Brian Jenkins asked:


Packing for a cruise is similar to packing for any other vacation. While there are some specifics to keep in mind, the most important thing that you can do to make your life easier is to ask your travel agent if there are any recommended items for your cruise or destination. Aside from packing the usual clothes and toiletries, you should keep in mind that items deemed tourist essentials will be expensive in port cities. If your camera takes film, you should bring enough for the entire trip. Batteries and sunscreen are some additional necessities that you should bring along.

When packing, carefully consider each item of clothing, as you want to ensure that you have enough clothing for the entire trip. It is important to check with your cruise agent for confirmation, but most ships offer laundry service, either self-service or full service. This can drastically reduce the amount of clothing you need to pack.

When packing for your trip, it is important to think of all phases of the trip. Many cruises require that you fly to the departing city. If you are flying into an area to depart on a cruise, make sure that all of the paperwork required for the cruise, such as tickets and passport, are in your carry on luggage. It is also a good idea to pack some extra clothing in your carry on bag in case your luggage is misplaced and this way you can continue on your cruise.

What to Wear

One of the things that many people enjoy about going on a cruise is the opportunity to get dressed up. In today’s world, there are not many opportunities to wear a formal dress or a tuxedo, outside of a wedding. Many cruises have a “formal night” where dressing up is encouraged. If you want to participate in this, it is important to plan ahead of time when packing your bag. Of course, if you do not want to participate, you can eat in another dining room on formal night, or order room service. Other than the formal night, there is little to differentiate between packing for a cruise vacation and packing for a regular vacation. Your cruise location will have more to do with what type of attire you should wear than the fact that you are on a cruise. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that because you are on the water, you can expect a near constant breeze at the least, and an occasional bracing wind as well. A jacket, sweatshirt or wrap should definitely be included in your attire, regardless of your destination.

What Not To Bring

What not to bring is almost as important as what you should bring. Do not bring anything that you will be devastated to lose. Do not bring expensive jewelry, unless you plan on keeping it in a safe, and not your room safe. Do not bring so many clothes that you can barely shut your bags, because you will certainly do some shopping while at various ports.

Cruising

Cruise vacations are wonderful adventures, but they are not much different from traditional vacations when it comes to packing. Pack a variety of mix and match clothing, in neutral colors and a variety of weights. Layering will help ward off the chill if you run into unexpected weather and a lightweight shell that acts as a rain jacket and a windbreaker is a nice item to have. Plan your wardrobe around one neutral color to reduce the number of belts, shoes and other accessories that you must carry on board.

Consider each of the ports that you will be visiting when packing for your cruise. If you plan to go hiking, snorkeling or sailing, make sure that you have appropriate clothing and footwear for your adventures. It is easy to think that all you will do in port is shop and eat, but many of the ports visited by cruise lines offer wonderful adventure opportunities, and it would be a shame to miss out because the only shoes that you have are sandals. If you have any questions about the activities that are available in port, simply contact your cruise agent prior to your trip. They can let you know the popular and not so popular activities available at each port.

When you pack, roll your clothes and place delicate items inside sturdier items. If you have more than a carry on bag, and will be flying to your destination, pack at least one change of clothes as well as any medication that you will need on your carry on bag. This way, if you are separated from your luggage you can go on your cruise. You can buy any additional clothes that you need at ports along the way.



Adrian

Mike Batta asked:


Everyone needs to get away once in a while and a solo cruise vacation may be the perfect break to ease your soul. One of the primary reasons for a vacation on your own is to collect your thoughts, find yourself, reflect on recent events or just mentally check out. The fact that you are out at sea but safely on board a large vessel is a great situation to do the mental check out. All the choices of activities are available to you if you want, or you can just soak up the sun and stare aimlessly at the sea for hours on end. If you fell a little loneliness coming on your solo cruise vacation, pull up a seat at the bar and open some dialog with one of your fellow cruisers.

A big issue to consider when looking for a cruise line to take a solo cruise is any additional fees applied to occupying a cabin by yourself. Cruise tickets are typically inclusive of meals and lodging at a per-person rate and assume double occupancy. If you want to be by yourself you may pay an additional 25% or so for your ticket. Also, many of the discount rates you see advertised are not extended to single occupancy cruise vacationers. If you’d like the cruise line may try to find you a same-sex roommate, which is typically just another solo cruiser like you!

