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FAQ for First Time Cruise Passengers
by Yanis O'Toole
http://www.yocruise.com
This month, thousands of people will board a cruise ship for
the very first time, and set sail for a vacation they'll
never forget. If you'll be one of them, or if you're still
deciding whether to join the fun, you probably have a lot of
questions about everything from how to pick the right cruise
to what you should bring on board. Here's a list of some of
the most commonly asked questions from first time cruise
passengers.
Absolutely! Cruise vacations offer such a variety of choices
in styles, ships, destinations and activities that it's
possible for you both to take the same cruise - and each
have exactly the vacation you want. If a cruise is on your
list of possible vacations, here's a handful of tips from
experienced cruisers to help you choose the right trip for
you.
Pick a cruise that offers lots of choices. If everyone in
your family has a different idea of fun, an ocean cruise on
a luxury liner could be just the ticket. Ocean going cruise
ships are veritable cities at sea. Each family member can
find activities that they enjoy without interfering with
each other's fun. Most cruise ships will even provide
babysitting service so mom and dad can get away for a
romantic evening or three.
If what you're looking for is something cozier to promote
family togetherness, a short island hopping tour or a river
cruise may be exactly what you're looking for. River cruise
ships are smaller, with lots of activities planned for the
entire group. You'll be assigned a table that you eat at
each meal, make new friends and have plenty of time for
socializing and other activities.
Should I buy trip insurance? Most experienced travelers
would say a very emphatic yes. While most people think of
trip insurance as coverage in case you have to cancel your
cruise, policies often cover far more. Each company's
policies vary, but most will offer health and accident
insurance for emergencies that happen overseas, including
the cost of transporting you home if illness or accident
makes it impossible for you to continue the cruise.
A luxury ocean liner offers far different choices. With
spas, gyms, pools, restaurants and casinos, there's always
something to do. Challenge your kids to a race to the top of
the rock-climbing wall in the fitness club, or dig in at a
make-your-own sundae bar - there's far more available than
you'll possibly be able to fit into one short cruise.
When they say 'everything included' in the price, do they
mean everything? The price that you pay for your cruise
includes your cabin, meals, most of the ship's facilities,
admission to shows and lots more. It usually won't include
your beverages, casino charges, shopping, shore excursions
or tips. Their may be some tours available from port that
are an extra charge. Just be sure to check what's including
in the package that you choose.
Speaking of tipping, is there a general rule of thumb? The
usual recommendation is $3-4 a day each for your waiter and
room steward and $2 a day for your bus boy. Just like on
shore, though, you may want to tip anyone who goes out of
their way to make your cruise experience special. Some ships
will add the recommended tip automatically to your account
during the cruise. Just check to see if the ship you're
sailing is one of them.
Is there a dress code for the ship? Again, it depends on the
ship, but usually you can plan to include lots of casual
clothes, one or two formal outfits and a few informal
dresses/pantsuits for women, a suitcoat for men.
How will you get your souvenirs home? One experienced cruise
passenger always makes a point of tucking an empty oversize
roll or duffel bag into her suitcase. It's just the thing to
hold all the gifts and trinkets she brings home with her.
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