Cruise Vacation

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May 28 2010

Cruise Vacation

How to Plan a Cruise Vacation : How to Pick a Cabin on a Cruise Ship


Should I let the Cruise Line Make My Airline Reservation For My Cruise Vacation?

When considering a cruise vacation this is a very good question. The Cruise lines pre-book massive amounts of airline space. That allows you better access to flights, and many cruise lines pass on their reasonable prices to passengers whose travel agents book through them.

If you choose to make airline reservations on your own please select flight schedules that allow you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship's departure on the day of your cruise travel. That applies in reverse, leave enough breathing room to get to the airport with time to make your return flights after your lovely cruise vacation.

Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are:

  1. By purchasing cruise line airfare, you also receive transfers to and from the airport to the pier.
  2. If your flights are delayed and arrive past the time of the ship's departure, the cruise line assumes responsibility for either delaying the ship's sailing or getting you to the cruise ships first port of call.

You should let your travel agent book the Airline Reservations through the Cruise Line for safety reasons. This basically makes the Cruise Line responsible in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation. Here's a cruise tip, for a small additional "air deviation" fee, most cruise lines will attempt to book you on the airline or flights of your choice.

If you have frequent-flier miles be sure to book your flights well in advance to ensure your arrival on time. When scheduling your flight home after the cruise, be sure to take into account disembarking time from the ship and local transportation time to the airport. Leave plenty of time because some local airports may not be as sophisticated as those you might be used to. And in today's world, security will make it even longer to board your flight for your cruise travel.

You should arrive at least a day before the cruise vacation, especially if you are flying a long distance to pick up the ship. That way, you can rest up and be ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise. You get the added benefit of not having to worry about a delayed or cancelled flight, causing you to miss the cruise. This was the best cruise tip I have learned over the years.

When you are flying to your cruise vacation you will have to consider baggage weight. Generally there are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take aboard ship, but do remember that if your cruise vacation involves a flight, airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions. These vary on scheduled flights, depending on airline and route. Please note that the allowance may be less on international flights. When flying from New Zealand back to Miami after our millennium cruise vacation, Quanta's airline was very strict about weight and charged us because we were over.

The cruise lines will generally supply you with its luggage tags which will be in addition to your personal ID tags. The luggage tags will be included with your cruise documents which normally arrive 2-3 weeks before your cruise vacation.

Here are some cruise tips we have learned through our cruise travel.

It is strongly suggested that you remove old airline flight tags to eliminate ANY possibility of confusion on the part of the airline.

An extra folded flight bag takes up very little room and it can be handy on your way home when you have more to carry then can be placed in your original luggage.

Be sure to keep your travel documents, identification documents, medications, valuables, a set of clean underwear, credit cards, cash and travelers checks on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Horror stories concerning lost airline luggage are well known.

When traveling outside the United States to pick up your cruise ship, make photocopies of your passport and cruise itinerary, place one set in each bag prior to checking them with the airline. This will ensure you that your luggage will catch up to you at some time during your cruise vacation.

When waiting in line or sitting in an airport, always have the strap to your carry-on luggage wrapped around an arm or leg, then it won't disappear without your knowledge.

Be very careful using your telephone card in airports. People will stand behind you and watch as you tap in the numbers. And much to your dismay, a month after your cruise travel, you get a huge telephone bill. I know it happened it me. I was not responsible for paying the bill, but it was a hassle.

It is useful to take an overnight bag for the last night of your cruise vacation. Your cabin steward will be collecting all checked bags the night before disembarkation, sometime around midnight. If you have this small overnight bag you can use it for the clothes you wore the evening before. And as mentioned, it comes in handy for packing all the mementos you picked up along the way.

The most important cruise tip is to relax and enjoy your cruise vacation. You deserve it.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2011 Edition
Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2011 Edition
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This most comprehensive guide on the cruise vacation and all its aspects lists the major ports of call, details on attractions, restaurants, shopping, and recreation, as well as guidelines on how to make the most of an eight-hour stay in port. The history of each vessel, vital statistics, physical details, evaluations in the form of stars, and price categories for over 280 ships are presented. Numerous photographs of ships, decks, and interiors are included, along with actual shipboard menus and daily activity programs.

