Tour and Travel

Archive for the ‘Cruising’ Category

Going on a cruise can be a great way to take a vacation. However, it can be a bit of a complicated process. Especially, if it is your first cruise.

Select Your Cruise

When going on a cruise, you will have plenty of selections to make. Do you want to go to Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean; etc? And which cruise line will you embark on? Your choices include Disney, Carnival, Norwegian, and many more. You can also opt for a smaller cruise through various companies like Discovery Voyages, The Boat Company, Avalon Waterways, and others.

After you pick your cruise line and destination, you will need to decide on the type of cabin you want. For the larger cruises, you can choose a tiny cabin in order to save money; however, if this is your first cruise then you may want to indulge yourself a bit. Why not try for a larger room or even a suite. If you purchase your tickets early enough, you can often save a lot of money on the bigger rooms.

Take Carnival for example. If you book about eight months or so in advance, then you can purchase an ocean suite room for around four thousand dollars (2011 price). The room can hold four people, and it has a balcony for you to watch your surroundings on. Smaller cruise lines will generally have decent sized rooms as well; however, they are less likely to have large sized suite rooms. And smaller cruise lines are generally more expensive than their counterparts (many times two or three times as much).

What Size is Right for You?

Depending on the type of cruise you choose, your experience will differ. Should you pick the larger cruise lines, then you will be on a bigger ship with around two to three thousand people on board. These larger cruise lines will generally have more luxuries such as a spa, better entertainment, exercise rooms, perhaps a mini bar in your cabin; etc. A smaller cruise boat will generally not have as many extras and will focus more on the scenery. Photographers may prefer the smaller cruise experience because they will be up close and personal with nature. A family of four with children would probably prefer the larger cruise in order to prevent their children from becoming bored (unless the kids are nature nuts).

Buying Tickets

Where do you buy your tickets from? You have plenty of options. You can use sites like Expedia, Orbitz; Priceline. Other possibilities could be booking through a travel agency, or through the cruise line directly via their website. All of these companies will claim to offer the best deal if you buy through them, so you will need to shop around if you want the best price.

If this is your first cruise, you are probably better off purchasing directly from the cruise line or via a travel agency. Many of these cruise lines will also allow you to purchase plane tickets through them as well, and they may even pick you up at the airport and transport you to your ship. Also, Cruisecritic is a good website with lots of information about the various cruise lines. They inform you about the entertainment, dress code, and many other factors about each ship. As for the total cost of your tickets, you can expect to pay more the longer you wait. Also smaller cruises tend to be more expensive than their counterparts. And do not forget to factor in the cost of plane tickets, hotels rooms, excursions, trinkets; etc.
Excursions

The larger cruises will feature excursions, which will take you on tours of certain areas. Many times this will happen when the ship docks at a port, but sometimes it will happen when the ship is still at sea. An example of this would be the Tracy Arm Fjord for the Alaskan cruise. You see, the big cruise ships can only venture so close to the glaciers; thus, an excursion is offered on a smaller boat that offers you an up close look at the glaciers and wildlife. When the excursion is finished, you are returned to your ship. These excursions generally cost around one hundred fifty to two hundred dollars per person, and you should reserve your excursions a few months in advance of your cruise.

If you do not book an excursion in advance, then you are unlikely to find one available when you board your ship. Of course, when the ship docks at a port you can still go explore the area on your own; however, these excursions have a tour guide who is familiar with the timing of your cruise. So you are unlikely to be stranded in some foreign city should you go on an excursion. If you go by yourself though, you might be late. And if you are late, then the ship will leave without you. Oh, and smaller cruise lines do not have excursions mainly, well, because the entire trip is one giant excursion.

When to Arrive

Cruise ships are not always timely. There can be mechanical repairs needed, a weather event may delay the ship; etc. So you should always check ahead with the cruise line to ensure that everything is running smoothly. You also may want to arrive one day in advance of your cruise just in case there is a delay with your plane (assuming you fly). This way, even if there is a delay with your flight, you will still be able to make your cruise on time.

What to Pack

Where you go will determine what you pack more so than anything. Obviously, if you are going on an Alaskan cruise you will want to pack an extra jacket or two and perhaps some gloves. A warmer cruise to say the Caribbean will demand warmer attire. But no matter what type of cruise you are going on, there are a few basic necessities that transcend climate.

Anti nausea medication comes to mind should you become sea sick. If you are going with a group of people, then you may want to purchase some ear plugs to cancel out any noise they may make when you want a nap. Sun screen should be used if you are going to be outside much regardless of the temperature. And if you are a guy, then you may want to pack a pair of slacks; if you are a girl, then a decent dress will suffice for the evening dress code (if there is one).

