These days, cruise travel is not only a travel experience for wealthy people. Cruisers are available in all shapes, sizes, and walks of life. And today, with the plethora of Mega-liners, you will find numerous berths (cabins) to fill and deals to be had. Because the ships have become so big and plentiful, cruise lines are extremely inexpensive. Usually less than the price of a hotel room which doesn’t involve:
* Transportation * Transfers * Breakfast * Lunch * High tea * Dinner * 24 hour free room service * Sports * Entertainment * Parties * Discos * Nightclub shows * Airfare
So yes, absolutely cruising is a great vacation value. In certain cases, it’s much more inexpensive to take a cruise vacation than to take a land vacation. You will find numerous two-for-one and early bird specials if you take the time to look (or have your Travel Agent do the leg work). And if you book a year in advance, the savings could be enormous. If your schedule is flexible or you live near a port, last minute deals are available. If the cruise is not sold out, the cruise line will considerably decrease the rate. You’ll be a revenue source on board that they would not have had if the cabin continued to be empty.
Here’s a cruise tip, you could also save by booking back-to-back cruises with as much as 50% off the second week. Check to see if the second week itinerary is similar to the first week. A few ships will do the Eastern Caribbean one week after which the Western Caribbean the second week, making a far more fascinating voyage for you.
The thing regarding cruise travel is that it is all inclusive. This involves all meals (and this could go on all day) entertainment, all kinds of lessons-take some dance lessons, they are fun-, bingo, high tea, sports activities, even health and fitness. If you visit a hotel, you pay extra for each of these activities and you need to find them and schedule them yourself.
For example, I just spent a few of days at a Resort in Boca Raton on business. To use any of the spa facilities, you needed to pay 40 dollars per day and that was just for the steam and sauna rooms. Cruises provide you with a list of activities each and every day so you can plan your day beforehand. Bring this with you so you be aware of what activities are planned for that day, what time they are scheduled, and where they’re situated. Be practical; do not try to do them all, you will be worn out.
There is a lot to do, there is no time to be bored. And then, of course, you always have the choice of sitting by one of the many pools and simply unwinding. Here’s what is not included in your cruise vacation:
* Alcoholic Drinks * Beverages other than coffee and tea * Beauty Salon and spa packages * Casino * Golf Simulator * Shore Excursions * Computer services * Bingo * Telephone Calls * Medical services (if not insured)
There are also activities that need a nominal fee such as wine tasting and some crafts. Port Charges and Government fees and some air taxes aren’t included but ought to be quoted to you by your travel agent and will be charged to your credit card when paying for the cruise.
To keep track of your spending on the newer ships, there’s interactive Tv and you can keep on top of your ship board expenditures with just a a couple of pushes of a button. If the cruise line you chose doesn’t have that amenity, you can go to the purser’s office and ask to view a copy of the bill to date.
I hope this has provided you a glimpse into a cruise vacation. Therefore, call your travel agent and get ready to Set Sail.