There are no major cruise lines that allow topless sunbathing that we know of. For instance, maybe its a spa session that has a slight discount if you book a service while the ship is docked. Does it bother you when someone asks a lot of questions? Most of the time your lowest rate is the early booking fare, but in case theres an awesome promotion, you can still benefit! You dont have to take off belts or shoes or carry only 3 ounces of liquids. Thats because if you were going to create a conducive place to spread a virus, you would build a cruise ship. We hope you're enjoying this cruise cocktail series so far. The cruise lines want you to be comfy and enjoy your vacation. Note:This article contains links to Amazon that are affiliate links. Packed with inspirational reviews, the hottest destination advice, celebrity interviews and the very latest ocean and river cruise news, it helps both new and experienced cruisers alike plan their next trip and is first choice for Britain's 1.75 million . Wasnt the chicken cordon bleu fantastic last night? My wife and I are hoping that we can go on a sunset cruise tour for our anniversary. And while experienced cruisers may know some of the things on this list, you can rest assured everyone reading will learn at least a few helpful hints. We started CruiseTipsTV in 2013 to inspire cruise travelers to create their best travel experiences through planning and the power of attitude, and we have created HUNDREDS of videos about travel tips and tricks, so you can make every vacation experience your DREAM! Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. It's worth it. Our parking was free in Galveston for a 7 night cruise. It can also be faster if you use a passport to sail instead of a birth certificate. At the other end of the spectrum, the decision to deal with an agentand leave . The bad thing is that if you get sunburned, it can put you out of commission for several days, putting a damper on your cruise. If youve read this far, you are likely a first-time cruiser looking for advice for an upcoming trip, and thats exactly what this story is meant to offer. That depends. You know those cheap rubber flip-flops that you can get for just a few bucks? Maybe its an old wives tale, but green apples are supposed to be a natural cure for seasickness. But many first-time cruisers dont know this and write in a hefty tip at the additional tip line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. With thousands of people trying to do the same thing, there are massive traffic jams for people waiting to either embark or disembark. Call your cruise line of choice to inquire, or ask your travel agent about these types of promotions. There is a lot that goes into a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, from your cruise fare (and the slew of discounts available), to dining, shore excursions, air travel and more. That's the same attitude one should assume when working with a travel agent. These cookies do not store any personal information. You also dont have to worry about the 3-ounce liquid rule. The agent also can help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage. Of course, in exchange you wont get the wild new things like waterslides and ten swimming pools. Keep in mind that your balcony isnt all that private. Hear the latest news updates from NCL and nine reasons why our community chooses to cruise with Norwegian cruise line Download our shore day bag checklist, and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com 33 minutes | Aug 3, 2022 Cruise Protocols are Changing What do you do for your clients? This just isnt how you want to start the very first day of your vacation. With more ports than ever operating around the United States, many people are able to drive to their cruise. For example, magnets will attach loose pieces of paper, like excursion tickets and party invitations, to your cabin wall. It doesnt mean the service will be bad or that you wont have a good time, but the ship itself will be a good part of your experience. And of course, should I book with a travel agent? Download our shore day bag checklist, and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy. Leaving your car at your home airport for a week or more can run up a pretty big bill. Its macabre, but if youre on a larger ship, then it likely has a morgue on board. Or maybe you want to snag a snack for later from the buffet? Often the cruise lines just call it the drink of the day to draw attention to an option to get you to buy it, but dont cut the price. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Most ships require you to pay daily gratuities for your service onboard. Some cruisers even bring magnets with hooks so they can hang up clothes and other items on their walls. Per Person Per Day. Cruise gratuities are mainly charged on a per night basis but there are a couple of other situations where you may be charged gratuities too. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Or things like Royal Caribbeans North Star observation pod are free when done while the ship is in port, but see a charge if sailing. Thats technically true, however, weve never heard of it happening. What is Mr. Sanchos really like? But just because they highlight it doesnt mean its a deal. You want to have a plan for what to do in these ports or youll miss out on a big part of the cruising experience. Yes, there are stories of people hitting it big, but there are a lot more stories of people losing their cash. This means things like medication, for sure, and a phone charger, but also a bathing suit, hat, sunscreen and other items that will let you head straight to the pool deck to start the fun. If a rainstorm hits in the evening, it can get chilly on a fast-moving cruise ship with the wind whipping around. The cruise lines will call passengers deck by deck, but the process can take hours. Not only does it protect you from getting too sick, it also protects other passengers and the ports that are visited. ), 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of), 