Planning a cruise for your next vacation? Here are 5 tips that cruise ship directors avoid to mention. Cruises are wonderful vacations as long as you plan ahead and research the cruise ship before leaving home.
1. When arriving at the cruise terminal, if you are able to handle your luggage yourself, DO NOT give your bags to the porters waiting there for you. Given the sheer numbers of passengers on most of the large commercial cruise ships (Royal Caribbean, Disney, etc), the cruise lines have streamlined passenger baggage procedures and want the porters to deliver your bags to your room. The problem is they are delivering thousands of bags to state rooms and it could take several hours for your luggage to get to you. The cruise ships discourage it, but do carry your own luggage to your state room or you may not get your bags until 9pm.
This holds true in reverse when you disembark after the cruise. The ship requests that you leave your bags outside your door the night before the last day, and they will collect them and bring them off the ship. Retrieving your luggage could take hours. Simply walk off the ship with your bags the last day at your leisure.
2. If you are traveling with teenagers, be aware that most cruises separate kids' areas and activities by age. If you have three children, ages 10, 16 and 18, there are no programs for them together. Having recently traveled with best friends who are 16 and 18, this was learned the hard way. The 18 year old could not go into the 16 year old area, and the 16 year old could not go where the 18 year old could go.
3. Be aware of hidden charges. The cruise ships now charge extra for just about everything. They have added specialty restaurants such as Ben & Jerry's and Johnny Rockets, but the food costs extra. Also, those yummy frozen drinks being passed about the pool deck can cost up to $15 each. Soda is not free either. Most cruise ships offer you the chance to buy a "soda package" for approximately $35 for the week. Do this so you are not paying $2.00 every time your child orders a soda.
If you do give your children charging privileges on their room key cards, be warned they have carte blanche everywhere. Another lesson learned the hard way, teenagers can make their own spa appointments without your approval. Before you know it, you will be paying for mani/pedis, facials and hair treatments and not find out about it until the final bill arrives the last night of the cruise.
4. Watch those cell phones. The cruise lines will say they have cell service but this is only when the ships are in port areas. The ship to shore phone in the state room could become very attractive at $20/minute, when there's no cell service. If you do plan to use your cell phone, be sure to check with your cell service provider. If you do not have an international plan, Verizon charges $.50 for each outgoing text and $.05 for incoming texts. Considering the hundreds of texts that most teens send each week, texting could get pricey.
5. Plan shore excursions, but check the itinerary CAREFULLY. Some of the shore destinations can take 3 hours to get to traveling by small boat, bus etc. It's probably not the best idea to put tired children (or adults for that mattrer) on a bus with no bathroom for 3 hours.
Above all, maintain a sense of humor and practice patience. Depending on the size of the cruise, there could be 3,000 people all vying for the best seats, tables, and activities at the same time. Enjoy!
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