Cruise Ships and cruise vacations are becoming more and more popular – you can find a large ship that will travel just about anywhere in the world for any length of time. They can be a fantastic way to kick back and let someone else do the driving. All-inclusive cruise ships have become floating luxury hotels on water with everything you could possibly want or need. Planning your next voyage? Think about a few of these before you set sail.
Chart Your Own Course
Everyone is looking for something different on a trip – some want relaxation, some want to see all the sights – it’s up to you to decide what type of vacation you want. Cruises cater to all types, so you’ll have so many options to make it uniquely yours. Setting up your expectations from the beginning will make it easier when you are trying to decide if you want to play singing trivia or relax at the spa.
All-inclusive, Sort of
When you price out cruise trips, they include your meals and activities. These meals are usually the buffet and a grand dining room. Ships then have restaurants and dining experiences that are not included in that price. They will then sell you dinner and drink packages to upgrade your options. Plan out with everyone in your family what is most important on your trip, what dining experiences you’d like to try, and how much everyone plans on drinking. Most of the time these packages aren’t worth the grand total and you’ll be better off ordering a la cart when you feel like it.
Seeing the Sights
Once you’ve made land ho, there are many options to take in everything your port has to offer. Cruise ships will plan out shore excursions for their guests to participate if they desire. Sometimes these are the perfect way to see exactly what you want, but other times they can be crowded, and you spend more time making sure everyone is following along than taking in the beauty of the city. Ask your cruise consultant or shore excursion desk questions ahead of time – size of groups and how the time will be spent. Websites will also rate and review ship’s excursions and you’ll get unbiased opinions if a trip is worth your time.
It’s Not Just the Casino that Wants your Money
Everything on the cruise ship is designed to part you with your money. From specialty drinks to bingo and everything in between, it’s all a business. It’s not a bad business – it’s more the ship giving you all the options since everyone is looking for something different. If you are looking to save money, it’s up to you to decide if you want to spend on certain experiences. The same thing with activities and events the ship plans. Don’t feel like you have to take in everything they are offering. Look at it as a menu to order from, don’t get overwhelmed and schedule every last second of your day feeling like you are missing out otherwise.
Cruises can be a fun way to relax, unwind and see the sights. On a ship where anything and everything goes, it is the perfect way to appease everyone traveling along with you without the stress of planning every last detail.