Write, don’t call – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Make sure all your friends and family know that, although you would love to keep in touch with them and share your experiences minute-by-minute, depending on your destination, internet access and cell phone access can be very costly.

Instead, when you get to your port of call… send a nice little note — yes, postcards are still available — and MAIL them a greeting! The post card will be posted from your port, and it will feature a local stamp. On the postcard, be sure to tell them how much you miss them — even if you’re having the time of your life!

Pay for windows – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Living on ship is a completely different experience than living at home, so why not have the best experience possible? I suggest splurging on a room with windows.

Although cabins in the center of the boat may have a more attractive price tag (read: cheaper), the beauty doesn’t extend much further. Waking up to total blackness in the middle of the day can be confusing and not very pleasant.

Rooms with windows allow natural light to shine through and wake you gently from your slumber — a big factor if you choose to cruise for an extended period.

Stick to your diet – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you want to avoid gaining weight on a cruise, call the cruise line and ask them to send you a menu — or go online and print it out before your trip.

Create your own menu for the week from the existing cruise menu and stick to it when you go on your cruise. If you know what you’re planning on eating before you go on your trip, you’re less likely to eat foods that you normally try and stay away from. Sticking to your diet will stop you from feeling guilty about eating too much and help you relax.

Book early – Cruise trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Cruisers who purchase their cruise packages at least three months in advance may receive deep discounts to the tune of 50% — or more.

Cruise lines often reward early bookers handsomely, because the sooner a particular cruise is booked to capacity, the sooner they can begin ramping-up efforts to book other cruises on the same ship.

Booking early is also a wise step for those eager to snag a particular room or deck before the thousands of late-booking passengers get their chance.

Research your excursions – Cruise trip tip

by Gadling Staff on

Every port of call has local individuals and companies that offer excursions, and they’re often much cheaper than those offered by the cruise line.

There’s a reason your cruise director is constantly urging you to purchase your excursions early — the cruise line wants to make money! Instead of using the cruise ship’s excursion options, consider making your excursion plans before you leave home — or you can even decide when you get off the ship. Just use your best judgment in choosing with whom you go.

Have a good time, be sure to get back to the ship safely and on time, and always travel off the ship with at least one companion.

[Image credit: Luke Robinson]