Luxurious River Cruises – An Alternative To Tradition
May 31, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
When most people think of a luxury cruise, they visualize a hugh ship out on the ocean, sailing from one exotic tropical port to another. There is an alternative type of cruising, though, that provides quite a different cruise experience while still pampering passengers with luxury and exceptional service. It is called river cruising and it is an amazing way to cruise.
An alternative to traditional cruising
Whether you are a first time cruiser or have experienced many, there is much to like about river cruising. As an alternative to the traditional cruise, it provides a different view of the countries and cities visited on the ship with a more intimate and casual atmosphere. When we consider the areas where these river cruises are most popular, Europe, Asia and South America, one may wish to take a little more time to absorb the sites, culture, locals and the history. The ship`s motion on the water is quite different on a river compared to an ocean cruise, and is much less likely to bother someone who may be prone to motion sickness.
Smaller ships
River cruise ships are necessarily smaller than ocean cruise ships, as they have to navigate the sometimes shallow and tricky waters of an inland waterway. River cruising should not be confused with barging - where passengers float on a barg in man-made canals - because with a powered cruise ship you can explore a country via natural rivers and waterways. Most river cruise ships generally accomadate between 100 and 200 people, although, some are even smaller.
Casual, flexible, personal
River cruising is much more casual than traditional cruising. Dinners are casual and comfortable, and in most cases, do not even require wearing a dress jacket or suit coat. Seating is generally open rather than assigned, giving you an opportunity to dine with different people every night, and there is only one sitting rather than two. Passengers can eat what they want , when they want, and in the company of whom they want - the ultimate in flexibility.
Slower pace, more relaxed
A river cruise vessel travels at a much slower speed than a traditional cruise ship, allowing passengers to better appreciateand enjoy the passing countryside. The slower cruising speed allows the ship`s atmosphere to feature a slower pace and a more relaxed enviornment, something that most river cruisers particularly enjoy. The sometimes frenetic pace of activity on an ocean liner simply does not exist on a river cruise, making it an exceptionally relaxing way to vacation.
Intimate view of the country
River cruising allows you to have a unique and intimate view of the countries you visit. A river cruise takes you well outside of the cities that are typical stopping points and lets you explore the countryside that reflects the true culture and spirit of a country. River cruises usually include stops in smaller villages in towns, where you can mingle with the locals and enjoy a unique cultural experience.
Luxury and exceptional service
A slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere does not mean that river cruising lacks in luxury and service. On the contrary, because a river cruise ship carries fewer passengers, the crew can provide exceptionally personal service, catering to your every need or want. And because river cruise ships generally do not have a hugh array of bars, entertainment facilities and other nightlife venues, they tend to be quieter and more subdued than ocean liners. You still have access to entertainment and recreational activities, just not as many as on a larger ship.
River cruising season
In warm weather climates, river cruising can occur year round, but most cruise lines still curtail their sailings from November to March. In northern climates the rivers freeze over the winter, necessitating a shorter season that usually runs from April or May through October or November, depending on river conditions. Because river cruise ships hold fewer and do not run as often as ocean liners, accomodations tend to fill up rather quickly. Your best bet is to book your luxury cruise on a river at the earliest date possible to ensure your place on the ship.
If you have any questions or want further information, please go to my site TPI Travel-Bruce Pickett. and send me an email with your thoughts.
Thanks to Bruce Pickett for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
An alternative to traditional cruising
Whether you are a first time cruiser or have experienced many, there is much to like about river cruising. As an alternative to the traditional cruise, it provides a different view of the countries and cities visited on the ship with a more intimate and casual atmosphere. When we consider the areas where these river cruises are most popular, Europe, Asia and South America, one may wish to take a little more time to absorb the sites, culture, locals and the history. The ship`s motion on the water is quite different on a river compared to an ocean cruise, and is much less likely to bother someone who may be prone to motion sickness.
Smaller ships
River cruise ships are necessarily smaller than ocean cruise ships, as they have to navigate the sometimes shallow and tricky waters of an inland waterway. River cruising should not be confused with barging - where passengers float on a barg in man-made canals - because with a powered cruise ship you can explore a country via natural rivers and waterways. Most river cruise ships generally accomadate between 100 and 200 people, although, some are even smaller.