If you do choose to stay in the cabin on your own be sure to do some good price comparisons with the inclusion of single-occupancy fees. You’ll find that the cruise lines can vary greatly with this fee so you want to shop around considerably before booking your solo cruise vacation.

One option to avoid the single occupancy fee is to look for a last-minute deal. Many cruise lines will wave the fee and even offer a discount if they have vacant cabins shortly before setting sail.

Now you don’t have to be alone the whole time you’re on board. There are so many activities to do you should plan accordingly and sign up a few just to meet some folks that you’ll be sailing with. You never know, you may just meet that special “someone”! The organized dinner function held each night is the ideal place to meet some folks. You will be seated at a table with randomly chosen fellow cruise vacationers to have a nice sit-down meal. This is the perfect place to strike up a conversation with some fellow shipmates and explore the inter-workings of other’s minds. You’ll be sure to run into these people again on your cruise so keep that in mind when your talking. If you don’t like the table you’re on just ask to be seated at a different one the next night. Better yet, sit at a different table each night!

A solo cruise vacation can be an incredible experience. If you always wanted to pen that novel, collect your thoughts, do some self-reflection or whatever, it is the perfect controlled atmosphere that also holds a certain amount of mystery to it.



Sally

Jennifer B asked:


I can only find liquid detergent made by them and I’d really like there powder and used it recently out of a coin machine while on vacation on a cruise ship…seemed to make my whites really white. And I can only seem to find the liquid in stores around me.

Lucy

Jolana Klobouk asked:


I will admit it, I love cruise vacations. I have been on several cruises including a cruise for my honeymoon, for New Years, and for multi-generational family vacations and I have loved each one.

More and more people are finding out about the pleasures of cruise vacations including singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends or families. Last year alone approximately seven million people enjoyed a cruise vacation and here are some reasons why:

1) Cruise Vacations Are A Good Value

The price of your vacation includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your accommodation, activities, children programs and entertainment. Throw in the exciting journey to some of the most fascinating and charming places in the world and you have yourself a deal! You will also know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. Typically, your only extra expenses are alcoholic drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as a spa treatment.

2) Cruise Vacations Have Amazing Dining

You have so much choice and variety of cuisine on a cruise, you will not be disappointed. From gourmet meals that showcase renown chefs to pizza parlours and buffets. The choice is yours whether to sit down for an delectable five course feast or grab a hamburger at the bistro. The only thing that is guaranteed is that you will not go hungry on a cruise.

3) Cruise Vacations Will Pamper You

Regardless of which cruise you choose, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock. Staff is there to make sure you needs are met. From chocolates on your pillow to your favourite drink waiting for you at your dinner table, you will feel like you are being spoiled day and night!

4) Cruise Vacations Have Tons of Variety

A cruise ship is a floating resort, with all the things a fine resort has to offer and more. You can go non-stop. Enjoy one great show after another, enjoy daily tour excursions, visit the spa, listen to a lecture, shop and then dance the night away. Or you can lie back and just read a book on deck and just let your cares float away…..do what you want to do.

5) Cruise Vacations Are For Everyone

There are over 150 different ships, dozens of cruise lines and over 1800 ports-of-call with hundreds of places to see and things to do. Small, large, formal, relaxed, budget, luxury, there is a perfect cruise out there for you.

6) Cruise Vacations Make Vacations Simple

The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated because a cruise vacation is one convenient package. You don’t have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking. Once you’re on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid… it just does not get more carefree than that.

7) Cruise Vacations Are Great For Family Vacations

Families love cruising and often there is a reduced rate for children. Traveling with Grandparents? Even better, they will love it as much as the kids! With a variety of children’s programs geared from little ones to teens, kid-friendly menus, swimming, sports, games, movies, and exploring new places, your kids will not be bored for a second. The experienced child councillors will keep your children happy, while allowing you some time alone. And speaking of some adult alone time….

Cruise Vacations Are Great For Couples And Romance

During the day you can enjoy secluded beaches or romantic villages, enjoy en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean or spa services for two. At night, enjoy dancing, musical shows, gaming or a quiet evening watching the moon bounce off the ocean as the warm breeze drifts over the two of you….do I need to say more?

9) Cruise Vacations Are The Most Satisfying

Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience, once people try it, they come back again and again. It me 10 years to convince my brother and his wife to try a cruise vacation, they finally took one last year and they have already booked another one this year!

