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Jan115

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Blog Entries posted by Jan115

  1. Jan115
    If you have your heart set on a certain cabin in a particular location of the ship, be sure to tell the cruise line or your agent to mark it as a "no upgrade". For instance, you love those peaceful and ever-so-popular "Aft" balcony cabins at the very back of the ship that overlook the wake, and you've just gotta have one. So you book the cruise as early as possible in order to snatch one up before someone else does. Then one day the "upgrade fairy" pays you a visit. You get a notice from your agent telling you it’s your lucky day ... you've been upgraded! In the cruise line's eyes, it's a better stateroom, but as far as your concerned, you've just lost your dream cabin. Maybe you have been upgraded to a higher category, but your cabin is now located below the basketball court or above the noisy lounge. To avoid trading your quiet panoramic view for a a blaring brouhaha, simply inform your agent or cruise line rep at the time of booking that you would like your cabin marked as “no upgrade”. The elusive "upgrade fairy" will fly right past you when waving her magic wand.
    Read more about cabin upgrades in my latest article: Cabin Upgrades … They’re Not All Created Equal.
     
  2. Jan115
    I see it all the time - parents who take the kids on vacation and then pretend they don't know them - or they do remember and bring them along to places off limits to kids, like the adult-only pool or hot tub, because - what the heck - "they're my kids, we're on vacation, we paid good money for this cruise and we'll do what we want." Yes, you're on vacation, but that doesn't mean you're on a sabbatical from parenting the kids you brought on your cruise. We all love children, but the antics of your own kids may not be as amusing for the people around you – especially if they’re shouting and running about, and otherwise invading the personal space of your fellow passengers. Trust me, you won't make any friends. So do your kids and yourself a favor and set some limits and enforce them. Cruises are the best family vacation, and ships have great programs for kids - try them out.
    And while you're at it, please tell your children that elevators are not amusement rides. Your fellow passengers will be very grateful.
    Visit Cruising with Children here at CruiseCrazies for more advice and tips on family cruising.
  3. Jan115
    While you and your friend are both off shore admiring all the lovely sea life, who is minding your things back at the beach blanket? It would be very easy for an unsavory character to come by and snatch your stuff, so it’s important to make sure you either have someone you trust watching your things for you or invest in a water tight container to take with you in the water. While the cheap cruise ship towel or tube of sunscreen may not mean much to you, you certainly don't want a thief running off with your cruise card, credit card, passport, cash and smartphone. Waterproof containers are readily available in many shapes and sizes, ranging from the inexpensive pocket-size waterproof case, to the more expensive Navy-approved bags, and all can be carried on your person in some fashion - around the neck, wrist, waist or even the pocket of a swimsuit (mostly applies to you, guys).
    Got an iPhone to protect? There's a bag for that!
    Don't make it easy for thieves. Minimize a potential loss. Whether you are going to a beach or touring a city, bring only what you need ashore, and leave the jewelry and valuables safely locked away in the cabin safe.
    For more great tips on staying safe in port, see Avoiding Pickpockets, Purse-Snatchers and Thieves in Port
    Stay tuned each Tuesday for a new tip of the week!
  4. Jan115
    What is Safe Mode, you ask? Confused, you scan the button and menu of your phone but can't find any reference to this term. You turn to your owner's manual, but come up empty. Try this: The next time you board a ship with your cell phone, turn it off and lock it in the cabin safe for the duration of the cruise. Voila! Safe Mode!
    This is especially true when traveling with a smartphone. Charges for voice roaming, data roaming, streaming music and videos or downloading an app can rise into the stratosphere, and all these fees will appear on your next bill after returning home, setting you up for a severe case of "cell shock". Simply turning off and locking up your phone will avoid all this and leave you blissfully calm and relaxed. After all, isn't that what vacation is all about?
    However, if the thought of traveling incommunicado launches you into a full-blown panic attack, don't despair. You can still travel "smart" with your smartphone. Read more about ways to reduce the expenses for voice and data in my new article, Cruising "Smart" with Your Smartphone or Tablet.
    Tune in every Tuesday for a new cruise and travel tip!
  5. Jan115
    It only takes a single episode of almost not making it to the port on time -- or missing the ship altogether -- to risk ruining a vacation. Flight delays are more common these days with unpredictable weather, overpacked planes and tighter security. One missed connection could mean the difference between sailing away with a margarita in your hand and waving goodbye to your ship as it sails without you. Who needs the stress! Whenever possible, fly into your port of embarkation a day or two early. Not only will you be more rested and relaxed, but if you happen to find yourself at a hotel near the cruise port, you could wake before the sun and watch your ship sail in amidst a beautiful sunrise.