Casual, flexible, personal
River cruising is much more casual than traditional cruising. Dinners are casual and comfortable, and in most cases, do not even require wearing a dress jacket or suit coat. Seating is generally open rather than assigned, giving you an opportunity to dine with different people every night, and there is only one sitting rather than two. Passengers can eat what they want , when they want, and in the company of whom they want - the ultimate in flexibility.
Slower pace, more relaxed
A river cruise vessel travels at a much slower speed than a traditional cruise ship, allowing passengers to better appreciateand enjoy the passing countryside. The slower cruising speed allows the ship`s atmosphere to feature a slower pace and a more relaxed enviornment, something that most river cruisers particularly enjoy. The sometimes frenetic pace of activity on an ocean liner simply does not exist on a river cruise, making it an exceptionally relaxing way to vacation.
Intimate view of the country
River cruising allows you to have a unique and intimate view of the countries you visit. A river cruise takes you well outside of the cities that are typical stopping points and lets you explore the countryside that reflects the true culture and spirit of a country. River cruises usually include stops in smaller villages in towns, where you can mingle with the locals and enjoy a unique cultural experience.
Luxury and exceptional service
A slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere does not mean that river cruising lacks in luxury and service. On the contrary, because a river cruise ship carries fewer passengers, the crew can provide exceptionally personal service, catering to your every need or want. And because river cruise ships generally do not have a hugh array of bars, entertainment facilities and other nightlife venues, they tend to be quieter and more subdued than ocean liners. You still have access to entertainment and recreational activities, just not as many as on a larger ship.
River cruising season
In warm weather climates, river cruising can occur year round, but most cruise lines still curtail their sailings from November to March. In northern climates the rivers freeze over the winter, necessitating a shorter season that usually runs from April or May through October or November, depending on river conditions. Because river cruise ships hold fewer and do not run as often as ocean liners, accomodations tend to fill up rather quickly. Your best bet is to book your luxury cruise on a river at the earliest date possible to ensure your place on the ship.
If you have any questions or want further information, please go to my site TPI Travel-Bruce Pickett. and send me an email with your thoughts.
Thanks to Bruce Pickett for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Travel has been Bruce’s passion for many years with cruises and cruise ships being his delight. He has experienced and enjoyed upwards of two dozen cruises to many parts of the world on almost all cruise lines amid many stops at beautiful land resorts. His goal now is to continue to, of course, cruise and travel, and to help others in the process of deciding on itineraries, and enjoying their cruises and travels to the fullest. We all know life is meant to be happy and joyful and disruptions and problems will certainly detract from your holiday.
Bruce took the time and the energy to achieve his ACC designation from Cruise Line International Association, an organization that has as one of it’s goals to oversee the cruise industry and develope the experience and knowledge of the people in the industry. This ACC designation displays Bruce’s dedication to his clients and the industry.
An offer of a FREE monthly newsletter is available to you concerning cruising and traveling with up tp date information on destinations and details at the web site TPI Travel-Bruce Pickett. Don’t miss the opportunity to look around at all the beautiful places that are available to you. Drop a note to Bruce with any questions you may have. There is no obligation and the service is priority one!
New Cruise Ships and Job Opportunities
May 31, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
Cruise lines are one of the biggest and fastest trend in tourism. The demand for new cruise ships has been increasing rapidly as more tourists prefer relaxing while on cruise and the need for cruise line employees are growing as well to provide better and faster services to the passengers.
Here are a few details about new cruise ships to be launched in 2009 along with some information on how many crew ship positions would be available.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Ship: Oasis of the sea
Launch Date: November 2009
Tour: Caribbean
Passengers: 6400
Cruise Crew Needed: 1650
Description: Includes an AquaTheater, two climbing walls and the first on board zip line and carousel, Oasis of the Seas will be the worlds largest ship.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Carnival Dream
Launch Date: September 21, 2009
Tour: Mediterranean, Caribbean
Passengers: 3646
Cruise Crew Needed: 1367
Description: A completely new design for Carnival and will be the largest Carnival Ship. Ensuring passenger comfort and best cruise experience as cruise ship crew ratio to passenger will be one for every 2.6 passenger.
Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Celebrity Equinox
Launch Date: Summer, 2009
Tour: North Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean
Passengers: 2850
Cruise Crew Needed: 1500
Description: Offers a more spacious cabins than Celebrity ships, improvement in luxury and comfort is promised as one crew would be attending to passengers with a ratio of 1 crew for 2 passenger.
Silversea Cruises
Ship: Silver Spirit
Launch Date: December 2009
Tour: Worldwide
Passengers: 540
Cruise Crew Needed: 410
Description: Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy will become the company’s largest luxury vessel on its launch sometime December 2009.
Pearl Seas Cruises
Ship: Ship Unnamed
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Europe and Caribbean
Passengers: 210
Cruise Crew Needed: 135
Description: Second new build ship from new cruise company.
The Yachts of Seabourn
Ship: Seabourn Odyssey
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Worldwide
Passengers: 450
Cruise Crew Needed: 330
Description: With a size in GRT (Gross Register Tonnage) of 32,000, this new build ship is larger by standard of the Seabourn company. Even though more passengers would be accommodated, the same ratio will be the same for the crew to guest as it will still be one crew for every 1.5 guests.
Viking River Cruise
Ship: Viking Legend
Launch Date: May 2009
Tour: Grand European Tour
Passengers: 189
Cruise Crew Needed: 50
Description: Cruising along The Rhine, Main and Danube rivers as it sails from Amsterdam to Budapest, Viking Legend will be the longest in the Viking River Cruise fleet and one of the most state of the art river vessels.
AIDA Cruises
Ship: AIDAluna
Launch Date: April 2009
Tour: Europe
Passengers: 2050
Cruise Crew Needed: 1100
Description: Second new build from AIDA Cruises
Costa Cruises
Ship: Costa Luminosa
Launch Date: May 2009
Tour: Mediterranean, Arctic, North Europe, Atlantic Islands
Passengers: 2850
Cruise Crew Needed: 1500
Description: Although most cruise lines are devoted in making their vessels bigger, Costa Luminosa would be a new and smaller ship but will be better in contemporary design using technology to provide light and color effects on board.
Ship: Costa Pacifica
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Mediterranean
Passengers: 3780
Cruise Crew Needed: 1000
Description: One of the largest new Costa Cruises ships giving a ratio of one crew for every 2.8 passengers for better service.
Pearl Seas Cruises
Ship: Pearl Mist
Launch Date: First Quarter 2009
Tour: Canda, USA, Caribbean
Passengers: 210
Description: First cruise ship from new luxury line Pear Seas
MCS Cruises
Ship: Splendida
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Mediterranean
Passengers: 3300
Cruise Crew Needed: 1325
Description: One of MSC’s largest ships will offer a ratio of one crew to every 2.5 passengers.
With the addition of these twelve cruise ships to roam the oceans and seas, an estimated of 9500 to 10000 cruise ship jobs would be available before the ships delivers on its set date of launch.
Thanks to jabo for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Here are a few details about new cruise ships to be launched in 2009 along with some information on how many crew ship positions would be available.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Ship: Oasis of the sea
Launch Date: November 2009
Tour: Caribbean
Passengers: 6400
Cruise Crew Needed: 1650
Description: Includes an AquaTheater, two climbing walls and the first on board zip line and carousel, Oasis of the Seas will be the worlds largest ship.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Carnival Dream
Launch Date: September 21, 2009
Tour: Mediterranean, Caribbean
Passengers: 3646
Cruise Crew Needed: 1367
Description: A completely new design for Carnival and will be the largest Carnival Ship. Ensuring passenger comfort and best cruise experience as cruise ship crew ratio to passenger will be one for every 2.6 passenger.
Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Celebrity Equinox
Launch Date: Summer, 2009
Tour: North Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean
Passengers: 2850
Cruise Crew Needed: 1500
Description: Offers a more spacious cabins than Celebrity ships, improvement in luxury and comfort is promised as one crew would be attending to passengers with a ratio of 1 crew for 2 passenger.
Silversea Cruises
Ship: Silver Spirit
Launch Date: December 2009
Tour: Worldwide
Passengers: 540
Cruise Crew Needed: 410
Description: Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in Italy will become the company’s largest luxury vessel on its launch sometime December 2009.