10) Cruise Vacations Are The Ultimate Vacations

You can see the world on a cruise. Feel free to completely unwind or take a walk on the wild side. If you want you can dance the night away or go up on deck and steal a kiss from your love. Make new friends, feast on sumptuous cuisine, learn something new, or just hang out and bond with your family.

Whatever your heart desires, it can be done on a cruise so be sure to “choose to cruise” for your next vacation.



Stacy

Zark Barker asked:


A Disney vacation conjures images of luxury spectacle and family friendly fun. You will expect those same standards in your Disney cruise. In order to accommodate your whole family your rooms are much larger than on other cruise lines. each ship has plenty of choices to fit any size family and budget. You will also find that there are plenty of choices of whom you will associate with whether you want to just keep to your own family or if you want to visit with those who are your same age. With such a diversity of choices and activities you will love your Disney cruise vacation.

Your vacation starts the minute you step on board a Disney cruise. whether your vacation is a couple of days or much longer you will find no shortage of activities. Parents will enjoy adult activities while trained counselors help children enjoy the activities designed specially for them. Because adult are provided a beeper when they drop off their children they will enjoy their own activities without worry. Your teenagers will love activities designed specially for their interests.

You will spend your whole Disney cruise vacation on ship and have fun but you would miss the beautiful ports of call. whether your cruise takes you through the Bahamas you will find plenty of informed representative to help organize your activities at each ports of call. A Shopping in Paradise Port Guide will give you an historical overview of the port as well as good dining and shopping suggestions. You may even find yourself at Disney’s private island activities.

Take into consideration the type of rooms you and your family want before you actually reserve your Disney cruise. There are approximately 12 various categories that differentiate the rooms available. consider what type of view you want whether you want a balcony and how many people you need to fit in each room. just remember that each room must have at least one adult. If you want to make reservations together just simply speak to a Disney cruise representative who will ensure your rooms are as close together as you want. If you are traveling with another group you will link your reservations and rooms online. If you want a category 1 & 2 room they sell out quickly so make your reservations as soon as possible.

After your children are off enjoy their activities you will love the spa shopping or adult-only pools. whether if you enjoy site-seeing dining or just want to swim there is plenty to do. whether you intend to strike out alone or enjoy your family your Daily Navigator will keep you informed of on-board activities. With a organize that will let you enjoy Broadway-caliber shows or just themed deck parties you’re guaranteed to have fun.

There are so many activities on a Disney cruise vacation it is impossible to recount it all here. Between the beautiful rooms and the Broadway-caliber shows are guaranteed fun each minute of your vacation. It would certainly be a mistake not to take in as much of the amazing adventures that the Disney entertainment experts have carefully designed for you and your family. And certainly there are additional options as well. whether your family associate together or separately you are guaranteed to enjoy your Disney cruise vacation.



Harold

Cindy Heller asked:


What are you waiting if you’ve never been on a Caribbean cruise vacation? Imagine being served on hand and foot only to find you in the most tropical of lands, spending time in true paradise. This is how it’s like on a Caribbean cruise vacation. There’s nothing else like it in the world. When it comes to taking a Caribbean cruise vacation, there are all kinds of special deal. Look around for the best deals and either travel by yourself, bring your family or just have that special someone. There’s so much to do on a Caribbean cruise vacation that you’ll likely find that you don’t have enough time to do it all no matter who you’re with.

1. Go Ahead And Bring The Kids

Don’t worry about bringing the children on a Caribbean cruise vacation. There are activities for them, too. Your never have to worry about then being bored. To keep their overactive minds busy they have all kinds of activities while the adults do whatever they wish. The staff of the Caribbean cruise vacation employees will take good care of the kids so that you can do what you wish and be rest assured that they are properly occupied.

2. Couples Cruises

You won’t be disappointed if you are taking a Caribbean cruise vacation as part of a romantic getaway. The sunsets and sunrises that you’ll see over the ocean will be enough to take your breath away. And there’s nothing better than a tropical paradise, such as the one you’ll experience on your Caribbean cruise vacation, to bring two people closer together. To make your bond one that will stand the test of time, a romantic getaway may be just what you need.

3. You Can Even Bring The Entire Family

Whoever you wish you can even bring the whole family, aunts, uncles, grandma and grandpa. There’s something to do for everyone. Nobody will ever be bored, with shows and music and entertainment, plenty of food and drink as well as other activities aimed at every taste. You know that everyone will be pleased as a Caribbean cruise vacation is the perfect vacation to bring the family.