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  • ISBN13: 9781589808591
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CruiseMinder Journal...Vacation Planner & Diary
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The CruiseMinder Journal is ideal for anyone planning to take a cruise. First, it offers pre-departure suggestions such as what to take, tips for packing, a packing checklist, an agenda for planning daily activities, pages for emergency information, addresses for writing home, and much more. Once underway, the roomy daily diary pages are just the right size to chronicle up to 31 days' adventures at sea or ashore. There are also pages for noting details about the ship, the crew, and new friends, too! In the back of the book is a nautical glossary and reference maps of the world. Of course, there are pages to attach photos and also a vinyl pocket for additional photos, cards, receipts, etc. Once home, the CruiseMinder will be a lasting and priceless souvenir of any ocean-going experience! This delightful journal sports a deep purple & gold cover with a spiral binding for ease of writing. Nautical graphics on most pages make it extra fun to use...and a great gift, too!

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  • ISBN13: 9780963796851
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Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation
Your First Cruise: A Complete Guide to Planning and Attaining the Perfect Cruise Vacation
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Each year, over 11 million people take a cruise vacation. Cruising has become one of the fastest growing vacation alternatives in the 21st century. The experience of cruising is unlike any other. If you have never cruised before, imagine being pampered at a luxurious resort and waking up each morning to a brand new, stunning view of the world. But your first cruise can be a little confusing, and you may not know what to expect or what to do. You could spend much of your vacation just figuring out how the cruise vacation works. Do not waste a moment of your precious vacation time if you want to take the plunge and go on your first cruise. This new book will be your traveling companion and answer the myriad of questions that arise when planning a cruise. By reading this book, you will learn what to expect while on a cruise. You will learn how to choose a cruise line, ship, and cabin, how to choose a cruise vacation, how to pick a destination, how to avoid cruise scams, how to book online, how to cruise on a budget, how to watch for hidden costs, how to book excursions, how to pack, how to get to the cruise terminal, how to get married onboard, how to connect back to home, how tipping works, how to plan a reunion or family cruise, and how to get off the ship. You will become knowledgeable about cruising myths, planning timelines, cruise insurance, cruising terms, travel agents, air/sea packages, sailing ship and river cruises, pre and post-cruise travel, what clothing to bring, special needs passengers, singles on cruises, seniors on cruises, cruise costs, group cruises, last minute packages, passports and other critical documentation, travel rules and regulations, luggage, daily newsletters, room service, sports and exercise areas, seasickness, duty free port shopping, entertainment, libraries and game rooms, bars and lounges, private receptions, the spa, compulsory safety drills, life rafts, on board activities, the purser s desk, cruise cards, the dreaded norovirus, security, formal nights, pictures, your cell phone, walkie talkies, your final bill, and U.S. customs. In addition, we will answer the questions you might be too embarrassed to ask, such as: Why a cruise vacation? What is a guaranteed cabin? Which dining time is best? What should I expect? What will my cabin be like? Will I get wet when I go snorkeling? All this and more than you need to know for your first cruise will be covered in this new book.

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  • ISBN13: 9781601381514
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Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2009 Edition
Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation: 2009 Edition
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Whatever their destination, readers will find this to be the most detailed and user-friendly guide to the cruise vacation. This most comprehensive guide on the cruise vacation and all its aspects lists the major ports of call, details on attractions, restaurants, shopping, and recreation, as well as guidelines on how to make the most of an eighthour stay in port. The history of each vessel, vital statistics, physical details, evaluations in the form of stars, and price categories for nearly 430 ships from more than 50 cruise lines are presented. Numerous photographs of ships, decks, and interiors are included, along with actual shipboard menus and daily activity programs.

Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 (Dummies Travel)
Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 (Dummies Travel)
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Listen to a free companion podcast! On a cruise vacation, getting there is half the fun—or more. Even if you’re a land lubber, this guide will get you ready and eager to set sail. You’ll learn what to expect and how to enjoy every minute—on board or in port. As the authors write, “The captain does the driving, the chef does the cooking, the bartenders do the pouring, and the stewards make your bed.” You unpack once and then relax and enjoy. Discover how to pick the cruise for you and choose great things to do, with: Reviews of the best cruise lines and specifics such as the best ships for families, best romantic cruises, best party cruises, best small ship cruises, and more Overviews of popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and New England and Eastern Canada Special icons that point out Bargain Alerts, Heads Ups (warnings about tourists traps, unsafe neighborhoods, etc.), and Kid-Friendly options Info on onboard entertainment and activities, food, spa offerings, shopping, gambling, and children’s activities Recommendations on the top attractions and best shore excursions at popular ports Details on everything from passport requirements to packing tips, and from embarkation day to clearing customs Like every For Dummies travel guide, Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2007 helps you make the most of your vacation. It includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice Info on the best ships for every budget Tips on sightseeing at ports of call Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages Whether you’re looking for adventure on the high seas or laid-back fun in the sun, get your sea legs and get set for smooth sailing with this friendly guide.