Pearl Seas Cruises
Ship: Ship Unnamed
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Europe and Caribbean
Passengers: 210
Cruise Crew Needed: 135
Description: Second new build ship from new cruise company.
The Yachts of Seabourn
Ship: Seabourn Odyssey
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Worldwide
Passengers: 450
Cruise Crew Needed: 330
Description: With a size in GRT (Gross Register Tonnage) of 32,000, this new build ship is larger by standard of the Seabourn company. Even though more passengers would be accommodated, the same ratio will be the same for the crew to guest as it will still be one crew for every 1.5 guests.
Viking River Cruise
Ship: Viking Legend
Launch Date: May 2009
Tour: Grand European Tour
Passengers: 189
Cruise Crew Needed: 50
Description: Cruising along The Rhine, Main and Danube rivers as it sails from Amsterdam to Budapest, Viking Legend will be the longest in the Viking River Cruise fleet and one of the most state of the art river vessels.
AIDA Cruises
Ship: AIDAluna
Launch Date: April 2009
Tour: Europe
Passengers: 2050
Cruise Crew Needed: 1100
Description: Second new build from AIDA Cruises
Costa Cruises
Ship: Costa Luminosa
Launch Date: May 2009
Tour: Mediterranean, Arctic, North Europe, Atlantic Islands
Passengers: 2850
Cruise Crew Needed: 1500
Description: Although most cruise lines are devoted in making their vessels bigger, Costa Luminosa would be a new and smaller ship but will be better in contemporary design using technology to provide light and color effects on board.
Ship: Costa Pacifica
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Mediterranean
Passengers: 3780
Cruise Crew Needed: 1000
Description: One of the largest new Costa Cruises ships giving a ratio of one crew for every 2.8 passengers for better service.
Pearl Seas Cruises
Ship: Pearl Mist
Launch Date: First Quarter 2009
Tour: Canda, USA, Caribbean
Passengers: 210
Description: First cruise ship from new luxury line Pear Seas
MCS Cruises
Ship: Splendida
Launch Date: June 2009
Tour: Mediterranean
Passengers: 3300
Cruise Crew Needed: 1325
Description: One of MSC’s largest ships will offer a ratio of one crew to every 2.5 passengers.
With the addition of these twelve cruise ships to roam the oceans and seas, an estimated of 9500 to 10000 cruise ship jobs would be available before the ships delivers on its set date of launch.
Thanks to jabo for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Cruise ship jobs are one of the best jobs that one can have as they are paid to see the world. Know more about cruise ship jobs and how you can successfully land on one and get more details about cruise line job guide and cruise ship careers.
Disney Cruise Line- A Kids Venture!
May 30, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under Cruise Lines
Spending time with your kids is a great opportunity. Being parents, you always expect that your child gets the best among whatever is there for them.
As long as an unforgettable experience is given to them, no consideration is given to the amount of money spent. You let them make the best out of it as it is an experience that occurs almost only once in a lifetime.
Imagine yourself having a cruise vacation under a clear night sky, with shimmering stars and smoothly flowing sea water, a serene ambiance and your children laughing loudly. Isn’t the imagination itself self-gratifying?
For spending quality time with your kids, among the options available, cruising is the best. They can be let to experience the wonders the world has by going on a cruise vacation. Your family will be given pleasure and enjoyment up to a level they never had experienced before.
Cruising is a pleasure which is not exclusive only for the adult individuals or professional individuals who, in the cruising season, take their vacation. The cruising lines offer opportunities for a youngster also who wants to know what being a participant of an activity is all about.
Disney Cruise Line is a special cruise line that has programs specifically for children. It is the most preferred cruising line for parents who wish that their children go with them on the vacation.
The fantasies of Disneyland can be found also in this cruise line. They entertain children by using the mascots seen in Disneyland. While chasing these cartoons, children will have really quality time, having fun.
The games, programs and other activities are all open for all children, no matter what their age is. The adventure will be interesting as they will be offerred all kinds of entertainment by this cruising line. This cruising line, not only brings laughter to their faces, but also satisfies them with the trip.
Disney cruising line has its peak during the vacation time, when so many boarding reservations are made.
