Cruise - 5 Answers for first Time Cruisers
Congratulations! You have decided to take a luxury cruise for
the first time, and you are bound to have a great time. Most
first time cruisers have many questions about what to expect, so
we have put together this list of five things that novice
cruisers need to know.
1. What does the price of the ticket include? This depends on
the package you purchase. In general, the base cost includes
your accommodations, entertainment, activities, meals, and use
of facilities on board the ship. If you choose to do so, you can
add on airfare to your package, which covers the cost of air
travel to and from the embarkation point and often also includes
baggage handling and transportation between the airport and the
ship.
Most cruise packages do not include the cost of soft drinks,
alcoholic drinks, guided shore excursions, or optional shipboard
services like a massage, spa treatment, photographs, access to
the internet, etc. Many cruise lines also add an automatic 15%
gratuity to the cost of drinks, and you will also need to tip
your steward and waiter at the end of the cruise. Check with
your cruise line in advance for a complete list of what is
included in your ticket price and what will cost extra.
2. How do I know which cabins are the best? This depends
somewhat on personal taste, but the first consideration should
be the location of your cabin. Midship cabins are generally the
most popular because they are the least likely to be noisy or
subject excessive motion sensations. When you book your cabin,
check to see if it is close to anything that will make
potentially bothersome noise, such as a loud disco or a kitchen
area. Most experienced cruisers will also opt for an outside
cabin that has a window, a relatively inexpensive upgrade that
will do much to enhance your time in the cabin.
3. What do I need to bring with me? The items you need to bring
with you will vary somewhat depending on the cruise line, the
ports you will visit, and your own personal preferences. In
general, you should plan to bring along the following:
Documentation - Tickets, identification and proof of citizenship.
Clothing - Bring clothing appropriate for weather conditions at
your destinations, as well as shipboard clothing for relaxation
and evening meals.
Other items - Check with your cruise line for a complete
checklist of suggested items to bring, and do some research on
the internet as well.
4. What happens when I arrive at the ship? In general, when you
arrive to board the ship you will go through a check in process
that proceeds something like this:
Luggage given to porters for delivery to your cabin
Documents checked and verified Shipboard ID
cards and cabin keys received Security screening
Once on board the ship you will either be given a map with
directions to your cabin, or on some ships, there will be a
steward or other attendant who will take you directly to the
cabin.
5. How do I find out about ship activities and shore excursions?
Most cruise lines will give you an introductory newsletter when
you board the ship, which typically includes a complete list of
scheduled activities and available shore excursions.
Additionally, you will probably receive some a daily update
sheet with reminders and scheduling information.
Some ships offer an orientation meeting, usually about 30 to 45
minutes in length, where the cruise director or designated
crewmembers will provide information and tips about how to make
the most of your time on the ship. If such an orientation is
available, it is a good idea to attend as a way to learn about
all of the options at your fingertips and decide what activities
to choose that will enhance your luxury cruise experience.