Going on a cruise is a fantastic holiday. For singles, be prepared to be entertained almost 24 hours a day. For honeymooners it can be the most romantic time of your life and a time to remember. For Mums and Dads being spoiled is too good to believe, and when there are children with you, you’ll be glad to know that they are cared for and entertained for most of the day. This gives you lots of free time to pursue whatever entertainment the line offers.
Many people new to cruising don’t always realize that not everything is included in their cruise price. Many are disappointed when they board their ship and realize they will need additional monies to get them through their trip. However, if you have done your homework you should know this prior to making bookings.
Although each cruise line has its own set of inclusions, the following information does apply to the majority of the cruise lines. Always check the free classifieds sites and travel websites before you book your holidays, you’ll be surprised with what you might find.
Fun-For-All Entertainment
Pack some evening dress because you will find most cruise ships entertain their passengers with a variety of ‘miscellaneous’ treats. These include a Masked Ball, Ladies Night, talent competitions, and Fancy Dress Balls, for adults and children.
Interestingly, you will find that the list of what is not included on a cruise is much shorter than what is included.
Accommodation
If you opt for stateroom accommodation, a cabin steward will be assigned to you and will attend to your every need. Your steward will unpack your bags, attend to dry-cleaning and pressing of clothes. They will arrange for your stateroom to be cleaned and refreshed each day, and even make sure your beds are turned down at night. The majority of these cabins come equipped with televisions, DVD, stereos, computer connections, and telephones. Most new ships may also include blow driers and bar fridges, though this depends on the cruise line.
If you decide to travel economically, you will find that the only services provided shall be the cleaning of your cabin once a day
Bathroom amenities most often included are shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, razors, etc.
Because of fire hazards, irons are not furnished and are not allowed in the staterooms or cabins; however, your steward, or cabin attendant will attend to this and the service is offered at a reasonable fee.
The Library
Most cruise ships have a well-stocked library full of all kinds of books. These can be read in the quiet lounge area, or taken back to your cabin and read at your leisure. With current magazines, newspapers, new books, and board games you won’t have to have a boring day on board. If you are an enthusiastic chess, scrabble, backgammon, or bridge player, join the many tournaments held at the cruise. Of course, they give out prizes to winners.
Onboard Activities All in all, it’s virtually impossible to be bored on a cruise ship. There are ongoing activities throughout the day, which are usually free of charge. Contests, games, bingo, clay shooting, dance, Tai Chi and golf lessons, karaoke and sing-a-longs, etc. Swimming or relaxing in a spa or hot tub.
Children and Young Teenagers on Board All mainstream cruise ships offer organized programmes that cater to the entire family. These programmes are usually categorized by age, which include age-appropriate activities.
When paying for your cruise the tips will NOT be included, although you can pre-pay your tips if the cruise liner will agree to it. Some cruise lines automatically add the recommended tip amount to your account at the time of sailing. You can decide to adjust this amount based on the service received.
The onboard hospitality crew and general staffing crew earn much of their money in tips. Make no mistake, they do EARN IT – their shifts are long and they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and well-looked after on your holiday. You won’t find better waiters, stewards, bartenders, and cabin staff anywhere.
Most cruise lines have ‘recommended tipping rates’ that can start at $10.00 per day per guest. These tips are then distributed among the personnel that service your every need for the included cruise items such as stateroom stewards, waiters, bartenders, and general cabin staff.
Spa Treatments All cruise ships offer excellent technicians for spa treatments such as massage, facials, waxing, manicure, and pedicures. Hairdressers are available as well. Of course, all of these are extra, but are they worth it, and you’ll always look your best without much effort. Another tip, book in as soon as you get on board for your first service and you can book ongoing services easily or you’ll miss out. These services fill up very quickly.
Shore Excursions Unfortunately, shore excursions are not included. There are dozens of things to do when your ship docks at the beautiful exotic destinations. Don’t let your next holiday turn into a fiasco. Cruise lines make it extremely easy for you to book excursions on-line even before you board the ship. If you prefer you can book shore excursions once you board.
The Best Hints to Remember
Budget for your on board expenses and include the spending money for any on shore shopping excursions. Keep track of your spending by retaining all receipts Check your account balance each day. Book your shore excursions ahead of time so you won’t be disappointed. Take care when going on tour alone. Even though most people on shore rely on tourists for their income, it’s easy to become prey to misadventure. Don’t purchase any foodstuffs that are suspicious. Rather be safe than sorry. Don’t buy any food that cannot be consumed before you reach your departure port. Don’t buy anything on shore if you believe it may be confiscated by customs once you are home.
The best tip to remember is to check everything with your travel agent before paying for your cruise. If you need to find a travel agent in a hurry just browse free online classifieds, and do some shopping around for the best prices. Ask questions and then ask some more. They are there to assist you to have a really good holiday. If your travel agent doesn’t know much about the cruise line then it may be better to find another agent, otherwise you can get in touch directly with the cruise line. Bon voyage!
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