Sometimes millions of parents reserve boarding. For parents, who wish to give their kids a break from stressful school activities, this, in their opinion, is one among the best ways there for doing so.
Activities like painting, story telling and fun playing are provided to youngsters. Children below the age 7. Mostly toddlers are suited best for these.
For teens, special activities are provided. Parlor games, mini parties and arcades games are offerred to near teens. They socialize with other youngsters onboard during these.
For parents who wish that their children enjoy cruising with them, the Disney Company offers two major ships. One is Disney magic and the other is Disney wonder. These ships have the amenities that are also available in many other cruising lines.
They serve the best delicacies which are being served in their restaurants to their guests. While enjoying the food that is served in restaurants, you can also watch entertainment shows shown.
The two ships Disney wonder and Disney magic cruise lines have varying design concepts. But they provide services that excel each other’s and provide you and your family the satisfaction you wanted to give them.
The cruise line had isolated areas for everyone present onboard. There are separate areas for adults and young people. This maximizes the enjoyment for everyone by providing an opportunity for socialising for parents and games for children
Nevertheless, expecting to find everything that is found in Disneyland in Disney cruise line will lead you to disappointment even though the enjoyment and ambiance you feel will be the same.
For you to spend quality time, which is precious and means money, with your own children, this is an opportunity which is the best among what else is available.
Make this an experience, a lasting one at that, that they can brag their playmates back in town!
Enjoy your Cruising vacation in Disney Cruise line!
Thanks to Abhishek Agarwal for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
As long as an unforgettable experience is given to them, no consideration is given to the amount of money spent. You let them make the best out of it as it is an experience that occurs almost only once in a lifetime.
Imagine yourself having a cruise vacation under a clear night sky, with shimmering stars and smoothly flowing sea water, a serene ambiance and your children laughing loudly. Isn’t the imagination itself self-gratifying?
For spending quality time with your kids, among the options available, cruising is the best. They can be let to experience the wonders the world has by going on a cruise vacation. Your family will be given pleasure and enjoyment up to a level they never had experienced before.
Cruising is a pleasure which is not exclusive only for the adult individuals or professional individuals who, in the cruising season, take their vacation. The cruising lines offer opportunities for a youngster also who wants to know what being a participant of an activity is all about.
Disney Cruise Line is a special cruise line that has programs specifically for children. It is the most preferred cruising line for parents who wish that their children go with them on the vacation.
The fantasies of Disneyland can be found also in this cruise line. They entertain children by using the mascots seen in Disneyland. While chasing these cartoons, children will have really quality time, having fun.
The games, programs and other activities are all open for all children, no matter what their age is. The adventure will be interesting as they will be offerred all kinds of entertainment by this cruising line. This cruising line, not only brings laughter to their faces, but also satisfies them with the trip.
Disney cruising line has its peak during the vacation time, when so many boarding reservations are made.
Sometimes millions of parents reserve boarding. For parents, who wish to give their kids a break from stressful school activities, this, in their opinion, is one among the best ways there for doing so.
Activities like painting, story telling and fun playing are provided to youngsters. Children below the age 7. Mostly toddlers are suited best for these.
For teens, special activities are provided. Parlor games, mini parties and arcades games are offerred to near teens. They socialize with other youngsters onboard during these.
For parents who wish that their children enjoy cruising with them, the Disney Company offers two major ships. One is Disney magic and the other is Disney wonder. These ships have the amenities that are also available in many other cruising lines.
They serve the best delicacies which are being served in their restaurants to their guests. While enjoying the food that is served in restaurants, you can also watch entertainment shows shown.
The two ships Disney wonder and Disney magic cruise lines have varying design concepts. But they provide services that excel each other’s and provide you and your family the satisfaction you wanted to give them.
The cruise line had isolated areas for everyone present onboard. There are separate areas for adults and young people. This maximizes the enjoyment for everyone by providing an opportunity for socialising for parents and games for children
Nevertheless, expecting to find everything that is found in Disneyland in Disney cruise line will lead you to disappointment even though the enjoyment and ambiance you feel will be the same.
For you to spend quality time, which is precious and means money, with your own children, this is an opportunity which is the best among what else is available.
Make this an experience, a lasting one at that, that they can brag their playmates back in town!
Enjoy your Cruising vacation in Disney Cruise line!