    A room for a night need not cost a fortune. For hotel recommendations, ask your agent or simply browse the web for deals. For the ultimate convenience, ask your agent or the cruise line to add an air/hotel/ package to your cruise. You may pay a little more, but every travel detail of your cruise will be taken care of, right down to handling of your luggage.
    If you're on a tight budget and not very picky about your accommodations, give Priceline or Hotwire a try and bid for a room. While it's true you won't be able to pick your hotel or even the exact location, you can save a bundle on a 4-star hotel room to hang your head for the night.
    Even better, if you have extra time and if your budget allows, why not give yourself a bonus mini-vacation and really explore your port of call.
    Whether in town for a night or a week, by flying in early, you will arrive to your ship calm, cool and collected - and ready for a great cruise!
    For more on flying early vs. flying the day of your cruise, check out the related article: Solutions for a Smooth Flight to Your Port of Embarkation.
  6. Jan115
    I once read a story of a teenager traveling with his family by car to board a cruise ship. When the group arrived at the ship for embarkation, the poor kid was not allowed to board because his passport had been packed in his checked luggage already aboard the ship. Sometimes passports and ID are checked at the outside gate to the terminal, where one could have the opportunity to retrieve their passport before boarding. Apparently, in this case passports were not checked until the family were inside the terminal and the luggage was well on its way to that vast sea of baggage on board. While I don't remember the exact ending to this unfortunate occurrence, I do recall that it was impossible for the cruise line to locate the luggage and passport prior to the ship departing, and the teen was forced to stay behind at embarkation.
    Most of us who have some experience traveling know the importance of keeping what's most important close to us - whether it be a vacation by land or by cruise ship. But for some folks not accustomed to traveling, these facts might not be so apparent. It's important, especially, to remind teens and young people who may be traveling with friends, with a school group or even with the family to make sure they have the documents necessary for boarding aircraft and cruise ships and to make sure they have these documents with them at all times.
    One of the best things you can do to prepare for your cruise is to make two packing lists: one for your checked luggage and one for your carry-on bag. Do a double-check before you leave home. Valuables, important papers, ID, passport, boarding passes, and medications should always be brought on board in your carry-on bag. To go one step further, your most important piece of paper - your passport - should be kept directly on your person.
    For further details on what not to pack in your checked luggage, read the accompanying article: What NOT to Pack in Your Checked Luggage
  7. Jan115
    For some, the idea of cruising alone can be a bit scary. Let's face it. The majority of passengers arrive to the ship on embarkation day in pairs, entire families and huge groups. Some people, however, may find themselves cruising alone for a number of reasons. Some may be looking for friendship or romance. Others may have lost a spouse or partner. More often than not, though, a person may just prefer to travel solo. Whatever the reason, traveling solo carries a big price - the dreaded "single supplement". A single passenger in a double-occupancy cabin pays more to make up for the revenue lost by the lack of a second person in the cabin. For example, a superior ocean-view room on a 7-night Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean carries a price tag of, say, $1,539 per person. A single passenger in that same cabin will pay an additional $1,304, or a whopping $2,843. Sounds more like a punishment than a supplement, doesn't it! While I used RCI as an example, they are not alone. The practice of single supplements is widespread across cruise and land vacations alike, and as any solo traveler will tell you, hardly seems fair.
    Are there ways around the single supplement? You'll have to do your homework.
    Find a cabin mate. If you can't find a friend or relative to join you, and if you're comfortable rooming with a stranger, some tour operators or on-line cruise communities will assist you in finding a new buddy to room with.
    Join a group. Companies like singlecruise.com, singlestravelintl.com and singlesatsea.com organize groups of single travelers — often by demographic (like 20s and 30s, and 50s and older) or theme — and then escort them on larger cruises. Tour operators and travel agents reserve rooms for participants and help match them with roommates if they request one.
    Join a cruise community forum. Start chatting up about your cruise and you're bound to find a friend just like you who is looking for a cabin mate.
