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CAN I TAKE A MULTI-DESTINATION HOLIDAY |
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2. CAN I TAKE A MULTI-DESTINATION HOLIDAY
One of the great points of the cruise experience is that the ship moves from resort to resort, from island to island, and each day the scenery changes. No packing or unpacking, but a simple relaxed journey through beautiful tranquil seas from one port to another.
There are those who will say that the shore excursions on cruises are expensive, and in some cases that is true because they involve a considerable amount of travel time and, in exceptional circumstances, even hotel accommodation on-shore prior to rejoining your ship again.
However, in a vast number of instances it is not necessary to take short excursions to enjoy visiting some of the most beautiful ports of the world. In the Caribbean this is particularly true, and in many cases the ship will tie up alongside the 'High Street'. This enables you to simply disembark and go duty free shopping, sightseeing, or to the local straw market, or to the local cafeteria for light refreshments, or to an attractive local bar to meet the indigenous population, or perhaps to a deserted beach on the other side of the island to spend a relaxing day beneath a shady palm tree.
Once again, the word of prime importance is CHOICE. |
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BUT ALL THE TRAVELING MEANS PACKING AND UNPACKING..? |
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No problem, unpack once, relax and let the ship move the scenery, the ports, the cities and the countries. |
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WHAT ABOUT BAGGAGE? |
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Again, the guidelines contained in the individual brochures are very detailed. |
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WHICH DESTINATIONS CAN I CHOOSE FROM ? |
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Quite simply - the world. Short cruises, medium length cruises, long cruises, visiting every continent. |
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I'VE HEARD THAT ALL CABINS ON CRUISE SHIPS ARE VERY SMALL - IS THIS TRUE? |
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No, cabins do vary in size, often according to the price paid. However, most cruise cabins are more compact than traditional holiday hotel bedrooms...they are invariably well designed, comfortable and very acceptable to passengers. Remember, the amount of time spent in the cabin is usually minimal.
A wide choice, something for everyone. Remember, you invariably CHOOSE in advance the room you're going to occupy...try achieving that with a land based holiday! |
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I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO AVOID INSIDE CABINS - IS THIS CORRECT? |
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Again, no. This misconception relates to a few decades ago, when no porthole meant no Ventilation! Today, modern climate control systems make this situation obsolete. Inside cabins will be equally as comfortable as outside cabins. With the one exception that they do not have portholes or windows and therefore no natural daylight. |
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WHAT ABOUT FOOD..? |
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Up to 9 meals a day with some cruise lines, with a superb choice of menu and high standards of quality. Menus are available. |
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WHAT ABOUT RESTAURANT TIMES & SEATING ARRANGEMENTS..? |
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Some cruise lines have a single sitting, some have 2 sittings...the brochure will define this and the specific choice can be made at time of booking (obviously subject to space availability). |
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WHAT TYPE OF ENTERTAINMENT CAN ONE EXPECT..? |
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Another important feature of any holiday, but one where the cuise outshines all others. On larger ships there will always be a wide choice of entertainment:
* Live cabaret or West End Musical shows
* Discos and night-clubs
* Cinemas
* Ballroom dancing
* Casinos
* Wine tasting
* Lectures
On most cruises there will be either a Captain's Cocktail Party or a Welcome Aboard party, and invariably a Farewell Gala Dinner.
Remember, all the entertainment is just a short stroll from your cabin, or hotel room. You don't have to book seats or order taxis to or from the theatre or pay for the entertainment; it's all included in the price of your cruise. |
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DO WE HAVE TO WEAR FORMAL ATTIRE FOR DINNER EVERY NIGHT..? |
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With a few cruise lines, the answer is yes...and again this will be well featured in the individual company literature. However, on many cruises the dress code varies each evening...on CAPTAIN'S COCKTAIL PARTY, many people (male as well as female) do enjoy dressing formally for the occasion. On other nights, the 'jacket & tie' suggestion is perfectly acceptable and on some evenings it will be strictly casual.
Remember, most ships have laundry - invariably staffed by the traditional 'Chinese Laundryman' and not expensive, and some ships have the facility to hire formal wear. |
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I JUST KNOW I'LL BE SICK..! |
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Remember, most cruises operate during the traditional 'good weather season' (e.g. there are no Fjord cruises in the winter!)
