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FAQ for First Time Cruise Passengers
by Yanis O'Toole
http://www.yocruise.com
Planning a vacation for two - or a whole family - can be a
challenge. Mom wants to be pampered and catered to, Dad is
looking forward to hiking unknown trails. Meanwhile, 16 year
old Susie's plans include tennis and swimming, and 10 year
old Ben doesn't care, as long as there are video games.
Where will you find a vacation that will please them all?
Are cruises really different from each other? A ship is a
ship, after all. How different can they be? You'll find
enormous differences from cruise to cruise. Every ship has
its own personality, even those from the same line operating
in the same area. Check the cruise line's web site and
brochures to make sure that you pick a ship and a cruise
that includes activities that you'll enjoy.
Choose the Cruise That Suits You Best Choices, choices,
choices! Does vacation mean excitement in your mind? A sea
cruise on a luxury liner to an exotic destination is the
perfect choice. Large luxury liners are like self-contained
floating resorts. They offer sparkling entertainment day and
night, and a wide range of leisure choices to suit anyone's
idea of fun.
How do I meet other people on a cruise? A better questions
is how do you NOT meet people on a cruise. If you're
traveling alone, let your cruise activity director know. He
or she can direct you to activities with others you'll enjoy
meeting. Mealtimes are one of the best times to meet your
fellow passengers. If you're looking to meet new people and
make friends, ask to be seated at one of the larger tables.
You'll be seated with the same folks for most of your meals,
so it's a great time to make new friends.
Should I buy trip insurance? Most experienced travelers
would say a very emphatic yes. While most people think of
trip insurance as coverage in case you have to cancel your
cruise, policies often cover far more. Each company's
policies vary, but most will offer health and accident
insurance for emergencies that happen overseas, including
the cost of transporting you home if illness or accident
makes it impossible for you to continue the cruise.
When is the best time to take a cruise? It's always a good
time to take a cruise. It just depends on where you want to
go. Some places, like the Caribbean, are great year round.
Others are seasonal. Alaskan cruises are available between
May and September, for instance, and Bermuda between April
and October. If you have a particular destination in mind,
check with your travel agent to be sure of availability.
When they say 'everything included' in the price, do they
mean everything? The price that you pay for your cruise
includes your cabin, meals, most of the ship's facilities,
admission to shows and lots more. It usually won't include
your beverages, casino charges, shopping, shore excursions
or tips. Their may be some tours available from port that
are an extra charge. Just be sure to check what's including
in the package that you choose.
Speaking of tipping, is there a general rule of thumb? The
usual recommendation is $3-4 a day each for your waiter and
room steward and $2 a day for your bus boy. Just like on
shore, though, you may want to tip anyone who goes out of
their way to make your cruise experience special. Some ships
will add the recommended tip automatically to your account
during the cruise. Just check to see if the ship you're
sailing is one of them.
Planning to take pictures? Stock up on batteries and film
before you leave. The prices abroad are high. You might also
consider packing several disposable cameras for shore trips.
If you're planning to bring back lots of souvenirs (and who
doesn't?) roll up a collapsible duffle bag and tuck it into
your suitcase for the trip out. You'll be grateful for the
extra packing space on the return trip.
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