    Look for supplement discounts. Sev­er­al lines, in­clud­ing Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Regent Seaven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea, have low­ered their sin­gle sup­ple­ments to 25% or less, but many oth­er lines still charge sup­ple­ments of 50% to 100%. Spe­cial pro­mo­tions may waive the sup­ple­ment al­to­geth­er, but they are rare.
    Seek out cabins for one. Fortunately, there have been positive changes in the industry in cabins de­signed specif­ical­ly for so­lo trav­el­ers. While most ships don't have them, Norwegian Cruise Line in­tro­duced "The Stu­dios", a whole com­plex of in­side cab­ins de­signed for one and with a shared lounge on Nor­we­gian Epic in 2010 and Norwegian Breakaway in 2013. The cab­ins have proved so pop­ular the line is adding a sim­ilar set up on two ships it has un­der con­struc­tion. Some river cruise lines also have special cabins with one twin bed for solo travelers.
    For more about solo cruising, visit today's article (courtesy of The New York Times): How to Cruise Solo
  8. Jan115
    No matter how you book your cruise – whether with a web-only agent, an agency booking engine, with a live agent, or directly with the cruise line – once you have made your deposit, you will receive an email confirmation from the agency or cruise line laying out all the details of your cruise. As a paying guest, it is solely your responsibility to promptly and carefully examine the cruise confirmation with a fine-toothed comb and make certain that everything is correct. If you find any errors, it’s crucial to contact the agent or cruise line to get them corrected as soon as possible to avoid snafus later down the road.
    Pay particular close attention to the following:
    Passenger names. Verify that the names are spelled correctly and are an exact match to the names on your government-issued photo ID or passport. Some cruise lines or agents will charge a change fee – as much as $50 per correction, especially if not notified of the error by final payment date. More importantly, you risk being denied boarding – and this goes for airline reservations, too!
    Dates of birth and gender. Be sure that all passengers’ dates of birth and gender are listed correctly to avoid boarding headaches.
    The ship and sailing date. If you suddenly discover weeks or months later that you’re booked on the wrong sailing, getting it straightened out could be costly. Fares for your intended sailing could have gone up since you booked or the ship could have sold out. Worse, if you only realize the error after final payment, changing your booking will – in essence – cancel the first, leaving you with cancellation fees, as well as the cost of rebooking the correct cruise.
    It’s also a good idea to have another set of eyes – preferably a traveling companion – review the details as well. Four eyes see more clearly than two!
    For more on the subject, see today's Article: 10 Mistakes to Avoid in the Cruise Booking Process
  9. Jan115
    Just about anyone who has ever been on a cruise before can relate. You've just experienced a week or more of heaven on the high seas. You arrive home to a pile of laundry, mail, bills and an empty fridge. Suddenly, this feeling you can't quite explain hits you like a brick. A feeling of gloominess, which you can only attribute to one thing - the cruise is over. No more mints on the pillow, fresh towels and a made-up bed every day, room service, gourmet meals prepared by someone else, or a serene ocean scene to lull you to sleep at night. Back to reality and life as usual. It's called the "post-cruise blues" and is a common affliction among cruisers from all walks of life. Is there a cure for this devastating disorder? You bet there is … simply book another cruise!
     
    New cruisers … did you know that your ship will have a future-cruise consultant on board? Yes, while you are aboard your current cruise, you can book another cruise even before you arrive home. Don't know when - or even if - another cruise is in your future? Don't worry. You can put a $100 deposit and pick your cruise later, typically within 4 years. Along with that future cruise credit, you will also receive on-board credit, anywhere from $25 to several hundred dollars - depending on the length of your cruise and/or accommodations - money you can use for things like umbrella drinks and excursions. Besides, you have nothing to lose - you'll get a full refund if you decide not to cruise or choose to try a different cruise line.
     
    So, don't despair. Turn that frown into a smile! With another cruise in the pipeline, you'll be too preoccupied with planning the next voyage to be concerned with mundane chores like laundry and bill-paying, and will give you something to look forward to!
    For more on ways to beat the post-cruise blues, read today's article: Tried and True Remedies for Those After-Cruise Blues
  10. Jan115
    "All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..." So sings the trio Peter, Paul & Mary in the classic '70's song. Like all of us who traveled in those days, I'd venture a guess they had no worries about the weight, content or amount of luggage they toured around with. Back then there were few luggage fees. No 3-1-1 rule. No bare feet through security, and no pat downs. We just packed our bags, checked in as many as we wanted within reason, didn't give much thought to what we carried on the plane, and off we went on our merry way.
