Saturday, July 4, 2009

First Timer Cruise Tips

Have you planned and booked your first cruise? You’re surely excited about setting off on to the open seas. Life on board a ship is like nothing else and can be intimidating for a first-timer. Here are some things to remember and tips on what to expect.

Cruise ships are like floating cities. They are large and complex with several levels and many public spaces. They include many facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, bowling alleys, restaurants and shopping facilities. Like visiting a new city, it can be easy to get lost.

To get your orientation, first study the map of the ship. Figure out where your cabin is located and mark it on the map. Make a mental note of large structures that will help you get your orientation if you get lost such as pools and restaurants. Wonder around the ship and discover the facilities that are available to the guests. This may encourage you to participate in activities that you wouldn’t normally get involved. Check out the various restaurants; there is usually a 24 hour buffet so you can fill your craving for food no matter what time of day. Locate the pubic restrooms and convenience stores.

There are several information desks so don’t worry if you get lost. In fact, crew members are very familiar with the ship so don’t be afraid to ask if you get lost. They’ll be happy to suggest activities and tell you how to find them.

Take a look at the cruise ship’s newsletter. It will be full of suggestions for activities while you’re on the ship. There are suggestions for activities for children and things to keep the adults occupied while the kids are at the pool.

Make a list of the things you’d like to see and do while you’re on the ship. If you like to see shows then make sure you plan for them. Arrive in plenty of time to get a good seat.

There will be a mandatory lifeboat drill. With all of the advanced technology on ships, the chances of abandoning ship are almost zero. Even though boat travel is very safe, make sure you pay attention.

Almost everything on the ship is included in the price of the cruise but a few things are not. One of the biggest expenses on the cruise is the alcohol. Make sure you know how much something costs before you order it. Remember that you are not one a Alicante discount flight, so make a budget for yourself and stick to it.

Your first cruise will no doubt be an experience that you won’t forget. Orientate yourself with the ships facilities and activities and you’re sure to have an enjoyable holiday.

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Planning Your First Cruise

Planning your first holiday especially on a cruise liner is always a challenge. You could get together with your family and friends and discuss your travel and vacation plans so as to get a better idea of what needs to be done. The best way is to book with a travel agent who will not only advice you on which cruise liner and destination you should be going to but also plan your entire itinerary including air travel to the port of embarkation. But before you proceed, let’s first answer some questions that are bound to pop up while planning your cruise.

What kind of cruise is suitable for your age group?

Typically, there are different kinds of cruises suitable for different age groups. You will find a cruise designed for all individuals, from the toddler to the teen to the retired. All you need to decide in who is going and then select the cruise best suited for you. There are fun-filled holiday cruises for the family, singles, newly-weds and even for the slightly older and matured.

What kind of budget are you on?

Typically, the minimum cost of per person per day is about $100 on an average cruise liner. Many ships charge extra for certain items and of course air-fare is not included in this. You can decrease the cost somewhat by sharing the cabin with another person, booking way in advance, like almost six months prior, or taking a risk and booking late, less than two months prior to departure.

How many days can you spend on your cruise?

If you have less than a week, then the options would be closer to home and restricted to Mexico, Bahamas or simply a weekend cruise to a port in the ocean and back. A complete week gives you more time and options range from the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and even the South Pacific, depending on of course your current residential location. Anything longer than that would be suitable for any kind of cruise vacation across the globe.

When would you be most likely to travel?

Obviously, cruise tickets are cheaper in leaner times like spring or fall and most expensive during the summer holidays. Winter is also considered high season when travelling to warmer locations like the Caribbean. Some locations like Alaska, Scandinavia and the Baltic have a shorter cruising season and will be open only between May and September. While Antarctic cruises are on between November and February, Mediterranean cruises can be taken all year round.

Where would you like to go?

With the earth being covered with 75% ocean, cruise ships today can reach any of the continents and traverse all across the globe. From the Americas to Austral-Asia, Africa to Antarctica, Bahamas to Bermuda, Europe to Canada, there are plenty of cruise destinations to choose from. Even land locked locations such as central Europe, Russia, or the Yangtze River in China can be reached on a river cruise. Always a challenge to decide your destination, it is important to keep all other factors like type of cruise, budget, length of vacation among others in mind.

What are your interests?

Although cruises provide all kinds of on board activities, your destination should be based on your interest. While European tours offer a good dose of culture for the history buffs, tropical destinations like the Caribbean and the South Pacific are for the beach lovers. Whether it is glacier watching in Alaska, deep sea diving in Australia or experiencing the fjords in Norway, you have to decide what you like to do best before you choose your cruise destination. Many cruises also offer a list of off-shore activities before you book, so make sure that you are well researched on that as well.

What kind of accommodation would you prefer?

Cabin selection typically depends on what your budget is. Sea view cabins are obviously more expensive than the lower deck ones. Also, if you are travelling to scenic places like Alaska or Scandinavia it would be preferable to have a view. Deck plans are available in hard copy, so make your decision after doing your homework and planning your budget.

What are your dress styles and eating habits?

