Economy Woes= Fabulous Cruise Bargains

Uh huh, that’s right:  The sour US Ecomomy is making for some of the best values in cruise vacations I have ever seen!

Not since the post-911 slump in travel have there been as many great values out there just for the taking.  That’s right now; it gets better starting Monday January 5th.   Then, all the holiday celebrations and festivities will be over and it will be time to begin what we call the “wave season”.  This is a period of time starting about the first of the year, every year, when many travelers lock in to a cruise for an upcoming vacation.

This year will be better than ever with the cruise lines offering everything from reduced deposits to generous onboard credits for booking individual reservations.   Thinking about starting a group cruise for a family reunion, graduation, wedding,  or other special occasion any time between now and 2010?  The very best values will be available to you.

A note of caution: Don’t wait too long to buy!   I’m not saying this as some sales ploy either (I hate sales people and most often hang up when they call on the phone), this is reality.  Once bookings start coming in the old law of supply and demand will take over and those low prices will disappear as quickly as they came about.  One of the best parts of booking a cruise vacation is that you get to lock in the price of your vacation well in advance.  There is simply no better value than a cruise and now is the time to book.

Remember, your deposit is needed to lock in your price and it is 100% refundable when booked through a reputable travel agent and cancelled before final payment is due.  

What’s that?  ”booked through a reputable travel agent” you wonder?

That is the key to success in booking travel of any kind and especially cruises.  The “online cruise brokers” (think crook, used-car salesman, or other despicable character) would have you believe that booking a cruise is just as easy as clicking here and there and comparing prices.   Wrong.  Absolutely Wrong.

A good travel agent on your side is your advocate who keeps up on all the available deals and offers and makes sure you get them and take advantage of everything you qualify for.  Internet Cruise Brokers do not do this at all.  In fact, once the sale is made, good luck even getting a call through or email answered by these people.  

You see, the thing you want to lock in on with a cruise is VALUE not low price.  There will always be someone with an unbelieveably low price.  Don’t you believe it.  Look at the fine print to discover the junk fees they charge which will probably apply to you.  Look at the fine print to see that the super low price does not include everything.  Often they try to throw you off by offering “free” travel insurance or prepaid gratuities.  Again, the fine print reveals the true nature of these offers.

The fact is:  There ARE very good values out there from legitimate travel agents who have been in business many years are highly trained and motivated to keep you as a customer for life, not just a one time shot.

These are the agents you need and you need them right now.  

I am fond of  ”old sayings” and one of the very best that applies here is “The Internet is for looking, Travel Agents are for booking”   Believe it and book that next cruise in the next 30 days to get the very best value available with a travel agent who will take good care of you.  

Some other things to watch for

• Where does the money go?  You do not want to do business with any agency that holds your money.  Ask them “What will it say on my statement when the credit/debit card payment comes through?”  If they say anything other than the name of the cruise line, run!  These Internet Cruise Brokers go out of buisness almost daily and take your money with them.  You would have very little hope of getting it back and your vacation will be ruined
• Send them an email or call them on the phone and see how long it takes for them to respond.  Even the most experienced travelers will need to make a change or ask a question about a booking.  You need to be able to get in touch with them on your schedule
• Ask your friends.  That is one of the very best ways to find a good agent.  If your friends had a good experience, you probably will too
• Ask the right questions:  What other fees to you charge?  Can I see a copy of your Terms of Sale for a cruise?  Can I see a copy of your business license?  How many cruises have you personally booked in the last year?  The answers to all these questions are simple, easy and should not be difficult for any reputable agent to answer

MSC Orchestra: The cruise from hell

Photo: MSC Cruises

Having never sailed on an MSC ship I decided to take a two night ride on the MSC Orchestra. I didn’t know a whole lot about MSC besides the basic training we get as Travel Agents. When I thought of MSC I did have several thoughts that came to mind through the experiences of others. Maybe we should call those pre-conceived notions. They were

MSC is the largest container shipping company in the world

I had heard on multiple occasions “There are lots of pushy Italians and other Europeans”

I had also heard that “the food is fabulous, absolutely fabulous” from some and awful from others

Any dealings I had had with MSC over the phone or through email indicated a class in phone skills and email etiquette would be a good idea

So I wanted to find out which of these notions were accurate, which were not and get a good feel for the ship and the cruise line in action. I have been fortunate (or not) enough to sail 43 times with 9 different lines and always been able to get a good feel for a ship or line with one small voyage.

This two-day sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas and back should compare well. I had done many 2 or 3 night introduction cruises before and knew the drill.

I would not get the same “feel” as I would doing a 7 day or longer cruise

I had to cover a lot of ground really fast to collect the information and documentation I needed to make a accurate report

With that in mind we chose to arrive at the pier at 1PM, two and a half hours later than we would normally have done. Going early is always the smart way to go. Much like flying in to the departure port a day early as insurance against a delayed flight, arriving at the port so you can be at the front of the line almost always benefits by getting you on board well ahead of the crowd that will come later.

In this case coming early would have been a really good idea. But I had not come at 1PM since our first cruise. As a result we never stand in a very big line because it is behind us.

When we arrived to part at Port Everglades we could have had a really bad time finding a parking space but we got lucky and found a place right away. Approaching the terminal we saw a little line so I was not concerned and thought this was not a bad idea

It was only after we turned the corner and found what would be a line about three football fields long. With no apparent direction the line had formed a sort of serpentine shape, wrapping around Pier 4 then bunching up. No problem though I thought, these cruise lines really move the lines pretty quickly. I estimated the wait time to be about an hour, 45 minutes if we were lucky.

That bright side 45 minute to an hour estimated quickly stretched into an hour, then two hours then three hours then 4 hours until it started moving. But lines are lines and even in the most capable hands like the king of lines, Walt Disney who, from the grave, keeps things moving right along at the parks every day of the year.

I have a pretty good idea of how long it takes to move a bunch of people too from quoting wait times to people in a number of busy restaurants decades ago. Something was really wrong here.

The problem here was not that they had a big line but that we were kept in the dark about what was going on. I have experienced catastrophic delays on other lines and seen everything from a cruise line rep telling us and updating us on what was wrong then reassuring us that they were doing all they could to get us on as soon as possible to cruise line reps setting up a buffet and offering complementary beverages. Either was always accompanied by a good dose of really sincere apology.

This time we had no information so the crowd mentality starts to take over, members agree to hold the place in line for some elderly people that they can go to one of the few benches to sit down and occasional chants run through the group. Next time I am going to add “Start doing the wave and other wacky group games if line is dead for hours” to my to-do list.

It should have been a good sign that this was not going to end well when the vending trucks you might see by the crew entrance, well out of the way of the embarkation activities are coming within service distance of the crowd. We were going to be a while. Ok yeah it would have been nice for someone to tell us what the problem is or provide some food and beverages. Heck, we would have all been up at the buffet with that initial gorge of our gaping maws anyway. But the line started moving after about four hours. When it did it seemed to go rather quickly, at a pace one would expect for a group so large. Once inside the terminal we were placed in a rope line that went back and forth 23 times; about 75 feet each time. (That equals 1725 feet)

This line was not unanticipated.

Why would they intentionally be planning on having so many people in this queue? What an unpleasant first impression.

But it got worse. After that initial queue we were went into another area where there were five queue’s 300 feet long each. (Another 1500 feet) Let’s do the math; that’s a total of over 3000 feet of line. They were planning on it being a long wait.

Lucky for us we had filled out the online advance check-in and it looked like 90% of the other guests had not. We were put in a much shorter “Express” queue which also doubled as the World Club past guest entrance. I don’t think I have ever been so happy to have done that. On other lines it has almost become unnecessary.

In the beginning of the boarding card craze, it was like going through the express line at the grocery store, there was a line but it moved along way quicker than if you were behind three or four people with full carts. Carnival (who started it); Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have gotten so good at it though that they rarely set up a rope queue at all.

Finally when we got to the check in station we were told that it was a computer problem causing the delay. They had been down for several hours.

(Can you say “reboot” and see what happens?”)

At this point things were going about as anticipated except that the check in rep told us we would have to stop by the purser’s desk to present our credit card to guarantee onboard purchase. By chance I noticed that the rep next to this one was swiping cards and gathering authorization signatures just fine. When I brought it to her attention she conferred with one of the ships officers and after a lengthy discussion agreed to do ours. Good, the thought of 2300 people more at the purser’s desk in the next 24 hours could have really been a mess. The crowd pretty much universally agreed that they had robbed us of a good part of this short cruise and that needed to be the end of that.

I wanted to thank that officer for saving me from that and waved to get his attention. That was when I first saw it

The MSC Stare

Most cruises are identified with a theme or have established a 2, 3 or 4 word slogan that fits. Carnival has “The Fun Ships” and I think of wildly happy crew members. Princess has “Escape Completely” and their happy crew members while a lot less wild, make pleasant eye contact and say hello when you pass them in the halls. Celebrity has “Starring You” which while I have never seen an actual celebrity on one of their ships; they are masters at creating a great feel on board. Royal Caribbean for years challenged us to “Get Out There”

All of those and others seemed genuinely happy to see us and honestly wanted us to have a good time. I had grown accustomed to that. This mean, unemotional, detached look this officer gave me was scary. But being optimistic I hoped that this was just a junior officer who should probably be working down in the torpedo room rather in a guest contact area.

So very unfortunately this would not be the last time I saw it. I never once saw an officer laugh or seem at all happy except when talking with other officers in their native language.

