What Is Cruising Really Like
Cruising is a great way to travel. You unpack only once and wake up at different ports of call while eating great food and enjoying entertainment.
If you are new to cruising, you probably have a whole host of questions about the experience. There are actually a lot of misconceptions about taking a cruise that make travelers indecisive about booking one.
These are some of the most common things that travelers are curious about when they are considering going on a cruise.
Is cruising expensive?
That depends on a lot of factors. What time of year are you traveling, what cruise line are you interested in and what type of cabin you choose, but generally speaking no, cruising is not expensive. Cruising is a great value. Remember you get meals, entertainment and activities all included in your price.
Will I get seasick?
Even if you are prone to seasickness, you don’t have to worry about suffering from this ailment while on a cruise. These ships are so large that it’s almost impossible to feel it moving. The crew also monitors weather conditions to try to minimalize the likelihood of the ship going through rough waters and will change course if need be. If you are still concerned, it’s a good idea to pack over-the counter seasickness medications to ease your mind a little.
Does It Really Include Everything?
The answer is yes and no. Once you book your cruise, your room and meals are mostly paid for, gratuities are not. If you go to a specialty restaurant, take part in a spa treatment, drink alcoholic beverages or go on excursions, you will have to pay for them but you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner daily free of charge, and entertainment is included. Luxury cruise lines do include more so generally speaking the more you spend up front the more will be included in the cruise rate.
Do I need to be retired or newly married to enjoy a cruise?
In the past, cruises were geared to those that were on a honeymoon or were retired. However, it’s not true anymore. Cruise lines have spent millions of dollars to upgrade their ships and offer a variety of options for travelers. With all the different things to do there is never the opportunity to get bored while on a cruise. There are cruise ships that cater to families, those seeking out adventure, foodies and more. A good travel agent will help you pick the best fit for you.
Is it safe?
Thousands of people go on cruises each day without any incidents occurring. While there’s always the risk of something happening like the ship breaking down, a large number of people getting sick or something catching on fire, the crew is well prepared. They take the safety of their passengers seriously so even on the off chance that something happens, you can remain safe. This is part of the reason why you will have to undergo a brief safety drill while on board ship.
Will I get bored?
If you pick the right ship, there is no way you will be bored. Spend your port days exploring with a range of activities including hiking, biking or swimming with the dolphins and while on the cruise ship enjoy a range of activities from bowling to ice skating. A good travel agent will help you match the right ship and ports to what your interests are.
Will I be able to remain in contact with family and friends?
There are a variety of ways to stay in contact with family and friends while on a cruise. You can most likely use your cell phone, but roaming charges will probably apply. There are also internet centers on most ships that charge a small fee. A newer way to stay in touch is by downloading a mobile app on your device. It will allow you to exchange messages with others that have the app downloaded on their device as well.