Many of these larger cruise lines will have a dress code, but this usually only applies to eating at the restaurants. Fortunately, these days the rules of dress have been taken down a few notches; however, in spite of this, many cruise lines still prefer you to dress formally for dinner on certain evenings. If you want to escape having to dress up for dinner, Carnival and Norwegian do not seem to have much of a dress code. Carnival requests that you dress up once or twice on the voyage, but they will not force you to. Also, most Carnival ships have a restaurant that is dedicated to people who prefer “casual attire”. Though, you will still need to wear a decent shirt, jeans, and shoes (minimum requirements). Sorry nudists.

Your Mail

In preparation for your trip, you may want to have someone pick up your mail for you. This will prevent your mail from being stolen or damaged due to the elements. Mail boxes have a knack for not closing at the most inopportune of times. Another option is to simply have the post office hold your mail while you are gone. Just go to the USPS website, and fill out the proper form.

As you can see, planning a cruise will take a bit of work and research. This is especially true if it is your first cruise. In the end though, you will not regret it. And if you do regret it, then at least you can say you have been on a cruise.

As with everything in life, different people go on cruises for different reasons.  Some people will prefer the activities that are prevalent on some cruises, like rock climbing, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins, zip-lining over a tropical rain forest’s canopy or walking along a glacier’s edge.  Other people may prefer the camaraderie, the food, the gambling and nightclub scenes, the water, the ports of call, or just being on a huge ship with thousands of people they don’t know, but soon could.  And then there is also choosing what type of cruise to take, and what size of cruise liner to take that cruise on.

Whether taking a cruise on the QEII, The Freedom of the Seas, or The Oasis of the Seas, which are among the largest cruise ships on the high seas, or taking a cruise on a container ship bound for Hong Kong, there is plenty to do and see.  The major differences between cruises lay in the ship itself, the services provided, and the class of the people around you, as well as the comfort and services that the higher-class ships offer.  And, of course, the cost.

The top-ten reasons to cruise include, but in no way are limited to;

1)    Camaraderie.  Singles cruises have been on a constant incline in business and departures over the past couple of decades, and is still a very active genre of the cruise lines.  However, you do not need to go on a singles cruise to meet people, as all cruise ships have people of all stripes on board.  With a few thousand people on each cruise, the chances of finding someone that you can get along with great, and do things with (like seeing the ports of call, scuba diving, hiking, etc.) are very good.  If you are going on a cruise by yourself, there really is no reason to think that you will be alone for the entire cruise.

2)    Ports of Call.  A cruise ship is like a string of mini-vacations all jumbled into one vacation.  You can visit a bunch of Greek islands, tropical islands, glaciers or rain forests.  Again, if you are single or travelling alone, then you should either stick with a guided tour, or make a friend, or a few friends, to go ashore with.  It is never advised to go ashore alone, as many ports of call are also centres of major crime rings, as well as nefarious-minded people who prey on unsuspecting tourists and cruisers.  Remember, if you are visiting an impoverished country or city, then expect a certain element of crime ashore.  That being said, you get a different culture with each stop, and a different economy, wild life and night life.

3)    Water.  There is no shortage of water on a cruise ship, and the cruises that are in tropical, warm waters usually stop at different locales so people can enjoy the warm, tropical waters.  There is scuba diving, with swimming pool lessons before going into the ocean, for safety’s sake.  There are usually small boats and other watercraft for rent, or for general use (you have to sign up early for these) on most cruises, as well as shore fishing and beach walking.  Most newer, bigger cruise ships have Olympic-sized (or bigger) swimming pools, wave pools, water slides and rides, and surfing simulators.  What, you’re on a cruise, did you expect a desert?

4)    Food.  The better, and larger, cruise ships have internationally renowned chefs working day and night in the galleys (kitchens).  Most cruises have 2 or 3 seatings per meal, and range from buffet, pre-determined meal choices or menu choices.  On top of that, there are usually restaurants and bars, as well as room service to keep your tummy full of the most delicious and tempting foods.  Kraft dinner and hamburger helper can wait until you get back home.

5)    Entertainment.  From big-name singers and groups performing nightly, to piano men, bar bands and magicians, there is always something to do or see at sea.  For the cost of the cruise, you could argue that the number of plays, bands and entertainers that you see more than make up for the charge.  And now, casinos with poker tournament are all the rage with many cruise lines.  Casinos have always been popular, as the ships, when sailing in international waters, do not have to follow the laws of the land, which explains why some cruise ship’s casinos do not open until they are in international waters.

6)    Free Booze.  Some people can really pack it in over a 7-day and 7-night cruise.  If the drinks are free, then the cost can logically be deducted from the ticket price, making the cost of the cruise even more tantalizing (especially if the food is free, too).  However, if it is your first cruise, then maybe taking it easy until you get your sea legs would be a good bit of advice to heed.