This attitude would turn out to be the reason for many unpleasant experiences aboard the ship. I have seen this before in other businesses and it always ends in the business going broke. There are just too many competitors to not have your best job on display all the time. That is where it starts. When the management is lacking in customer service in major ways, many of the negatives I had about this ship, the crew and the cruise line happen and turn off customers.

Here then are specifics on what was experienced while on board the MSC Orchestra. I picked areas to evaluate that either struck me as really different than other lines or simply easy to compare along with a grade.

Embarkation

Grade: F

The F is for the poor job they did communicating with the waiting crowd. Handled properly they could have minimized the fueling effect it had on growing negative attitudes. The thing about those is that once they start and get in most peoples heads, they taint other experience onboard which might not have been as good as they could have been but would have been tolerated.

The passengers would have been upset but with the strong knowledge that the cruise line would stand behind their decisions and actions. They would make it right. The level of commitment to that universal business model simply was not there with the management of this event and the ship. That’s two different departments; shore operations and ship operations. They both failed. Would the ships maintenance department fail as well; the ones that shovel the wood into the burners that make the ship move?

So far no but if we had to drive one of the lifeboats home we had done this route so many times that we could probably do it.

Cabins

Grade: B

These were nice, new cabins with a unique feature. In order to keep the lights on in your cabin you had to put your card into a reader by the front door. When you were out of the cabin the lights went off which they had to do because you had to take your key to get back in.

I think that is a fabulous way for them to save energy and in turn save money that does not inconvenience the guest. Good Job there. That also triggered a light in the hallway that the stewards could see (I guess with their heightened awareness training because I sure never saw it) that indicated if you were or were not in the cabin. No more barging in as someone stand in the hallway drying off after a shower since the bathroom is too small for we fluffy people.

I give them a C as average because they were pretty much the standard cabin you might find on any cruise ship.

Cabin Steward

Grade: B

I would later find out that each steward had 24 cabins to clean twice each day. That would explain never seeing ours. No time for small talk, special requests, complaints or compliments. There was much to complement for too. They did a really good job every time they did their run through the cabin.

Embarkation Buffet

Grade: F

Ok let’s try to keep count. So far we had no contact while waiting, passed by some contract security people with the stern but expected demeanor like the TSA at airports and gotten our first MSC Stare. Not looking really good at Creating A Good First Impression 101. They had to have cheated horribly on the final to pass. Hmm, maybe they dropped out?f

This was going to be the first time we had the opportunity to try the legendary great food. I was excited because I used to have some very dear friends as a young boy who were really Italian and those people really knew great food. I couldn’t wait to try the Fettuccini Alfredo to see if it was as good as the wonderful product they served on Princess. I make a pretty darn good meatball when I put my mind to it so I was really looking forward to that too. We knew there was no way to enter points in our Weight Watchers thing so we were totally off diet to the point that I really wanted to see what their idea of authentic Italian Pizza was.

The food was simply awful.

I wondered if it was that it was ready 4 hours ago and since people were not boarding it just lost its luster. No, there was no luster on these products ever. I had a former career when I was much younger in the restaurant business. One of the things I did was manage a large volume cafeteria in Kansas City. We served 4 or 5000 people a day on two straight line cafeterias. That was their first problem.

I wonder if the people that designed this ship had ever been on a cruise on any other line. If they had they would have discovered the latest common design, the revival of the “scatter” line cafeteria with stations that one can go back and forth too. With a straight line cafeteria everyone has to pass by everything. That’s great if you are selling the ala carte. You can use strategic product positioning to put the high dollar or high profit products within easy reach.

But they were not selling these products; they were included in the price. The obvious name of the game is to get them through as quickly and efficiently as possible

With the scatter style cafeteria, guests can simply walk by the station that does not have anything they want rather than waiting in line (again and not a popular activity with this bunch) They move through quickly and are at the table enjoying your food with the minimum travel time and eating the food as you wished it to be.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. The meatballs were lousy and cold, the pizza was burnt and sort of like the “pizza” I made as a kid with Hungry Jack biscuits, pizza sauce and cheese. Mine was better.

What looked like it could be a flavorful dish was bland and cold or warm depending on what it shouldn’t be. You would think Spicy Cantonese Rice would be a real taste sensation. No, very much like

Green Giant Steam In The Microwave-safe Bag quality, only cold.

While seated and eating we saw a lady approach a manager. She was just furious. It seems that over an hour ago, she had given her card to one of the servers to go get her a Diet Coke and they had never returned. After getting the MSC Stare while explaining her problem the manager told her to go the Pursers desk and get a new one. Stupid me, I was thinking they might want to find that server, get the card back and get this lady her Diet Coke. No, she was sent packing without her Diet Coke (well they couldn’t get her one now anyway: she had no card!)

Probably just as well, they serve Pepsi Light anyway. Those were cool though, they had a foil cover over the part where you pull the tab and apply your lips. (I had lowered the bar for all things dazzling

I gave up on trying keeping up the counting thing after this.

Breakfast Buffet

Grade: F

Let’s just finish off the buffet area with this report about breakfast.

By this time it had become painfully obvious that these people had chosen to work with the bare minimum crew on hand to take care of business. They are cheapskates.

It’s a classic pattern.

We don’t have enough guests sailing

We lower the price

We have more guests sailing but uh oh; we are not making as much money on them

We cut back on the labor and put out as much low cost food as possible

The breakfast buffet was one of the best examples of this I had seen and here is why

No omelet station. Thank god, the line would have moved even slower. I had chosen to go up for breakfast really early so there was no line. At 10:00 the line went out of the door of the cafeteria and far out on to the pool deck, on both sides.

Bacon from last week. This was more old, crumbled and nasty than any I had ever seen in public. This had reached the point where it could have been used as an ingredient or seasoning but that’s about it.

They messed up the canned baked beans. Ok this is an odd English thing that seems to be on a lot of cruise ships. I can see the allure of them as they are really cheap. But the master chefs of MSC had watered them down. I guess they thought they would go farther and feed more people.

While they did not have an omelet station they did have “plain omelets” pre-made and ready to be picked up. I fail to see the difference between a plain omelet and scrambled eggs (they had those too). I kept looking for an eclectic array of creative toppings maybe thinking it was a “make your own omelets” idea that was just not well thought out. The closest thing I could find to a topping was the scrambled eggs sitting next to them. Later on about 20 feet down the line were some cold, canned “sautéed” mushrooms.

The coffee station was manned by a crew member who was pouring the coffee for the guests. I sat right next to this area and watched. As the guests arrived the line grew long at the coffee station (OK “line” is officially a bad four letter word at this point) The reason for the hold up is that the crew member had a little shield for each guest explaining that they had “strong” and “weak” coffee and they had to choose one. He went on to give his personal recommendation (oooh! Step back Emeril Bam!) for the strong coffee but watered down. Most agreed to the strong but watered down. This could have been an American thing though with the Americans always choosing strong over weak to this crew member struggling (unbelievably) hard to communicate. The guests were having trouble with his recommendation though and it took a while for them to inevitably pick his recommendation and that really slowed down the line. The other problem was people who understood him to mean that the strong was regular and the weak was decaf. When specifically asked if they had decaf he said “I don’t know, maybe at the other station”

Double shot glasses for water. I forgot to mention that I had heard that they were charging for water in the dining room on the last cruise without the option for complementary tap water. Horrible idea for the American market, glad they did not do it. But these glasses were about as big as two shot glasses. I assumed it was to prevent waste of the complementary frozen concentrate Juicy Juice dispenser liquids. Understandable and acceptable for “high cost?” juice-like substance but where were the glasses for the low cost tap water?

The crew member with the refill cart. There was one for both dining rooms. I watched as she went a certain distance with one cart, stopped when she was empty, went back and filled up on some other ship in a different ocean then came back and traveled the same route. She appeared to be stopped along the way by about half of those she had served on the previous run then continued on down the road. I think the ones at the end of the other dining room have probably become dehydrated and soiled themselves waiting for her to get there. They couldn’t leave or they would get nothing and they didn’t want to miss her

Casino

Grade A++ and F

This one gets two grades. An A++ because I won two big jackpots on the slots, an F because I waited 45 minutes for the one crew member working the whole casino other than dealers at gaming tables to pay out the excessive sum.

There’s something about winning big in the casino that makes other things ok. I had seriously forgotten about the embarkation fiasco and school cafeteria operation.

Safety Drill

Grade A++ and F

This one also gets two grades. The A++ because they cancelled it on the first day, rescheduled it the second day and checked to see if everyone was in attendance by knocking two times on the door and going away.

The F because in reality I should have been concerned about this gang actually finding and hitting an iceberg, sinking the ship. Again though as previously mentioned, I was pretty sure I could get a lifeboat back to Florida from here. I would also not have had a line for getting on my lifeboat, would have the chef there serving delights and free drinks for all.

Driving the Ship

Grade C

This is usually an area not even mentioned as the ships crew that does the actual maneuvering of the ship are so good at it. Just watching them move the ship into or out of port is amazing to me.

Imagine my surprise and fear when we were stopped dead in the water outside of Nassau while the other ships caught up and passed us.

Ships Shops

Grade B

Pretty much the typical assortment of jewelry, cologne, clothes, and logo items (probably not a lot of folks on this one wanting a memento to remember this) and booze/cigarettes. I took off because of the limited selection in the shops and the attitude of the people in the booze shop. They were really mad that people wanted to buy booze.