How To Have An Unforgettable Cruise Vacation
How To Have An Unforgettable Cruise Vacation
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80 Pages describing how to have an unforgettable cruise vacation.

Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers
Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers
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If you're one of the over five million people who will go on a cruise vacation this year, you may be wondering how you to choose between the many cruise lines, ships, and destinations that are available today. You may be looking for a cruise geared towards adults, one where both you and the grandkids can have fun, or a cruise on which singles are catered to as much as couples. The key to a great vacation is knowing what you want and where to find it, and author Kerry Smith has put all the information you need in one convenient place. Looking for an Alaskan cruise in an intimate, old world-style ship, or a huge ocean liner that can keep all ages happy during a Caribbean family reunion? Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers helps you, the traveler, determine what kind of cruise experience fits your personality and then tells you how to find it, describing every cruise line and detailing its fleet, ship by ship, so you can choose the perfect vacation! The book also includes tips on budgeting your trip, all the options for booking through travel agents, directly with the company, or online, and even helps you choose the best time to travel and the most comfortable cabins. A cruise vacation is an adventure. Make the most of it with Cruise Vacations for Mature Travelers! AUTHORBIO: KERRY SMITH is the author of Walt Disney World for Mature Travelers. He is a columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, and the editor of Florida Retirement Lifestyles.

100 Best Cruise Vacations, 4th (100 Best Series)
100 Best Cruise Vacations, 4th (100 Best Series)
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A Complete Guide to Cruise Vacation Packages - How to Take the Cruise of a Lifetime
A Complete Guide to Cruise Vacation Packages - How to Take the Cruise of a Lifetime
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What Cruise Is Right For You?Taking a cruise is a wonderful way to have an all-inclusive vacation. When you are planning your cruise, there are a few things that you want to consider before you make your final selection.1. OccasionIs this a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or an anniversary, or just a vacation? If this is a romantic getaway, you might want to choose a cruise that is more suited to adults rather than children.2. GroupWho is in your group? Are you going with all adults, or will there be some children as well? Depending on the group, you'll want to make sure that there are activities for children onboard ship so that they will have a good time too. You will also want to look into childcare facilities.3. InterestsWhat kinds of things do you like to do? Do you like to shop, explore, or swim? Do you like to watch shows, or would you rather be left to your own devices? That will also help you to decide what type of cruise that you want to go on.4. DestinationWhere would you like to go? Do you have someplace tropical in mind, or would you like to go to Alaska and go whale watching? Do you want to spend time scuba diving, snorkeling and windsurfing? Or do you want to take a dog sled ride?These are all questions to think about when you are planning a cruise. Once you know the answers, you will have the perfect destination in mind. This

Cruise Vacations For Dummies ®  2005 (Dummies Travel)
Cruise Vacations For Dummies ® 2005 (Dummies Travel)
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Whether you’re a veteran cruiser or have never set foot on an ocean-going vessel, this is the book for you. Up-to-date and comprehensive, it will guide you through everything from choosing a cruise to clearing Customs on your return. Cruise Vacations For Dummies 2005 includes information on: Getting the best deal (few people pay full boat; consider the brochure price like a “sticker” price) Choosing the best cruise for your interests, schedule, and budget Ways to make your cruise more romantic Planning a family-friendly cruise What to expect onboard—from cabin size to spas, sports, entertainment, and gambling Popular cruise destinations, including the Carribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and more The major cruise lines and their vessels Mainstream ships, luxury ships, and alternative and sailing ships Cruise Vacations for Dummies 2005 was written by Jerry Brown and Fran Wenograd Golden; cumulatively, they’ve been on more than 100 cruises. Fran is a columnist for concierge.com and the Boston Herald travel section, and co-author of Frommer’s European Cruises and Ports of Call and Frommer’s Alaska Cruises and Ports of Call. With their vast cruise experience, the authors give you tips and tidbits on: Travel insurance, packing tips, passport requirements, tipping, and more Top attractions and best shore excursions at major ports of call Wining and dining (a main attraction in itself) Activities onboard The “Quick Concierge” appendix and comprehensive index help you find what you want to know fast.

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