 minutes, and then you're on your way.
Ship Activities
There were many activities to choose from on the Caribbean Princess. One of our favorites included the Movies Under the Stars, where you can watch movies on a big theater sized screen on the deck and staff will bring you a blanket, drinks and popcorn. We also liked the swimming pools and hot tubs, which they have many of on the ship. We discovered that most of the people crowd in the pools in the middle of the ship. There are adult only pools on the ends, and I especially liked the pool on the front of the ship, with a swim against the current feature inside the pool. We saw several shows in the Princess Theater, which is a huge theater that features comedy acts, singing, dancing, hypnotism and more. What you see in the theater will depend on the cruise you go on. Other activities on the ship include the casino, nightclubs, shopping, golf simulation, ping pong, basketball, full service spa, jogging track, Internet cafe and a kid's area. It will most likely take you a while to discover all that the ship has to offer. Be sure to check your Princess Patter or watch your Princess TV channel for the day's activities, as there is always something going on.
Ports of Call
For our cruise, the ports of call were Grand Turk and Princess Cays. Depending on the length of your cruise, you will visit more or less ports. Our cruise was a 4 day cruise, and we spent 1 day at sea. Grand Turk is an island in Turks and Caicos, which offers many different activities to cruise passengers. You'll be able to book different shore excursions, such as scuba diving and snorkeling, or you can just relax on the beautiful beach or go shopping in the different shops on the island. Grand Turk is also home to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. If you visit any island that offers snorkeling with the sting rays, I would definitely recommend booking it, because it's so much fun. Sting rays are actually very friendly, and love people. On my cruise, I was able to hold one and feel how soft they are. Remember to bring cash on the island, since Grand Turk doesn't accept your shipboard card as payment.
Your first night on the ship will include participating in the mandatory muster drill. You must do this, no matter how much you don't want to. An announcement will be made to go to your stateroom and get your life jackets. On the back of your room door, you'll see a letter, which will indicate which muster station you need to go to. There are several muster stations around the ship, and there will be plenty of staff members around to show you where to go. At the muster drill, you'll be instructed how to put your life jacket on and what you would need to do in an emergency. It lasts about 20-30 minutes, and then you're on your way.
Ship Activities
There were many activities to choose from on the Caribbean Princess. One of our favorites included the Movies Under the Stars, where you can watch movies on a big theater sized screen on the deck and staff will bring you a blanket, drinks and popcorn. We also liked the swimming pools and hot tubs, which they have many of on the ship. We discovered that most of the people crowd in the pools in the middle of the ship. There are adult only pools on the ends, and I especially liked the pool on the front of the ship, with a swim against the current feature inside the pool. We saw several shows in the Princess Theater, which is a huge theater that features comedy acts, singing, dancing, hypnotism and more. What you see in the theater will depend on the cruise you go on. Other activities on the ship include the casino, nightclubs, shopping, golf simulation, ping pong, basketball, full service spa, jogging track, Internet cafe and a kid's area. It will most likely take you a while to discover all that the ship has to offer. Be sure to check your Princess Patter or watch your Princess TV channel for the day's activities, as there is always something going on.
Ports of Call
For our cruise, the ports of call were Grand Turk and Princess Cays. Depending on the length of your cruise, you will visit more or less ports. Our cruise was a 4 day cruise, and we spent 1 day at sea. Grand Turk is an island in Turks and Caicos, which offers many different activities to cruise passengers. You'll be able to book different shore excursions, such as scuba diving and snorkeling, or you can just relax on the beautiful beach or go shopping in the different shops on the island. Grand Turk is also home to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. If you visit any island that offers snorkeling with the sting rays, I would definitely recommend booking it, because it's so much fun. Sting rays are actually very friendly, and love people. On my cruise, I was able to hold one and feel how soft they are. Remember to bring cash on the island, since Grand Turk doesn't accept your shipboard card as payment.
Back when you embarked the ship, a card was given to you with your name and room number. You'll be using this card a lot to purchase anything that isn't included in your cruise cost. So what isn't included? Alcoholic drinks, soda, anything in the onboard shops, Casino and arcade games, gratuity, Internet access and room service pizza. Alcoholic drinks and soda are charged an additional gratuity fee. If you drink a lot of pop, consider buying a cup that costs about $5 per day per person, but you can get unlimited soda throughout your cruise. One Coke costs $2.95, not including gratuity, so it's probably worth buying a cup if you drink a lot. You'll have a sticker on your shipboard card that you'll show each time you want to buy a pop.