The more booze they bought the more intense their MSC Stare was. I wanted 8 bottles of booze and you would have thought I had asked them to swim to shore to fetch me some snacks.

Those are a whole lot of negative leading to a recommendation to not sail this line. At least until I get reports that things have improved dramatically.

But there are positives too which I saved for last. I have always been of the mind that there is no such thing as a bad cruise. This one put that notion to test like no other. History will prove this one to be the standard for bad cruises. Still, we had a good time because there are things that even MSC could not screw up. One was the view from our balcony while the ship is moving through the ocean. Another was finding a nice lounge to have a drink before dinner. Sure, we needed one before facing the uncertainty of what might be coming, but they have several nice, quiet, and comfortable lounges. For the most part they run a pretty good operation too with plenty of crew members around. Well except for the casino. That one girl working the whole casino for drinks was just sad to see.

Value was a big underlying problem on this ship. Since they were such cheapskates we paid for most everything beyond the basics. Ice cream was never complementary as it is on all other cruise lines at one time or another (or all day on Carnival). I ordered two tall Bloody Marys this morning in tall glasses. That was $27.50 which I thought was a crazy high price.

I already mentioned the cabin stewards and for the most part the rest of the hotel department with the exception of food servivce was right on top of things.

Would I do this again? Probably not (never say never, Mom always used to say)

Will I recommend this line to anyone? Probably not (again, Mom’s words ring clearly)

As patient and understanding as I am, I’m writing MSC and will demand a 100% refund just if they are interested in standing behind their product. If they want me to ride on one of their ships again they will need to give me a free cruise. I doubt that either of those things will happen. They probably don’t even realize that they created 2300 bad will ambassadors.

NOTE:  Almost a year later, not a word from MSC in response

MSC upgraded us!

We’re going on a short sailing of the new MSC Orchestra next Friday.  Today they called with a complementary upgrade from the least expensive balcony cabin we paid for to the most expensive balcony.  What a surprise!  

I’m looking forward to this because we have never actually sailed on MSC.    I have booked various MSC ships for friends but this will be our first time sailing.  I’m glad we got the upgrade because we were on what they call the “Flauto” deck.  

Sheesh, that sounds like where they put all the people with gas.

Stay tuned for the review!

Myths About Cruise Vacations

If this is your first cruise, you have probably heard a lot of things about cruises. Some are probably true, some are probably not true. For example, if the little pictures that you imagine in your brain when thinking about cruises involve scenes from the movie Titanic, forget it. That is a movie. What you are about to experience is real. The ships really don’t sink all that often. Odds are yours will not. 

But there are lessons to be learned from movies just like there are lessons to be learned from television and comic books. 

If the ship does hit an iceberg, forget your money, you can’t bribe your way on to a good life boat. 

Wear your rubber scuba suit at all times. It gets really cold hanging on to a floating door in the middle of the ocean after the ship goes down. 

Buy seasons one through twelve of Survivor and take good notes before boarding your cruise ship 

If you have a cell phone signal, call for help. This is not the time to be downloading ringtones. 

If a rescue helicopter approaches frantically point to the water and motion for them to come closer..From their point of view it will look like you’re telling them someone just went under. Those people love saving lives and won’t be able to resist coming to you first, Hey, those choppers only hold just so many people!

Here are some myths

You will get bored.

You might get bored on a cruise, but chances are greater you will get exhausted. The range of activities for both the passive and active is wide. I entered (and won!) a trivia contest on presidential history and I entered (but lost) one on old television show theme songs.

My family and I loafed by the pool, danced (well not me) in a nightclub and watched live entertainment. Some cruise ships now have everything from miniature golf courses to wave pools. When we needed downtime we vegged-out in our cabin and screened an in-room movie.

You will have to dress up for dinner.

This is 2007, not 1965. Most of the time you don’t have to be formally dressed for dinner in the main restaurant, although periodic formal nights are scheduled. On a seven-night cruise, there are two.

One can always opt out by going to the buffet or grabbing something quick at the ship’s pizzeria or room service. We ate at the buffet on one formal night, not because we didn’t want to dress up but because we had a late dinner seating and an early docking the next morning.

You’ll get claustrophobic.

You might but its not likely. The cabins are not as big as they look in pictures but they are quite efficiently designed and (I think) pleasant to be in. If being in small spaces is a problem, book an Oceanview cabin with a window or a balcony cabin. 

Most cruise lines’ standard cabins range from 140 to 150 square feet; some are as small as 100 square feet. As for the actual ships, they literally are floating resorts, with up to 17 decks and innumerable public rooms. If you feel uneasy on a ship, it is probably not claustrophobia.

Everyone who takes a cruise qualifies for AARP membership.

On our cruise there was a wide mix of singles, seniors, families and college-age passengers.

Coffman says a general rule is, “The more expensive the liner, the less likely it is to have kids on board.” Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean are the best for families, she says, with Carnival and Royal Caribbean also being the best for young adults.

Cruise costs are all-inclusive.

They aren’t. The cruise cost includes main meals and entertainment. Drinks, including non-alcoholic ones, are extra. Shore excursions, which can add up for families, are extra.

Grab a piece of cake from a ship pastry shop and you will probably pay extra. Ship photographers are always ready with camera in hand, and the photos are extra. Most cruise lines have trashed the old empty envelope system for tips and switched to automatic service charges.

That’s $10 per day per person, regardless of age. 

Cruise shows consist of cheesy, grade-B entertainment.

First of all, the quality of live entertainment is subjective. 

On our recent cruise we attended live shows every night We saw two Vegas-style revues, two comedians, an ice skating show and one hypnotist. The talent was as professional and enjoyable as anything we have seen in theaters that don’t float.

Each of the revue cast members could dance and belt out a song. The hypnotist and comedians were laughable, but they were meant to be.

The ships have stabilizers, so you will never feel any motion.

If the water even in the usually docile Caribbean is rough, you will indeed feel motion. For the vast majority of people it is not enough motion to disrupt your cruise, make you sick or anything like that. 

Bonine, the over the counter motions discomfort medicine is my favorite to recommend because no one has ever told me “Chris, that stuff did not work and I was sick as a dog the whole time” That’s good enough for me. Get the generic brand of it though at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the price of the name brand. 

You have to sit with people you don’t know at dinner and you’re stuck with them.

Nope. 

Even if you are on a group cruise you can request a different dining time, smaller table, or specific location. Dining room requests, though, are just that: requests. The cruise line does not guarantee anything in that area. The Maitre d’ on the ship, though, is the king of the dining room and can make any of your requests reality. No matter what, going to the dining room to check your table assignment when you first get on the ship is a must. If you don’t like it, there will be a Maitre d’ there who can change it if you are nice about it.

If you are a jerk they probably won’t change anything and will put a little note by your name with a skull and cross bones for the kitchen staff to see. Ok maybe not but a few bucks in the right palm can be one of the best investments you will make on the cruise. 

Everyone gains a ton of weight on cruises

True in some cases. But it mainly depends on what you choose to eat. I choose to eat everything and always gain weight. Silly people dont gain weight, eat the healthy food choices and jog around me while I lounge about on deck. I feel sorry for them. 

Cruise Ship Safety

 

One question that is foremost in potential cruisers” minds seems to be “Is cruising safe?” Since 9/11 there have been new reports about cruise ships being the target of terrorists and of “massive” outbreaks of the Norwalk virus. If you believe everything you read in the newspaper or see on television, you might never leave your house!

The cruise industry’’s highest priority is to ensure the safety and security of its passengers and crew. During the past two decades, North American cruise lines have maintained the best safety record in the travel industry while transporting more than 90 million people throughout the world. Cruise ships have, for the most part, always adhered to very strict security guidelines and practices. While the cruise lines and governments around the world have tightened and refined security after recent events, cruise ships have always been relatively secure.

Immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11, cruise lines implemented what they call “Level 3″ security measures, as outlined by the U.S. Coast Guard’’s “Security for Passenger Vessels and Passenger Terminals” regulations. These measures include:

• Screening of all passenger baggage, carry-on luggage, ship stores and cargo; intensified screening of passenger lists and passenger identification; close coordination with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and other federal agencies to ensure that any passengers or crew suspected of being on the INS “Prevent Departure” list are promptly reported to the federal authorities.
• Restricting access to any sensitive vessel areas, such as the bridge and the engine room.
• Implementing onboard security measures to deter unauthorized entry and illegal activity.
• Requiring all commercial vessels to give 96 hours notice before entering U.S. ports. Previously, ships had to give 24 hours notice.
• Maintaining a 100-yard security zone around cruise ships.

Onboard Safety

A cruise ship is a “controlled-access environment” which means that, when a ship is in port, there are only one or two ways passengers and crew can enter the vessel. These entry points are manned by security personnel and ID’’s are checked and, usually, packages and belongings must pass through an X-ray machine while passengers and crew pass through metal detectors.  It is highly unlikely that anyone would be able to board the ship that doesn”t belong there.

Crew and port officials examine every shipment of supplies that are brought onboard and every piece of luggage that goes on the ship is thoroughly inspected by an x-ray machine. While the ship is in port, personnel are posted on deck to keep watch.  Security onboard varies from line to line and ship to ship. Some cruise lines hire former military and naval personnel to implement and oversee their security, whiles others hire private security firms or former law enforcement officers. In the past, most security measures were intended to deal with passenger disturbances, but the focus now is on maintaining a safe and secure environment, eliminating or minimizing the threat of harm to passengers, crew and ship.