    Nowadays, the airlines charge for everything except maybe using the restroom - and rest assured - that day may come. Of all the ways the airlines nickel and dime us, nothing raises our dander like luggage fees. Fees for checked bags, fees for carry-on luggage, and fees for overweight bags have forced us to rethink how we travel and the way we pack.
    It's bad enough that we need to carefully consider the weight and size of our bags when packing before we leave. Even more critical now is the fact that we need to consider the extra stuff we'll come home with. Let's face it, we all buy some memento or other of the places you visit, and bag limits will be tested when you realize you will need to find room in the limited space you have left in your luggage - if any. Shopaholics especially will need to figure out how to fit all those new trinkets and gifts for friends back home without breaking the bank or the rules. Here are a few ideas which I intend to implement at some time in the future in my own travels.
    1) If your luggage is expandable, take advantage of the extra inches. Just remember, in it's new larger size, it may no longer fit into the overhead bin, or if it's to be checked, it may exceed the weight limit.
    2) Ship the stuff home. Some merchants will ship your purchases. Another option - though not as practical for just a day in port - is to find the nearest Post Office and ship it all home in a flat-rate box. Sure, shipping sounds pricey, but so are excess baggage fees at the airport.
    3) Your third, and probably cheapest option, is to pack a foldable compact bag in your suitcase, such as a lightweight duffel or zippered tote bag. If the size and amount of your souvenirs are more than your luggage can handle, pack up the spare and check it at the airport. Although you may end up paying a checked-bag fee for an extra piece of luggage, this might be a more economical way to cart your souvenirs home than paying for international shipping, which is not cheap. Wrap some bubble wrap around any breakable items. If you didn't think ahead and pack bubble wrap, t-shirts or towels will do (but please don't steal the hotel's or cruise ship's towels). Depending on the size of the newly added piece, and any other hand luggage you may have, it may be possible to carry it aboard the plane.
    Lastly, one final option is to not check any luggage at all. Instead, ship the bags directly to or from your destination. Federal Express and UPS, for example, both offer boxes and bags for holding luggage. Pack it up, the courier will pick it up and ship it directly to your hotel where it will await your arrival. My boss, in fact, recently did this to ship his black-tie formal wear for a wedding he was attending, and it all worked out just fine - and was super convenient!
    For more tips on packing light and lightening your load, check out the article: Lighten Your Luggage and Avoid Baggage Fees
  11. Jan115
    When cruising to destinations near or far, chances are you’ll want to see parks, museums, historic buildings, castles and other popular attractions in your ports of call. While shore excursions with the cruise lines include tickets to must-see city sites, you may want to visit on your own and will need to purchase tickets for what you came to experience. When you only have so much time in port, you don’t want to waste it in line waiting for tickets. So plan ahead – and this is especially critical for the more popular visitor sites. Decide what you want to see most and, wherever possible, purchase your tickets on line in advance of your cruise.
    For example, on a port stop last summer in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, I knew in advance that I wanted to see Edinburgh Castle, but not at the cruise line’s hefty price. As Edinburgh Castle is THE most popular place with visitors in all of Scotland, I knew lines would be incredibly long and form very early in the day. I went to the Historic Scotland website and purchased a 2-castle deal, which not only whisked us quickly into Edinburgh Castle, but also into Stirling Castle while on an independent Highlands tour from Glasgow. We simply printed out our on-line tickets and headed directly to the entrances of both castles, thereby skipping the long lines at the ticket counter and secretly laughing at the hundreds of people in the ticket lines.
    Oh, and did I mention we saved money, too? By buying a multi-attraction ticket, we saved money off the individual ticket price. In the case of Historic Scotland, the more castles on your list to visit, the more you save, which is especially useful for those folks on a land tour of the country.
    This summer, we will be visiting Alcatraz in San Francisco in advance of our Alaskan cruise on the Grand Princess. Knowing that Alcatraz is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco and sells out quickly, I booked tickets for the highly-rated evening tour the day it opened for sale. It’s a good thing, too. A week later, they were sold out – more than 12 weeks in advance!
    For more on saving time and avoiding lines, read: Tips for Beating Long Lines on a Cruise Vacation
  12. Jan115
    Unless you have personally designed your own luggage or purchased a uniquely different set from a retailer, your luggage probably looks like mine – ordinary black, green or blue - basic and functional. Claiming your luggage on the bag carousel or in the cruise port terminal can be confusing, and it’s easy to walk away with someone else’s stuff when all the bags look alike.