7)    Variety.  No matter what type of cruise you take, the size of the ship or the type (container ship, classy cruise ship, gigantic cruise ship or small cruise ship, etc.), there will be a large variety of things to do, people to talk to, foods to eat and drinks to enjoy.  Variety is, after all, the spice of life.

8)    Romance.  When on a cruise ship, there is a bit more of that “free” feeling that people get when away from home, amongst a large group of good-looking people.  Whether it is a singles cruise or any other type, there will be people aboard who are looking for romance on the high seas.  Cruises are a great way to propose marriage as well.  Unless, of course, the answer is no.

9)    Different Cultures.  The different ports of call offer different cultures, different climates and different wildlife.  On a 7-night cruise, you can see 5 or 6 different islands, each offering a different culture, different ways of making a living and different styles of architecture.  Bring extra memory cards, or film if you still use an SLR camera, because you will be taking so many pictures, you may end up with carpel tunnel syndrome.

10)    Because You Won It!  Cruises are offered as prizes in many charity lotteries.  The only cost to the winner is the taxes and possibly the transportation to the cruise’s starting port of call, unless the food, booze and entertainment are not free on the cruise.  As well, the cruises that are offered as prizes are usually for two to eight people, and that means treating your friends and loved ones to the trip of a lifetime.

(Honorable Mention)    Pirates!  Aye, laddy.  And a barrel of rum!  Who didn’t dream of  being a pirate, or played pirates with friends or siblings, using fake swords and bed-covers for capes when they were young?  Live out your earliest dreams, and sail the Horn of Africa, or the Gulf of Aden.  Somalia’s coast may guarantee a good sighting or two, but these are not the romanticized pirates of days gone by, reflected by the distinguished and gentlemanly acting of Errol Flynn, Maureen O’Hara and Douglas Fairbanks.  Johnny Depp, not so much.

Ask a hundred people what the top-ten reasons to take a cruise are, and you will most likely end up with a hundred different lists.  The allure of the cruise, the exotic ports of call, the different cultures and climates will almost always be on the lists.  If you have not yet taken a cruise, yet love to travel, you really should try one, even on a small cruise ship, just to see if it is, as they say, your cup of tea.

There are several ways to find cheap cruises aside from checking out all travel websites and their different offers. Although comparing prices is the initial step it would be best if you compared the following discount deals in order to get the best cheap cruises available:

Below are some of the ways you can get cheap cruises through the promotional offers commonly offered by cruise travel liners:

1. Cheap Cruises for Two for the Price of One

For a limited period of time and for a limited number of berths, you can get cheap cruises by booking two cruise ships from a selection of scheduled cruises just for the price of one. Destinations such as Alaska and Europe are now being offered for the price of one up to April 30, 2010. The passenger is guaranteed of price protection, which means his booked tour will not be affected by any future changes. The stateroom of their choice will be locked-in once they book to make sure they get what they booked for.

2. Cheap Cruises at Fifty Percent Off on Second Passenger

Cheap Cruises are being offered by cruise liners by offering the second passenger a 50% slash down on the price of the cruise. So if you’re a pair of honeymooning couple or just a pair of couple looking for a vacation getaway, look for cheap cruises offered  as “2nd passenger 50% off” before the ship sets sail on the departure date. Book early so you can get a good rate for the first passenger.

3. Back to Back Cruise Discounts

If you are a passenger of a one-way trip cruise ship and you’ll be going back to your point of origin by boarding the same ship, get a considerable amount of discount for the second sailing. There will be cases that you will be staying at your point of destination for more than a week or a month or even of longer, which will allow you cheap cruises by boarding the same ship when you get home to your point of origin.

This way you can enjoy visiting your relatives and friend especially if you’re in no hurry to get back home at the same time save enjoy another trip by ocean fare. Most of these cheap cruises are offered for Florida Ports and for Caribbean cruises. Some cruise ships also include their Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Canada and Hawaii cruise destinations.

Check out the website’s cruise calendar so you will know which sea vessels are offering these cheap cruises by looking up their travel date and alternative cruise travels. Once satisfied, find booking specialist to help you book the two travels at the best discounts and rewards possible.

4. Early Booking Discounts

To get some good deals on cheap cruises all you need to do is to book as early as 6 months in advance for a great deal of savings. Check the Cruise Travel Calendars and find out which cruise travels are entitled to early booking deals. Some cheap cruises are given price-offs for as much as 0 per package.

5. Last Minute Booking Deals

Cruise ships that are about to sail in three week’s time put up their remaining berths at “Late Booking Deals” which you can avail even up to the last three hours before departure.

