Dress/Packing Tips
January 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under First Cruise Tips
There are really no “dress codes” on cruise ships but more like cruise packing tips to assist you in bringing the right items. Having traveled with a spouse and two teen age daughters, this editor is, however, painfully aware of the cruise shoe formula – take the number of cruise days and multiply by 5. How else could one possibly pack 35 pairs of shoes for a one week voyage?
But seriously, packing less is often more beneficial than packing more on a cruise. The style of ship you have selected usually dictates the way that passengers dress. The shorter and less expensive cruises skew toward very casual and the longer cruises on luxury ships tend to be more formal. Speaking of formal, most cruise ships have at least one gala night where passengers generally dress their best. Does this mean tuxedos and evening gowns? Yes, you will find these in evidence on longer cruises but the trend is to allow more freedom of choice on ships and this translates to dress guidelines that suggest instead of require formal wear. And even on gala night most ships offer an alternate dining venue for people who just plain refuse to dress up.
The best place to get some hints as to the suggested dress on board is in the Welcome Aboard materials provided by the cruise lines prior to your trip. But again, keep in mind that these are created to cover broad a spectrum of diverse guests. In almost all cases, shorts, bathing suits and t-shirts are banned from the main dining room at dinner time.
Ladies should remember to bring a sweater or shawl because the public rooms may be chilly.
Ashore, clothing suggestions depend a lot on what part of the world you are in. In the tropics, shorts, t-shirts and jeans (basically everything you are not supposed to wear in the ship’s dining room) are fine ashore in a beach environment. In Europe and Asia, travelers tend to be more conservative. And if your shore excursions include a visit to a cathedral or house of worship, bare shoulders or abbreviated wear for the ladies may result in denied entry. The shore excursion or purser’s staff can provide specific guidance on board. And always check to see that at least one pair of those 35 pairs of shoes are COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES. Navigating the stairway of the Sistine Chapel in stiletto heels would be an excursion of its own!
When packing, again, less is more for a cruise. Most first time cruisers report back that they used about half of what they brought. Veteran cruisers try to see how little baggage they can get away with, somewhere in between will probably work for you. Most of the medium to larger ships offer laundry and pressing service. And some of them have self-service laundry facilities (although we don’t think most people consider doing laundry a fun vacation event. Take a lot of mix and match clothes based on the length and style of your cruise. A folding umbrella is always a good idea.
Planning is the most important part of the packing process. Don’t throw your suitcases on the bed the night before you leave and start to toss everything you own inside them. Remember, during many parts of the trip, YOU will have to drag, roll, or coax them to their check in point.
Tip: Make a list. Take half the stuff off the list. Divide by 2 and you have the ideal amount of cruise wear for your trip! A good rule of thumb is that if you find your travel mate looking in the yellow pages under “Moving and Storage Companies”, you may have packed too much. Bon voyage!
First Cruise Travel Tips
January 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under First Cruise Tips
Tip 1.
What can I afford? If you were planning on a hotel or resort vacation, keep in mind a cruise is mostly all-inclusive and the end cost most favorable. Cruises are available at rates ranging from very low to WOW!!! But with meals and onboard amenities, including entertainment, included in the price, it’s hard to go wrong!
What is there to do onboard? Some first timers are afraid they will be bored on a cruise. But today’s ships make that nearly impossible. There are countless activities to keep you busy (see On-Board Section of this site) as well as expansive lounges, public rooms, and deck areas. And in today’s stress filled daily environment, there are also lots of places where you can do nothing at all (after all it is a vacation).
How long do cruises last? Generally from 3 nights to 30 nights. Most first time cruisers opt for a week or less in order to “test drive” the product.
Is airfare extra? Typically, cruise lines offer your choice of a cruise-only price or cruise rate that includes flights and transfers between the airport and ship, as well as baggage handling. Note that you can often find lower airfare available directly from the air lines.
Is cruising for families? More families than ever are choosing a cruise for their vacation because cruises are all-inclusive, and offer great children’s programs determined by their age group. There are kids’ menus and a variety of games and sports available just for them. Many ships offer baby-sitting for the smaller set. It is doubtful you will ever hear those dreaded words from the kids, “We’re bored and there’s nothing to do?”
Do I need a passport? YES, under new rulings, U.S. citizens will need a passport for cruise travel. Please take note, it may take up to two months to get one. For more information, you can visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/
How do I pick the right ship? This can be a daunting question, with over 200 cruise ships to pick from. First, it will help if you know if you are leaning toward a large mega ship or more toward a medium or small ship. There is something for everyone. We have included a lot of information on this site and we hope it will help you in your decision. You also have to decide where you want to go. Lots of choices here too. Some of the destinations include the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada and New England, Panama Canal, transatlantic, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Can I cruise solo? No problem, if you like, there are typically parties for those traveling alone, and many activities or you can just be by yourself and do what you like. As far as cost, as prices are per person based on double occupancy, there is a “single supplement,” charge ranging from 50 to 100% of the per person rate for the room. So traveling alone does come at a cost.
Am I able to “stay connected” while at sea? Indeed! Many ships now offer cell phone connectivity and virtually all offer some form of e-mail access via WiFi or an internet cafe. But try to remember, you are on vacation!