Stabilisers on modern ships and accurate advance weather information enables most ships to avoid the 'rolling' or 'pitch and toss' movement which creates sickness in some people.
Tablets, injections and 'stabiliser' pads are available, if necessary.
There are always river cruises - you don't find many 'rough' rivers! |
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WHAT ABOUT THE TIPPING..? |
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Another regular question and a question which is now extremely well answered by most cruise lines.
A few points regarding tipping:
1) Most people tip the cabin steward or stewardess, who will attend to everything relating to your accommodation.
2) Your waiter/s, who will usually attend your table throughout the cruise, is again someone who is usually recognised.
These two areas are generally recognised at the end of the holiday, or on a more frequent basis for longer voyages.
3) Day-to-day services such as drinks, laundry etc...simply extend gratuities as appropriate.
Remember - If in doubt, ask.
4) Shipboard gratuities invariably in no way relate to standard hotel services charges (which range from 10% to 15%, regardless of standard of service).
5) There are even a few cruise companies that have a 'no tipping' policy. The cruise brochure is the best source of information. |
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ACTIVITIES..? |
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...vary greatly from ship-to-ship, but in general terms on nearly every vessel there will be an activities programme for every day of the voyage, and on larger ships this could list nearly a hundred different activities taking place onboard the vessel that day. On a smaller ship, naturally the activities listed on the programme would be less, but it's highly likely each day there would be over 50 different things to choose to do.
The great advantage of the cruise ship is that you can take part in as many of these activities as you desire, or if it be your wish you may take part in absolutely none of them and sit quietly with your Sony Walkman and the book of your choice improving you sun tan until the sun sets beyond the orange horizon. |
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WE ARE BOTH ACTIVE PEOPLE - WHAT CAN WE DO..? |
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Lots of things...simply select a cruise which offers a gymnasium, saunas, the opportunity to job on deck, other deck sports etc.
And remember, at the various ports of call, you could possibly arrange golf, visit a nearby resort to enjoy the beach and watersports. Many cruise companies offer keep fit classes and aerobics. |
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WE HAVE CHILDREN - IS CRUISING FOR US..? |
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Invariably, the answer is a VERY POSITIVE YES. A few points on this important area:
* Not every cruise ship has facilities for children...we will define just what is available before you book.
* 3 & 4 berth cabins are often available, thus keeping the family together and saving on cost.
* Children's fares are often available. And when sharing cabins with parents frequently offer savings of over 50% from adult prices.
* Some companies offer very comprehensive children's programmes, special dining times etc.
Remember, parents always know where the children are - for the children, there is a whole range of new, different and exciting things to do...everyone is happy! |
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WE USUALLY TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS - WOULD A CRUISE SHIP ACCEPT A GROUP BOOKING..? |
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Almost certainly yes, and usually very positively. If your group numbered 15 persons or more there's every possibility of a discount being offered and with some companies even a free place for the group leader. The opportunities to promote cruising to the group market are gigantic, and many cruise lines recognise this by producing special literature, promotional material and special rates for groups. |
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I'M SINGLE - IS CRUISING FOR ME..? |
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In our opinion, emphatically yes. Shipboard programmes, dining arrangements and the total convivial atmosphere do mean that people travelling on their own (again, male or female) can meet people, make friends, participate and feel safe and secure.
Some cruise lines have single cabins, some offer sole use of a cabin (at a premium) If you are single however, why not contact our company which is exclusively for people of the same sex and similar lifestyle to either share your on-board cabin or to share that trip with you. Just contact… |
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I WORRY ABOUT COMMUNICATING WITH THE OFFICE - WHAT IS THE POSITION..? |
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Don't worry - a cruise is all about relaxing, removing stress, forgetting about those day-to-day pressures. However, if you do have to communicate, all ships have ship-to-shore telephones, telefax machines and in the era of Internet, email and mobiles, personal communications rarely prove problematical. Of course, if necessary, you could use traditional communication facilities from the various ports of call. |
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRST CLASS AND TOURIST CLASS..? |
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An obsolete question - all cruise ships are now ONE-CLASS. |
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