    Make your luggage stand out and easier to spot in the endless sea of bags. You don’t have to be an artist to individualize your bags. Try some of these simple tricks:
    · Use colorful, unique name tags
    · Wrap the handles in colorful tape, ribbon or store-bought handle wraps
    · Accent with neon strips of duct tape
    · Fasten ribbons, yarn or scarves to the bags
    · Personalize it with stickers … they’re not just for kids!
    A little bag decorating will go a long way in quickly identifying your bags, avoiding a mix-up and getting you swiftly on your way.
  13. Jan115
    Finally! We’re down to the final days before our long-awaited Alaskan cruise. As much as I would love to spend the time daydreaming about glaciers and wild animals, I am busy with final preparations – last minute shopping, packing and confirming of reservations. If that weren’t enough, there are other necessary pre-vacation tasks to attend to in order to avoid coming home to chaos and a mountain of projects.
    Don’t overlook the chores and responsibilities that need to be completed before you leave – both at work and at home. It’ll ensure a relaxing vacation and a stress-free return home. Start by writing a detailed, prioritized to-do list of everything that needs to be done before you leave. With the most critical jobs at the top of the list, you will be certain those are taken care of. If you run out of time for the less important chores at the end of the list, it won’t matter as much if they don’t get done.
    I generally make two lists. One is for me and tasks I need to complete before vacation can commence: pre-pay the bills, notify the credit card companies, stop the mail and newspaper deliveries, and other routine things. The second list is for the family member or friend who has the distinct honor of watching the house while we’re gone. If it’s a current resident manning the fort, say your young adult offspring, there are additional reminders – take out the trash, lock the doors, close the windows, feed the cat, clean up after yourself … and, of course, no wild parties.
    Those are just the must-do jobs on the home front. Work is another matter with responsibilities to complete, deadlines to meet, and so forth. If this is the case and you find yourself overwhelmed and wondering how you’ll ever finish, ask your co-workers for a little help. Just remember to bring them a nice souvenir from your trip or offer to take them to lunch when you return.
  15. Jan115
    This is a big area where my husband and I differ – especially on a cruise day at sea. He is up early, out the cabin door and ready to see and do everything there is aboard the ship. I, on the other hand, like to linger over a cup of coffee in my cabin, sit out on the balcony (if I am lucky enough to have afforded one) and watch the world go by. I am in no particular hurry to do anything.
    So while we attend shows together, hang out side-by-side by the pool for a little while before attending, say, a ballroom dancing class, we often find ourselves going our separate ways. He’ll go to the casino or an art auction, and I’ll find a quite place somewhere to read or write or just people watch.
    One not-to-be-missed event we both agree on, however, is a beautiful sunrise or sunset. There is no work of art more beautiful than that of a setting or rising sun at sea and the spectacular soft glow of white, orange and yellow streaks in the sky.

    Just because the ship’s daily newsletter lists more activities than there are hours in the day doesn’t mean you have to do it all – or much of it at all, for that matter. Yes, cruising is a social event in many ways, a great way to meet people and expand your horizons, but it’s important to remember that it’s your vacation. Do what you feel is right for you. If that means a day full of hairy chest and belly flop contests, by all means – enjoy! But, for you, if that means lounging in a deck chair gazing out at the deep blues and greens of the mesmerizing sea and dreaming the day away, then I say pleasant dreams!

  16. Jan115
    Travel planning has come a long way, baby! Nowadays, you can plan your entire vacation from the comfort of your home. Simply log on to your favorite travel websites and book hotels, airfare, cruises and entire vacations. The same goes for cruise excursions.
    When you book a cruise, whether through the cruise line, a local travel agent or a big internet agency, you’re given a reservation number. Simply log on to the cruise line’s website, key in your reservation number, and your now in control of your own cruise. From here you can see your cabin number, your dining preferences, download brochures and fill out all the necessary immigration with just a few keystrokes.
    The most convenient feature of your on-line cruise account is the ability to book your shore excursions in advance. Several weeks before your cruise, your cruise account will list all of the tours available in your ports of call, and in most cases will list the most popular ones for that destination. If you have your heart set on a particular must-see attraction while visiting a port, be sure to book your excursion before you leave home. You will be assured a spot on the tour and still have the option to cancel without penalty once aboard within the time specified on your tour ticket.
