A Guide For Planning a Cruise
If you have a good travel agent who specializes in cruises or if you’re a member of the American or Canadian Automobile Association, you may want to request a cruise planning guide. If such a guide is not available, follow these basic steps so you don’t run into major problems. This guide for planning a cruise consists of:
Pre-booking Stage
Preparing for your Cruise
Getting the Most Enjoyment from Your Cruise
Pre-booking Stage
As soon as you know which country and cruise you want, book your cruise as early as possible to take advantage of early booking discounts. If you are traveling alone and do not wish to share your cabin, be prepared to pay the single supplement rate. This can range from 10% to 100% of the cruise fee.
– If you do want to share your cabin, ask the cruise director if you can be given the “guaranteed share rate.” What the company normally does is find you a suitable cabin mate and will not charge you the single supplement rate.
– Flexibility can save you precious dollars. Cruises taken off season are cheaper than peak season cruises. If your travel plans are flexible and you do not mind traveling on those off-season months, you can obtain a cheaper rate.
– If you have room preferences, go ahead and request them. If you tend to be seasick, the best cabins to stay are those in the middle of the ship as these are the cabins that do not “move” as much.
– If you want to save some money, choose a room without an ocean view.
One important piece of advice: not all cruise companies have the same definition for a suite. If you are requesting a suite, make sure you know exactly what you are getting.
– Know what kind of ship you want. Small ships (they usually accommodate about 500 passengers) offer more personalized service and generally have a more “family-type” atmosphere. They also have unique programs on board and can be more flexible when it comes to spending a certain amount of time in itinerary stops.
– Medium ships (500 to 1,000 passengers) have a variety of activities on board and may include entertainment or sing-along events.
– Large ships (over 1,000 passengers) usually come “fully loaded.” There are more amenities, more high-tech facilities, more activities, and more opportunities for meeting people.
Preparing for Your Cruise
Check with the cruise company what types of identification you will need before getting on the ship;
Let the cruise line know if you have any allergies or special food needs – send this in writing at least two months before departure date;
If you suffer from motion sickness, ask your doctor to prescribe anti-nausea and anti-dizziness medication and pack enough for the duration of your cruise;
Establish a web-based account with any of the common providers like MSN, Yahoo or Gmail. Your family will want to know you are safe and free from trouble;
Take note of your passport number, ticket number, vouchers and credit cards and leave these numbers with a friend or family member in case you lose them aboard the ship. Take important phone numbers with you;
Check weather conditions. Summer does not mean that you will have consistently warm weather. Evenings spent at sea can become chilly. Bring some jackets or windbreakers just in case. Make a list of all things you may need and pack them (instead of buying them in the ship’s boutique which could cost you an arm and a leg).
Getting the Most Enjoyment from Your Cruise
As soon as you board the ship, familiarize yourself with rescue procedures and where the emergency exits are;
Most luggage are hauled into the ship in large batches. If you have 500-1000 fellow travellers, your luggage may not be delivered to your cabin as quickly enough. Be patient. If a reasonable amount of time has elapsed and your luggage still has not arrived, report your missing luggage immediately;
If you want to participate in certain activities or want to have some spa treatments, reserve early;
If you’re travelling with kids, ask the cruise staff if they have unlimited drinks for kids. You pay one price and the kids can have as many drinks as they want;
If you want to meet people, don’t be shy. Try to look for people who seem by themselves and strike up a conversation. A cruise is meant to be enjoyed and intended to facilitate the social aspect;
If you feel like shopping, hold off until the last day of the cruise. Merchandise usually goes on sale towards the end of the cruise in some ships.
