I was asked the other day what it is like to cruise and had I any tips.
Got me thinking that many people have wanted to take this kind of holiday but very unsure if they would enjoy it - some even think it would be boring.
It is certainly not boring there are things to do throught the day/evening on a ship on sea days and port days can be used to explore the country you are in either alone or on a ships tour.
Be aware though should you choose to do your own thing at ports you must be back on the ship by the time given by the captain - the ship will not wait for you, I have watched people stood at the quay side in bewilderment watching the ship slowly move out. If however you are on a ships tour and delayed the ship will generally wait unless advers weather prevents it.
I you do choose a ships tour, again take into consideration the temperature, and how long the tour is as they can be exhausting.
Ok- first you need to decide where you want to cruise.
When deciding bare in mind the time of year you will go, for instance the Med is lovely in July/August but it can be very different on sea days with choppy seas, wind and foggy - of course it may well be lovely - just a thought though.
Caribbean, has a hurricane season, so check this out as well.
Choosing your room, - I would suggest mid to back of the ship as if there is any amount of swell you may well feel it more at the front.
I always buy my own sea sick pills to take as it's cheaper than buying on board, we used to get them free but I don't think that is the case now.
I also look at the deck plans whilst booking and make sure that our room has no public areas below or above, unless you are a night owl and don't mind the noise of music late at night, also be aware that some pax enjoy a jog around the upper decks (there is generally a running track) early mornings so avoid a room underneath - unless you want to join them of course
Inside cabins, I really don't mind these but some have said they don't like them as there is only the electric lighting inside and they can't tell night from day.
Balcony - my hubby likes these and yes they are lovely and many a peaceful hour can be spent either night or day sitting out with a drink.
If you are wanting to cruise further afield please check if you need a visa, ships will very often provide a visa but on one cruise to India some passengers didn't realise they had to apply themselves and were not able to disembark in any of the ports in india.
Vaccinations- check through your gp in plenty of time before you go to see if you need any for the countries you will be visiting (at least 3 months in advance)
Some ships can be a bit more 'formal' than others so if you are not bothered about dressing up then check out the company first.
If you do go for a ship which has formal nights and wish to join in then as a rough guide you would need suit and dickie bow for gents with shoes (not sandals) for the ladies a cocktail dress or long dress/skirt with sparkley top would get you through also floaty evening trousers and evening top is ok.
Please though ladies if you have been a bridesmaid with frilly dress I wouldn't advice you to wear that on a formal night as you
will look just like a bridesmaid (yes I have seen it done)
Day times on sea days can be spent doing whatever takes your fancy, depending on ships you don't have to spend your time around the pool or lounging around, deck quoites, table tennis, climbing wall, basket ball court, gym, jogging/walking track, film show music entertainment, talks on various interests, bingo, shopping, etc etc etc.
On our last cruise we were walking our daily mile (lot of sea days on this cruise) and were entertained by dolphins and after them the whales came along, so I would add Dolphin watching to one of my pastimes on sea days.
Topic: Fancy a cruise (Read 905 times)
