Whether you have been cruising a few times or are a complete cruise virgin, getting top tips from those who know the industry better than anyone is invaluable. Our expert holiday advisers have sailed all around the world as passengers and staff on cruise ships, so they are fully equipped to give you tips and advice on everything from which deck and cabin category is best for your needs to booking excursions on your trip. Here’s some top tips to help you get the most from your next cruise holiday.
- Try and be flexible on dates and time of year – very few if any cruise lines explore the Fjords or the Mediterranean in the depths of winter so keep that in mind when booking a year in advance.
- Consider ‘Fly Cruising’. It can be the perfect choice for shorter holiday options as you can reach the Mediterranean or Caribbean in a matter of hours as opposed to days.
- Book the right ship for you. This means size of ship, large, medium size or small, which will range from over 5,000 passengers to below 200. You might find that a smaller ship offers the atmosphere and serenity you are looking for.
- Decide which cabin would best suit you on that particular cruise. If you wanted to cruise the Fjords you would be best having a balcony cabin to take in the view as opposed to an inside cabin for a transatlantic crossing where there isn’t much to look at.
- Research your port of calls to get the best out of them. If you are booking excursions book early to avoid disappointment, and always make sure you are back on-board before the allotted time as they will not wait for you unless you are on a ship organised excursion.
- Take important documents/contact details with you. When you leave the ship on shore excursions always be sure to carry the programme with the port address, especially if you are going off independently.
- Sample the variety of evening entertainment on-board. It can be worth enjoying time in the smaller music venues higher up the ship which usually have great views for jazz nights, music from the resident band and other entertainers.
- Check the dress code on-board. Every cruise ship has a different policy and you don’t want to over/underdress. Some cruise ships do offer suit rental but it can come at a hefty price.
- Meeting new people. If travelling solo, there are many opportunities to meet other solo travellers. Look out for the singles gathering or party for newcomers on board and for activities such as card games where you will naturally meet others with similar interests.
- Budget for your on-board expenses. Most cruises are full-board, and some do offer free drinks packages and gratuities at time of booking. Check with your travel agent to get rough idea of the prices on-board and if you can save money by adding a drinks package before you travel.
- Take a selection of basic medication with you. Anti-sea sickness tablets and paracetamol tablets are available on board along with other everyday items like toothpaste, but they are much more expensive than picking them up from your local chemist.
- Take some fridge magnets with you. You can attach itineraries or excursion tickets to the wall/inside door of the cabin as they are metallic, and you will be less likely to misplace them.
- If you have a great time, consider re-booking for next year whilst on the ship to get exceptional early bird deals.
Or if you want to wait until you get back to the UK…
- Book your next cruise with PayingTooMuch Holidays and get first class service every step of the way. We will also ensure that your loyalty points and benefits will apply and accrue in the same way as directly with the cruise lines.
- Call our travel insurance team to get a competitive quote for your next cruise.
PayingTooMuch Holidays Travel Manager Roger and his team can assist with finding your perfect holiday package and offer you a personal, traditional service over the telephone.
Call today on 01243 213 213 to find your next dream holiday.