Thanks to Abhishek Agarwal for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Abhishek is an avid Globetrotter and he has got some great Budget Cruising Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, “How To Have An Unforgettable Cruise Vacation!” from his website http://www.Boating-Guru.com/153/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
What is it really like working for a cruise line? How do you get started? What positions to apply for?
May 30, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under Cruise Lines
Can you answer Hav3y’s question about Cruises?:
I’m looking to try and work for a cruise line and was wondering what other peoples experiences are as employees. I don’t have any specific technical skills so I’d probably be applying for a basic guest activities position. But I’d like to talk to someone who has “been there done that” or possibly “…still doing that”
I’m looking to try and work for a cruise line and was wondering what other peoples experiences are as employees. I don’t have any specific technical skills so I’d probably be applying for a basic guest activities position. But I’d like to talk to someone who has “been there done that” or possibly “…still doing that”
What are the better cruise lines to work for?
What is the pay like?
What was your experience?
What is a good entry level position?
All other tips, tidbits, comments, etc are very welcome.
Thanks in advance
Have you claimed your Genesis site?
Your Cruise Vacation - Cruise Ship Embarkation Procedures
May 30, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
The Cruise vacation you have been planning for a year is now a reality. You’ve packed your bags with the appropriate clothes for cruise travel. You have filled out all of the cruise documentation, do this at home, don’t wait to get to your cruise ship, and now you are ready for this highly anticipated cruise. There are a few cruises tips about embarkation day that you should know before you head for your cruise vacation.
Keep all of your documents with you, that includes tickets for the cruise, any vouchers, passport and any immigration forms that the cruise line has sent you. That includes bus vouchers from the cruise line that will deliver you to the ship from the airport. In is wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your baggage gets delayed. If you have purchased the vouchers from the cruise line, a cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and take you to the bus or van that will transport you to your cruise ship.
If you decided to handle the transfer on your own, check ahead of time to find out how much a taxi will cost from the airport to the pier. It is good to know how long it will take to make the transfer so you have timed your flights accordingly. Make sure you have attached your cruise line tags with ship name, cruising date, and stateroom number. When you arrive at the pier a porter will relieve of your bags. He will expect to be tipped. The going fare is one dollar per bag.
Cruise tips are always helpful so pay attention to this one. Let the cruise line make your airline reservations. The reason for this is that if your flight is delayed the cruise line will handle it. If there are several other passengers on the same flight the cruise line will delay the departure of the ship. If it’s just you and your traveling companion they will probably put you up in a hotel in the town of your embarkation and get you on the ship at the next port of call. If you opted to do it on your own, you will have to make all those arrangements. So, for safety and peace of mind let the cruise lines do it.
If you have decided to go to the town of embarkation a few days before the cruise, that will not be a problem, so make your own reservations. Some travel insurance companies will pick up these expenses but make sure you read the fine print on the policy BEFORE your cruise vacation.
When you get to your cruise ship, embarkation could be a little chaotic. There will be lines, especially early in the check in process. There will be a lot of stressed out people so just relax and take it in stride. After you have gone through the check in process you will be aboard and your cruise vacations begins. Here is where it pays to have all of your documentation completely filled out. Many of the cruise lines have loyalty programs so if you are a repeat cruiser many times they have preferred check in areas. Many of the cruise lines will have preferred check in for cruisers who have booked suites or mini suites. Check this out with your cruise travel agent.
This is a little off topic but it’s one of the best cruise tips you will hear. Use a cruise travel agent for all of your cruise travel. It is important to deal with an agent that has sailed on many different cruise lines so they can give you an honest opinion on the difference between cruise lines. Check and see if they are CLIA certified cruise lines organization. Be careful they don’t push you onto cruise ships where they have preferred status which means they get a higher commission. Scour the internet for cruise reviews on cruise travel to back up what your travel agent is telling you.
Now back to the pier. While you are checking in you will have to give the cruise line a credit card for any on board charges. Most times your room card is also your credit card and identification for getting on and off at ports while on the cruise ship. If you can get on the ship early in the process you get two benefits. One you get to have lunch and two you get the first shot at spa and beauty appointments. It will also give you time to peruse your cruise ship and then head for the pool. Having been a savvy cruise traveler you knew to bag a bathing suit into your carry on luggage.