Most cruise ships today have an automated system linked to the ID card/room key issued to each passenger upon embarkation. This system enables security personnel to know, at the touch of a button, who is on or off the ship at any given time. There are also surveillance cameras placed throughout the ship enabling security personnel, officers, staff and crew to visually monitor virtually every area of the ship.

All cruise ships carry a team of dedicated fire-fighters, and additionally, all ship’’s personnel are trained in shipboard fires and undergo training and drills regularly. The average response time in an emergency is a matter of minutes, as members of the trained firefighting teams and firefighting equipment lockers are located throughout the ship. In the unlikely event of a dangerous fire, passengers are loaded into lifeboats to await a rescue ship which in most cases arrives within a matter of hours. It is the passenger’’s responsibility to pay attention to the lifeboat drill when boarding and to know their muster station. When passengers follow instructions and remain calm everything works well. Additionally, Coast Guard personnel monitor firefighting and abandon ship drills on all cruise ships.

Individual cruise lines have their own criteria for determining their travel itineraries. However, the ability to ensure the security of the ship, passengers, and crew is a critical factor all cruise lines consider. The cruise lines obtain information from a variety of government and private sources on the countries and ports their clients visit. The decision as to which ports ships will visit is based on a variety of factors, one of which is security. A risk analysis of the port is conducted to ensure that the port authority and regional law enforcement are aware of, and will comply with, requirements for ensuring the security of the ship while it is in port, and passengers while they are ashore as guests in their country.

Common Sense Helps

Statistically, cruise ships are safer than hotels and resorts when it comes to fires and violent crime. However, it is in your best interest not to abandon common sense just because you board a cruise ship for a wonderful vacation. For example, don”t leave valuables lying around in your cabin. Put your wallet and valuables in the cabin’’s safe or the purser’’s safe. Be sure to use all the locks on the door when you are asleep. Protect your cabin key and cabin number. Do not invite strangers into your room. Don”t go into areas marked “No access.” Don”t get drunk and sit on the railing.

Take your common sense with you when you go ashore. Reading up on local customs and dangers before you go is always a good idea. Don”t dress flamboyantly, wear expensive jewelry or flash wads of money around. It is best to wear an under-the-clothing money belt but, if you must take a purse, be sure you can wear it with the strap across your body. Men, if you must carry a wallet, keep it in a front pocket and put a little money in each pocket. Keep cameras and purses in your lap when dining, not hung on the back of the chair or on the floor. Beware of that handsome stranger offering to change your money at a better than market rate. It’’s most likely a scam! Watch out for groups of kids who are often well-organized gangs of pickpockets. One will distract you while another lifts your wallet. Even that gypsy lady with a baby (often only a doll) will distract you while a partner strips you of your belongings. It’’s best to take only one credit card ashore with you.

Before you leave home, make a few copies of your passport, driver’’s license, credit cards and travel documents (such as airline tickets) and leave a set with a trusted friend or family member at home. Be sure to have a copy of the credit card company’’s contact number in case of lost or stolen cards. Pack the copies in a different place than you have the original documents. Leave the copies in a safe place on your ship and take a copy of your passport ID page with you when you go ashore.

Cruise lines exist to provide a safe, relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience for the cruise passenger. Good cruise ship security is almost transparent and quietly effective. With a little common sense and vigilance, anyone should be able to have a safe cruise vacation.

No Belly-flops Into the Jacuzzi-Proper Cruising Etiquette

Even though your cruise ship may be bigger than your hometown, it’s still one place where many people must coexist harmoniously. Be courteous and respectful of others by following these guidelines. 

Dress Properly – Even if you’re allergic to dress codes, do not show up to a formal dinner in jeans and flip-flops. The ship will have a code for each day, so learn it.

Keep Your Children Close – Kids, we all love them, except when they’re someone else’s. If you travel with your little ones please keep them under control, especially around pools and while passing through more adult-centered areas such as the casino. 

Learn the Ship’s Language – Your vessel is a ship and never a boat, and the ship is always a she or her. Left is port, right is starboard. Aft means rear or stern, while the bow is the front of the ship. The bridge is where the Captain and his crew control the ship, and only some ships have open bridge policies. 

Save One Seat, Not All – While it’s okay to save a seat for your companion, it’s poor form to save a row of seats for your entire table. The same goes for deck chairs. 

Follow Jogging Rules – Most ships post hours when running is allowed because passenger cabins are often located under the jogging deck and some people prefer to sleep at 6 a.m. than listen to your footfalls. 

Do some homework before shopping onboard or on land.

 

Oh, the Caribbean, land of duty-free shopping! You could go broke in one shopping trip! Luxury items such as jewelry, perfume, china and electronics are imported from all over the world and often offered up to 50 percent off what you would pay for them in the United States. But this is not always the case. It pays to consider what you want to buy before leaving home and checking on the prices in the United States. That way you will know if you are really getting a deal. Remember that you can bargain and should, even in established stores.

Early Return Flight Back Home?

There are two ways to insure you get off in enough time; “Early-off tags” for your luggage or “Self-Disembarkation”. 

“Early-off tags” 

The normal disembarkation procedure is to set your luggage outside of your cabin before Midnight, the night before you get off the ship. You will have been given a certain color luggage tag for your “color group” on the ship. In the morning, after the ship has been cleared by US Customs, they start calling color groups one by one. When your group is called, you proceed to the gangway, off the ship and into a big warehouse-like room to find your luggage, arranged by color group. After you have found your luggage you proceed off through Customs and you are on your way. 

Early off tags allow you to be in the first color group off the ship after it has been cleared for disembarkation. You will gather in a predetermined area of the ship and once it has been cleared you will be in the first color group off. You get these tags by visiting the Pursers Desk sometime before the last day. If you are going to go this way I suggest dropping by the Pursers desk sometime early in the cruise. The Pursers desk is centrally located in the lobby of the ship. You will pass by many times just in the course of going from place to place within the ship. I suggest stopping by whenever you happen to be in the area and there is no line. To qualify for early off tags your flight must leave before 1PM so you surely do qualify.

“Self-Disembarkation”

This is the easiest and simplest way. If you can carry all your luggage off the ship yourself, as soon as they announce that the ship has been cleared for disembarkation, off you go. This saves you time in two ways. You get to leave before the first color group; you are the first off the ship. You also don’t have to wade through the warehouse full of luggage, hunting for yours. Check with the Pursers Desk on this too, a phone call will do, because if they have a lot of people wanting to do this they may set them up in “waves” to avoid congestion at the gangway. This is the way we do it every time. I recommend this way if you can do it but with baby in tow that might not be possible. Think about it though because it really is the best way to do it. Very painless. In fact, you can gather in an area just short of the gangway and wait for them to say its ok to leave and be off even earlier,

I mention that only because your timing is tight. The ship gets back at 7am but on a normal day they won’t start letting people off the ship until 8 or 830am. If Customs, the Coast Guard or Immigration hold the ship for a full inspection, you might not get off until Noon. That rarely happens but it does happen so it’s wise to check your airlines flight schedule to see when later flights in the day are in case you miss yours. Armed with complete flight information you can call your airline from the ship, explain your situation and arrange to be on a later flight out if needed. It probably won’t be. You’ll probably get off and get to the airport in plenty of time but you’re wise to be thinking about this now. You can maximize your chances of getting from the ship to the departure gate for your flight on time by doing a few things will help:

Check-in and print boarding information/cards for your flights the night before. You can do this online in the ships Internet Café. It’s a good idea to do this as far ahead as the airline will let you because sometimes (often enough to mention) the unattended printer in the Internet Café is either out of paper or having stubborn technology issues. 

If you are setting out your luggage the night before to be claimed on the morning of disembarkation, grab a porter when you get to the warehouse to help you with your luggage. They will help you find it and expedite leaving the terminal as there is a special line for guests with porters handling their luggage that is way shorter. You just have to identify your luggage, point it out the the porter and they will take it from there. Tip $1-$2 per bag. 

Take a cab to the airport. You do NOT want to take the cruise line transfers, they are way too slow and could blow the whole plan 

Check your luggage at curbside with a generous tip, say $20. I’ve never lost luggage and I think that is why. 

Bring liquids with you. When you leave your cabin, regardless of which way you go, bring bottled water. You may not have a chance to stop for some until you are in the departure lounge at the airport. 

Variables you can’t control so don’t worry about it:

What time you actually walk off the ship. There is just so much you can do. Customs ultimately decides when the process begins 

Traffic between the pier and the airport. Finding a cab is easy, there will be a whole line of them waiting after you claim your luggage and make it out of the terminal. 

If you get caught in a traffic jam that’s going to make you miss your flight just be glad you thought ahead and have back-up flight information so you can talk to the airline intelligently about what your options are.

Bring Your Phone But Turn It Off

This is your vacation from reality. For however long your cruise is, everything is done for you. You don’t make beds or clean up but the space you live on the ship is maintained well by others. You don’t have to go far for something good to eat or drink. A casino, activities and entertainment makes for something going on all the time. Cruising makes it so easy to leave all your cares an woes behind. Forget cares and woes, you can leave your entire life behind. I think it’s a healthy thing that helps you gain perspective on where you’ve been, are now and would like to be in the future. There’s something mezmerizing about being completely surrounded by ocean and nothing else for as far as you can see in all directions. It facilitiates a renewing period of relaxation like no other. I have never been on a cruise where I have not gotten off the ship and felt like a changed person. That’s the very addictive part. 