You are taken care of by the staff, well fed, and entertained. What else could you ask for in a Caribbean cruise vacation?

Guide to Choosing the Right Caribbean Holiday Cruise For You

In order to accommodate the large amount of people wishing to take a cruise, the cruise industry has expanded over the years. However, we are different and have different likes and dislikes which we usually want to take into consideration when taking a vacation because vacations are meant to relax, have fun and rejuvenate.

With that in mind, different cruise companies along the years targeted different group of people in order to make cruising more enjoyable achieve what we all want from a vacation. Every day there are no less than half a dozen ships leaving for the Caribbean. They are from different cruise companies with a completely different sort of crowd on each one of them; here is how you can learn which cruise ship is right for your Caribbean holiday prior to you getting on board.

Know A Bit About The Cruise Industry

In order to be able to provide the desired activities, food and entertainment for instance, each cruise line targets a different type of crowd. Carnival cruises are recognized as the ‘fun ships’ for the reason that they target the younger generation, teenagers and young families and for that reason, you will find many parties, 24 hour fast food counters and many reasonably priced cocktails.

Chat with your travel agent and let him or her know what your preferences are in order for him or her to suggest the perfect cruise ship for you, the best way to choose the right cruise ship company for you, which offers what you want from a Caribbean holiday cruise.

Caribbean holiday cruises travel on the eastern and western and southern Caribbean and each journey will differ greatly in prices depending on the ports of call and the time spent at sea. Caribbean holiday cruises are for 3, 5, 7 and at times even 10 days; the most popular Caribbean holiday cruise is seven days because it is made of the right sum of days in port and at sea in order for you to travel around and have fun as well as unwind and revitalize before getting back at work.

Helpful Tips

In order to find out which one will suit you and your requirements best or on the particular cruise liner’s website, you can do some research online and read passengers reviews and comments before picking a Caribbean holiday cruise. The only way to get the best deals for any cruise at any time of the year is to book your Caribbean holiday cruise through your travel agent.



Craig

Melissa P asked:


im going on a family vacation and were trying to decide which cruise is better the disney land & sea or a 7 day cruise. We have been to disney lots of times but then again this is our first time cruising.

Jesus

Mary Hanna asked:


The Cruise vacation you have been planning for a year is now a reality. You’ve packed your bags with the appropriate clothes for cruise travel. You have filled out all of the cruise documentation, do this at home, don’t wait to get to your cruise ship, and now you are ready for this highly anticipated cruise. There are a few cruises tips about embarkation day that you should know before you head for your cruise vacation.

Keep all of your documents with you, that includes tickets for the cruise, any vouchers, passport and any immigration forms that the cruise line has sent you. That includes bus vouchers from the cruise line that will deliver you to the ship from the airport. In is wise to pack a change of clothes in your carry on in case your baggage gets delayed. If you have purchased the vouchers from the cruise line, a cruise line representative will meet you at baggage claim and take you to the bus or van that will transport you to your cruise ship.

If you decided to handle the transfer on your own, check ahead of time to find out how much a taxi will cost from the airport to the pier. It is good to know how long it will take to make the transfer so you have timed your flights accordingly. Make sure you have attached your cruise line tags with ship name, cruising date, and stateroom number. When you arrive at the pier a porter will relieve of your bags. He will expect to be tipped. The going fare is one dollar per bag.

Cruise tips are always helpful so pay attention to this one. Let the cruise line make your airline reservations. The reason for this is that if your flight is delayed the cruise line will handle it. If there are several other passengers on the same flight the cruise line will delay the departure of the ship. If it’s just you and your traveling companion they will probably put you up in a hotel in the town of your embarkation and get you on the ship at the next port of call. If you opted to do it on your own, you will have to make all those arrangements. So, for safety and peace of mind let the cruise lines do it.

If you have decided to go to the town of embarkation a few days before the cruise, that will not be a problem, so make your own reservations. Some travel insurance companies will pick up these expenses but make sure you read the fine print on the policy BEFORE your cruise vacation.

When you get to your cruise ship, embarkation could be a little chaotic. There will be lines, especially early in the check in process. There will be a lot of stressed out people so just relax and take it in stride. After you have gone through the check in process you will be aboard and your cruise vacations begins. Here is where it pays to have all of your documentation completely filled out. Many of the cruise lines have loyalty programs so if you are a repeat cruiser many times they have preferred check in areas. Many of the cruise lines will have preferred check in for cruisers who have booked suites or mini suites. Check this out with your cruise travel agent.

