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Planning For That Perfect Cruise

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re going to Europe, Asia or parts more obscure you need to plan things out properly and you need to plan for every possible scenario no matter where you go. This means making preparations at home to ensure that there are no incidents or intrusions along the way. Many people, when they are traveling abroad for an extended period, just use Adt or other home security systems, but what about those of us who might not have a security system of our own? What then?

Lucky for you, there are a number of things you can do to make your home less appealing and to make it less obvious that you are not home. For starters, arrange to either have the neighbors pick up your mail and newspaper or simply put a delay on delivery until you return. You can also have a timer set up on your lights so that it appears like someone is home. Once you have done this, the next step is preparing for the cruise itself. You are going to want to do a healthy amount of research online to get a feel for the culture and remember to bring some good walking shoes – you could be in for a quite a workout.

Having Great Time Management at a Port-of-Call

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Taking a cruise is a great way to relax and unwind. It’s also an affordable way to see different parts of the world, without taking several separate vacations. In order to see as many sights as possible and enjoy the atmosphere at each port-of-call, you need to have plans and a time schedule. Below are some tips for developing your itinerary for each port-of-call.

As soon as you decide on a cruise and actually book the trip, begin to plan your activities. Map out each stop the ship will take, and how long you will remain at each destination. Do some research on the internet related to each stop. Involve everyone who is going on this trip in the planning process. Take into consideration things that everyone wants to do. Research where everything is and document it. Next, secure a map on the area and pinpoint where each destination is. Build your itinerary from this map. Allot a certain amount of time at each destination, with five or ten minutes between in case someone is caught in the line paying for something.

In order to make this work, everyone has to be on the same page. It’s best if everyone take their cell phones, even if there is no service, because the alarms will still work. If everyone sets their alarms for the same time, everyone will know when it’s time to move on to the next destination. Additionally, an alarm should be set for when you need to return to the ship, so you don’t miss it leaving.

How Who and When to Tip on a Cruise

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

While going on a cruise there are a variety of ideas, tricks and how to tip while on the ship as it is important to know whom, and when you should tip while on the cruise. . These ideas and tips will help you while you are on the ship. Just as the land-bound hospitality workers, the same goes for cruise personnel. The personal depends on the gratuities for most of their pay. Many people believe that the personnel on the ships must receive great pay however; this is not true as many work for tips just as the personal in land based operations.

Additionally, believing that paying the prices to go on a cruise should be enough is false. The personal are not all paid from the tourists tickets. Their pay is little and they need to get tips as they to need to buy their own belongings while working on the ships. Never been on a cruise and you do not know who or how to tip on a cruise it will help you if you remember they are caring for you just as land restaurants, and hotels do.

Gratuities are normally paid to the
Taxi drivers
Stevedore- baggage handler
Dining Room Waiter
Headwaiter
Room service
Waiters
Bartenders

There are tips charged automatically and many cruises will have the main tips done on the last day of the ship from the tourists so do not be surprised if you have an envelope slid under your door when you awaken the last day. Being respectful and remembering that they are in need of their tips as mentioned earlier. This is important as the employees work quickly and very hard for the week you are on the cruise.

Hidden Cruising Costs

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Cruises are a great way to see the world but don’t be fooled by great deals that seem too good to be true. Some of the hidden costs of cruises really add up so think before you book and consider the following:
Before You Board: Costs can add up before you even get on the ship from getting a adt home security system to secure your house for a long trip to purchasing a plane ticket to make it to port. Most are worth the cost, just don’t forget to factor them in.
On the Ship: Most people love the unlimited food cruise ships provide but unless you buy the bar package you may be stuck paying drink by drink for your alcohol. These drinks can add up over several days so think about going all inclusive.
At Port: There are tons of great day trips available at every port city but these usually aren’t factored into the cruise cost. Things like jet skiing, horseback riding and zip lining can add to the overall trip cost so choose wisely.

How To Use a Sail and Sign Card Frugally

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

People that have never been on a cruise may not have any idea as to what a Sign and Sail card is. People that have been on a cruise ship may know all too well.

Cruise ships do not use cash. People that buy things on the ship must use their cruise cards. It’s essentially an equivalent to a credit card strictly for the cruise. The best way to use the card frugally is to first obtain an all inclusive meal plan. These are guaranteed meals three times a day. This is already factored into the cost of trip.

