First Time Cruising - An All-In-One VacationArticle Word Count: 981 [View Summary] Comments (0) |
Many people are afraid to take that huge leap to a cruise if they have never done it before. If you are one of these people, you might want to think about how easy cruising can really be and actually how inexpensive it can be compared to land-lubber vacations.
Cruises allow you to visit numerous places, all at one economical cost. You don't have to coordinate travel, rental car or lodging details because you always return to the ship. It's all done for you. Once you step onto the ship, you are on vacation. You don't have to drive to get to the next place, all you have to do is relax or take in your favorite show or participate in your favorite onboard activity or eat or get a massage...all while being taken to the next destination on your trip. The food is so much more than what you'll find on the road and you don't have to search far for a restaurant. The cost of food is all-inclusive on most cruises.
So, what's included in your cost for the cruise?
- Ocean transportation to wherever you may be going.
- Your stateroom or suite accommodations.
- Kid's activities supervised by professionals that allow you to do more 'adult' things.
- The gyms, pools and hot tubs are included.
- Scheduled shows and entry to the nightclubs, piano bars and other venues.
- Gourmet dining is at your fingertips, as are almost non-stop snacks.
- Healthy activities such as yoga, basketball, volleyball, swimming and even shuffleboard.
- All fares and taxes as advertised and that are non-commissionable.
What may not be included?
- Any gratuities to cabin stewards, waiters and waitresses, stylists etc.
- Spa treatments are usually not covered unless under a special package deal.
- You will have to lay out your own cash in the casino, when shopping and for alcoholic libations.
- Babysitting, other than already organized activities.
- Organized tours and activities onshore may cost, but check ahead of time. Free roaming at shore stops does not cost a dime.
When it comes to ship features, cruise ships have really come a long way and offer any number of different amenities. Of course, the more amenities, the more it is liable to cost you, but the nominal cost usually outweighs the excitement and convenience of onboard things to do and watch. Ask your travel agent or research the Cruise Lines to find the ship that offers everything you would like. You may have the option of any or all of these features:
- Some ships have all-suite or all-ocean view accommodations.
- Champagne or Martini bars
- Rock-climbing walls
- Therapy pools
- Waterslides
- Teen discos
- Planetariums
- Bungee trampolines
- Ice-skating rinks
- Miniature golf games or golf simulators
- Wave pools complete with surfing
- Butler service for an amazing pampered vacation
- Specialized boutiques from the likes of Bvlgari or Harrods
If you are thinking about taking a cruise, you need to first decide what kind of cruise you are interested in taking and then look to those Cruise Lines that cater to or provide what you are looking for.
Cruise Lines for Singles, Families and Couples:
- Carnival Cruise Lines
- Disney Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
Luxury Cruise Lines:
- Crystal Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Oceania Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Seabourn Cruise Line
- Silversea Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
Premium Cruises are more affordable than luxury cruises but quite sophisticated:
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Princess Cruises
Unique Experiences to exotic destinations and on smaller ships:
- Costa Cruises
- Orient Lines
Deciding on your destination will probably be the hardest. Shopping for the perfect cruise experience and the best available price can be overwhelming, to say the least. Last-minute cruises are on ships that leave in 30 days or less and can often net you the best price, which may make your decision on where to go much easier. You can also sail from a port near you, which may reduce your air travel and/or rental car fees immensely. But, sailing from a port near you may also cut down on the number of choices that you have for destinations, which can be a good thing. J
It is also important to understand the lingo when it comes to accommodations on board. Accommodations may be assigned according to a category, which is a group of staterooms, a.k.a. cabins that are assigned to the same category because of their size, their deck level, their amenities and their location. Prices will vary depending upon the category.
Some stateroom categories may be:
- Interior: These will be the least expensive. The staterooms do not have windows, so if you have claustrophobia you will not appreciate one of these rooms. But, if you are planning on only sleeping there and you don't care about the size, then this will be the most economical choice.
- Oceanview: These staterooms will be the next higher priced and will have either portholes or picture windows. When booking you might want to confirm. There is a huge difference between a porthole and a picture window and there may also be a difference in price if you are able to choose.
- Balcony: These staterooms are a bit further up the price ladder. They feature private balconies, a definite plus for a more intimate cruising experience.
- Suite: These rooms will be the most spacious, the most luxurious and the most expensive staterooms on board. They are usually ideally situated being the most quiet and for access to the nicest amenities onboard.
Wherever you go, you will most likely find that cruising agrees with you. I recommend booking a shorter cruise your first time out, just in case you find that cruising doesn't agree with you. On the other hand, if this is the "cruise of a lifetime" and you don't expect to be able to do it again, then book the most expensive that you can afford and plan to have the time of your life!
| While staying home and dreaming of going on a cruise, Joseph enjoys working in his garden. His favorite website is Garden Harvest Supply which offers,a variety of flowering potted plants and also many vegetable plants for sale. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Stutzman | |