6. Kids Sail Free

These cheap cruises are often offered for off- season sailings but up to two kids can sail with their parents for free. Destinations are usually for Caribbean and Bahamas cruises by cruise liners like Costa Cruises and Disney Cruise Lines. The Regent Seven Seas Cruises allow two kids 17 and below to stay in their parents cabin without paying extra for cruises to Alaska, Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises.

7. Group Discounts

Be a group leader by organizing cruise travels for groups. The more groups you can book for at least 5 staterooms for each group, the more discounts and amenities you will be entitled to. In fact you will earn a free cruise yourself. So the more groups you can book to set sail for a cruise, the more number of free cruises you will earn then you can also bring your family along.

In cheap cruises offered to group travelers, if one of the groups will book 8 cabins, the group will be entitled to one berth or bed free. This will allow adding another member who’ll pay for fares and meals only. Double the number of cabins booked to 16 and you’ll get another free bed or berth and if you can arrange it right you can use this to accommodate a member of another group in case no one else needs it.

Gather up your friends as one group, your family as another group, or some club or association you belong to as another, each cabin is for double occupancy. You can convince everyone to board a cruise for the same destination, so you can also consolidate your number of free cruises. Coordinate with a booking specialist to get the best deals for your customers and for yourself as well, because there are other amenities offered.

There are other ways to get cheap cruises, by taking advantage of the promotional offers for great discounts. Check them out by visiting cruise travel websites and compare the best deals and the best cruise ships.

New Years cruises are a great way to celebrate the holidays. You can bring your family and friends with you, or go off by yourself to discover a new part of the world. These cruises tend to fill up because most folks have these days off, so you need to book early as possible to get the best price and accommodations. Always buy travel insurance for your cruises, for a winter cruise can be affected by weather or other difficulties, and you will have fairly big investment in your cruise reservation. Cruise lines decorate for the holidays, offer unique holiday menus and provide the usual New Years parties. Most cruises offer extra special gifts for these sailings.

In general, a cruise line will allow you to book with 25% down, and let you pay the rest off over time. Of course, you must have the cost paid off before you sail. Since it is winter, some cruises are out, including those to Alaska and the northern parts of the world. Also, remember you must get to your sailing port on time to leave with your ship; usually this involves being there several hours before sailing. Your cruise price will include your room and food and many activities on the ship, but not all such as the casino area.

The price of traveling to your port is not included in the cost of your cruise. You will need to pay for and set up your travel separately. If you need to park a car, you can check with the port authority office to find out if parking is available at your port. Parking is not always available. Some local hotels have parking where you can leave your car during your cruise if you stay the night before at that location.

Your transportation will have to coordinate with your sailing; some people prefer to arrive the day before sailing and stay overnight. Others will fly at night and go to the ship from the airport. The more you have to coordinate to make your trip happen, the more benefit a travel agent will be to you. You can also book these things directly on your own, through the cruise lines, hotels and airlines. It is fine to shop around for a best price; I usually pick out a destination and let the cruise lines fight over me. You can negotiate your cruise price by comparing it to other cruise line offers. Cruise lines don’t like to lose customers. You can reach your cruise line on-line or by telephone to answer any questions you might have before sailing.

Here are some example of cruises you can book for New Years. Royal Caribbean is offering cruises leaving from San Diego, California to the Baja Peninsula for four days. You can also sail with them from Los Angeles and spend seven days touring Mexico. They have cruises leaving from Panama and Brazil for the New Years season. You can visit Australia and New Zealand. You can visit the South Pacific area by leaving from Singapore. From Galavston, Texas, or Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida you can explore the Caribbean islands for five to seven days. There are also sailings available from New York to the Bahamas. Some sailings are available leaving from Spain. These trips start at about 0 per person with double occupancy in your cabin for the four day cruises.

Disney Cruises has a sailing to the Caribbean to its Castaway Cay island, which is decorated for the season. This cruise starts at about 00 per person and leaves from Florida. Carnival cruises has many New Years opportunities from both coasts of the United States. You can sail to the Eastern Caribbean or to Mexico. Prices start at about 0 for these cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Lines offers cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, and a round trip cruise around the Hawaiian Island that leaves and returns to Honolulu. Prices here start at about 0 since these are usually seven night cruises. Carnival and Celebrity Cruises offer similar New Year’s cruises, leaving from United States ports and starting at around 0. If you want a longer, more sumptuous cruise, Cunard line is offering holiday cruises that last for 15 and 22 days. These cruises leave from Southampton and sail to the Caribbean area. These cruises start at 00 per double occupancy, but provide a higher level of personal service.

I do not recommend sailing on small cruise lines during the holidays; if there are problems, many support services are closed during this time. But as you can see, there are a variety of places and price options available to please any traveler. All aboard!