Cruise Critic's new planning section addresses the
questions most frequently asked by
holidaymakers new to
cruising – with tips on everything from
shore excursions to kids programmes.
Travellers can also find critical
information, such as articles on
cruise safety, travel insurance and
health issues.
Here are
Cruise Critic's top ten tips for those
new to cruising:
1. Not all ships are created equalDon't
choose your cruise based on destination, duration and price alone. The
cruise line you book with and the
ship you sail on are very important. That's because some cruise lines cater to
families, while others market to seniors. As such,
onboard facilities and activities vary, so do your research, ask questions, and find a
cruise that's right for you.
2. It's okay to arrange your own shore excursionsThere's no stigma attached to
going it alone or teaming up with other travellers to
save money instead of paying for the
shore excursions arranged by the cruise line. However,
investigate your options before you cruise to ensure that you are spending your day in port with a reputable
tour operator. And remember this crucial piece of advice:
don't be late getting back for the ship – it
won't wait for you.
3. Travel agents have access to perks and special offers you might not find elsewhereA reputable
cruise agent can be a great help to a
new cruiser booking for the first time, and he or she may also have access to
offers and incentives you might not find elsewhere. Do make sure you investigate your
travel agent. Does the agency have "
preferred" relationships with cruise lines (most do), and if so, which ones? What's the
schedule for paying for your cruise? Does your agent
respond promptly to your questions – not just pre-booking but also once you've committed to a cruise?
4. Don't be left for lost in portCruise lines rarely go beyond offering a list of
shore excursions and a map of the local jewellery stores (with which they have special business agreements), so
read up on the ports you will visit before you set sail.
5. It rains in the Caribbean ... and other dreamy destinationsThe tropical
Caribbean climate (not to mention weather in the Canary Islands, Hawaii and the South Pacific) can be
unpredictable, so high on our list of must-pack items is a
lightweight, waterproof jacket or poncho. For a broader look at what to pack on your upcoming cruise, check out
Cruise Critic's Cruise Packing 101 story.
6. You can't take your own booze onboardCheck out the
alcohol policy for the cruise line you are travelling with before you go for
full details of what beverages you are
allowed to take with you.
7. Don't tip double on beer – remember, there's auto-gratuityCheck cruise line
tipping policies before you sail; most big-ship lines – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL and others -- automatically tack on a
15 percent service charge to bar bills. Unless the
service was spectacular, there's
no need to add another tip on top.
8. Staying in touch with homeUsing your
mobile phone on a cruise ship can be
prohibitively expensive, and onboard
Internet cafes are not just pricey. The
connections, which are made via satellites, are
much slower than you're used to at home. Before you leave home,
investigate options for staying connected, whether it's purchasing a special
cruise-friendly mobile phone package (through your local provider) or compiling a list of
in-port Internet cafes.
9. Use the stairs (and you can enjoy the buffet guilt-free)There's usually a
gym on most of the larger ships and plenty of
active tours to choose from, plus new
spa menus and lighter dining options are available. But, the
simplest way to stay in shape is to
take the stairs instead of the lift for a little exercise. The flights of stairs on a
15-deck cruise ship will help to keep off the extra pounds.
10. On embarkation day, avoid the buffet throngs, and score a quiet mealMost people pounce on the buffet the minute they get onboard, leading to long queues, so
bypass the buffet or pool grill, where the masses gather, and head to a
dining-room for some peace. Not every line opens its
dining-rooms for lunch on
embarkation day, but some lines, including NCL and Princess, do.
For
further information about cruises, go to www.cruisecritic.co.uk
