After you print your tickets and grab your passport, the next thing you need to do is pack the following six items:
Any cruise virgin should be told BEFORE going on a cruise that many cruise lines automatically slap you with gratuity charges.
Different cruise lines have their own “tipping guidelines” that they use to charge you. Most charge on a per person/per day basis. With all of the people that expect to be tipped, this can get really pricey — especially for large families.
Cruisers should know that a quick trip to the Purser’s Desk can have those gratuities removed from your bill, and you’ll be free to tip deserving persons accordingly.
This tip is more for the young crowd than the more experienced traveler…
Some cruisers tend to over-indulge in the spirits provided by the clubs found aboard a cruise ship. I have to admit, I was one of those recent graduates enjoying my new-found freedom. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, I couldn’t locate my cabin when closing time came around.
Yes, I was one of the teenagers crawling the hallways of the cruise ship looking for her room. Therefore: I would highly recommend writing your deck and cabin number on some paper — or snapping a photo of your door with your cellphone — before starting the party. After all, the miles of hallways on a cruise ship do look similar.
When you’re planning your next cruise, don’t just bring your family — bring your golfing buddies, church group or the whole neighborhood. Most cruise lines offer discounts for groups of eight cabins or more.
In addition to saving money, group cruises are sometimes offered special events, such as a private cocktail reception aboard the ship. And on some cruise lines, the group leader (i.e. you!) gets to sail for free.
Bonus: Your kids will have friends they already know to pal around with in the children’s programs.
When you’re in a port for an extended period of time, rent a car.
When you have a car of your own, you can not only see the port of call at your own pace, but you can experience the local culture as well.
Additionally, this a less expensive way for everyone in your party to be together. Even the smallest island in the Caribbean has a rental car agency. If you can’t find an car rental agency on the Internet, contact the port of call’s Chamber of Commerce.