Before your cruise you need to take care of buisness. Clear your schedule completely starting a day before the cruise if you are driving to the port and two days if you fly. Think of any business or personal situation that might require your attention and address it before you start your vacation. Use one of the checklists I send you via email or that you can find on my website. Better yet, make up one of your own and take care of anything that you might be apt to think about during the cruise. You really do want to leave it all behind. 

BRING YOUR CELL PHONE BUT TURN IT OFF

Caribbean Chicken Stew

Thank you Tina for this wonderful recipe- just right for cold weather!  Ok so this is not exactly “Essential Cruise Information” , its a good recipe though!

 

 

Colorful veggies and spices combine to deliver a hefty dose of health-protecting antioxidants, fiber and exotic Caribbean tastes.

Caribbean Chicken Stew

2 Tbs. canola oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsps. cinnamon
1 tsp. each, allspice and nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste
Salt to taste
1 bay leaf
1 16-ounce can diced tomatoes, no salt added
2 cups 99% fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts/thighs, boiled or poached, pulled into strips
1 1/2 cups winter squash, cubed (or substitute thick zucchini slices)
1 15.5-ounce can black beans, undrained
4 limes, each cut into quarters
Optional: cooked brown rice

In a large pot, heat oil. Add onion, green pepper, garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add spices; sauté 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, broth, chicken, squash and beans. Simmer, covered, 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf. Serve over optional brown rice with juice from lime wedges.

Serves 8
Per serving: 221 calories, 18g carbohydrates, 23g protein, 6g fat (1g saturated), 60mg cholesterol, 6g fiber, 274mg sodium

Important Notice: New Rules for Travel to the United States on the Visa Waiver Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

It is anticipated that ESTA screening will become mandatory for VWP travelers on January 12, 2009. However, DHS will begin accepting voluntary ESTA registrations on August 1, 2008 at the following website: www.cbp.gov/esta

ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and VWP travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States. If applicants’ destination addresses or itineraries should change after their authorization has been approved, they may easily update that information through the ESTA website.

In most cases, ESTA will provide an almost immediate determination of eligibility for travel under the VWP. An approved ESTA travel authorization is:

• valid for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;
• valid for multiple entries into the U.S.; and
• not a guarantee of admissibility to the United States at a port of entry. ESTA approval only authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the U.S. under the VWP. In all cases, CBP officers make admissibility determinations at our ports of entry.

Learn more about ESTA and these VWP changes on:

• the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ESTA webpages (in English)
• the State Department Visa Waiver Program webpages (in English)  

The First Day Of Your Cruise

What exactly can you expect? Once the planning, packing, and anticipation are behind them, veteran cruise passengers sometimes view embarkation day as anticlimactic. However, for first-time cruise travelers, embarking on their first ship can be more than exhilarating. 

First of all, keep in mind that your embarkation day cannot officially begin until the ship is clear of departing guests and their luggage. The debarkation process can be as drawn-out as a divorce… while the previous weeks’ passengers make their way reluctantly down the gangway, the staff and crew are busy readying the ship for the next sailing. By the time the last straggler departs, trucks are already arriving at the dock with provisions and a lot of heavy work is going on behind the scenes. Staterooms and public lounges are thoroughly cleaned and readied and a steady stream of supplies and luggage are brought aboard. There can even be an exchange of crewmembers, with some leaving and others arriving. 

Arrival

Cruise line shoreside staff are milling about to point you in the right direction-they are easily recognizable in official looking uniforms with nametags and, often, a clipboard. Once inside the terminal, you might encounter a check-in line. Actual boarding time is often scheduled for noon but some cruise lines will begin processing early arrivals and then direct them to a “holding” area. During check-in, you will be asked to produce your documents and any forms you were sent to complete ahead of time, plus proof of citizenship, and a credit card (to pay for your on board charges). You are issued a boarding card that often also doubles as your stateroom “key” and shipboard charge card.

At some point, either before you enter the check-in area or before proceeding to the ship, you and your hand luggage will have to pass through a security procedure, somewhat like that at airports.

Everyone is anxious to get on board and begin their vacation, but this isn’t the time to get cranky if you have to wait. Keep in mind, you cannot board until the ship is ready for you. Once boarding begins, you will inevitably have your first experience with the ship’s photographer and be asked to pose for an embarkation picture. It only takes a second, so smile. You are under no obligation to purchase any photos taken of you during the cruise and they are a nice souvenir.

On Board

Congratulations! Your cruise has begun. Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by the staff lined up just inside the ship’s hull; however, once again you’ll have to produce a picture ID and your boarding card for the security officer. Depending on cruise line, you will be directed to your cabin or a steward will relieve you of your carry on luggage and accompany you. Stewards on high end cruise lines not only show you the way, but hand you a glass of champagne as a welcome aboard gesture.

Check out your cabin to make sure that everything is in order. You should find life jackets on the bed (ready for the muster drill later) and a copy of the ship’s daily schedule. Take a few moments to look over the schedule-you’ll want to know what time the muster drill takes place (a placard on the back of your cabin door will indicate directions to your emergency station), as well as meal hours and the schedule for various activities and entertainments. 

Rented tuxedoes are either hanging in the closet or will be delivered sometime during the afternoon and Bon Voyage gifts sent by your friends or travel agent usually appear as well. Be patient if you are expecting deliveries, particularly on mega-ships. Cabin stewards participate in the ship’s turn-around and are extremely busy, although yours will no doubt introduce himself at the first available opportunity. It will also be a while before your checked luggage arrives, so your initial order of business is usually the welcome aboard buffet. Bring along the daily schedule to peruse while you eat.

While making your way to the lido buffet, no doubt you’ll notice bar waiters offering trays of colorful and exotic “Bon Voyage” drinks, often in souvenir glasses that you can keep. Beware-they are not complimentary! If you choose one, you’ll be asked to sign for it. Again, like the photos, you’re under no obligation to purchase; however, the glasses are fun souvenirs.

Do your plans for the cruise include booking shore excursions and indulging in spa treatments? The most popular tours sometimes sell out and spas can be very busy during sea days, so your next stop should be the Shore Excursion Desk to book tours and the Spa to make appointments.

Your dining room seating assignment may be another matter for consideration. Some people like to check the main dining room to see where their table is located. If it’s not to your liking, or if you requested a large table and find yourself assigned to a small one, you will want to see the Head Waiter. He will be stationed in a lounge with his charts handy to make changes-the daily schedule will indicate where and when.

For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening you may find other introductory activities such as tours of the spa and fitness center, port and shopping talks, and casino gaming lessons available. Of course, there will be the compulsory muster drill, followed by sailaway festivities on the pool deck. 

By late afternoon or early evening, your luggage should arrive and you can unpack and settle into your cabin to prepare for dinner. A few words of advice… just in case your luggage doesn’t arrive before dinner, as sometimes is the case when you’re dining at the early seating, it’s a good idea to have toiletries and appropriate attire in your carry-on so you can freshen up and change. Dress codes are always casual on the first evening of cruises.

A highlight of embarkation day is that first dinner in the main restaurant where you’ll meet your waitstaff and tablemates. Order whatever you like from the menu of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for dessert! Other than iced tea, coffee, hot tea, and water, beverages in the dining room are not complimentary.

After dinner you’ll find the entire ship alive with action! The casino, shops, and lounges will all be open to greet guests and the Cruise Director usually introduces his staff at a Welcome Aboard show in the main theater (shows are scheduled to coordinate with dining seatings).

Back in your cabin for the night, you’ll find that your steward has straightened things up during your absence, filled the ice bucket, provided fresh linens in the bathroom, turned down the bed, left the next day’s schedule of activities, and placed a chocolate on your pillow. Sweet dreams…

Scrapbooking On Your Cruise

 

Think Ahead on Creating a Scrapbook From Your Cruise 

Get some ideas for what to include in your scrapbook from your cruise. Think and plan this ahead of time, not after the cruise, sorting through a pile of stuff you saved. 

For many, sailing away on a cruise is the end result of a years worth of planning. Start taking those photos the day you start planning. 

How did you find out about the cruise? Make copies of the literature that led you to book this particular cruise. 

Did you read about the many port cities the cruise ship will stop at? Do you have brochure or internet photos of these cities? Again, make copies and include them in your scrapbook. 

I know whenever I travel I never seem to have the right clothing. I am always shopping for just the right outfits to take with me. It is fun to take photos at home of the outfits purchased and include these photos in the “getting ready” section of the scrapbook. 

When I renew my passport, I save the receipt and make a copy on acid free paper. This can be added to one of your scrapbook pages. 

Once on the cruise, the photo opportunities are non stop until you return back home. Photos can be taken of the entire ship. The buffets are often almost too beautiful to eat from. Photos of chocolate buffets are wonderful conversation starters, over and over again. 

As you land in each port, capture as much of the city as you can by camera. If you find brochures about places visited, grab the brochures for inclusion in your scrapbook. Postcards are also great for capturing photos you might not be able to capture yourself. 

I personally love people photos. I always take photos of other people. On a cruise, you may or may not continue a relationship with those you meet on board. Use a small notebook to write down names and basic details of those you’ve met. If you don’t continue the relationship, those notes will come in handy when you view the photos 2 years later. 

Whether on board or on land, carry your camera with you, so you can capture everything you wish to capture. Bon Voyage

Why is my cabin unassigned?

 

If you received confirmation of your cruise booking and it says “TBA” (To Be Added) where you cabin number should be listed, you have an unassigned cabin. The cruise line will give us that number later, closer to sailing, usually after final payment has been made. 

