Cruise Tips: From Booking to Disembarking
* Planning for your cruise - Do you know where you want to cruise to and the approximate dates that you want to be gone? Keep in mind that some cruises are seasonal. For example, Alaskan cruises only operate between May and September. Then contact your travel agent and let her/him do the research and find the best cruise experience for you and your family. Most travel agents do not charge a fee. They are paid by the cruise lines to get guests onboard their ships. You will not pay more if you use a travel agent and in many cases your travel agent can get you something extra included with your cruise and will provide personal service from the planning phase all the way through your trip until after you return home.
* Booking your cruise - You will need to put down a deposit to book your cruise. The deposit amount varies with the cruise lines. Most cruise lines run promotions with reduced deposit amounts. Some deposits are refundable and some are not, so make sure you understand the fare code terms and conditions that you are booking under. Your travel agent can help you understand this. Most cruise lines require the full deposit amount (usually around $250/person) to choose your cabin. A reduced deposit will only reserve your spot on the cruise, not the actual cabin that you desire.
* Paying for your cruise - Get with your travel agent and book early. You can book a cruise far in advance, even two years, and make payments up until the final payment date. If you have to cancel before the final payment date, your payments will be refunded back to you. Of course if you booked under a non-refundable deposit, that portion will not be refunded back to you.
* Trip Insurance - Please protect your investment in your vacation. You and all of your family members may be healthy now but we never know what can happen between the time you book your cruise and your return from your cruise. All cruise lines offer insurance. Also ask your travel agent about third party insurance policies that offer complete coverage and will most likely save you money. You will want a policy that also covers medical and evacuation costs if you are leaving the US. Note, all cruises from the US must stop at a foreign port and you are cruising in international waters. The only exception right now is the NCL Pride of America which only cruises the Hawaiian Islands.
* Packing for your cruise - This of course will depend on your cruise destination. For Alaska, Norway, Iceland, and other cold weather destinations, it is best to dress in layers as there could be cold days and warmer days or cold and warm in the same day. For the Caribbean, pack for warm/hot weather. Most cruise lines won’t allow shorts in the main dining room so pack slacks or business casual for dining. If your cruise has formal nights, think cocktail party attire or go all the way with tuxedos and gowns. It’s your choice. Again, your travel agent can provide valuable tips for packing.
* Dining - There are many dining options on cruise ships which include complimentary dining venues and specialty dining venues that require a cover charge. HINT: Check your daily cruise newsletter while on your cruise. Sometimes a specialty dining venu will open for breakfast or lunch at no charge. It’s a great way to try the specialty restaurants for free.
* Entertainment - Check out the free entertainment onboard. Cruise lines take pride in bringing in the best entertainment from Broadways shows, magicians, comedians, and musicians and singers. Some require reservations so check on your cruise account and with your travel agent for more information. The live game shows, classes, and contests onboard are also fun to watch or participate in. Additionally, the cruise offers professional audio visual hire services to ensure high-quality presentations and performances. For those looking to enhance their experience further, click here for more video equipment services.
* Read your daily cruise newsletter - There are some hidden gems in there as far as what is going on onboard, especially on sea days. Look for those specialty restaurants offering free dining. It will also provide information on port days along with the time to be back on the ship. A day or two before the cruise is over, you will get information on what to do on disembarkation day (return to home port).
* Shore Excursions - Book the small group and popular excursions early. Your cruise line will offer excursion options. Your travel agent can offer you more options, especially for small group tours that guarantee to get you back to your ship on time.
* Disconnect - Turn off your cell phone and relax. If you use your phone for taking pictures, put it in airplane mode to avoid extreme charges on your cell phone bill. Of course if you have to stay connected, your cruise line offers internet and social media packages for an extra charge.
* Shopping - The Caribbean is a great place to shop for jewelry. Attend the shopping information session onboard to get coupons and free gifts. Then sign up to go on shore with the ship’s Shopper. He or she can get you deep discounts in certain stores.
* HAVE FUN! Relax and have fun. On a cruise you can do as much or as little as you like. You don’t even have to get off in ports of call if you prefer to enjoy the ship’s facilities with just a few other guests. Whatever floats your boat!
Happy Cruising!
Oak Lane Travel LLC
www.oaklanetravel.com