A cruise can be the answer for those who want to experience something different every day. Every stop can be an adventure.
Planning
The planning begins with narrowing the options that match your choice of destination. That will trim the list of available cruise lines. Look for any specials that may be available. And then compare what is offered and at what price.
When you research what is available, compare apples to apples, because the cost of one cruise may include many extras while another cruise may include very little.
- Have an up-to-date passport and visa.
- Check out travel insurance.
- Get the safety history of the lines you are comparing.
- Get a list of all the stops and length of each stop.
Find out what ‘all inclusive’ means at competitive lines. It means different things to different providers, such as:
- Are shore excursions/tours included or do you choose and pay extra for just those in which you want to participate?
- Are use of the bars and coffee and snack bars throughout the ship free or extra?
- Is 24-hour food service to your cabin available?
- Is there an extra charge when you dine in their upscale restaurant?
- Is tipping automatically added to your final bill?
- Will the cruise line offer special services, such as arrange hotel accommodation on departure eve and again the day you return?
- Is discounted airfare to get to the city of departure available? Do your homework – and then have a glorious time.
Travel Tips:
- It’s smart to arrive at the embarcation location the day prior to departure.
- Enquire when and where tipping is expected or whether it is added to your bill at the end of the cruise.
- If you are visiting various countries, be clear about local customs and what money and credit cards will be accepted.