In a move away from only formal wear, most cruise ships today are more relaxed and have only one or two nights of dress-up nights. The rest of the time, it is usually casual or country club style dressing. Typically there are two seating arrangements for dinner, one starting at 6:30pm and the other starting at 9:00pm. While early seating allows you plenty of time for late shows, it may rush your off shore excursions. Late seating on the other hand gives you time to relax but may hamper your late evening activities. Also, table seating is usually for four to eight persons and very rarely for two. If you do want a dinner for the twosome, you will have to make a prior request.

How do you get to the cruise ship?

Flying there or driving down if its close by are two of the most preferred options. Sometimes the cruise lines offer you a fly-cruise package, which is easier, but may be a trifle expensive than independent booking. These include transfers between the ship and the airport, which can again add up to the cost.

What are the documents needed?

Cruise vouchers and travel itineraries should typically reach you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised as a carry along document in case of any mishaps. Passports are needed for all international destinations.

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Taking Your Kids On Your First Cruise

Call us biased but we think that planning a cruise with the kids is one of the best family unifying, soul enrichment,
bonding and new discovery relationship building for all of you out there! Here's why. On a Cruise you've got a safe, confined, yet vast environment with everything well planned and SPECIFICALLY designed just for you and your children! It can't get much better than that!

Each of your family members have age appropriate endless choices. It was not at all this way a few years ago. Planning a cruise with your children was almost unheard of. There were the endless challenges of who was going to care for your children while you were gone plus could you possibly even have a "good time" worrying about the loves of your lives back home? Those courageous parents who did take their children had plenty of challenges undertaking this huge task not to mention the discriminating comments and gazes of fellow travelers. All that has changed 180%. Many major Cruise Lines realized that they were missing a grand productive concept and that was to listen to and make the customer happy. Now your dilemma becomes almost too many incredible choices.

There are SO MANY fun activities for any age child that one could end up not seeing their kids all day! Therefore when deciding on each of your itineraries it could be important to plan significant time all together say for instance in a game room or in the pool area for some lovely quality time each day of your cruise.

So let's just examine what we are talking about when we say "endless choices"... Disney is the mother of all fantazmagorical (our word) packages for combo adult and children Cruises. First know that Disney has wisely designated adult-only areas and children-only areas plus plenty of all-family areas to enjoy all together.
If you have little ones ages, 3-4, children can train to be Mouseketeers, practicing their marching, and watch a video
clip of the 50's Mouseketeer show opening. And of course, Mickey Mouse himself will come to see how they are doing and lead them in a Mouseketeer march! Children ages, 5-7 can hang out with a colorful Pirate who fills little heads with mesmerizing stories of adventurous buccaneer tales with historical emphasis and if they are lucky, Captain Hook will make a surprise visit and have a chat with his old friend the Pirate!

These age-specific programs are created by Disney's Oceaneer Club with the added luxury of giving all parents pagers so that everybody will be in touch at all times! If you got teens...they will meet tons of friends at a New York-style coffee house complete with music, games and a huge TV screen. There's even an Internet Cafe primarily for teens 13-17 they will feel they are definitely with their peers speaking their same language! In addition for teens there is a sports equipment area called, "The Glow Jam" with games, and music to listen to. Teens can also experience Karaoke at it's best practicing to become future rock stars and showcasing their talents. All children will get to have photo opportunities with the famous Disney characters roaming around inspiring giggles and so much fun.

You have a little more to think about when bringing an infant. But this can be accomplished very successfully. Disney allows infants, as young as 12 weeks with baby sitting services provided in their nursery. Here are things regarding your baby to think about and discuss with your Cruise Director..getting a crib confirmed... in advance! Discuss also crib bedding, bathing facilities, medical staff, any special needs?...and of course, baby sitters. Some Cruise Lines do not want infants at all and each have their own age limit and their own set of services and policies.

When Cruising with small children visiting a port successfully might be better if you book yourselves into a shore resort where bathroom and eating facilities are conveniently available. From that home base you can take short tours, walks and feel less stressed about food and perhaps a spur of the moment basic some-thing-or-other that you left back on the Ship.

Carnival and Disney seem to be the stars of the kid fantastic fun and care programs, however that is changing as we speak. Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland and Royal Caribbean are also big winners in making the whole family extremely happy and the thing to know (we think of Las Vegas when we say this) the competition keeps driving already spectacular Cruises for children and adults to even greater heights. Each year tops the one before! So don't dream of leaving the kids behind. There's no reason to anymore!

Claudia Chestelson is a "Renaissance Woman" covering the gamut of challenging careers of actress, model, builder- re-modeler, B&B owner in the world famous Napa Valley, Weight-Loss Consultant for Women, and current Netpreneur and Advocate of leisure and vacation..Claudia loves navigating people to the right Cruise including the best Cruise insight and advice at http://www.ourfirstcruise.com (if you are taking your very first Cruise Vacation go to Claudia's web site. Save yourself from all the stressful details.)

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Your First Cruise - What to Wear What To Pack

Actually what to pack and what to wear are two separate articles but for the sake of keeping you from a state of overwhelm, we are going to categorize and organize everything you need to know in one article so you won't need a vacation before you take your vacation!

