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Posts Tagged ‘cruise ship’

Cruise Ship Vacation: Preparing for Your Voyage

May 5th, 2009 No comments

Travel arrangements should not be delayed until a week before you go, but instead, you should start preparing as soon as you book and the type of cruise you’re taking is vital to preparation. A lot of cruise ships go over international waters and in addition to that there are many that stop at international ports. Before you can board, you may have to show proper identification and with international cruises, this identification often includes a passport, as well as a driver’s license.

Unfortunately, when it comes to obtaining a passport, that some people wait for the last minute and even though last minute passports can actually be arranged during an emergency but usually it takes a week. You won’t just be given a passport, but instead you need to apply for one and though most that apply for one are given one it’s still wise to think ahead. That way if you made an error on the submission you made you’ll have time to fix the problem before your ship sails.

The passport and license aren’t the only documentation that you should board with. If you are covered under a health insurance plan, you are encouraged to take your health insurance cards. In the event you fall ill on your vacation the insurance cards will help you get the necessary treatment.

In addition to insurance cards it is advised that you take along all of your needed medications, actually, you should think about taking extra medication with you. A number of physicians will write extra prescriptions for their patients that are about to travel on a cruise liner so if medication comes up missing the extra prescriptions can be used until you return home. When requesting additional medication from your physician you should also ask questions about the safety precautions you should take on a ship.

To make sure you can pay for the various onboard and activities on port you will need to take along extra money. Taking a vacation on a cruise ship is just like vacationing anywhere else so you’re advised to avoid carrying a lot of cash. If you absolutely must take cash you are encouraged to split your money and place it in safe locations although almost all cruise ships as well as the popular ports take credit cards cashiers checks, money orders, or traveler’s checks which are good alternatives to carrying cash.

When traveling on a ship you are advised to give a copy of the ship’s itinerary to your friends and family members because that will make it easier for you to be contacted in case of emergency. When you register you may also be required to give the contact information for someone who can be reached in an emergency. Your first instinct might be to give contact information for your spouse children, or a close friend however, if you do that, you should ensure that they’re on dry land and easily accessible.

When you’ve made the preparations mentioned you can begin focusing on alternate preparations like packing your luggage however, take care when packing you should keep the climate of your cruise in mind. Additionally you should be prepared for surprise weather and making the proper preparations to make sure it will be be a fantastic vacation.

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Learn How You Can Save Big on a Repositioning Cruise

April 22nd, 2009 No comments

Of all the ways to locate cheap cruises, one of the very best is to reserve your ticket on a repositioning cruise. A repositioning cruise typically sets sail in the autumn or in the late spring, during which seasons the cruise lines are sailing their ships from the Alaska waters to the routes in the Caribbean or the other way around.

Instead of moving these vessels without any passengers between the two regions, destinations, the cruise companies carry passengers on these repositioning voyages at what often amounts to a huge savings over regular in-season cruise pricing.

Repositioning cruises can be both long and short, ranging from three and four cay cruises between Vancouver and California to several week Trans-Atlantic and Trans Pacific cruises.

The longer types of cruises that include ocean crossings often stop at few ports, but this gives ship passengers a great opportunity to enjoy all the modern entertainment on board the ship when it is not very crowded.

Of course, it is easy to spend a lot of money in the ship’s bars and casino during a long cruise, so you might want to keep track of your tab along the way to avoid any unexpected and aggravating surprises when you get your final bill after the cruise ends.

One other factor to weigh when considering a repositioning cruise is the cost of the airfare getting you to the starting point and home from the ending point of the cruise.

Because these repositioning cruise routes begin and end in totally different ports, often far apart, you’ll need to buy a split fare airline ticket in all likelihood, and this can really drive up the cost of your trip.

However if the cost of the air transportation is quite reasonable, the you are in luck — a repositioning cruise could be a very good way to visit exciting new places on the most up to date cruise ships for not much money. It is hard to beat a deal like that.

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Decide on a Travel Destination and Sail Away

April 9th, 2009 1 comment

You’ve had vacations every year, but this is your first cruise. You’ve been waiting for months for the day to finally arrive and here it is! You’re probably nervous and afraid you won’t know what to do or you’ll feel lost. Relax, here are a few pointers of what you can expect.

The first thing you’ll find out is that the ship is like no other ship you have ever been on or even seen for that matter. From the moment you step aboard, you will be amazed at the different levels, the long corridors, walkways and the enormous size. All this and you haven’t even seen your cabin yet. Shortly after you get on the ship, you’ll soon forget that you are even on a ship and feel like you’re in a large city filled with activities. If it’s the holiday season, you’ll love the beauty of the decorations.

Take your time, relax and look around. A lot of the enjoyment is just exploring on your own. Many times, it’s easier to find your way around by checking things out yourself. You may also have been given a map of the ship, which will prove to be quite helpful in navigating around the ship. You’ll get to find out firsthand where the best restaurants are located, the swimming pools or movie theatre for the kids. Speaking of kids, they’ll want to check out the map for the best video arcade or other games.

