Cruise Control
Before you sail away on your next—or maybe first!—cruise, check out these insider secrets for making the most of your time on the high seas.
Before you sail away on your next—or maybe first!—cruise, check out these insider secrets for making the most of your time on the high seas. By Stacey Stapleton
More and more people are discovering the pleasures of cruising, and why not? It’s one of the last few elegant and all-inclusive ways to travel. If you’re thinking about setting sail for your next vacation, here are a few reasons to take the plunge.
- No matter what your pleasure, you'll find it on a cruise ship. From gambling to art auctions to sunbathing, rock climbing, shopping, and bingo, there is always something for everyone on the mega-ships operating today. This is especially important if you're traveling with a large group of people of various ages, so everyone can do as they please.
- You get to visit several different destinations in one trip but you have to unpack only once. Plus, on a cruise, getting there is half the fun.
- Almost everything is included (most beverages and excursions carry separate fees) so you'll have a good idea of what your vacation will cost before you leave home.
Finding the Right Cruise for You
Currently there are 24 major cruise lines operating more than 160 ships, which means you have a lot of options. So how do you choose which cruise line and itinerary is right for you? It depends on what you’re looking for.
- When it's just the two of you...First, decide where you want to go. Caribbean and Alaskan cruises are classics, but many cruise lines are starting to offer sailings to more exotic destinations like Asia, Dubai, and the Indian Ocean. Consider smaller cruise lines, which visit areas like the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica and offer a very intimate, personalized experience. Just remember that your dining and entertainment options will be much more limited than if you were sailing on a mega-ship (which means this probably isn't the best choice for first-timers). If you're not interested in keeping to a schedule, try a freestyle cruise (Norwegian does this very well) in which you eat when you want, where you want.
- When you're traveling with the family...According to Cruise Lines International Association, over the last five years family cruising has grown 200 percent; in light of this boom, cruise lines are increasingly offering programs for kids of all ages. When you've got the whole brood you definitely want a big ship. Investigate the variety and quality of the children's programs (and the babysitting services), as well as the size and depths of the pools on board. Obviously Disney cruises are perfect for families, but Princess cruises are very kid-friendly as well. If you're traveling with teenagers, make sure there is enough for them to do or you'll be saddled with a bored and surly teen for the whole trip.
Before You Go
Although your vacation may seem like a long way off, the choices you make at the time of booking can often make or break your trip.
- Cruisers on a budget should book either very far in advance or at the last minute when the best rates are available. Cruising has actually become much more reasonable recently, due to stiff competition between cruise lines.
- Consider where you're going when deciding whether or not to splurge on a stateroom with a balcony. If you're crossing the Atlantic, there will be nothing to see from your balcony but the open ocean for days. But on an Alaskan or Mediterranean trip, it's all about the view. (When cruising in Alaska, book a cabin on the starboard, or right, side of the ship if you're traveling north; the port, or left, side if you're sailing south, so you'll always have a view of the coastline.)
- Book your shore excursions ahead of time. This will guarantee you get the day trips you want (the best ones book up fast) and you won't need to stand in that endless line at the shore excursion desk on check-in day.
- Plan your wardrobe well. Some cruises set a different dress code for every evening; these guidelines will be sent to you in advance so you can be well prepared.
- If you're planning to dine in the main dining room and you are allowed to make requests, ask for a table for two, six, or eight. A table of four can be tricky: If you don't like the other couple, you'll have to endure their company for the whole trip.
Work with a travel agent who can help you find the cruise of your dreams at the best possible price. Agents work with cruise companies every day, so they know all the secrets—like where the most desirable staterooms are located, and when prices are likely to drop.
On Check-In Day
Since you did everything properly when you booked your trip, there’s very little left to worry about, but these simple strategies will make getting settled in onboard as smooth as possible.
- Get there early if you can (this is especially easy if your ship is leaving from Newark, Bayonne, or Manhattan). Being one of the first passengers onboard gives you more time to explore the ship (and make restaurant and spa appointments) before the crowds descend.
- If the ship has any specialty restaurants you want to experience (Norwegian Cruise Line ships usually have several), make your reservations as soon as you get onboard.
- Your next stop should be the spa if you want to have any treatments on your days at sea; appointments on these days book up the fastest. If you're looking for relaxation at a bargain, book an appointment when the ship is in port; prices are often slashed on those days.
While You're Sailing
There's nothing like being at sea to make you feel a million miles away from reality. To keep your fantasy from turning into a nightmare, follow these tips.
- If you decide to do your own exploring at a port of call, be sure you leave plenty of time to get back to the ship. If you travel with an approved shore excursion the ship will wait for you, but not if you go it alone. To this end, make sure your watch is set for the local port time.
- Since almost all cruise ships are cashless these days, it's important to keep track of your onboard account or you risk sticker shock at the end of your trip. You'd be surprised how all those Diet Cokes add up!
- Stay healthy. Nothing will ruin your trip faster than getting sick. Be sure to sanitize your hands before every meal and when you re-board the ship after exploring a port.
- Plenty of staff members (and alcohol-based cleansers will be available to remind you of proper hand hygiene, since stomach bugs spread fast onboard. To that end, remember too that seasickness is easier to prevent than to cure. Be prepared for seasickness by having anti-nausea products on hand for every member of your party. A variety of anti-seasickness wristbands, patches, and medications (like Dramamine and Bonine) are available at your local drugstore. Buy them, then pack them in your carry-on.
- A photographer will be present at most major events and also for portraits on formal nights. Photos are usually available for viewing by the next evening. If you want copies, purchase them day by day, since it will be difficult (if not impossible) for the photographer to go through all the photos you've taken at the end of the trip.
- Before turning in each night, read the cruise newsletter that will be left in your stateroom. This will outline activities and port information for the next day, so you can plan accordingly.
- Believe it or not, the best time to book your next cruise is while you're enjoying your current cruise. Cruise lines stay ahead of their competition by offering special deals when you book your next cruise while you're still onboard.
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