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A new cruiser? Discover why millions of people set sail every year. Great value, convenience, and variety are just a few of the reasons. Ships sail everywhere from Tahiti to Alaska. Whether you're looking for adventure, family fun, or sophisticated ambience, there's a cruise line for you.
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Cruising is more than just shuffleboard and all-you-can-eat buffets.
Today's ships offer activities and entertainment for vacationers of
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Rock-climbing wall HOW TO READ A CRUISE AD You're perusing the Sunday Travel Section or surfing the Internet and see a fantastic price for a cruise. Is it too good to be true? What's not included in that price? What's hidden in the fine print? "LEAD-IN" PRICING Chances are, you're dreaming of a stateroom with a verandah but the price in the ad is for the lowest category of inside cabin. This is what we call "lead-in" pricing. It's intended to catch your eye and it has. Typically, but not always, the prices you see in the ads are for "minimum inside" or the lowest grade of accommodation unless it specifically states otherwise. The number of cabins available at these prices are usually extremely limited. The price may also only be available to residents of certain states or may be a senior citizen fare. Beware of flashy, slick ads (especially in magazines) that throw out super low prices. Look for that little word "from" in front of the price. That means that you don't really have any idea what the cruise really costs!!! And, also notice that these ads don't have any dates, so you don't know when the "from" price is good! What they do is find the lowest price available in the coming year, and put that in their ad as the "from" price. Pretty cute, but it doesn't help you any. The other factor to consider is that since cruise rates are always changing (due to demand), the best ads may not be correct by the time you see them. That is why they have all the fine print about "rates may change", because they will change!! We often see rates change overnight, and occasionally they will change mid-day! Don't be fooled by the slick ads. The only accurate way to get a correct, current rate is to call The Cruiseman, and let him check for you. READING THE FINE PRINT Get out that magnifying glass and read the fine print. Check to see if the price includes port charges and taxes as this can easily add over $100.00 per person to the cost of the cruise if they are not included. Thankfully, recently enacted government regulations require the cruise lines to include the port taxes in the advertised prices, or else make it clear that they are not included and display the additional costs plainly. However, regulations for travel agencies are different, and many do not include additional costs in the pricing and bury them in the fine print. In all cases, unless specifically stated otherwise, the price will not include airfare but will be "cruise only". Most cruise ad's do not include the Govt. taxes and fees, which are going to be added in later. Look for these and other surprises in the fine print at the bottom of the ad in the fine print. Also be on the look out for "service charges" which some agencies tack on to your bill. IS LESS MORE OR LESS? This term usually does not apply to cruises. As the lead in price is usually for an inside cabin (no window) you may wish to consider spending a little more to make your cruise that much more enjoyable. Whereas a 7 night cruise in an inside cabin may cost you $599.00 per person, upgrading to an outside or "ocean view" cabin can be as little as $50 - $100 additional cost per person. Or you may wish to upgrade to a stateroom with a verandah. This will usually cost you about $150 - $200 per person more for the week. Personally, I never sail in an inside cabin unless I am forced to. The daylight makes the cabin seem larger, and I love to wake up and see where we are and what the weather is like. Let's be realistic, cabins aboard ship are not large to begin with so a little daylight can make them seem much more palatable. I always urge first-timers to take an outside cabin unless their budget absolutely prohibits. A stateroom with verandah will afford you your own semi-private place to watch the ship come in and out of port or just relax. These are especially desirable in Alaska, Panama canal and on longer voyages.
"NICKEL AND DIMING" Yes Virginia, you will incur extra costs once you board the ship. Cruise lines charge for drinks (soft and alcoholic), and then there are tips (about $75.00 per person for a one week cruise), shopping, gambling, shore excursions (touring in port), and meals while off the ship. And then even some other extras aboard ship which are not as readily apparent. You will pay a little extra to eat in the alternative restaurant ($5-18.50 per person), for laundry or dry cleaning, use of the internet/e-mail/business services, the golf simulator and spa treatments. Prepare to budget yourself for an average of $200-300 per person in spending money for a one week cruise, more so if you like to indulge in tours, spa treatments and gambling. Here is a quick look at what all the little "extras" can cost:
Soda: $1.50 Also bear in mind that most cruise lines automatically add a 15% gratuity to any drink purchase. On Overpacking by Anne Campbell, Former Editor in Chief, Cruisemates.com Camilla, Prince Charles' bride, is the last person I ever thought I'd relate to. But when the British press reported that she packed 50 dresses for her 5-l/2 day visit to the U.S., I was thrilled to imagine the fun of filling a mountain of trunks and suitcases. (Of course, first one must buy all those dresses, but that's another 12-step program.) I can tell you how to pack the perfect items of clothing regardless of the duration or destination of your cruise. The problem is that I lack the willpower to follow my own advice. I'm sure Camilla over-packed with "what if" in mind, as I do. What if something unexpected popped up, or the weather turned warm, cold, snowy, hot or rainy? Or, what if she dons the blue Balenciaga dress and decides at the last minute that it really looks horrid? And naturally, none of us can predict if we'll want to wear red or green next Tuesday. Most over-packers know they have an affliction, that it's nearly impossible for them not to fill any suitcase to overflowing. I blame luggage manufacturers who added wheels to suitcases, making it possible for me to haul more stuff. A seven-day Caribbean cruise, for example, requires that I take nine T-shirts (the unknown color preference), three formal ensembles (one I won't like), four baseball caps and six handbags. Let's not even get into shoes! But I feel fairly ridiculous by the second day, when I'm so relaxed I no longer care much about what I wear. And when I arrive home and unpack a pile of unused, pressed clothes, I know I need professional help. Compulsive over-packing, like other obsessions, is surely a disease. If a 12-step program doesn't already exist, I'll start one. And, I'm sure a few of you will join. When A Problem Occurs During a recent cruise, the ship's hotel director said to me, "I wish they (passengers) told me about a problem during the cruise, so I don't have to read it in a report later." I've heard similar comments from a number of these hard-working officers who are responsible for all food, service and entertainment areas. When any problem occurs, you should go directly to the front desk and ask for assistance. For example, if you have a problem with food or service in the dining room, there's a good chance they can resolve it. The same is true if your cabin isn't sparkling clean each day, or if you encounter a bad attitude in the lido buffet operation. Keep in mind that the hotel staff is in the service business, and their first priority is ensuring you're so happy that you continue to sail with their cruise line. The hardest thing to do is try to lodge a complaint when you return home. Many passengers have tried to lodge a complaint with the cruise line when they return. But from the postings I've seen on message boards, the results are very disappointing. Aboard the ship, you have access to a member of the hotel staff who will hear your complaint and try hard to rectify a bad situation. And I do know that people who informed the maitre d' they didn't like the food have often found their meals are much better during the rest of the voyage. If you don't care for your table mates, be sure to speak to the maitre d' as well -- it's frequently possible to be moved to a table with fellow-cruisers you adore. Related Articles: How to pick the best cruise cabin CLICK HERE You might want to start by looking over some of our ship reviews CLICK HERE
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HERE Some contents of this page were written by Tim Rubacky of Cruisemates.com |