This is a little off topic but it’s one of the best cruise tips you will hear. Use a cruise travel agent for all of your cruise travel. It is important to deal with an agent that has sailed on many different cruise lines so they can give you an honest opinion on the difference between cruise lines. Check and see if they are CLIA certified cruise lines organization. Be careful they don’t push you onto cruise ships where they have preferred status which means they get a higher commission. Scour the internet for cruise reviews on cruise travel to back up what your travel agent is telling you.

Now back to the pier. While you are checking in you will have to give the cruise line a credit card for any on board charges. Most times your room card is also your credit card and identification for getting on and off at ports while on the cruise ship. If you can get on the ship early in the process you get two benefits. One you get to have lunch and two you get the first shot at spa and beauty appointments. It will also give you time to peruse your cruise ship and then head for the pool. Having been a savvy cruise traveler you knew to bag a bathing suit into your carry on luggage.

Just before you get to the gangway you will be stopped by the ships photographer and a picture will be taken to commemorate your cruise vacation. It will be on display in the ships photo gallery but you are under no obligation to purchase it. Check in procedures will be different from ship to ship even within the same cruise lines. It depends on the experience of the staff and the cooperation of the passengers. Remember that these folks that are checking you in have been working since seven o’clock in the morning off loading the people from last weeks cruise vacation. Then they turn around and start putting on a whole new set of passengers for the next cruise.

The most important advice is to try to keep a cool head. You are headed for the best thing you can imagine, a cruise vacation.

Happy Cruising!



Miguel

KJ Ross asked:


When many people hear about Alaska cruise vacations, they likely think of a 2000-passenger packed ship, 7 or 8 stories tall. Or maybe you think of shopping centers, movie theaters, and even casino gambling. In fact, you would be right to an extent. In addition to Alaska cruise vacations that have all the previously noted features, numerous other cruising possibilities exist.

There are lots of Alaska cruise vacations that take place on smaller ships, which offer more intimate cruising facilities and accommodations. These can offer the rare opportunity to be both more affordable and enjoyable. It simply depends on what you have to spend and the kind of experience you want to have. Each type of cruise vacation to Alaska has something unique to offer. If you have a large travel budget, an Alaskan cruise package on one of the big ships might make sense for you.

But a cruise to Alaska on one of the smaller vessels is the right choice if you want to get close to nature and you also have a limited budget. Cruise vacations to Alaska on smaller ships will give you a very special experience with lots more personal attention. They bring you much nearer to shore so you can get closer to the wildlife. The smaller ships have access to smaller docks, unlike the bigger ships which are prohibited because of their size. On shore trips are included in the basic charge with these kinds of Alaskan cruise packages.

The smaller ships wont offer the shopping, gambling and movie cinemas of course. But if you’d enjoy a more romantic vacation with personalized service, try one of the smaller vessels that offer Alaska cruise tours. Of course, most Alaska cruise vacations aboard a large cruise ship will cost a lot more. It will not allow you to view wildlife close at hand. The most you can look forward to is seeing is some bald eagles and perhaps a few humpback whales.

Cruise packages for Alaska on the big ships don’t include onshore excursions, so you’ll have to pay extra for these kinds of things. You might not realize this until after you’ve gotten your final bill. You will realize that all the little things added up to be a large cost.

But one must admit that cruises to Alaska on the luxury liners are a very grand affair and offer amenities you won’t find on smaller vessels. They offer every conceivable amenity, like spas, casinos, nightclubs, movies, even shopping malls.

You can enjoy a private deck and lounge, and they have swimming pools also. So, it really boils down to what your idea of the perfect vacation to Alaska is. People who take Alaska cruise tours will find that the smaller ships allow them to reach places that they have no hope of ever visiting if they had chosen a big ship. But small ships only carry about 100 passengers compared with about 2000 on a large ship, so they fill up fast. Therefore, you should book Alaska cruise vacations as soon as you can.



Ted

jennybean7985 asked:


me and some friends wanna go on a ladies getaway this summer..we were thinkin about a cruise or something (we are from boston) has anyone gone on a girls only vacation? where did u go? what did u do? do u have any advice, recomendations or suggestions?

we are all college students ages 20-23 and as of right now there are 3 definitly going and 1 maybe

Florence