    Another benefit of booking your excursion in advance of your cruise is that you will avoid the madness and mayhem at the excursion desk on board. It always amazes me how many people book a cruise and don’t think about it again until it’s time to print their documents and pack their bags, with no inkling about what they want to see or do on the ship or in port. These are the folks scrambling at the last minute to book shore excursions, many of which may be sold out.
    This advice holds true for those cruisers who prefer non-ship excursions, too. Small, local tour guides, in particular, book up early due to their ability to only handle a small number of travelers in a day. Be sure to arrange your tour early in the planning process, be aware of the guide’s cancellation and refund policy, and avoid disappointment.
    For more on what other cruise features are available to book in advance, read: Savvy Cruisers Pre-Book Excursions, Dining Reservations and More
  17. Jan115
    As an avid amateur photographer and blogger, I love to return home with photos of the ship including public areas. Readers like to know everything about a ship before its their turn to cruise, and what better way than through pictures. They want to see it all, including the cabins, pools, restaurants, the atrium and every other onboard detail. Whether its good, bad or ugly people need to know.
    The absolute best time to shoot pictures is immediately upon boarding, and in order to get the best shots, plan on being one of the first on board. By arriving early, youll have an opportunity for unobstructed shots of public areas before the crowds arrive.
    If youre like me, you like to make your cabin the first stop on your shipboard photo safari. I like to know that my cabin is the way I want it and that there are no immediate issues to contend with. First, take a photo of the door and the cabin number, then before dropping your stuff, take photos of the room. An uncluttered room is much more inviting to the viewer than one scattered with belongings. When snapping pictures, dont neglect the bathroom, closets, balcony and electrical outlets the most asked-about cabin features.

    Then drop everything and explore the rest of the ship, starting with the most popular places first, the places where passengers tend to congregate. These would be the atrium, of course, along with the buffet area, the lido deck and anywhere else hoards of folks might congregate. Then move on to the quieter areas of the ship the library, for instance.
    If all else fails and you arrive to the ship late in the day when the crowds are already in place, you can always use editing software later in the editing process to remove the un-pretty from your photos.
  18. Jan115
    Are you craving an hour or two of pampering at the spa while on your next cruise, but not sure if you want to spend that much money on yourself? With all the exotic treatments now available, spa beds are filling up, especially on sea days when passengers look for ways to fill their time with relaxing activities.
    While spa appointments can conveniently be booked in advance from the comfort of your own home, you might be wise to wait until you arrive on board. Port day specials - one price for 3 treatments, for example - are offered on just about every sailing.
    You can enjoy the serenity of the spa if you choose not to go for a tour or if you simply want to stay on board. A treatment can be priced as much as 40% less on a day in port when there is less demand.
    Port days specials are well-advertised at the spa, in the daily newsletter, and in special flyers left at your door each evening.
  19. Jan115
    When boarding a cruise ship – especially if it’s your first – you’ll gaze in wonder with your head in the clouds at your surroundings. However, once you have come down to earth, it’ll be time to get down to the business of reviewing a few safety measures to make your cruise a safe and enjoyable one.
    Begin by taking a tour of the ship. Gather your family or traveling companions together and take a walk around the ship. I know – given the size of some of today’s super mega vessels, this could take a while. While walking around and checking out the many public areas, pay close attention to the location of the emergency exits, lifeboats and the medical facilities – being aware of the proximity of each to your cabin.
    When you’re together with your family or companions in your cabin for the first time, read the safety information posted. This is especially true if you have children in your group. Locate your lifejackets, write down the location of your muster station, and review together the safety instructions. You will receive a visual presentation later in the day at the safety drill, but it doesn’t hurt to get a head start.
    After you’ve unpacked, put together a “grab & go kit”. Place your key important items in a waterproof or zip-lock freezer bag, and store them in a single place, ready to grab at a moment’s notice. These items might include your medications, small flashlight, an extra set of eyeglasses, a list of contacts or PDA, a small amount of cash, a credit card and a driver’s license. If you store the kit in your safe, be sure you know the combination and can access it quick.
    Most importantly, don’t use the Safety Drill as an opportunity to take a catnap. In the wake of the Concordia disaster, new, improved safety measures and crew training have risen to the forefront, and the requirement of safety drill attendance by every passenger and crew member is enforced more than ever. Pay close attention to the detailed instructions and demonstrations by the crew so you will be prepared in the event of an emergency.
