The popularity of cruises for a vacation is soaring and there are many great reasons why. After all, who wouldn’t want to sit down for a romantic meal surrounded by blue water as far as the eye can see, or stop at many different locations (and even countries) on their vacation? The idea of visiting many different countries within a short period of time, while traveling in luxury, is now a possibility and people are jumping at the chance.
With so many people booking cruises all over the world, and so many new cruise lines starting up, it is important to be able to recognize what to do and what to avoid in order to save money and really enjoy your vacation.
Book Early
If you decide you’re going to book a cruise, make sure you get online or to your travel agent as soon as possible to book. Due to their popularity, cruises sell out fast. If you have a large number of people in your party, you don’t want any of them to get left out. You can get the best prices and choose the cabin size your want simply by booking well in advance.
Packing For Your Cruise
There are a few things to keep in mind when packing for a cruise. Firstly, if your destination is a hot one, keep in mind that nights will be spent at sea and even in the warmest of destinations will get cool at night. Pack warmer cloths accordingly. Secondly, most cabins only have one outlet. If you need to plug in more than one thing at a time, bring along a power bar. Another smart idea is to check and see what kind of outlet your ship has. If you are leaving from overseas (on a Mediterranean Cruise for example) you may need an adaptor.
Study the Room Layout Maps
Even though you will not be in your rooms all that often, it is a good idea to study the room layout maps before choosing a room. You might want to avoid a room next to the laundry, or the maid’s chambers.
Beware of Cheap Excursions
Cruise lines offer excursions at every port and city that you dock at. If you are interested in excursions, go ahead and book with the cruise line instead of a cheap local source. Often times the cruise lines check out the companies they contract with and you are much safer using one recommended by the cruise line or a company your travel agent is familiar with. Another option is to research the area on your own before your trip. This way, you can be your own tour guide.