Bring Grandma – Cruise trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

When traveling with children, ALWAYS bring back-ups. I’m not talking about back-up clothes or back-up snacks. I’m talking about back-up daycare!

Let’s face it: parents can’t have a real vacation while chasing after little Johnny and Suzy. My suggestion: fork over an extra $500 for Grandma to cruise, too! She’ll love the extra time with Johnny and Suzy; plus, Mom and Dad can get their groove on. Give yourself permission to let someone else be in control of the kiddos and have fun.

Cruising with Grandma and the kids can also be a great family bonding time and an unforgettable vacation.

Bring space-savers – Cruise trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

No matter the cruise line, one thing is certain: space is a commodity. There are several inexpensive items travelers can bring along to make the most of the space available:

  1. Pick up an over-the-door shoe organizer. These handy devices can hold everything from make up to sunscreen.
  2. Grab a portable shower caddy to easily store everything in that tiny shower.
  3. Bring a surge protector for charging those camcorder and digital camera batteries.

These items are inexpensive, easy to transport, and will be a fantastic space saver that you will use cruise after cruise!

Skip the islands, head somewhere remote – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

On your next cruise, avoid the (crowded, expensive) exotic location.

Many travelers opt for cruises heading for islands and other hot spots. Why not try another type of cruise?

Cruises to locations such as Alaska are not only less expensive, but offer diverse scenery and a chance to explore something different. Preferable pricing and smaller crowds can allow the traveler to have a more fulfilling cruise experience.

Make it special – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

My best cruise was one that my husband planned as an anniversary surprise.

Thinking ahead, he went on the cruiselines’ website and arranged to have the cabin decorated beautifully with balloons, streamers and an anniversary banner. We received a welcome bottle of champagne and anniversary cake; something different was delivered each day. It was like a second honeymoon.

Careful planning makes for a great, worry-free vacation — and can make a loved one feel even more special.

Research, and get off the beaten (excursion) path – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

My best cruise trips have always been the ones in which I’ve put in extra effort to plan what I’m doing when I’m off the ship.

The biggest appeal about taking a cruise is the opportunity to visit multiple interesting, beautiful locations in one trip. The downside is that without planning you might find that the only thing you see are the little tourist shops right at port — surrounded, filled, and overrun by fellow cruisers.

By researching and planning you get to your destination knowing if a less busy beach is within walking distance, or that a short taxi ride can take you to a really cool museum.