    For more tips and advice concerning safety on a cruise, read: Health and Safety on a Cruise Ship - A Review for Passengers
  20. Jan115
    With thousands of ports around the world, no wonder choosing a cruise itinerary is such an overwhelming task, especially if you’re setting sail for the first time. Here are a few guidelines for choosing your cruise destination:
    Personal Style: First, ask yourself a few questions. Do you prefer tropical islands, the beach, sun and water sports found in the Caribbean? Do you want to experience the rich history of Europe? Have you been longing to see the glaciers and wildlife of Alaska? Do you see yourself relaxing on deck at sea for several days or do you want port-a-day touring in Europe?
    Embarkation Port: If you are the type who wants to drive to your port of embarkation this will, of course, limit you to ships that sail from those cities and destinations to which they are headed. On the other hand, if you are willing to fly to a distant port, you will have more options for seeing places you would not have access to otherwise.
    The Destination “Season”: Look at the cruises available for the time period for when you want to travel. Some destinations have their cruising seasons, while others have peak seasons but offer cruising year round. For example, Alaska’s season is May through September, while you can cruise the Caribbean year round.
    Budget: What can you afford? A port-intensive itinerary could mean more money out of pocket for transportation, touring and excursions, while a cruise with more sea days could save you money (as long as you refrain from added-fee onboard activities). If you’re limited by both time and cash, then a shorter 3, 4 or 5-day cruise might be an option.
    Most importantly, do your research. With a little planning, you’ll find the perfect cruise for your own personal style.
  21. Jan115
    Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone when choosing shore excursions, but at the same time, be aware of your physical limitations. It’s fun to try new experiences, but if you tire easily or get short of breath when walking long distances, the strenuous hiking trail is probably not for you. Likewise, if you’re afraid of heights, perhaps ziplining isn’t the right choice, either. If you’re uncomfortable snorkeling in water over your head, don’t be tough guy - ask for a vest. No one will think less of you.
    A few years ago when our two teen daughters accompanied us on a cruise, they wanted to climb up Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica. As I always do when trying something new for the first time, I read reviews of the falls and listened to others’ own experiences. It sounded like a thrilling experience – for the healthy, physically fit person. However, for someone with not-so-great knee joints and a previous ankle fracture several years previous, I had my concerns. The girls wanted me to go with them, and with the reassurances from others that it’s no so difficult, I decided to give it a go.
    I knew from the moment I started down the stairs to reach the bottom of the falls that I was going to have problems, and this was affirmed when the guide put me first in line for the trip up the waterfall – where they usually put the little kids who need help. Stairs are one thing – but the steepness of the rocks was too much, and the guide had to literally pull me up each step of the way. Meanwhile, the little kid behind me is vaulting over the rocks like an Olympic champion. I bowed out at the first emergency exit, wishing I had picked something more suitable to my limitations.
    Cruise line excursions include helpful information in their descriptions as to the level of activity, number of steps, amount of walking and other information to help you decide if it’s the right one for you. If you choose an independent tour company, be sure to know before you go. With some careful planning and being honest with yourself about your limitations, you can have fun and be safe at the same time.
  22. Jan115
    The number of ships in port on any given day can have a significant impact on your cruise experience. The more ships in port, the heavier the crowds and the greater the demand for popular attractions. The number of ships can affect everything from available taxis to seating at popular restaurants. A super-mega ship like Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas carries 5,400 passengers alone, and if it is joined in port by two or three other modestly size ships, that number can double or even triple in size. Combine that with the number of locals and land tourists, and you can expect large crowds and exceedingly long waits for the most sought-after sights that you and every other tourist want to see.
    While I don't choose a cruise based on the number of ships in port, I do like to check sites such as www.cruisetimetables.com or www.cruisereport.com - or, better yet, the individual port websites themselves - to find out what I can expect in terms of port congestion and how far ahead I should book an independent tour or otherwise arrange my day. For example, I might choose an off-the-beaten-track tour if I know there will be an overly large number of people in town.
    Simply look up your port and the date on which you ship will be docked there, and you will learn how many ships will be docked and their arrival and departure times - especially useful if your ship is first to arrive and you want to get a head start to beat the crowds. Knowing in advance how many people will be competing for tours can be a deciding factor in how you plan your day in port.