First let's talk about what to wear. Count. How many days will you be gone? Where are you going? Will you be mostly on the ship or will you be getting off in every port with scheduled excursions? Then know this. Please don't over do it. How many times have you over packed in the past, just not needing a quarter of the things you dragged around? Not too long ago, one of the first things people thought of when they thought about a cruise was formal attire. Not anymore. You choose. If you want to "dress" for dinner even the term has lightened up considerably. Men who used to feel compelled to wear a tux, simply don't have to. A suit and tie are fine. And women can easily wear something bordering on a cocktail dress but more relaxed, perhaps strapless soft linens or flowing cotton silks.

Forget the dripping jewels even if they are faux! It's just not done that much anymore; with rare exceptions. Yes, there ARE exceptions. If you really want to dress to the inth degree then, Cruise lines like Crystal, Princess'Grand-class ships, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and some of Regent Seven Seas Cruises; the Seven Seas Mariner and the Seven Seas Voyager are the cruises for you!

Most cruises are casual like Carnival, Norwegian and Disney.. These cruise lines like others offer a more formal dining room if you wish.

Most of the time while cruising and even when you get off to explore you will want to be comfortable packing walking shorts, comfortable shoes and one or two lights sweaters just in case. As you count your days and nights think of underwear! Pack plenty of socks, panties, boxers or briefs. It's amazing how important this becomes when you are far from home. Organize and economize. How many tops will go with how many bottoms. Can you get away with just taking four tee shirts versus 12? And think about laundry. The upper scaled Cruises offer laundry service with no charge but most Cruises charge and that can become expensive.

To summarize: For men: Think, khakis, navy sport coat, nice polo shirt or Oxford. Nice jeans. Dark suit if very formal. No bare chests any other place but the pool. Bathing suits should be of the boxer type.

For women: Walking shorts, nice tee's or blouses, nice jeans, sundresses, sun visors or hats.
And for the evening if formal ... upscaled casual chic, flowing cottons, linens, tencile, cotton-silk, faux suede, cocktail length. For non-formal everything from nice jeans to resort pant suits, casual skirts, walking shorts. Do not run around in your bathing suit or short, shorts! Bathing suit cover-ups can be very tasteful and attractive so if you want to keep your bathing suit on while running around, that's a good idea.

When visiting a port you can wear pretty much what we've talked about while onboard. Do know though if you are going to be going to a yacht club or golf resort, check specifically as often there is some sort of dress code even today.

What to pack. It's amazing how important your favorite emery-board becomes when you don't have it not to mention your razor which will shave you like none other. So let's categorize and organize. Think: bathroom stuff. Then think, hair stuff, medicine cabinet things, cosmetics. Stand in the bathroom and focus on each drawer and shelf. Take the things you can't live without and leave the rest. Not all Cruise ships provide hairdryers. Here are just a few things that may be VERY important to not forget, tweezers, ear plugs, hand lotion, lens cleaner, band aids, germicidal handy wipes, bug spray. When you've covered the bathroom then move on to electronics.

Laptop? Battery charger, adaptors and converters, PDA, digital camera, and the batteries. Memory cards, night light, flash light, travel clock, walkman plus tapes. Cell phone and don't forget the charger. If you focus on specific topics like this you'll most likely remember everything. Then think
documents:

All tickets, passports, visas (if needed) driver's license, insurance papers (travel and car when you rent a car) medical history or prescription proof, printed emergency contacts back home, ATM card other credit cards, some cash, Picture ID, phone card. With really important documents, have copies stashed back home to be faxed to you. Put even more copies in your luggage, purse, tote bag .. you'd be surprised how this will keep the peace between loved ones. Where there's a document, there are three more just like it in case something gets misplaced, which it usually does. Keep thinking of each person you're traveling with including yourself, one at a time and what specific documents each needs. This will keep you on track. Then thing miscellaneous:

Miscellaneous things would be like duct tape! We're serious. There otta be a book written just about duct tape and all that situations that have been saved from this resourceful tape. Other things you might miss are; extra reading glasses, crazy glue, deck of cards, wine bottle opener,
zip loc bags for dirty clothes, maps, clothes pins,a sewing kit, extra buttons, small bottle of woolite in case your favorite sweater gets sloshed by something, fold-up umbrellas ( it rains a lot unexpectedly in some areas) and extra contact lenses. Keep thinking out of the box like this and you'll love yourself for being so brilliant when far away from home.

Don't let packing at all overwhelm you, remember the Cruise Lines live to please you and most likely if you have left that cherished personal something behind one of the staff will go to great lengths to solve your problem. Make lists! Just making the lists before you pack a sock will make you feel superbly in charge. Happy sailing!!!

Claudia Chestelson is a "Renaissance Woman" covering the gamut of challenging careers of actress, model, builder- re-modeler, B&B owner in the world famous Napa Valley, Weight-Loss Consultant for Women, and current Netpreneur and Advocate of leisure and vacation..Claudia loves navigating people to the right Cruise including the best Cruise insight and advice at http://www.ourfirstcruise.com (if you are taking your very first Cruise Vacation go to Claudia's web site. Save yourself from all the stressful details.)

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