Alcohol is costly onboard, especially beer. Consider buying a bucket of beer, which gives you 5 beers for the cost of 4 for only $19. This would be a great idea for a group.
Every charge to your account will appear on an itemized statement that you'll receive on the last night of your cruise. If you chose Express Check Out, you won't need to do anything more, since the charges will have already gone through to your credit or debit card. If you have a problem with any specific charge on your account, visit the Purser's desk.
A good amount of money to have available for purchases will depend on what you plan on doing while on your cruise. If you want to do a lot of shopping, then you obviously want to have more money available. If you want to gamble, same idea applies. If you just want to relax, and sip on an occasional Daiquiri, then you may not need as much. My boyfriend and I had $600 available, and our total costs onboard were about $420. We used some for gambling, some for shopping, and some for alcohol. Plan to bring more than what you expect to spend, because you don't want to be stuck not having enough funds.
Disembarkation
This process can take a while, so be prepared to wait. The night before disembarkation, you'll receive colored and lettered tags for your luggage. If you don't have a lot of luggage to carry, consider walking off board. However, if you want somebody to carry your luggage for you, you can choose to put the tags on your luggage and set it outside your door the night before disembarking. Remember to keep everything you'd need for the next day inside your room. Anything outside will be taken to your specified area. Walking off gives you the advantage of keeping your luggage with you and you won't risk losing it. The line is going to be long, so get down there early. You'll need to again swipe your shipboard card to exit the ship, and once you do, you're on your way to the next step: US Customs. Here, your birth certificate, license or Passport will be required once again. If you have made a lot of purchases, they will ask you what you've bought, and sometimes they'll even search your luggage. Check with US Customs and Border Protection on the policies at http://www.cbp.gov/
Other Tips to Consider
Don't pack everything in your closet! You're probably going to wear some of your clothes more than once. Pack a couple pair of bottoms, such a pair of shorts, a pair of dress pants and a pair of capris. Then, pair the bottoms with tops that can be mixed and matched. Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, along with a pair dress shoes and a pair of sandals for around the pool and beach. Don't take a lot of jewelry with you, especially expensive pieces. Also, pack at least 2 bathing suits, so that you have a backup to wear while the other one is drying. Keep in mind that cruises have at least 1 formal night. You can pack anything from a formal gown to a nice blouse and skirt set. As far as toiletries, your stateroom includes shampoo and conditioner and soap. Remember to bring the other essentials you'll need for your cruise, as the items in the shops onboard can be expensive. For a list of things to pack, go to:
http://cruises.about.com/cs/cruiseplanning/a/packinglist.htm
Pack your essentials for the first night onboard in your carry-on. Luggage is sometimes not delivered to your stateroom until a few hours after boarding. At least pack a change or clothes, or a bathing suit if you want to get right into the pool. Also, leave room in your luggage for souvenirs.
A good tip to remember for dining is to get to the buffets early, like around when dinner starts. There is a lot of seating, but there are also 3,000 other people aboard that are also ready to eat and it can be challenging to find a seat if you're one of the last people to get down there. We made the mistake of waiting, and then we had nowhere to sit. We ended up taking our food back to our stateroom to eat. Don't let that happen to you.
During your cruise, photographers will encourage you to take a picture. Go ahead and take it, because you're under no obligation to pay. Once the pictures are developed, you'll be able to buy them. But I will warn you that the pictures are expensive, around $20 for one 8x10 photo. Take my advice and use your digital camera for good shots, and resist the temptation to buy a bunch of professionals, because it will add up fast. If you do want to have a souvenir, buy just one picture, your best one. Formal night is a great time to get your picture taken!
What I learned on our first cruise is that the majority of the cruise staff is foreign, so it may be difficult to understand what they're saying. Just try your best, and ask them to repeat if you don't understand.
Visit www.princess.com for more information on the Caribbean Princess and other Princess ships. Bon Voyage!
Source
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
5 Tropical Cruise Destinations to Beat the Winter Blues
Any time of year is great for a tropical vacation, especially if you're like me and you live somewhere where skies can be gray for months at a time, but the winter is an especially fine time to take a cruise somewhere tropical.
But where should you go?
Let's take a look at some popular (and some not-so-popular; read: not crowded) tropical vacation destinations that can be reached via cruise ship. (I love talking about cruises, because it's really easy to find some awesome last minute deals, so you don't necessarily have to have been planning your tropical vacation for months.)