  23. Jan115
    You had every intention of heading directly to the airport after the cruise, but the prime flights were sold out, leaving only the 8:00 pm flight. Or maybe you chose this flight because it was the cheapest. "What on earth will I do for 12 hours?" you ask. Whatever you do, don't waste it sitting around at the airport. There are far better places to people watch. Here are a few ideas for spending those precious final hours of your vacation.
    Take a ship excursion and tour the port city. Cruise lines know there are people like you with later flights and, therefore, will be more than happy to sell you one of their post-cruise tours. While they can be a bit pricey, these tours are the ultimate in convenience. Simply disembark your ship, climb aboard a motor coach with your fellow cruisers, tour the city and continue on with the group to the airport. No need to worry about your luggage - it will travel with you on your entire journey.
    Hire a taxi or a local tour guide to show you around. Many guides will pick you and your luggage up at the ship, take you on a tour, and drop you at the airport. While this may or may not be less expensive than the ship tour, you will generally have more flexibility and a more personal experience.
    Rent a car for the day. This is especially good if you can perhaps share the cost with another couple or have a late night flight. The more time spent with your car, the better, and you will have all the flexibility you need.
    Book a hotel room for a day. They aren't always easy to find, but there are some hotels which will let you have a room for a few hours at their "day rate" provided they have availability. This is ideal if all you want to do is have a place to relax for a few hours, go for a swim, use their amenities or have a meal.
    Take advantage of the cruise ship's luggage valet service. Sometimes the simplest and least expensive solution to how to spend your time is to simply walk or take a taxi to a shopping area, a beach or some other favorite local attraction. What you don't want to do is haul all that luggage along with you. Many cruise lines offer a service, for an extra fee, whereby they will send your luggage from the ship directly to the airport. Some airlines offer this service, as well, in select ports (Southwest, for one). Check with the cruise line or airline for details.
    Visit friends or relatives in town. Perhaps your lucky enough to have friends or relatives in town with a vehicle who would be more than happy to pick you up and spend the day entertaining you. To assure that they remain your friends after the trip, don't forget to reciprocate the kindness next time they come to your town.
  24. Jan115
    Has this happened to you? You book your cruise on-line directly with the cruise line. A few weeks later, you meet a travel agent, and you instantly strike up a bond. She's experienced, personable and seems to work hard to provide personalized service to her customers. Even better, she is prepared to offer you onboard credit, a bottle of wine and a free shore excursion. She also advises you of a myriad of ways to save money on your cruise and offers advice and tips on how to make your experience easy and enjoyable. For instance, she says she can save you money over the ship's excursion in St. Thomas by booking with a well-respected local tour guide. She recommends a quality discount hotel for a pre-cruise stay. You wonder to yourself - where was this Goddess of Cruise Planning when you started researching cruise vacation options?
    Don't despair. Did you know that you can transfer your cruise booking from the cruise line to your friendly new agent? Well you absolutely can and should! In fact, to make things easy, you don't need to do a thing. The agent will take care of the whole process and assure that your booking stays exactly the same. Now you have a great agent, a great upcoming cruise and some added amenities. Your agent gets a well-deserved commission and everybody wins!
    For more great reasons why you should choose a travel agent to handle your cruise, read my latest article: 10 Reasons Why You Should Use a Travel Agent to Book Your Cruise.
  25. Jan115
    You might think that after the Costa Concordia tragedy in January 2012, people would have more respect for the muster drill. For the most part, on the majority of our cruises since that time, I have noticed an alertness among the passengers that wasn’t necessarily there before. Passengers WANT to know what to do in case of a ship emergency. Ships have stepped up their drills and passengers are paying attention.
    At least that’s what I’d observed – until I boarded Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas last month. As we stood in our respective lines out on deck, I was stunned by the rudeness of others. While the captain’s voice came over the loudspeaker with detailed emergency instructions, people were thoughtlessly talking all around me, paying no attention whatsoever, and making it impossible to hear anything. I left the drill not knowing any more than I did when I arrived. Imagine how frustrating that would be for a first-time cruiser.
    Fortunately, there are detailed instructions outlined in the cabin literature, as well, so it’s a good idea to review these with your cabin mates on the first day. However, there’s no substitute for a good visual presentation.
    If you think you’ve experienced enough muster drills and are only there because it’s mandatory – like many of us, please at least have the common courtesy to remain quiet so your fellow cruisers – those who REALLY want to know the emergency procedures – will be able to listen to and hear the instructions.
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