Cruising has become a very popular way of vacationing in the last few years. Although it was previously thought that it was intended only for the wealthy, things have changed. We are sure that at least once you have seen a cruise ship or a boat on the river and wished you were there too and enjoyed it in a special way. Below, read more about how much it actually costs, when is the best time to book, and what you need to know. Find all that and much more in the text below.
Book your ticket in advance
It is considered that a cruise is a type of travel that is planned months in advance, so it is best to book the ticket 3-4 months in advance. If you do not do this, the price of the ticket will increase as the date approaches. However, on the other hand, if you are someone who doesn’t need a lot of time to get ready, you can gamble and wait until the last minute when tickets can be much cheaper if there are still empty seats without departure. You can learn more about it at cruise book.
How to choose a cruise ship?
The first thing you need to consider is the destinations you want to visit. If it is a secondary matter, then do a little research on the cruise ships themselves and their offer. Do a little research, try to find out as much as possible about the company that organizes the trip, ask if he has already gone on this type of vacation with them, and read more reviews. To return to the price of the trip, the tip is to plan a cruise in winter for spring and summer and vice versa.
Documentation
Make sure you have your ID to hand when making your reservation. If you are not sure whether you need a visa or some other document for the trip, it would be best to contact the agency (if you booked the trip through them) or to look at the websites of the consulates of the countries you will visit during the cruise. In this way, you will save yourself inconveniences when leaving.
Luggage
As when traveling by plane, the weight of luggage is limited. Of course, you will also have hand luggage with you, in which you will pack everything you think should be with you. Forget about bringing food and drinks, because it’s not allowed, and you won’t need it.
How early is it necessary to arrive at the port?
If you have never traveled by boat before, know that you need to arrive at the port at least two hours earlier, just like when you fly by plane. This time is provided for checking documents, checking in passengers, as well as bringing in the dirt. If it happens that you arrive late at the embarkation port and do not get on the cruise ship, immediately contact the cruise company through which you booked the trip. You will probably be given the opportunity to board at the next destination where the cruise ship docks.
Service charge
If you have paid for an arrangement that does not include service on board, don’t worry, you can do it later.
Type of cruise
Which cruise you will choose depends on your preferences, budget, the cities you want to visit or the seas you want to sail. Although the ships are different for each cruise, they do not differ significantly in their essence or in terms of services. Of course, each boat has its own uniqueness, but whichever one you choose, believe me, you won’t make a mistake.
What is included in the price?
Just like when you go on vacation, there are different arrangements that include different types of services. The standard ticket includes a room, full board, as well as unlimited drinks on board. For everything else, you will need to spend a few dollars more, depending on what you want.
Dress code
There is no specific dress code when it comes to cruising, but it is recommended that you travel in sporty, comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as to bring some warmer clothing, bearing in mind the wind that is constantly present on the open sea, especially while the ship is moving. In the evenings, parties are organized on the ships, as well as the captain’s dinner, so it is necessary to bring something more elegant to wear. If you are traveling with children, don’t worry, there is an area dedicated to their games, but, in any case it is always advisable to bring some toys that are especially dear to them.
What can you do on a cruise ship?
You will have at your disposal a movie theater, a theater, a casino, a large number of gaming machines, a hair salon, a massage salon, a huge gym, a spa, an art gallery, a library, several swimming pools with three slides, a basketball court, a climbing wall, stores of various things (wardrobe, electronics, watches, perfumes and others), and several restaurants with different types of food. So, you don’t need to worry if you will get bored, because we are sure that you won’t!
Traveling by boat means being at your mercy, so the waters can be as calm as they are somewhat rough. While it’s true that today’s boats are built so that you don’t even notice the waves, sometimes when the sea is too rough, you’ll feel a little dizzy – or not at all.
It also happens that you are disappointed with the excursion that you paid dearly for, because you did not receive the service that was promised to you. If you booked a trip through a cruise company, complain to the trip organizer. Of course, the appeal will be accepted if there is a justified reason for it, so clearly state what you were dissatisfied with.