I don't know about you but with with the weather (at least here in the Florida panhandle) being like Spring, I can't help but be reminded how summer will be upon us real soon! My hubs and I went out to dinner for our Valentine's celebration and we talked about how we need a vacation again. Our honeymoon was really the last one we had. I don't count our trip to Oklahoma for the holidays and our trip to San Diego for a wedding as vacation. Vacation is being somewhere with no burdens or worries in the world.
My sister is actually going on a cruise this summer and I am so jealous! It makes me think of how many of you are planning to go on a cruise for vacation, for your honeymoon or for your wedding. I thought it would be perfect to have Ellis of Love Cruise give us a guide for planning a cruise. I have to say, a few things here are things I never knew! Probably because I'm not an avid cruiser, so I just know this guest post article on the essentials of planning a cruise trip should help you out!
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Cruising is fast becoming the travel industry's most popular holiday choice, with over 11 million people enjoying a sea voyage in the last 12 months. A cruise offers excellent value when compared to land-based holidays, with holiday-makers given the chance to visit a new destination almost every day! These days, a majority of cruise ships are all inclusive, with the cost of your cabin, meals and on-board entertainment & activities included in the initial cost. Here is our guide to the most important things to take into consideration when planning your first cruise.
Who Cruises?
Embarking on a cruise is enjoyable for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whether you are a family looking for a new adventure, a newlywed couple going on your honeymoon, or a singleton wishing to meet new people, a cruise holiday will not disappoint. Different cruise ships cater for various needs; from smaller traditional vessels with mellow on-board atmospheres, to larger, action-packed modern ships, popular among the younger generation. On Board activities have something for everybody to enjoy and are generally included in the price, with kids clubs tailored to different age groups.
Duration?
From 1 & 2 night short trips to 100+ nights World cruises, a cruise holiday can last as long or as short as you want. Whether you are interested in a weekend cruising the Mediterranean or a fortnight in Alaska, there are numerous options available for everybody.
Destination?
With over 300 cruise ships and over 1800 ports of call available worldwide, there is literally no limit on the places you can visit! The most popular cruises in the last 25 years are those that visit the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, with popular choices in recent years including the Norwegian Fjords & Alaska. You will have no shortage of options when it comes to deciding where to cruise!
Value for money?
When comparing a cruise with a typical, land based resort holiday, it is evident that it's generally significantly cheaper. The 'all-inclusive' option is available on board a majority of cruise ships, offering 24/7 food & drink and entertainment packages included in the initial price. You will also find that some ships include your tips in the fare, whereas others will charge a compulsory service fee per day. Some cruise lines still expect you to tip your cabin steward and restaurant waiter on the last night (at your discretion), but you will be informed of this beforehand if so.
What Ship?
From smaller traditional vessels with mellow on-board atmospheres, to larger, action-packed modern ships, cruisers have hundreds of cruise ships to select from. Onboard you will find a wide range of facilities and activities to choose from, with state-of-the-art fitness centres and spas, as well as excellent nightly entertainment and casinos. On board the more modern ships, revolutionary innovations including grass lawns, rock-climbing walls, ice rinks and surf simulators can all be found.
Alternative Cruises?
First time cruisers have many options available to them. No-Fly cruises are ideal for those of you who aren't keen on flying. Southampton & Dover are 2 of the UK's most common departure points, with cruises embarking from these 2 ports and travelling to sensational ports of call all over the world. Fly-Cruises are also available, with passengers flying abroad to their cruise embarkation port. An increasingly developing market is Themed Cruises, with many different categories being implemented into a passenger’s voyage. These Themed Cruises combine general ship facilities with the cruiser’s personal interests & hobbies to provide the ultimate experience. They also tend to have little to no impact on the daily running of the ship, with specific rooms and areas being designated, meaning they don't take-over too much.
Accommodation?
The price of your accommodation on board will vary depending on the cabin size and its location on the ship. For example, in general cases, the higher the deck, the higher the cost. Inside cabins are the cheapest, given the fact that they lack a view or any form of window. Outside cabins usually have a porthole window, whilst Balcony cabins offer window doors that open out onto your own veranda. All of these include en-suite facilities and are serviced daily. Those of you who are interested in something even more luxurious should think about the highest grade on board, a Suite, which are incredibly spacious and offer the ultimate indulgence. Suites also commonly include your very own personal butler!
Dress Codes?
Certain cruise lines will enforce various dress code, with different ships applying different codes. Daytime dress codes will mainly revolve around casual wear as well as swimwear/shorts & t-shirts etc., but evening dress codes can be completely different. You will generally find that cruise lines will assign daily evening dress codes. These consist of Casual, Formal or Informal which apply from around 6pm onwards. Casual dress is more or less anything goes, Formal dress is based on tuxedos and cocktail dresses, and Informal consists of open shirts and trousers for men/dresses for ladies. Not every dining venue applies a dress code, so for those of you who would rather not dress up, alternative options are always available. Selected cruise lines are even abandoning dress codes completely, complying with modern trends towards more casual cruising, offering travelers a more freestyle cruising experience!
Dining Options?
A majority of cruise ships have a main restaurant with set early and late sittings, where you will sit down to eat with your fellow passengers each night. However, ever since NCL became famous for their Freestyle Dining options, an increasing amount of cruise lines are offering open seat dining, allowing you to eat whenever you please. Certain ships also contain specialty restaurants with menus designed by world renowned chefs such as Gary Rhodes & Marco Pierre White, albeit at an occasional extra cost.
Currency?
Money is not used on board cruise ships. Upon checking-in you will be issued with a Ship ID swipe card, which you will require when embarking and disembarking the ship at each port of call. You will also use this ID swipe card for all onboard purchases, which are then charged to your cabin/stateroom, before you pay the balance up at the end of your cruise.
Written by Ellis Green of LoveCruise.co.uk, a UK cruise company specializing in Last Minute cruises from Southampton and NCL Cruises
(Images provided by LoveCruise.co.uk)
My name is Melina. Welcome to my blog where we get inspired by wedding pretties and moved by the Love of Christ. I write to share things that make me giddy and an outlet for us all to grow in our faith. Happy wedding planning and beyond! Check out my About page for more about me and the purpose for my blog :-)