People that have these plans should make sure that they wake up in time to take advantage of breakfast and lunch. People often get these deals and fail to take advantage of them. Individuals that that do this will end up spending a lot more money on food during the cruise.

Another great way to use the card frugally is by staying away from all the shops on the ship. It’s easy to get carried away when you are out to sea. People should use the card with caution, however, because they will still have to pay back whatever they charge.

Popular Places to Cruise Around the World

www.on-a-cruise.com — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When seeking the most tropical and amazing scenery on earth the most beautiful and serene way to arrive is by cruise. Cruises to the Caribbean Islands are multi-faceted, catering to families, corporate groups or the single traveler. A Caribbean Island such as the extraordinary Saint Martin have excellent shopping, eateries and tours. With plenty of resorts there is a wide variety of activities for everyone. Tourists can enjoy the sensational butterfly farm, or visit clubs that offer windsurfing, surfing classes, or horseback riding. Confused? Here‘s a little help. Hiking can be the most rewarding activity, surrounding you with exotic plants, animals and scenery. Falling in love with such an island is easy when the culture, history and scenery are so rich. Barbados also has a rich cultural history with strong British influences. On the western coast the magnificent beaches while on the east side of the island you will find a picturesque and rocky shoreline. Barbados is a comfortable island offering the ultimate in accommodations allowing some exciting activities such as surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. While taking in great weather all year there are many natural, and historical tourist attractions to enjoy. Be prepared for exquisite dining, shopping, golf, tennis and the extraordinary beaches.

Know The Agenda: Time Management for a Cruise

admin — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When you go on a cruise vacation, you want to make sure to get the most for your money, and make sure you participate in all activities offered. Many people take cruises for the cuisine, alcohol, beautiful destinations, and the many activities which cruise ships have to offer. To get the most out of your cruise vacation, make sure you know the agenda of activities, and the stops that are going to be made.

Knowing when events are taking place is the only way for you to participate in them. Cruise ships have events going on all day. By keeping a schedule and making an agenda of which ones you want to participate in, you will have the best time, and will get the most out of your trip. Also, know the stops being made. To get to make the most out of stop on an island, you need to keep track of time to be able to enjoy the stop.

Keeping a time agenda, and knowing when things are going on will guarantee the best vacation. If you are not aware of the activities taking place, you will miss out on the activities that you came on the cruise for in the first place.

Shipboard Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts of Cruising

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When cruising alone, the etiquette on board ship is to dress appropriately and to refrain from joining couples unless asked. For the most part, sitting at the table that you are assigned, if assigned seating is given to you, at the time that you are told your seating is being served is the most important shipboard etiquette that you need to know. Another rule of shipboard etiquette is not to be too willing or obvious in tipping the staff for providing you with services that they are hired to provide. It is important to also observe the respect accorded to the captain of the ship. Usually, a ship captain is not addressed by his first name or approached unless you have a good cause or have established an acquaintance. If you are asked to sit at the captain’s table, you are being accorded an honor that you should accept.
If you are traveling as a couple aboard ship, the same observations of etiquette are expected from you as from a single person. As a couple, you are not to air family feud’s in public since that would be disturbing the other passengers. You should sit together for meals. If you like to part company on board ship from your partner, don’t assume that you actions are not being observed by the ship’s crew. In shipboard etiquette, the most important behavior is courtesy and an appreciation of the other passengers feelings.

Cruising: Tips to Packing Correctly for A Great Experience

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Going on a cruise is a very exciting. It is nothing like spending a few days on the water being pamper. People who are going on a cruise for the first time may be wondering what they need to bring. Some of the most important things that people want to make sure that they bring are: medical insurance card, a list of emergency contacts and any prescription medications. Those things are important to have because one never knows when an emergency situation may come up.

Those who will be going on a cruise during a summertime also need to make sure that they pack sunscreen and sunshades. That will allow a person to enjoy fun in the sun without getting burnt. A cruise is something that one will want to remember forever, so a camera is a necessity. Additionally, some people want to write about their experiences, so a journal may also be necessary.

People also need to make sure that they pack plenty of clothes. Sometimes, people get so excited packing for their vacation that they actually forget to pack clothes. It is also important to pack different types of clothing, so that one will be prepared if the weather suddenly changes.