1st Time Cruisers - Excuses Excuses

Cruise ships have the ability to navigate AROUND the worst of storms and quite often can completely miss them. This leaves you to enjoy your cruise, however, your itinerary may change a little and you may see some different ports of call in substitution. This can sometimes be an advantage over a resort holiday where you will have to wait out the storm.

Cruise ships are catering to their passengers needs and almost all provide internet centres and/or shipboard WiFi that can be accessed from some staterooms. This will allow you to stay in touch with your loved ones, work, and play online as you wish.  Be aware though…you may want to choose an upfront plan that allows you to be online at the best possible shipboard rate.  Paying by the minute is typically an expensive proposition.

What?!!  We beg to differ! There are countless activities available on most cruise ships that provide hours of entertainment, for all ages. Participate or not, it is your choice to get as involved as you desire. There are often kid’s and teen clubs for the young ones, yoga, cooking classes, fitness centres, pools for lounging, book clubs, casinos, and large theatres that provide “Las Vegas” style productions! You will only be bored if you want to be bored.

For the most part, cruises are almost all-inclusive, with some variations depending on the cruise line. Most cruise fares incorporate what we mentioned above; however, there are some extras that you will have to pay for on the ship. Those extras include specialty restaurants, for which there is typically a nominal fee, some specialty coffee items, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, and gratuities. Don’t worry about carrying around your wallet though; most cruise ships are “cashless societies” where your room key doubles as an account card. You will then be able to pay for any extra purchases at the end of your stay. Some luxury cruise lines are becoming more all-inclusive and are now offering shore excursions and unlimited beverages.

Actually, cruise fares include your accommodations and so much more that it is far more economical than you may realize.  It’s okay start the mental tally of your last hotel stay and vacation about now….Typically included are all of your meals, onboard activities and most entertainment, not to mention your transportation from port to port. And, just like other vacations, there are cruise lines out there to fit every budget.