The cruise is an excellent family-friendly vacation that provides an experience for everyone in your travel gatherings. On the cruise you can visit so many fantastic destinations and enjoy all the on-board activities, entertainment and dining as you sail to each port.
If you are a new cruiser, you may not know the important planning details you need to successfully cruise. Even if you’ve been cruising and having fantastic time before, there are some internal tips you may not know about to improve your vacation.
View these 7 Secret cruise tips that only experts know:
1. Arrived the day before the voyage
Expert cruisers know that anything can happen during cruise port voyage.
From airline delays to car troubles – anything goes wrong and the boat will not wait for passengers who do not board in time.
It is always recommended to go to the port city at least the day before the voyage.
It is easy to find a hotel near the port or the port’s local airport, so it’s a short drive on your boarding day.
2. Consider booking flights via cruise
Many cruise companies have rates signed with major airlines, which are worth checking out their pricing. There are several flexible rates that will allow you to “lock” before the final payment due date of the cruise.
If you book by cruise, you can periodically check the airline’s website to determine if your tickets are reduced. If the fare drops, you can contact the cruise line to determine if its pricing is also reduced and ask for a switch to the fare. If not, many cruises will allow you to cancel your flight without a penalty (as long as you are not in the final payment window), so you can book your own ticket.
It is also worth noting that when you book a flight using a cruise, some will help if you experience cancellation or delay. Additionally, the cruise line will help you find an alternative way to get you into the next calling port, usually without any additional charges.
3. Don’t wait to select your port arrival time
Many cruise routes today require you to reserve port arrival time a month before your voyage. This booking date is usually the same as the date you arrived on the online check-in form before you complete it. It is important to pay attention to this date, especially if you want to choose an early arrival time. The first available time is always the most popular time to arrive, which is why…
Many guests want to start the holiday soon. If they can board the boat earlier in the day, they can take advantage of the conveniences of the Cruise Line immediately after walking.
As many cruise routes require guests to board before booking on board activities and performances, guests arriving early are given the first choice. Additionally, if there is a sold-out experience on board, meal time or harbour tour during the pre-booking period, the cruise ship usually reserves some for guests to book on boarding day. If you are one of the earliest guests on board, you will have the opportunity to select these available activities before everyone else boards.
4. Require room upgrade
Just like hotels, most cruise ships can perform room upgrades. Before the sailing date, some cruise routes allow you to place “bid” on the upgraded rooms. The person with the highest bid wins and is usually notified before the voyage. However, guests can always request an upgraded room after check-in or check-in at the port terminal.
5. Have breakfast and lunch in the main restaurant
Many guests like to indulge in the variety of options offered in the buffet, but if you are looking for a more relaxed dining experience, you can visit a major restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Many new cruisers don’t know that the main restaurant usually enjoys lunch on boarding day.
Here you will have a team of servers who will be happy to wait for you while enjoying the elegant atmosphere of the restaurant.
The menu items at the main restaurant are listed as “arranged” but you can actually order as many appetizers, main courses and desserts as you want, and still include them all in your cruise fare.
Plus, if anyone at your party has food allergies, the main restaurant will be easier to accommodate than a buffet.
6. Bring a hotel
Some cruise companies do not include alcohol as part of regular cruise fares or provide it as additional packaging.
Many guests don’t know that you can actually bring a selection of alcohol (usually beer and wine) on board at each port. It is important to keep an eye on cruise companies’ alcohol policies.
Many cruise routes limit the drink size and quantity of each guest and require you to pack it in carry-on luggage.
7. Buy Travel Protection
Every cruise expert knows that it is important to consider buying travel protection while sailing.
While you can pay for the cruise in case you have to cancel and ask for a refund, travel protection is even more important in case of emergencies during a trip.
Many U.S. medical plans do not cover costs incurred on international waters, and the price of emergency medical evacuation is a huge fee that no guests are willing to pay.
Lissa Ryan is a senior travel consultant for Kingdom Destinations, specializing in luxury family vacations. Lissa helps busy parents want to create travel memories with their family through a luxury travel experience, but feel busy or overwhelmed by all the energy and research required to plan a perfect vacation.