In no particular order, here are five great cruise destinations where you're sure to find fun in the sun:
1. Hawaii
Long popular with west coast dwellers from the United States, the Hawaiian Islands are now the feature of plenty of cruises. You can sail with Norwegian Cruise Line on an island hopping ship that starts in Honolulu and stops at four or more islands (something that is cumbersome to do if you fly), or you can book with another cruise line for a trip that starts in Mexico or British Columbia and includes a long, relaxing trip across the Pacific ocean in order to reach Hawaii. (The cruises that start in Hawaii are usually about a week, whereas the ones that start on the mainland may be up to two weeks.)
2. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, and it's a great choice for U.S. east coasters or people who live in the South. If the idea of a flight across the Atlantic doesn't faze you, there's no reason you couldn't visit from Europe or another destination either.
The sun, the islands, the variety of cultures and countries, and the chance to see ruins of ancient civilizations (choose a western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel in Mexico for this) makes this tropical area quite popular with vacation-goes from around the world.
3. The South Pacific
Tahiti and the rest of the French Polynesian islands make for a wonderful cruise destination. Expect beautiful sandy beaches, warm sunny days, and balmy evenings perfect for stargazing.
Much of what makes Hawaii such a popular destination applies down here too but the fact that it's a longer flight for most means you'll find fewer crowds here than in Hawaii or the Caribbean. For many, this is much of what makes the South Pacific paradise. Here, you'll truly be able to relax and enjoy the tropical climate in peace.
4. The Mexican Riviera
The Mexican Riviera refers to the cities and resorts on the west coast of Mexico, and the warm sunny weather here is helping make it another popular cruise destination. With ships leaving from ports in California, west coasters may even be able to take a trip without stepping aboard on airplane.
Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are examples of cities in this zone that you may have heard of. There's plenty of fun in the sun to be had with shore excursions that range from snorkeling and scuba diving to rafting and wildlife viewing.
5. The Nile River
If you'd rather sail up a river than through the sea, a cruise up the Nile may be a perfect vacation for you. Again, you'll have access to that glorious warm weather, and you'll also be able to experience ancient history.
A Nile cruise is a perfect way to visit the temples and tombs located along Egypt's stretch of the river, and you'll feel like you've drifted back in time as you gaze upon the banks where people live in mudbrick homes, tending their crops with wooden plows, much the same way they did thousands of years ago. You'll be able to enjoy it all as you sit on a shaded deck of your "floating hotel" and sip the chilled beverage of your choice.
There you have it: five great cruise destinations you can visit in order to escape the rain and snow and gloom of winter. Enjoy the sun, and send me a postcard!
Source: Associated Content
But where should you go?
Let's take a look at some popular (and some not-so-popular; read: not crowded) tropical vacation destinations that can be reached via cruise ship. (I love talking about cruises, because it's really easy to find some awesome last minute deals, so you don't necessarily have to have been planning your tropical vacation for months.)
In no particular order, here are five great cruise destinations where you're sure to find fun in the sun:
1. Hawaii
Long popular with west coast dwellers from the United States, the Hawaiian Islands are now the feature of plenty of cruises. You can sail with Norwegian Cruise Line on an island hopping ship that starts in Honolulu and stops at four or more islands (something that is cumbersome to do if you fly), or you can book with another cruise line for a trip that starts in Mexico or British Columbia and includes a long, relaxing trip across the Pacific ocean in order to reach Hawaii. (The cruises that start in Hawaii are usually about a week, whereas the ones that start on the mainland may be up to two weeks.)
2. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, and it's a great choice for U.S. east coasters or people who live in the South. If the idea of a flight across the Atlantic doesn't faze you, there's no reason you couldn't visit from Europe or another destination either.
The sun, the islands, the variety of cultures and countries, and the chance to see ruins of ancient civilizations (choose a western Caribbean cruise that visits Cozumel in Mexico for this) makes this tropical area quite popular with vacation-goes from around the world.
3. The South Pacific
Tahiti and the rest of the French Polynesian islands make for a wonderful cruise destination. Expect beautiful sandy beaches, warm sunny days, and balmy evenings perfect for stargazing.
Much of what makes Hawaii such a popular destination applies down here too but the fact that it's a longer flight for most means you'll find fewer crowds here than in Hawaii or the Caribbean. For many, this is much of what makes the South Pacific paradise. Here, you'll truly be able to relax and enjoy the tropical climate in peace.