But why? 

Many passengers know what cabin they will be in before they board. Others book “guaranteed”cabins with the location to be added (TBA) by the cruise line later. 

 

What this means is that they book a cabin that is in a particular category, (that’s the guaranteed part) but it could be anywhere on the ship. The tradeoff for this not knowing where you’ll be is that you get a chance to be “upgraded” to a higher (and more expensive) category cabin at no additional charge. You will never be downgraded. Chances are if you book a lower category guaranteed cabin that you will be upgraded. 

The most common upgrade is to be upgraded to a “better” cabin within the category you have already paid for. (Like from a Category 4A to a 4D) This commonly means a higher deck, under the belief that higher is better. Technically the “best” part of the ship is the dead center of it in relation of the front to back and side to side. Think of a teeter totter. The people sitting on either end move up and down a lot. The center part moves very little. The same basic theory applied to cruise ships in the olden days when they might be tossed about by rogue waves in uncharted seas. 

Today, huge stabilizer bars that extend out the side of the ship under the water line reduce that sort of movement to a minimum. In fact, on most ships you will probably have to look outside and see the ocean rolling by to know you are moving at all. 

If you booked a guaranteed cabin prior to 9/11 security measure implementation, you may found out your cabin location as late as when you reach the pier upon embarkation. The porters there would have a manifest of all the cabins and all the lucky winners (or not) and be able to help you re-tag your bags with the appropriate information to insure that yours get to your cabin. But most guests these days find out this information much earlier, usually some time between when final payment is made and 7 days prior to sailing. 

 

But why would the cruise lines let us pay for a less expensive cabin and give us a more expensive cabin anyway?

In the cruise line business, much like the hotel business, the name of the game is occupancy. The cruise lines live and breathe to fill the ships and will do so using a number of strategies. One strategy is to offer bonus amenities on a particular sailing to entice us to book that one. Another is to offer free upgrades. But there is more than the notion of maybe getting something more than what we paid for at work here. 

The cruise lines want every potential buyer to have a nice selection of cabins to choose from when making their buying decision. One party might want an inside cabin, another a balcony and yet another an Oceanview cabin. When they open a sailing for sale, they have a pretty good idea which cabins will sell first; the most expensive and the least expensive. But much of it depends on us. A given sailing might happen to sell mostly inexpensive inside cabins to begin with, limiting the number available to sell to others while more expensive inside cabin go unsold. In order to have that nice selection of all cabin categories for someone just entering the buying arena, the cruise lines will move up the guests who booked early and bought those first inexpensive inside cabins to a higher category inside cabin, making more space in the inexpensive category. 

Are you with me so far? Basically a complementary upgrade means you get something for nothing. 

So if you got upgraded or not might depend on just that. But when it comes time to dole out the upgrades there may be a limited number available. That’s when they look at other factors to determine who gets the upgrade. Factors like what you paid, how long the booking has been made and/or past guest status are often considered. If your cruise was booked 6 months or more in advance you have time on your side and could stand to gain a substantial upgrade at no additional cost to you. 

That is an important part of the whole thing. 

If you wanted to be very mid-ship and on a certain deck, you may be better off doing what it takes (usually paying full deposit at the time of booking) to lock in to a specific cabin right up front. The up side of that is that you will know exactly where you are going to be on the ship as far in advance as possible. The down side is that on most lines it greatly reduces if not eliminates the possibility of a complementary upgrade. 

Prime candidates for assigning cabins up front are those who need a specific location, say by an elevator because they don’t want to have to stumble too far back to the cabin, handicapped cabins and suites. On some ships, cabins with three or more guests may be required to lock in to a specific cabin just because there are a limited number that will hold that many people. 

These days though, most guests benefit from NOT choosing a cabin up front and realize a nice upgrade by the time they sail. Of course, the only thing guaranteed about a complementary upgrade is that there are no guarantees that it will happen

Flying In To Your Departure City

 

This is a topic that is not commonly thought about when initially booking the cruise but one that is surely important, especially if you do not live within driving distance of the port.

Often, we book our cruises so far in advance that many sources of airfare are not available yet. Southwest Airlines, for example, does not offer flight schedules at a year in advance; the time y0u booked your cruise.

So what to do?

If you’re booking more than 4 months in advance, I suggest booking airfare with the cruise line. 

At least for a while. Why?

• You do not have to pay for it far in advance like dealing with airlines or online airfare buying sites like www.CheapTickets.com. 
• You will pay for it at final payment time along with your cruise fareThe price normally includes transfers to and from the ship. Depending on the port, this can represent a great value
• The cruise line is responsible for you. If flights get delayed, they will get you to the ship, at thier expense.
• It’s easy. Airfare through the cruiseline provides a seamless travel experience. Let them worry about it.

I think that’s the safe way to go. 

At the same time, though, work on finding flights that will work for you on your own. This is something you can do for yourself or with our assistance online from various sources. 

But there are a few guidelines you’ll want to follow when doing this. If you’re not comfortable with this process, call us to take care of it for you. 

• Be flexible- when possible, try to get into your port city a day early. This gives you a buffer against flight delays, lost baggage, etc. We flew into the port the day of the cruise one time and I said “never again”. I was so worried that we would miss the boat. Often, flight prices are less the day before, sometimes enough to pay for the hotel room you’ll need. 
• Try several sources. Don’t just go to Travelocity.com, buy your tickets and be done with it. If that’s your attitude about it, have someone else do it. Your homework and research will pay off 
• Check, Check and Double Check. Before you buy that non-refundable ticket know for sure that you have the flights landing at your destination at the time you want them to be. It is not a bad idea to have someone else take a look. Fresh eyes might see that you’re about to fly yourself into Kansas City (MCI) when you want to go to Orlando (MCO). There are very few cruise ships in Kansas. 
• Consider price but consider convenience too. The online sites automatically bring up the least expensive flights first. But if you have to land, change planes and fly some more once or twice, that can be a real job compared to a non-stop flight which will probably cost more. In addition, each landing and takeoff is one more chance to get behind schedule. With a non-stop flight if you get in the air on time in the beginning, odds are you (and your luggage) will get there on time 

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. This is THE most common mistake people make when doing their own online air reservations. Travel arrangements have to be exact, not close. Again, the difference between arriving in Orlando and Kansas City is one little letter in the wrong place.

Cruise Travel Agent vs. Internet Cruise Broker

   

What’s the difference?

The difference is substantial and can make or break a vacation.

First, let’s start with the Internet Cruise Broker.  That would be one of the many online companies that offers unbelievably low prices on a cruise.  In most all cases those are unbelievable prices because they are not accurate or do not fully represent what is being offered. 

The first misleading expense is hidden fees.  I call these Burried Fees because you have to dig to find them.  They are there for all to see but you will find them most commonly toward the end of their “Terms of Service” , far after the boring text turned off the reader.  Most all of these fees are not necessary and simply sometihng that Internet Cruise Broker has levied upon each buyer, should they fall into the trap. 

One that can add up quickly are “change fees” where you may be charged $50 or $100 for name spelling corrections.  In the past, the cruise lines DID charge this fee but it as been dropped for quite some time. If you see this fee it should be a red flag to pay special attention to the details before buying. Processing Fees are another one that runs up the price of the cruise and is often charged by Internet Cruise Brokers. 

But if you can get past all the potential or actual junk fees charged the low price may still be a good one.  Reason enough to buy from your Internet Cruise Broker? 

No way!  One of the biggest areas where Internet Cruise Brokers fail is what happens after the sale. 

The job of almost all Internet Cruise Brokers stops once you pay. 

They simply don’t have time for you.  To get those low prices they give up a good deal of their commission.  They still have bills to pay so they rely on a huge volume of buisness to survive, often bending  the rules or taking your money but not turning it over to the cruise line.  Recently, I happened to visit www.CruiseValueCenter.com , one of the big Internet Cruise Broker’s websites,  to find they had shut down and were offering site visitors advice on how to recoup money they had paid.  If that is not enough reason stay clear of an Internet Cruise Broker, I don’t know what is.

I feel bad for those who may have had their vacation plans disrupted by the shut down of sites like that.  This is a really good reason, one that savy travelers know, to concentrate on “Value”  rather than simply “Price”.  Yes, that advertised price of $199 for a cruise sounds great initially.  But in almost all cases the end price nears double that once port charges, taxes and fees that everyone pays are added in, not to mention optiona buried fees one might fall into.

The smart way to go is to find a  Travel Agent who offers the best value, not the best price.  Almost always, when all expenses are considered, the Travel Agent has the better value in the long run.  And isn’t that what really counts?  A professional, certified cruise Travel Agent can be your friend in the business that provides a really necessary service, much like you might use an accountant to help with your finances.  The business relationship between you and a Travel Agent is one of trust that is built over time.  “Your” agent will come to know and take a personal interest in what is best for you.  He or she will be constantly on guard of your vacation plans, taking advantage of special offers, using their behind the scenes contacts and daily up to date knowledge of the industry on your behalf.

