For those who have never taken a cruise, many questions arise. The better one is prepared for a cruise, the more fun one will have. The first thing to do is to plan the cruise. Things to consider is the budget for the cruise, possible locations, and the ages of the people traveling.
Keep in mind that although the price of a cruise includes meals, activities and entertainment, shore excursions cost extra. These can range from less than $50.00 per person to over $200.00 per person. In addition, factor in the cost of tipping, shopping, and beverages. Planning to leave a car parked at the terminal? Don't forget to add on parking costs.
There are numerous locations and lengths of cruises with the shortest cruises starting at a length of three days. Common locations from the east coast are the Bahamas and the Caribbean, while common locations from the west coast include Mexican and Alaskan cruises.
Cruise Clothes
When packing for a cruise, most of the time casual attire is fine. The exception to this is for people who plan to eat in one of the fine dining restaurants where slacks and dresses are preferred both for adults and kids. Bring along a jacket as it can get chilly at night.
Many people like to begin their cruise by sunbathing or taking a dip in the pool. As it can take awhile for luggage to reach a room, it's best to pack bathing suits and sunscreen in a carry on bag so they can be used right away.
If planning to wash clothes on the cruise, be sure the cruise line offers washing machines and dryers to guests. The most common time people choose to do their laundry is the last full day of a cruise. As washers and dryers are in limited amounts on a ship, it's best to do laundry sooner to ensure it gets done.
Cruise Ship Tips
It is common for cruise ships to automatically add tips to a passenger's account. Tips are provided for stateroom services, dining employees, (such as the waiter and maitre de,) along with other ship employees. Tips are expected per person, not per cabin. However, guests do have the option to not have their tips added automatically and instead, tip on their own.
Cruise Ship Cabins
Cruise ships offer a variety of accommodations from elegant staterooms with private balconies, to simple inside staterooms. When thinking about what kind of cabin to book, consider how much time will actually be spent in the cabin.
There is a large difference in the price of a cruise depending on the accommodations. Should an inside cabin be chosen without a view, keep in mind that there is no window in the cabin, therefore, there is no natural light. These rooms are pitch black without the lights turned on. Although a bathroom light can be kept on, consider bringing a night light, especially if traveling with children.
In addition, it's hard to tell what time it is in a dark room. A small, illuminated clock provides a bit of light and tells the time.
When planning a cruise, be sure to have any travel documents needed, (such as passports,) plan a budget, and if traveling with kids, be sure there are plenty of activities for kids to do. Pack wisely and check out different cruise lines to see what each one has to offer.
Readers may also enjoy Disney Wonder Cruise Ship, along with Carnival Cruise Lines Food, and Carnival Elation Cruise With Kids.
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