4. The Mexican Riviera
The Mexican Riviera refers to the cities and resorts on the west coast of Mexico, and the warm sunny weather here is helping make it another popular cruise destination. With ships leaving from ports in California, west coasters may even be able to take a trip without stepping aboard on airplane.
Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are examples of cities in this zone that you may have heard of. There's plenty of fun in the sun to be had with shore excursions that range from snorkeling and scuba diving to rafting and wildlife viewing.
5. The Nile River
If you'd rather sail up a river than through the sea, a cruise up the Nile may be a perfect vacation for you. Again, you'll have access to that glorious warm weather, and you'll also be able to experience ancient history.
A Nile cruise is a perfect way to visit the temples and tombs located along Egypt's stretch of the river, and you'll feel like you've drifted back in time as you gaze upon the banks where people live in mudbrick homes, tending their crops with wooden plows, much the same way they did thousands of years ago. You'll be able to enjoy it all as you sit on a shaded deck of your "floating hotel" and sip the chilled beverage of your choice.
There you have it: five great cruise destinations you can visit in order to escape the rain and snow and gloom of winter. Enjoy the sun, and send me a postcard!
Source: Associated Content
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Five Simple Steps To Book A Cruise Online
Discount cruise vacations continue to be an excellent option for a relaxing and worry-free vacation. More and more people book a cruise online or take advantage of the numerous cruise vacation packages available. People of all ages enjoy visits to beautiful and exotic destinations, meet great new people, and participate in a wide variety of activities while they enjoy cheap cruise vacations.
You need to determine which type of cruise is best for you in order to fully enjoy the benefits of cruising. You should analyze what aspects of a cruise interest you most. Once you identify your interests, you can search for cruise vacation packages that will meet your criteria. Many people become confused when it comes to cruise booking because there are so many cheap cruise vacations available. However, you can follow a few simple steps to ensure that you choose a cruise booking that is just right for you!
Step One: The first step of cruise booking involves deciding on your desired holiday destination. Search the internet and read reviews about the various cruise vacation packages and discount cruise vacations. The internet remains one of the most helpful resources when determining which cruise booking to choose. You can visit many sites that will provide detailed information on all aspects of cruise vacation packages. Many sites feature cruise reviews, cruise pictures, and additional information about particular destinations. You also have the option of contacting an online travel agent or cruise booking agent to gather as many cruise brochures as possible. Once you have found several suitable cruise ships, compare them and select the cruise line and destination best for you.
Step Two: Once you decide on the cruise ship, you can now determine the duration of your cruise vacation. Many cruise vacation packages last only a weekend and you may enjoy other vacation packages for two luxurious, fun-filled weeks or more. If you have a little more money and time to spend, you can even pick a cruise package that will last for nearly three full months!
Step Three: You need to analyze the budget of your cruise vacation. The price of discount cruise vacations can really vary depending on the particular cruise company, time of year, and your preferred destination. Many cruise packages allow you to pick the features you want to include. By choosing not to participate in some of the available activities or excursions, you can experience substantial savings during discount cruise vacations. Your vacation budget has a profound influence on your cruise booking. The amount you are willing to spend will determine the activities, duration, and destination for your particular cruise vacation.
Step Four: Once you decide on a cruise vacation package, you need to complete the actual cruise booking. However, before you actually book a cruise online, you should contact the cruise booking agents or cruise travel agent and obtain all the necessary information you require. You need to decide on several factors before you complete the final cruise booking. These include the availability of the cruise package, point of departure, size and location of your preferred cabin, cancellation fees, and any activities you wish to include with your cruise vacation package.
Step Five: Once you have gathered all the relevant information, you feel you need regarding the cruise package; you can complete the final step. This involves the actual cruise booking for the date, company and destination you choose. You have the option of using cruise booking agents or you can complete an online cruise booking from the convenience of your own home. If you are able to travel any time of the year, the best option is to book a cruise online or choose cruise vacation packages that occur during the off-peak season. Most cruise liners sail year round. You can often find amazing deals by performing a cruise booking during the off-peak season. Many more discount cruise vacations and inexpensive cruise vacation packages are available during off-peak season. The peak season for cruise booking occurs during the summer months and during school holidays. You will find that it is more expensive to take a cruise during these busy times.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)