The best part?  This costs you nothing.  Travel Agents are paid a commission by the cruise line.  You truly have nothing to lose and everything to gain  There are Travel Agents who are simply sales people and Travel Agents who offer a service that will offer you great value in the long run.  And the long run is what you need to think of because you’ll probably be cruising quite a bit in your lifetime

Here then are some simple ideas to consider when choosing between an Internet Cruise Broker and a Cruise Travel Agent:

1. Concentrate on Value, not Price- look at the whole picture
2. Always insist that your payments go directly to the cruise line- if they won’t do that, go elsewhere
3. Carefully read the fine print- look for junk fees like change fees, cancellation fees, booking fees, etc.  If you see them, run!
4. Always pay with a debit or credit card- the provide some protection if that Internet Cruise Broker goes broke and shuts down
5. Be sure they will honor any lower prices you qualify for.  Most do not but ask the cruise line to lower the price anyway.  They lower the price, regaining some or all of the commission they gave up to get you that initial low price.
6. Try emailing or calling them to ask a question and note the response time.  This can be a real good indicator of how it will go after the sale

 

 

 

Celebrity Solstice

 

 

It could be argued that the new Celebrity Solstice is the prettiest ship at sea. I doubt that you would find many who would not agree.  But there are a whole lot of steps along the way that make Solstice unique.  Celebrity has done a great job focusing on the total cruise experience and beyond.

It seems that new builds these days all have a flashy signature feature that sets them apart from others.  Solstice is no exception.  The big one here is the Lawn Club.  Located high up on deck 15, Celebrity has grown an expanse of short golf green-like grass about the size of a football field.  Ok maybe more like a large backyard but it sure seems like a huge space in person.  It’s something you just don’t expect to see on a ship and nothing can quite prepare you for the experience. 

Home to picnics, various “yard” games, and even private parties, the Lawn Club comes complete with its own shop, café and bar.  If this were a Carnival ship they would call this the “Fun Deck” because it also houses the Fun Factory Kids club, a basketball court, Video Arcade and another unique experience, the Hot Glass show, where professional gaffers craft works of art right before your eyes.  But this is nothing you will find on a Carnival ship or any other brand for that matter.

These unique experiences have been really well done in a unique signature way that will prove to set Solstice apart from even her sister ships that will follow.  It all comes down to ground level where what they do directly impacts the guest experience.  As with so many other successful ideas it is the details that make the difference. 

 Bartenders that can open a bottle of beer tossed in the air, Pool Butlers actually paying attention to guests and anticipating their needs, as well as very well educated crew members who know their jobs well, make the difference. 

 Someone was paying attention here when they designed how this was going to go.  Often overlooked while an organization struggles to cover the bases, Celebrity not only covers but blows the bases away, creating an experience like no other.

 It is as though someone said,  “Ok, design a ship, but make it the very best one you can possibly make it.  Spare no expense.  Leave nothing out.  Dream up new features.  And make it all very user-friendly”. Take for example, the live tree growing in the middle of the ship.  Yes I said live tree.  Make that “huge live tree”.  It’s not enough to have it; the crew all knows details about how it was planted, lives and will grow six decks high eventually.  The crew does not hesitate to approach the casual viewer to let them know all about it too.  I think this is one of the most unique parts of the onboard experience.  The crew here really goes out of its way to enrich the experience.

 It is as though not only the needs but the unexpected desires of guests have been not only anticipated but are constantly brought to their attention. 

The staterooms are a great example of this. 

A quick glance would leave one with the impression that these are nicely appointed but nothing unique.  Further examination though reveals many innovative features.  In the bathroom, for example, a low level illuminating light is on constantly to lead the way in the dark.  A huge flat-screen television boasting a nice selection of movies, internet access, ordering for room service and more swivels away from the wall enabling it to be positioned just right for viewing anywhere in the cabin.  15% larger than most Celebrity staterooms on other ships, these offer a very nice space you may not want to leave.

 But leave you will as you explore areas of the ship that flow seamlessly from one to the other.

 Arguably the largest selection of shopping at sea, the “Shops on the Boulevard” flow into the largely non-smoking casino which is an extension of an assortment of lounges, and an area known as the “Entertainment Court”.

 Aptly named, the Entertainment Court features a central space where live music emanates into the surrounding areas very nicely, tying them all together.  While other cruise lines seem to be cutting back on live entertainment, Celebrity has taken a few steps back in time and brought back a wide variety of talent.  Case in point; on deck entertainment. 

 I was on deck enjoying a leisurely afternoon one day, steps away from food and bar service, an indoor pool should the weather turn bad, and the an assortment of lounge chairs, hammocks, and private areas.  As the stage was out of sight, it took me a while to realize that the enjoyable and thoughtful music I was hearing was not prerecorded but a live five piece band.  Later, when their set was over, a different band came to play, followed by a solo guitar player and then others.  This theme was repeated many times over throughout the voyage.   A string quartet filled the atrium area, a jazz trio played in one of the lounges, and a full band played in the showroom, even a piano player in unexpected areas at unconventional times made for a rich experience.

 Dining options also added to this deep, enriching theme.

 In addition to the stunning single main room, Grand Epernay, dining options are plentiful.  The Aquaspa café offering refreshing spa cuisine as well as the always open Bistro on Five with Crepes and Sanwiches in a casual setting.  The Mast Grill I enjoyed while on deck was only steps away from the signature Oceanview Café, a scatter-style buffet with an assortment of stations well-suited to most any taste.

 Specialty dining with a nominal cover charge was not limited to just one or two offerings.  Murano, a sophisticated dining experience featuring European style service and wines from around the world is a headliner.  Silk Harvest, featuring the exotic tastes of Asia in a casual, family-style setting is very popular.  The Tuscan Grille offers a sophisticated steakhouse with and Italian accent and robust wine list.  Finally “Blu” has private dining for AquaClass guests only featuring clean, modern cuisine from the old and new world.  

 The Aqua class area of the ship offers some of the most well appointed staterooms on board too.  But more than just extra features like a superb shower and upgraded amenities, the whole AquaSpa area of the ship is unique unto itself.  This area anchors a “Wellness” theme featuring a full service spa enhanced by the solarium and a quiet renewing space called the Persian Garden as well as medi-spa, salon and fitness center.  

 The whole Wellness concept extends to other areas of the ship as well. 

 All staterooms and verandahs, for example, are non-smoking.  A bold move on the part of Celebrity, this idea came directly from guest requests and comments.  There are adequate but largely removed areas for smokers but the Celebrity is really trying hard to make a statement as part of the whole experience.   Smoking is restricted to a small area of the casino, slots only.  The whole feel of it all reminded me of when restaurants had smoking and non smoking sections before turning all non-smoking.  I suspect that Celebrity will be the first line to pull off the entirely non-smoking concept, once tried but failed by Carnival’s Paradise several years ago.

 To me, the extent that Celebrity is willing to go with the smoking issue is a great example of the direction they are going with this ship and the experience it elicits.  A great diversion from real life is the hallmark of a cruise. Celebrity, through the unique features of this ship, also gives you something to take home with you.  Whereas the end of the cruise often meant the end of the experience, Solstice leaves the door open, allowing one to take home the feel of it all. 

 If you are one of the lucky ones who has fully embraced all that a cruise has to offer you may have felt renewed and maybe even a bit changed by the end of the voyage.   The Solstice experience allows you to not only be changed, but to do something with that change once you return to real life.

Welcome

If you are thinking about your first cruise or another to add to a long list of cruises, look here for valuable information. 

It’s all designed to make you the most informed and most prepared cruiser possible.  I want you to enjoy every minute of your vacation.  Taking some time now to get ready, and learn or review what you need to know.  Bookmark this site and come back often; it makes for a richer cruise experience.

With all this information, count on having some questions.   That’s where I come in.  Please don’t hessitate to send me an email with your questions.  I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Enjoy this weblog created just for you!

 

Chris

Chris Owen, MCC
Dream Cruise Vacations
Chris@YourCruiseDream.com
866 604 4658 Toll Free US
407 889 8947 Direct line

Get The Most From Your Cruise

When you take a cruise there are a lot of different options that you have available to you, and it can get quite overwhelming at times. Everything from the first moment that you contact the cruise lines (or your travel agent) till the time when you need to leave the ship is full of decision making that can make your cruise less enjoyable if you allow it. I’ve put together the following small list of things that can help you to make some of the more pressing decisions and to make your time on the sea more enjoyable. 

 

• Choose your cabin wisely – There are many different decisions that you can make when it comes to rooming on the ship, and it really depends on how you plan on spending your time. I know that my wife and I never go on a cruise that we don’t get an outside cabin and enjoy the veranda, but for my kids it would be a complete waste of money since they spend all of their time outside the cabin and enjoying the ship.
• When will you eat? – On most cruise ships there are several different options on when you will eat your dinner. They generally have an early seating and a later seating. If you enjoy the shows and you want to get your dinner out of the way then take the earlier seating, but if you enjoy the excursions then you might want to consider the later seating because you may find yourself rushing back onto the ship earlier that you would like in order to get ready for the early dinner.
• How will you play? – There are a lot of different options, both free and paid when it comes to cruising. You may find that you want to take more of an adventure vacation and could schedule things like parasailing or a ride on a fast boat. You may also want to lounge around the ship when everyone else is in port. That can be quite relaxing also and you will find some quiet time to read or to enjoy the pool.

There are many more options available but these few will help you to get started on taking the cruise and making the most of it.  

 

Port Everglades

 

Originally known as Lake Mabel, Port Everglades was officially established as a deep water harbor in 1927 and has since grown to become one of South Florida’s strongest economic engines with annual operating revenues of more than $66 million and total waterborne commerce exceeding 23 million tons in liquid, bulk and containerized cargoes.More than 5,300 ships call at Port Everglades in a year forming the basis of a diverse maritime operation that includes a thriving cruise industry and a reputation as the “world’s best cruise port,” a growing containerized cargo business that establishes Port Everglades among the nation’s top seaports, a major petroleum storage and distribution hub, South Florida’s primary bulk cargo depot and a favorite U.S. Navy liberty port.