10 Cheap 2023 Alaskan Cruises (Starting at Just $379). About: A&K was founded in 1962 by. We are Costco members and can rent a near new (more likely to make it to the airport or it will be replaced if it breaks down) for $25 to $30 per day. Among the lines that will allow you to be your own bartender is Disney Cruise Line. Planning a cruise or just thinking about taking one? These auctions serve up flutes of the bubbly to set the mood and entice you to spend a little dough. These days being connected is just a fact of life. We start this vlog off with an early morning visit to the Bridge of Sighs. You might have to deal with more people, but nothing beats having a day on a world-class beach without having to spend a dime. Some of these have tremendous value! If pictures of couples dining, having a drink with friends, and going to the spa appeal to you, then a cruise line that focuses on this is the best fit. What cruise should I take? Heres what Royal Caribbean says about their cameras: Royal Caribbean International has closed-circuit television cameras located in hundreds of strategic, public locations throughout the ship but not in private staterooms, public restrooms or private spa areas. Truly its a simple thing, but for me life doesnt get better than that! If you don't have the time (or patience) to scour countless cruise offers, turn to a trusted travel agent. Yes you can get a good deal when you book whilst on board, we did, got $250 for the next cruise which we are going to use on our next cruise., used it for the deposit. Today we are talking with travel agent Wendy Montebello. The waters between Florida and Cuba are where Cubans trying to make their way to America will set sail, hoping to reach the mainland. Check o ut our cruising tips, read about Arth ur The Art of Cruising is a trav el consultancy focusing on bringing you t he absolute best for your cruise experien ce. You can also download the cruise lines app, which lists everything going on that day and much more. To increase your options, write your home address and email address on a piece of paper and take a photo of it. Credit cards are also accepted in many places, but you definitely want to use cash for most transactions. As a partnered travel agent with Go Port, you will earn 10% commission on every hotel and transportation package you book with us. To make things easy, just make sure your watch is set with the ships time as you get off in port. waiters - the higher the bill - the more the waiter makes on a tip.. just want to make the original poster that this rules does not only apply to travel agents - its a life thing..its the way the world turns. That may not seem like much, but many neighborhoods have speed limits of 25 mph. One caveat: Many lines levy a corkage fee if you want to bring your wine into an onboard restaurant. It makes a mess for the staff to clean up. Best of all, the food is usually better as well, since its made fresh. Edited 2 minutes ago by Jim_Iain Nearly all of them will let you bring on bottles of champagne or wine. Not sure what you need to pack? They recount the stories of panic as they frantically assigned roles to one person to grab the luggage, while the other flagged a taxi and called the Cruise Line. These are the worst mistakes you can make. If you are prone to motion-sickness, try and avoid cabins that are far forward, as they are more likely to be affected during rougher seas. Once you know what ports youll be visiting, research them as much as you can at travel sites such as The Points Guy. Travel agents are trained and educated about Royal Caribbean (all the time) I started watching Sherris YouTube channel before our first cruise, and Im so glad. The staff doesnt check what deck your cabin is on, and they simply want passengers off the ship so that they can get ready for the next group. Its strange to think about considering that everyone steps on the ship with the hopes of a good time, but its a reality of cruising that doesnt often get mentioned. What can/cant a PVP do. 1 booking period of the year for cruise-selling agents, but that does not mean you should wait until January or. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. I love your practical, real-life advice on all of the content you produce! Not sure about the heating of pools but if there are a bunch of people in the pool and its warm, then you may not want to think too much about where that warmth is coming from! Even if you dont see an entre on the menu in the dining room, dont think you cant get it. In this article, Royal Caribbeans "Goombay Smash" - from the Lime and Coconut Bar Hey Cruisers! Given the complexity of booking a cruise there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you arrange things. A roll of Grab Wrap (like saran makes) is so nice to have to keep late night desserts fresh in the cabin fridge for morning. No bottles are allowed. FIRST TIME CRUISE TIPS: BEFORE BOOKING. Want to get your fill? Instead, do some research (or ask a taxi) on where the free beaches are. Sit on your balcony, if you have one, and just stare out at the ocean for a couple of hours. Most cruises arent this way at least if you want to get the most out of them. If you decide you dont like it, then there is nothing out of pocket. However, some people like to treat these rails as fun spots to sit for a photo or kids like to climb on the railings. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. Have you used a tip above that worked like a charm? It also often doesnt offer as much protection as insurance offered by a third party. Being in the middle of the sea, hundreds of miles away from any city lights would seem to lend itself to seeing the stars like never before. If you want that special gelato or the Starbucks coffee, then it will likely cost you a few bucks on the ship. In many cases, you can save a lot of money and get a better touring experience by booking shore excursions through independent tour operators in ports or a tour booking service such as Viator or ToursbyLocals. If you want to find a quiet, out of the way place, head to the back of the ship. This card is similar to the consumer version that Amex offers, but with more business-oriented perks around statement credits and earning rates that are a better fit for business owners. The last time I cruised, our cruise critic group had a meet & greet, a gift exchange, a slot game and a special farewell luncheon. You wont get the basic channels youd expect. Youll be happier in a cabin with a picture window or even a balcony. Have a bunch of small baubles that youre packing and would like to keep together? GIF Select InvestmentPlus is an attractively priced wealth-building and wealth-protection solution with potential creditor protection and estate planning advantages. Most cruise ships now automatically add a gratuity to bar bills, often in the amount of 18% to 20% of the total. Do you have any experience cruising? Champion Travel Escapes 6518 . Its perfect for storing extra cash, electronics, passports and more. It is the only way to ensure you wont miss your ship something that happens to cruisers more often than you would think. Join our Travel Agent Commission Program by registering below. By arriving at least 1 day early, you have a chance to unwind after a day of flying (which is always more stressful than we imagine) in a beautiful port city. Weve seen drink packages for buy one, get one 50% off. Every cabin comes with a thermostat. To make things easy, weve broken our 107 tips down into separate sections, including tips for saving money, packing, staying healthy, and more. If you want to save some cash, then check the daily planner delivered to your room (or found on the cruise line app) for any happy hour specials or drink deals. Its a list drawn not just from my own experience over 20-plus years of cruising but also the observations of more than 100 cruising fans who shared their tips with TPG in a lively conversation on the topic at the TPG Lounge on Facebook. Yes, youll be able to find sunscreen, aspirin and Band-Aids on a cruise ship. Their service to you is usually free, though some may charge first-time clients a minimal fee. Most cruise lines offer two dinner seatingsone early, one late. In Seattle, the Link Light Rail lets out just blocks from Pier 66 (directions here). Facial recognition at some ports matches with your passport can get you through quickly. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Instead, look for a pair of flip-flops that have decent tread so that you wont slip even if you step right in a puddle. They are also expensive. Only bring the credit cards and identification card you will need for travel. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. If there is anything that would make your trip more pleasant, dont hesitate to ask. Every cruise line will allow you to make reservations online (or by phone) weeks or months in advance of your cruise. Contact our travel agency partner,Montebello Dream Vacations& let them know you were referred by CruiseTipsTV when you call. Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship. Carnival Celebration Completes Sea Trials, 15 Ways to Celebrate a Special Occasion on a Cruise, Flight anxiety, Dream Cruises, and More With Ilana, 15 Ways to Celebrate a Special Occassion on a Cruise. Remember, youre on vacation. Suntan lotion? This way you have a copy of the schedule with you without having to carry the newsletter or go back to the cabin to see whats going on. Bingo cards are typically $5-10. Ears of Experience Conclusion What Are Disney World Travel Agents? All you can drink alcohol packages can really help you budget. Its not always the case, but sometimes youll run into discounts around the ship if you buy when the ship is in port. I got off with a warning once and thankfully my passport has been renewed since then! The items inside are counted after you leave, so if you want to use the fridge, you can just set everything out (or ask your room steward to empty it) and use it to keep your own drinks/food cool. These fish swim forward. Put it in a Ziploc. Before a cruise, we never would have thought twice about towel clips. Thank you for the great article, you did an incredible job . hotels in every port with cruise shuttles, Miami hotels with shuttles to the cruise port, Read more about all you can drink packages here, Drink Package Calculator to see if youd save money, blackjack tables will often pay 6-to-5, instead of the usual 3-to-2 youll find in many land-based casinos, showing up later actually lets you board faster in many cases, For more tips on drinking on a cruise, read this article, cruise prices are actually the same across all websites, interior cabins can get you on the ship for hundreds, ATM fees to get cash out can be expensive on the cruise ship, cruise lines dont have near as stringent baggage policies as the airlines, Read our review of our favorite dry bag here, one bottle per cabin or one bottle per adult passenger, Many cruise lines including Carnival and Royal Caribbean allow you to bring on non-alcoholic beverages, a pair of flip-flops that have decent tread, use a passport to sail instead of a birth certificate, the cruising speed of many ships is around 25 miles per hour, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, The Best Websites to Book a Cruise in 2023, Luggage and Baggage Rules for Taking a Cruise (How Much Can I Bring? It may seem like if you catch an early flight, you have plenty of time to get to your ship. Should a first-time cruiser book with a TA? Once you board, local authorities will often run the names of the passengers through a database to check for any outstanding warrants. It may alert their system to fraud to see a card used in three different ports in three days, leading them to put a freeze on your account if they dont know whats going on. They serve their purpose, but dont wear them around the pool! Travel agents that specialize in selling cruises often have special offers, on top of any cruise line promotions, that are to your benefit.
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