YOUR TOP 10 CRUISING TIPS
For the best value, entertainment and experience on the seas, here’s...
ALL at sea when it comes to cruising? With advice from The Novel Traveller you won’t get on board the wrong ship this summer
It may sound obvious but the most important consideration before stepping on board a cruise is getting the correct ship to suit your needs.
If you’ve had a good experience you might want to be a bit more adventurous and try a different brand or ship. Maybe you had a bad experience in which case you definitely chose the wrong brand for you.
1 SPEAK TO AN EXPERT
Do your research. Look at reviews on cruisecritic and speak to your friends and families to find out their experiences. But the best people to speak to are tour operators.
Whether online with a company like Click and Go (www.clickandgo.com) or in the offices of Cruiseholidays (www.cruiseholidays.ie) and Tour America (www. touramerica.ie), located in Cork and Dublin you will find experts and agents who have sampled different brands. Make sure your operator is fully bonded in case you need to change your plans for reasons beyond your control
2 DON’T SCRIMP
If it’s your first cruise, upgrade – look out for offers with free upgrades too. You may discover that you spend such little time in your cabin that you will be better off in a cheaper or interior but at least you won’t get cabin fever.
Is a drinks package really necessary? You’d be surprised how additionals add up – a little extra outlay at the start of the holiday can save you money in the long run.
3 BRING THE FAMILY
Many of the cruise lines with larger ships are multigenerational. Make use of kids clubs and babysitting facilities if you’ve a young family.
Enjoy the freedom to let your teens roam the ship at night in the knowledge that they can’t buy alcohol. There is also plenty for the older generation too from bridge to bowls and, of course, the casino.
4 LOOK AFTER YOUR BODY
Many cruise lines offer specialised trainers on board in the gym. Or take a fun-filled activity kayaking or horse-riding when you go ashore. Some ships have ice-rinks and ziplines on board. And looking after your body means putting the right things it, so learn to cook. Celebrity cruises specialise in chef experiences. Guests can buy local produce in the port of call and bring it back to the ship for a demonstration in cooking on board with a speciality chef. Each day the cuisine of the port of call is reflected in the menu.
5 GET A HOBBY
Salsa dance classes and activities to suit all tastes. Learn bridge or get up in time for yoga. Wine-tasting, art, the spa and other less taxing pastimes will make your experience on board relaxing to say the least.
6 AVOID THE AIRPORT
With new cruises starting out of Dublin and many more in the UK you can avoid going near an airport at all. Imagine no weight restrictions or having to take off shoes and belts before going on your holiday.
7 A CRUISE IS GREAT VALUE-
Many cruises work out at less than €100 per day and this includes food entertainment, travel, really it is better than an all-inclusive hotel.
If you are on a budget it helps to know how much you are going to spend on holiday.
Be warned, on embarking you will be given a room key which doubles as your currency for the duration of your stay.
This card will automatically tally onto your personal account.
You can keep tab on your spending by checking your balance on the TV screen in your cabin. A good habit to get into is to check this every evening when you are setting out for dinner and this will ensure that you don’t over spend in the casino or the shops.
8 CRUISES ARE EASY TO ORGANISE IF YOU ARE IN A BIG GROUP.
Where better to have a family reunion than on a cruise? You can travel from anywhere in the world to sail on a particular ship and enjoy its itinerary and many people do meet up with friends and family this way. It’s also the perfect setting or a big birthday or wedding anniversary for granny and granddad – where else can you have so many demographics catered for?
9 SHIPS ARE BIG.
Don’t worry about being stranded on board a ship. You will be able to buy everything that you need to make the perfect holiday but it helps to come prepared. Some things may seem dear on board but others not so much. With the allinclusive element you will be surprised how much you won’t need to buy.
You can buy wifi if you really feel the need but with cinemas, swimming, spa and sports the kids will be too busy to surf the net and so will you
10 STICK A HOLIDAY ONTO THE END OF YOUR CRUISE.
I’m a great believer is milking the last little bit of opportunity out of your travels so have a holiday after your cruise. When you disembark spend some time in port or nearby which will extend your holiday and give you two different experiences.