Just before you get to the gangway you will be stopped by the ships photographer and a picture will be taken to commemorate your cruise vacation. It will be on display in the ships photo gallery but you are under no obligation to purchase it. Check in procedures will be different from ship to ship even within the same cruise lines. It depends on the experience of the staff and the cooperation of the passengers. Remember that these folks that are checking you in have been working since seven o’clock in the morning off loading the people from last weeks cruise vacation. Then they turn around and start putting on a whole new set of passengers for the next cruise.
The most important advice is to try to keep a cool head. You are headed for the best thing you can imagine, a cruise vacation.
Happy Cruising!
Thanks to Mary Hanna for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Keep all of your documents with you, that includes tickets for the cruise, any vouchers, passport and any immigration forms that the cruise line has sent you. That includes bus vouchers from the cruise line that will deliver you to the ship from the airport. In is wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your baggage gets delayed. If you have purchased the vouchers from the cruise line, a cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and take you to the bus or van that will transport you to your cruise ship.
If you decided to handle the transfer on your own, check ahead of time to find out how much a taxi will cost from the airport to the pier. It is good to know how long it will take to make the transfer so you have timed your flights accordingly. Make sure you have attached your cruise line tags with ship name, cruising date, and stateroom number. When you arrive at the pier a porter will relieve of your bags. He will expect to be tipped. The going fare is one dollar per bag.
Cruise tips are always helpful so pay attention to this one. Let the cruise line make your airline reservations. The reason for this is that if your flight is delayed the cruise line will handle it. If there are several other passengers on the same flight the cruise line will delay the departure of the ship. If it’s just you and your traveling companion they will probably put you up in a hotel in the town of your embarkation and get you on the ship at the next port of call. If you opted to do it on your own, you will have to make all those arrangements. So, for safety and peace of mind let the cruise lines do it.
If you have decided to go to the town of embarkation a few days before the cruise, that will not be a problem, so make your own reservations. Some travel insurance companies will pick up these expenses but make sure you read the fine print on the policy BEFORE your cruise vacation.
When you get to your cruise ship, embarkation could be a little chaotic. There will be lines, especially early in the check in process. There will be a lot of stressed out people so just relax and take it in stride. After you have gone through the check in process you will be aboard and your cruise vacations begins. Here is where it pays to have all of your documentation completely filled out. Many of the cruise lines have loyalty programs so if you are a repeat cruiser many times they have preferred check in areas. Many of the cruise lines will have preferred check in for cruisers who have booked suites or mini suites. Check this out with your cruise travel agent.
This is a little off topic but it’s one of the best cruise tips you will hear. Use a cruise travel agent for all of your cruise travel. It is important to deal with an agent that has sailed on many different cruise lines so they can give you an honest opinion on the difference between cruise lines. Check and see if they are CLIA certified cruise lines organization. Be careful they don’t push you onto cruise ships where they have preferred status which means they get a higher commission. Scour the internet for cruise reviews on cruise travel to back up what your travel agent is telling you.
Now back to the pier. While you are checking in you will have to give the cruise line a credit card for any on board charges. Most times your room card is also your credit card and identification for getting on and off at ports while on the cruise ship. If you can get on the ship early in the process you get two benefits. One you get to have lunch and two you get the first shot at spa and beauty appointments. It will also give you time to peruse your cruise ship and then head for the pool. Having been a savvy cruise traveler you knew to bag a bathing suit into your carry on luggage.
Just before you get to the gangway you will be stopped by the ships photographer and a picture will be taken to commemorate your cruise vacation. It will be on display in the ships photo gallery but you are under no obligation to purchase it. Check in procedures will be different from ship to ship even within the same cruise lines. It depends on the experience of the staff and the cooperation of the passengers. Remember that these folks that are checking you in have been working since seven o’clock in the morning off loading the people from last weeks cruise vacation. Then they turn around and start putting on a whole new set of passengers for the next cruise.
The most important advice is to try to keep a cool head. You are headed for the best thing you can imagine, a cruise vacation.
Happy Cruising!
Thanks to Mary Hanna for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship. Visit her websites at: Cruising Tips Cruise Travel and Cruise Reviews
