Short Cruises for Newbies

Those of us who have been bitten by the cruise bug can’t say enough about how cruising is the most economical vacation you can take.  There are cruises available on every cruise line that will fall within anyone’s budget. 

That being said, there are still many more Americans who have not experienced the fun and excitement for one reason or another, for what they believe are justifiable reasons.  I’ve heard a few of those reasons …

• It’s too expensive to take a cruise. 
• I watched Titanic and am too afraid.
• I get seasick when I don’t see land.
• I can’t take that much time off from work.
• I would rather go to an all-inclusive resort.

It’s Too Expensive to Take a Cruise

There are cruise lines that cater to the more affluent, and their fares are priced accordingly.  However, the more affordable cruise lines have affordable rates and occasionally lower their prices in order to get their itineraries fully booked, but these rates change frequently.  You may see an itinerary you like one day and the price is right, but by the time you decide you want to book, the price may be higher, even if it is the next day.  That is the advantage of having a travel specialist research the best rates for you.

I Watched Titanic and am Too Afraid

I can understand that – I practically know the dialogue myself!  But, cruise lines are required to follow the Safety of Life at Sea Treaty, which was first adopted by the International Maritime Organization following the Titanic disaster in 1914.  They hold mandatory muster, or safety drills prior to the departure of every ship.  The timing of these drills changed since the 2012 Costa Concordia disaster.  Prior to that time, some cruise ships held their muster drills within 24 hours of departure.  It is mandatory for every passenger to attend these drills, as they are educated on the use of life vests and the escape routes from the ship.  Every passenger is assigned to a particular life boat.  These boats are fully enclosed and unsinkable.  Every cruise ship is equipped with enough of these lifeboats to hold every passenger and crew member.

I Get Seasick when I don’t See Land

I also have problems with motion sickness.  There are remedies available both on and off the ship.  You can get prepared for the journey by purchasing acupressure bands, like SeaBands, that are very effective.  I’ve seen other bands that are more decorative, like a bracelet, but are also more expensive.  I wear my wristbands 24/7, even on formal nights.  I’d rather be in trouble with the fashion police than be unbecomingly green.  The ship’s medical facility also has patches available for passengers.  These usually are worn behind the ear for the duration of the cruise.

I can’t take that much time off from work

Here’s where the subject of this Blog comes in.  There are cruises that won’t cramp your style.  Cruise Lines offer quick getaways where you can slip away a night or two on a weekend cruise.  We recommend this type of cruise to clients who have never cruised before and want to see what it is like without too much commitment.  These cruises are generally known as cruises to nowhere, since the ship does not sail to any port of call, especially if your departure port is further north.  If you depart from a more southern port such as Miami, you can book a three-day trip to the Bahamas and back.

I would rather go to an all-inclusive resort

An all-inclusive resort is a great place to vacation at, and we have many fantastic all-inclusive packages.  However, a cruise is also all-inclusive.  Everything is included in the price including Broadway-style entertainment, gourmet food (all you can eat) and room and board.  But there is something else that all-inclusive resorts can’t provide – exotic places to visit at every port.  At these places, especially in the Caribbean, you have the opportunity to shop at duty-free stores, where jewelry, watches, liquor, clothing and cigarettes are abundant.  You can sample the local cuisine, and it is authentic, not Americanized.  Tip:  Ask some of the crew members before you get off the ship where the best restaurants are.  They would know better than anyone.

I hope these explanations have settled your reasons for not wanting to cruise.  We can eliminate any further misgivings – just contact us at Travel, Tours & Cruises, and we will do the rest.

Spring Break Cruising - Pt. 1

Well, it happened.  I actually missed a day of blogging.  So, I’ve decided to break this article into two parts, to make up for yesterday.

 

Ah, the cold weather, endless snow storms, and ice everywhere in the Northeast and throughout the country, it’s not too difficult to think of tropical weather, sun-kissed beaches, a favorite cocktail and a lounge chair with your name on it.  Come to think of it, spring break is just around the corner, and there are many reasons a cruise should be on your spring break short list.

Cruises are more affordable, especially with so many cruise lines out there.  You can find a trip that fits any budget, whether it is a 3-day quick getaway or a week-long stress reliever, taking a spring break cruise is one of the most affordable options for a vacation.  If you plan to go it alone, there are singles cruises, but groups usually get a better deal. Since cruises are all-inclusive, they're the best way to see the world, have fun, and stretch your dollar.

Cruises are wonderful because they're all-inclusive. The dining, nightly entertainment, and all-day activities on the ship are included in the cost of your trip. Where else can you get such a bargain?  Of course, most ships also have specialty restaurants. Some of these restaurants are free of charge, such as a poolside grill, a casual pizza place or even an open-all-night comfort food venue. Other restaurants charge a fee, and are often venues serving ethnic food or high-end gourmet establishments backed by Michelin-starred chefs.   These restaurants limit your entrée to one, but you can order as many sides and deserts as you want.

Depending on what your ship offers, you can enjoy waking up with a morning yoga class, then spend time rock climbing, ice skating and surfing (yes, some of the larger ships have a skating rink and surf simulator). Once you've worked up an appetite, hit the dining deck for the third time before noon - you deserve it.

The best part of any cruise is eating. With food included in your cruise vacation, you can sit by the buffet all day long, eating whatever you'd like and however much of it you want.  Then head to the main dining room for gourmet-style cuisine, and you can eat to your heart’s content.

Whether you're taking a spring break trip, or a vacation with family or friends, a cruise is a great way to disconnect from the world. No emails, no phone calls, no contact. If you absolutely must reach someone before arriving at port, you can purchase a Wi-Fi plan on the ship - but be forewarned: it will be pricey.  And most ports of call offer Wi-Fi, but getting it free is mostly reserved for the ships’ crew.  A lot of shops offer free Wi-Fi, but you will have to purchase something to use it.

Whatever your reason is to cruise, we have a lot of cruise specials available for any event you can think of.  Contact us at Travel, Tours & Cruises for your perfect getaway.