If it’s been a long trip, you’ll probably just want to check out your cabin and perhaps rest awhile. I hope that you’ve kept some personal belongings in your purse or have a small duffel bag, as your luggage may not be delivered to your cabin for a few hours. After you’re fully rested, you’ll be dying to investigate the ship.

If you have any trouble navigating around the ship, there are plenty of new passengers just like yourself that are new and just as nervous as you are. Most cruise ships have a full staff that is very devoted to making you comfortable and being helpful as can be. Between their help and your map, you’ll soon feel right at home.

You may find that your cabin is smaller than it appeared in the pictures. Although they are small, they make amazing use of the space there is available. Of course, depending on your travel destination, you probably won’t be spending much time in your cabin-not with all the activities they have to offer.

You will be given a ship credit card for any purchases you make while aboard. The crew will help you with your dining and seating arrangement, however, you can easily be moved if you are not happy where they have you sitting. Their goal is always to keep their passengers happy.

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How to Have a Great Family Cruise Ship Vacation

April 1st, 2009 No comments

Thinking of a family vacation aboard a cruise ship? If you and your family are interested in becoming one of those families, you have a number of different options. If you are tired of camping, picnics or a visit to grandma’s house during the next holiday season, why not go on a cruise ship?

Setting sail on water is fun and it is something that most of is would love to do. Boats are expensive and most of us cannot afford one anyway. We have an interesting piece of information for you: a family vacation aboard a cruise ship can be for anyone irrespective of whether they understand sailing or not. Try going on a cruise vacation.

So will your family enjoy a vacation being aboard a cruise ship? Cruise liners open up a new world of experience and there are endless possibilities that you can explore on your vacation. Individuals of all age can enjoy participating in these activities.

Consider these issues before you make the decision about arranging a family vacation aboard a cruise ship. If you prefer quiet evening away from the crowd, probably being aboard a cruise ship would not be suitable as a few nights on a hired yacht. Children and adults will find plenty of activities to do on a cruise liner. You can choose to swim in the pool, laze around on the deck, or gamble to your heart’s desire.

Other one of the many benefits of taking a family cruise ship vacation is the fact that almost all of them have onboard childcare. The child can be left for an hour or two while you pamper yourself with some private time with your spouse, or alone. These are often complimentary facilities.

One biggest benefit of a cruise vacation is the quality time spent together. While it is true that this quality time together can be spent anywhere, it is often more memorable on a cruise liner. The close corridors should not be viewed as a disadvantage. Teenagers, for instance do not see time spent with the family as a worthwhile investment.

This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with them without being too obvious. Remember to take a long a video recorder and take a regular camera along as well. In addition to enjoying your cruise in the present, you and your family will also be able to enjoy it in the future. For a reasonable price, you can have an unforgettable family vacation on board a cruise ship so why not take hold of the experience while you can?

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Family Cruises: A Great Vacation Option

March 23rd, 2009 No comments

If you’re planning a family vacation, the chances are you’re having to consider which places are kid-friendly and just what types of things there will be to do for your kids on the vacation. Nobody likes having to drag their kids from airport to airport or on long car trips.

There’s a very easy solution for any family. Book a cruise and take the kids along. Most cruise lines now not only allow children and teens but they often cater to them, including kid-friendly activities, kids clubs, and even childcare services.

When planning your family cruise, it’s a good idea to begin by researching the larger cruise lines by giving your agent a ring or, simpler yet, looking up the information online. It’s important that you find out not only about the cruise companies but also about the ships themselves, since every ship is constructed with very different types of facilities and services.

As you do your research, you’ll find that there is a good deal of variation of programs and facilities from ship to ship. You’ll want to find the cruise ship that is the best fit for your family’s interests that also both has availability and is sailing on the dates you want to take your vacation.

Maybe the best part of cruising with your kids is that you are able to all be together on the ship while also experiencing such a wide range of activities for both kids and parents. You’ll get to spend lots of quality time together, but you’ll also have ample opportunities to be apart in a controlled, safe environment.

Cruising is also actually quite a bargain for families on a budget. Not only are transportation, room, and all meals included in one price, but most all on board activities are also included. In addition, the cost for kids to cruise is often minimal, adding up to little more than port charges and taxes.

You’ll find that on most ships, babysitting and childcare is offered. Also, most cruise lines offer kids clubs aboard the ships that are staffed by the equivalent of camp counselors. Therefore, parents can be free to enjoy themselves on board and have the freedom to take part in a whole bunch of activities on their own.

It really is difficult to top a cruise for a vacation for your family. There are just so many great things to do on board for no added cost, the price is very reasonable, and best of all, your family can relax as you are taken from spot to spot in the safety and comfort of the cruise ship.

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