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While many things are included in your cruise fare, alcohol is not (unless you book a special package). Instead, you will need to buy drinks, and they can be pricey. It’s normally $6-8 for a beer and about $10-14 for a cocktail. One other thing to remember is that gratuity is added (normally around 18%) to the price of each drink. In some respects, cruises are very similar to group tours on land.
What's Not Included
On most cruise ships, you'll have to pay for Internet access, and it isn't cheap. Very small ships (like river cruise ships) with only a handful of decks may not have elevators at all or may only have one between the main deck and cabin decks. If you have mobility issues, be sure to carefully evaluate deck plans, particularly on smaller ships. How You Can Get “Lost” On the ShipCruise ships are big, and the first couple of days you’ll likely be turned around trying to navigate the ship.
Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide
Non-service and management crew members get paid vacation, medical, retirement options, and can participate in the company's group insurance plan. Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.
Bring extra toiletries
Unless the service was simply above and beyond, there is no reason to give a second tip on your drink. Odds are you won’t find these spots without looking for them, but be aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t do anything like flash lots of cash or wear tons of fancy jewelry. Now, this doesn’t go for specialty restaurants that are a fee. If you eat there you’re expected to sign the bill, and the gratuity is tacked onto the price.
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That way, there's no way that I can be surprised by an unexpected charge. When going ashore, always bring the ship's contact information with you. Those details are usually printed in the newsletter that's delivered to your cabin each night. If something goes wrong when you're away from the ship, you'll want to get in contact with the cruise line right away. Independent tours also can take you to places that the cruise line-organized tours don't. ToursByLocals has staff on hand around-the-clock to respond to questions, and — for those worried about missing your ship — they offer a return-to-ship guarantee with every tour.
I Don't Have a Lot of Time For Vacation. Are there Short Cruises?
Walls on ships often are made with metal (even if they look like wood, thanks to faux wood veneers) and will hold a magnet. Some cruisers even bring magnets with hooks so they can hang up clothes and other items on their walls. In addition to extra toiletries, cruising regulars often bring Clorox wipes or something similar to wipe down surfaces in their cabin upon arrival (and to bring along on shore excursions). I admit, I've never done this, though I know I should — if only to wipe off the remote control for the cabin TV. Most cruising these days is casual, and you really only need a few outfits to rotate through a voyage.
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“Think of a cruise as a tapas menu,” says Spencer Brown—it allows you to sample destinations to which you might later return for a longer visit. Even handier, when on a Caribbean cruise almost every island accepts payment in dollars, so there’s no need to juggle currencies. The waters also are largely calm, keeping seasickness to a minimum. Sloan agrees and says people book cruises much further in advance than a hotel or flight, which means that inventory can get gobbled up quickly. Many cruise lines open up their reservation window as far as two years in advance, which means certain cabins can get snatched up.
Cruise ships typically offer cuisine in their onboard restaurants that is in keeping with what their customers will find at home. You'll find American-style steakhouses on many bigger ships and often Italian restaurants, usually serving an Americanized style of Italian food. There are also American-friendly Asian eateries and main restaurants that offer a mix of classic international cuisine. Plus, there are usually fast-food options, including burgers and pizza.
What’s the best way to book a cruise?
The staff will pick them up, and your bags will be waiting for you in the terminal when you get off the ship the next morning. Copy of Your Passport/Birth CertificateFor sure you need your real passport or birth certificate with you. But we suggest keeping them in the cabin safe during your trip so that they are secure. Instead, make a color copy of the front page of your passport or your birth certificate and bring this into port with you when you go. As you arrive at the terminal, there will be a place to check your bags if you want. Porters will load bags onto the ship, and the staff will deliver them to your room later.
Having some extra time will make debarking the ship much less stressful instead of having to constantly check your watch. You Can Still Find Quiet Spots on the ShipFor all the thousands of people on a cruise ship, you might think that it would be shoulder to shoulder the entire trip. Cruise ships arrive back in port early in the morning, but it can be several hours before everyone is off the ship. As well, you then have to get to the airport, get through security, and find your gate. A departure time of noon or later gives you plenty of time so you don’t have to stress if there is a delay getting to the airport. Now, no one wants to spend hours and hours just waiting in an airport, but it’s important that if you are flying, try not to schedule your flight before noon.
And it just doesn’t feel right to hang out poolside without a drink in your hand. If you want it to be a wild party time with lots of sun, booze, and entertainment, then it can be. If you’re looking for something relaxing and quiet, it can be that too.
These trips were primarily for the wealthy elite, who sought a break from the monotony of their daily lives and desired a taste of adventure. If you’re not willing to pay for specialty venues or you’re on a smaller ship that doesn’t have many free dining options, you may find that the dining rooms become repetitive. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz. Cruise lines are reinventing their onboard options, and specialty restaurants tap in to the talents of well-known chefs and restaurateurs. This can take some of the boredom away from the same dining rooms, but it comes at a cost.
Considering that soft drinks are about $2-3 each on a cruise, that can save you a nice chunk of change. From the basic details of cruising to how to save some cash — and much more — we’ve got everything you need to be confident and enjoy your trip the second you reach the port. Sure, everyone wants a suite, but the best cabin onboard is the one that fits your budget and your vacation needs. Travel logistics aside, though, cruise ship rooms (and even cruise ship bathrooms) aren't known for having tons of floor space or storage space. You'll want to think twice about overpacking, especially if you're maxing out the capacity of a standard room.
There are some people who like to head off on vacation with no idea of where they will be or what they will be doing from day to day. They like the flexibility that comes with not having too much planned ahead of time. Others like to have their travel schedules much more mapped out in advance. Keep in mind, a "small" ship can be anywhere from 30 passengers (or fewer!) to around 1,000. It may seem simple but choosing the right cruise for you is as intricate as picking the right house or car. You'll need to decide which cruise line, cruise ship, itinerary and embarkation port are right for you, while also keeping in mind what your budget is and how long you can be away from home.
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