The seaport is renowned for its commitment to ongoing capital improvements, environmental protection and convenient maritime operations with unbeatable connections through the adjacent Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and the direct links with all of Florida’s highway system via I-595.

Where Exactly Is Port Everglades?

Its name somewhat misleading, Port Everglades is not a part of the wetland ecosystem known as the Florida Everglades. The seaport is, in fact, located on the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula within the three cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach, as well as unincorporated Broward County. It is approximately 23 miles north of Miami, 48 miles south of West Palm Beach and 312 miles south of Jacksonville.

Know Your Insurance

 

 

I know it’s boring but you need to read the details of your travel insurance policy, regardless of where you got it.  I just hate it when someone calls me to report a claim but I know their reason is not covered.  It doesn’ happen often but what a shocker to find out you thought you were covered but you are not.

 

Most all travel insurance covers cancellation. The important part to know though is what the “covered reasons” are.  Most often they are not for any reason.  You can’t just change your mind a few days before sailing because you want to buy a big new tv.  It doesn’t work that way.

 

Generally speaking, covered reasons are medical reasons.  Pretty much any reason that you can get a doctor to sign off on works.  That’s if it’s you or a member of your family, even members not sailing. 

 

The other part is medical coverage.   Most provide medical coverage which may be important if your health care policy does not cover services performed outside of your country. Be sure about that before you assume you are covered.  The ships have fully-staffed hospitals on board but they are not free.  An average bill from the infirmary is about $200.  (Also another reason to address possible motion discomfort issues before boarding. The shot the doctor will give you that will cure your motion sickness costs about $100)

 

The best value in most policies is the medical evacuation coverage.  That can cost up to $50,000 to have a chopper land on the deck to take you back to a shoreside hospital.  Then there’s how do I get home from wherever that might be?  The ship sure is not waiting for me. 

 

Also be clear on what “pre-existing medical conditions” are and if you have them.  Unless specific coverge is purchased by a certain time in the booking cycle, they won’t be covered.

 

Some other non medical, not covered reasons for cancellation that I have personally seen come up occasionally include trying to board with non-approved identification, not showing up for any reason other than medical, violation of sailing rules for minors, pregnancy that is too advanced, and dumping your boyfriend. 

 

 

 

Recession-proof Your Cruise Vacation

If the thought has crossed your mind ”maybe I should hold off on my cruise, go some other time” here are some great surefire strategies to get more cruise for less. Even in the most difficult economic times, savvy travelers can always find ways to save hundreds of dollars off their cruise vacation. Here are 10 tried-and-true strategies to help you get more bang from your cruise vacation buck:

  1. Become a savvy traveler.  

A bad economy makes for some very good deals.  The trick is to book as far in advance as possible.  Many of you have already done that, booking as far in advance as 2010, often for a reduced amount of deposit.  There is no better way to lock in the price of a future vacation.  And with more time between booking and sailing, you can make more frequent but smaller payments.  Often you can pay for your cruise by skipping a fast food meal once a week.

 

2 Book your own shore excursions.
When budgeting for a cruise vacation, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll cruise will cost. Beyond the cost of the cruise fare and taxes, there are other incidental expenses.  One area you can really save money is do your own sightseeing or shore excursion planning. Almost all the local vendors that the cruise line uses, can be found on the internet. Visit the port’s official tourism web site for up-to-date information on tour operators and pricing. Their direct to the consumer prices in most cases are cheaper than if you bought the tour from the cruise line. Shore excursion income is an important part of a cruise lines onboard revenue. So, they mark it up to maximize profits. Booking just one shore excursion, such as a helicopter ride to land on glacier, for a family of four in Alaska, can save you hundreds of dollars in your overall cruise vacation costs. And you can put that savings to better use. Two online firms that specialize in sightseeing tours for cruise passengers include Port Promotions and Shore Trips.  You can book online, and pocket the savings.

 

3.  Think about the future.
Some cruise lines offer discounts on a future sailing if you book it while on a current cruise. Often, they reward you with additional onboard credit and a reduced deposit

 

4. Keep your onboard spending low. Limit your spending on photos, spa services, art auctions, shore excursions, jewelry, casino and drinks of the day. Stay away from the Specialty restaurants. Many cruise lines have several alternative dining venues to the usual main dining room.  These restaurants, offer special menu items with prices ranging from $10 to $45 per person. Sure, the fare may be better, but is it that much better than what you can savor in the ship’s dining room for free?    

Almost every cruise ship offers Internet access, but they often charge a ridiculous per-minute access fee. Some cruise lines even offer package deals for 100- 200 minutes of Internet access. Forget about it! Instead, visit an Internet facility when you are in port. How to find one? Easy, ask a crew member where to find an Internet cafe on shore, or check out the local public library, where you can sometimes check your e-mail for free.

BYOB
Most all cruise lines allow you to Bring Your Own Bottle of wine, one per person, onboard at embarkation for to consume in your cabin.  Check our website for “Booze Smuggling Tips” that will take care of any other needs.  Most lines also allow a reasonable amount of bottled water or soda to be brought on board.  This is another area where huge savings can be realized

5 Arrange your own air and transfers. Shop for airfares on ticket search websites like Farecast, SideStep, or Kayak and then book directly with the airline.  Save on Airport transfers. The cost of cruise line provided round-trip airport transfers can run $20 per person or more. A better (and often faster) way to get to and from the ship is by local taxi. The fare can be $20-30, but the taxi can take up to four people.

 

7 Ways To Make Your Cruise Vacation Better

Did you know that… a big part of having the perfect cruise vacations is thanks to great planning?

Planning is very boring to most people. Everyone of us wish we had a magical wand to just make our cruise vacations happen. When we start planning we might end up stuck in details, about food, activities and such, that we often forget the most important issues to keep in mind. I will share here seven ways you can make cruise vacation planning easier by just applying them when you are writing down your vacation’s plan.

Set aside some extra money. – You have your budget for the cruise vacations; however things are rarely 100% perfect. You should also have in the budget enough extra money not only for buying souvenirs at ports, but also if any emergency occurs. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Include your documents. – Just imagine this: you’ve already arrived to the port, along with your luggage and your sunglasses ready to have the time of your life, then you reach for your pocket just to find out you are not carrying the required documents.

Yes, things like this do happen, and the best way to avoid them is include them in a checklist. You can call it “Requirements checklist” and list every document you need to board the cruise.

Arriving date should be a day early.-This is even more important if you live far from the port, and planning to get there in car. Even if you’re planning to get there on a plane, weather changes can delay the flight. I once suffered this, and had to buy another plane ticket to board on the first cruise destination after the ship set sail.

If you’re expecting a baby, get a note form the doctor. You may not know this but cruise lines consider pregnancy as a medical condition. They need to make sure everything is going to be fine once you’re inside the cruise.

You won’t be able to board a cruise if you are on an advanced phase, so be sure to check that out.

Read all the fine prints. -Just because those words are very small doesn’t mean they’re not important. These words in fact mostly contain conditions, for not so common situations. Take for example the case above, or the situation of two underage people travelling alone.

Just by reading them you’re sure to save you some headaches.

Pack everything the right way. Packing can be described as an art. But it is also a necessity when travelling, avoid having too much luggage, instead aim for a great packing that lets you fit everything without using much space. Mix clothing if you’re not travelling alone, in case one of the cases is delayed, or something happens, and secure them tightly with duct tape.

And – don’t forget to write your name on them.

Talk with your travel agency. If you have any doubts, no matter what silly they sound to you, just write them down, and talk to your travel agent. Travel agents, and consultants are there to help you make your vacations a dream, and that’s what you’re paying them for.

A professional agent will walk with you along your cruise vacation planning process, to ensure you will be fully satisfied.

If you follow these simple suggestions, you’re a lot closer your dream cruise vacations. Don’t take planning as a less important aspect of your vacation, or who knows, maybe you’ll end having no vacations at all! There’s more plenty of information available online that will help you in. You can do it too!

It’s all about having fun in the end. Who says planning can’t be fun?

Phoning Home

 

  

 

Many cruisers have questions about phoning home while on their cruise vacation  

Phoning home always gives one peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is natural to want to check on your children, or check into the office, just remember that ship to shore phone costs can be very hefty. They can cost up to $15 minute, so I if you must, keep it brief. You can use your cell phone but be aware that in some areas roaming charges will apply. Your cell phone will not work in Europe unless you have universal service.

It is very important that you leave the information on how to contact you at home in case of an emergency. When you receive your cruise documentst there will be contact information included. Make sure you leave the name of the ship, the cruise line you are traveling with, and the itinerary that you plan to follow. Make it very clear that it is for emergencies only.

There is a way to get around this expense and that is to buy a phone card and call home from your ports of call. The connection will be far greater and your savings too. Be aware that this is where the crew members make their calls home so you may want to venture further from the dock to find a not so busy public phone.

All of the modern ships are wired for the internet so you can stay in touch with email. This is a much easier and cheaper way to but your mind at ease. On some ships if you are a frequent cruiser the internet time is free. If you are not, connections can run from fifty cents to a dollar a minute. Just keep in mind that they are not high speed hook ups so they will be slow. Compose offline and then send your message. Some ships will offer you package deals to save a little money. Here again, if you can wait until you get to port, internet cafes ashore are relatively inexpensive.