One of the most comfortable experiences that travelers can enjoy is traveling by sea. Cruise ship travel allows passengers the freedom to try a variety of dining experiences, themed ships and activities for the youngest in the family, and engage as much or as little as possible with fellow passengers. A royal holiday should put you at ease, pamper the body and stimulate the senses. Once on board, travelers can sun by the pool, enjoy shows and dancing and take part in a range of activities or amenities. Get the most from your cruise ship travel with the following tips.
Before Booking
Look at the itineraries and cruise destinations available on various cruise lines. Every traveler is unique. If sunny shores beckon, a Caribbean cruise may be a wonderful option. For art, culture and history, a European cruise might be a perfect choice. Take into consideration the needs of all travelers and the types of activities that they would like to participate in. An enjoyable vacation is one where everyone can have a good time.
Make sure that all appropriate documentation is on hand and make a copy for safe keeping. Some destinations require a passport. Plan ahead if you will need to get necessary documentation together.
Review cancelation and refund policies for all elements of your trip. Look at the policies for the cruise line, hotel at a port, airfare or any pre-booked activities. Life and weather does not always go according to plan. It may pay to have additional flexibility and travel insurance when traveling as a group or for those with the likelihood of last minute changes.
Booking
Early booking is your best bet for getting the cabin you want at the price you want. Experienced travelers recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance of the cruise to get a discount of up to 25 to 50 percent off of published rates. With early booking, you can choose from a wider selection of itineraries, cabins and dates. It will also be easier to snag cheaper rates for flights and hotels for the port that you leave from.
Book late for an extra discount. If you didn’t plan in advance, you could still get a discount on trips departing in 60 to 90 days. To fill cabins, cruise lines can drop prices, and you can pocket the difference. Understand that your cabin choices and itinerary will be more limited. Airfare and hotels with most likely be at full price and last minute fares are non-refundable.
Ask about a discount. Frequent cruise ship travelers that politely mention their status and ask about related discounts can receive an additional 5 to 15 percent off their price. Those 55 and older may qualify for a 5 percent savings. Long-term membership with a cruise line, such as with Royal Holiday, can help lock in fares for future travel plans.
Consider travel during the shoulder season. Shoulder season will offer you good weather but fewer crowds. Cruise ship travelers can get up to 10 percent off of high-season rates. It will be easier to plan excursions and spa treatments- anything that requires pre-booking- with fewer fellow travelers competing for the same slots. Also, airfare and hotels prices may be reduced as well. The shoulder season for some popular destinations include:
Bermuda: April and October
Alaska: May and September
Europe: September to December; Mid-March and April
Caribbean: September, October, December non-holiday weeks, and early January until President’s Day.
Learn What is Included
As a novice traveler, you can easily rack up extra charges on some of the major cruise lines. No one needs a surprise on their credit card. Some dining options, drinks, and activities may not be included in your quoted price. Spa treatments such as massages, an alternative dining experience, a can of soda or a photo taken by cruise staff can add additional charges to your bill. Contacting a travel agent will help you to ask about any fine print associated with “free” upgrades or an all-inclusive package.
Know Before You Go
Look into the weather and activities before leaving home. Prebook desired activities and spa treatments online before leaving home to ensure your scheduled appointment. This is important during peak travel times. Also, be comfortable at any port of call. Look into their weather to pack appropriately before setting off. Use a free packing list to get organized and not leave essentials behind. This is a must when responsible for packing for others.
Make your royal holiday a vacation to remember. A little preparation helps to make the most out of your trip.
