A CRUISE TO REMEMBER
There’s traditional travel and then there’s cruising — and they require decidedly different approaches.
After spending years thumbing my nose at cruises, I recently went on my inaugural voyage, a weeklong trip with Viking from Norway to the Netherlands. I returned to terra firma with my opinions completely realigned and the realization that a lifetime of globe-trotting had not totally prepared me to maximize my cruising experience while minimizing the costs. I made some pricey mistakes and squandered some good opportunities.
Luckily, getting the most out of your cruise is predominantly about what you do before you set foot on the ship. This way, you can spend your vacation, well, vacationing.
When booking your nautical getaway, one of the biggest expenses is accommodations. Interior cabins cost less and are a great way to save money — if you don’t plan to spend much time in your room.
That being said, having a balcony is pretty cush and, I believe, worth the expenditure. I enjoyed my morning coffee while watching the sunrise and would often head back out in the late afternoon to read a book in the fresh air.
You must address how you’ll stay connected at sea or your heavenly holiday will be followed by a hellish bill. Cruise operators occasionally offer free WiFi, but they generally charge for data usage. These packages can be pricey and may not be as generous as you anticipate.
You can quickly burn through your allotted plan once you start uploading photos and videos to social media, streaming Netflix movies or FaceTiming friends and family. Then you’ll have the choice of either ponying up for more data or going dark.
You can also remain connected through your mobile carrier. Though carriers may offer an international plan, they usually do not cover usage at sea. I found this out the hard way — and racked up hundreds of dollars of charges.
Some carriers offer cruise-specific packages, but these can be extremely expensive and limited in scope. Read all the fine print before you buy one.
If you don’t want to bloat your budget for this element of the trip, you really have only two options: either take a breather from your devices or seek out complimentary Wi-Fi networks when you’re on shore. Neither may be optimal, but both are free.
It’s important to check the weather in every port of call before you go. Many cruise lines share this information online, but even those listings don’t usually include the weather at sea between destinations.
Pack accordingly and plan for contingencies, such as rain or snow, depending on where in the world you’re traveling. If you’re cruising for a week or longer, it’s worth figuring out the laundry situation. Some cruise lines offer free DIY laundry rooms, while others charge for such usage.
Speaking of clothing, take note of the ship’s dress code. Some establishments or events may require certain attire, such as formalwear at a high-end restaurant. On the flip side, swimsuits may only be appropriate in the pool area while being banned elsewhere on the ship. Plot out your wardrobe in advance.
While you’re packing, double-check that you have adequate supplies of your prescriptions (and bring a motion-sickness medicine, such as Bonine or Dramamine). Though the ship will have a doctor on board, there won’t be a fully stocked pharmacy. Once you get on shore, obtaining a refill can be a difficult, time-consuming and expensive process.
Don’t forget to bring a bunch of $1 bills for tips, but read your receipts before laying down any extra cash, as many cruise lines build gratuities into their charges.
No matter where you’re going, pack your passport. Some cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port only require you to have a driver’s license. However, if you have to take an emergency flight home, you will need a passport.
Take a moment to check out the onboard dining options. Some require no reservations (and many cruise lines offer 24-hour complimentary room service), but some restaurants require a reservation and may even cost extra. Book tables before departure.
One last piece of advice: Don’t forget you’re at sea. Get to the upper decks when possible, so you can see the sunset, go stargazing or simply watch the wake as it unfurls behind the ship. After all, you’re not on a traditional trip.
You’re on a cruise.