There are certain locations like fjords or virginislands which are accessible by cruises only. A cruise could be a gratifying experience as there are no airport hassles and no atmospheric pollution and noises. But there are certain things one should be aware of which could save a lot of time and money if one is planning to go overseas.
Like air travel, cruise journey can pinch pennies if booked five to six months prior to the trip. The ships could be mainstream, premium, deluxe or luxury according to their amenities, comforts, cuisine or clientele and the discounts vary. If you are a family of four or five, plan your trip well in advance and utilize the saved money for other costly-but-necessary amenities like the onboard internet.
Many seasoned travelers are knocked down by sea-sickness and it doesn't take anything to convert their dream experience into a nightmare. Be cautious enough to carry anti-vomiting pills before you embark on an aquatic journey. Magnets could be a useful addition to the various things in your baggage as the ship cabins are built with steel and magnets could be useful to organize your itinerary papers on the wall.
Don't keep both your cabin and balcony doors open at the same time. A whale may peep into (!! well, that's a remote possibility) but wind may take your cabin by storm and may mess up your things.
The tap water on the ship is perfectly safe and potable as it undergoes meticulous filtration but, if you experience any type of smell, immediately report it to the staff.
Although the main dining courses offered in your 'one-time package' plan are quite sufficient as regards the taste, variety or timing, you may want to top up your main courses with special desserts, fruit juices, pastries or pizzas. Keep your attention on the liner's 'featured dishes of the day' or 'snacks of happy hour' or other related exclusive cruise deals. You can have a rewarding dining experience at a lower cost by choosing the right combination of meals and menus for your family.
An 'all-inclusive' cruise ticket typically includes lodging, meals, snacks and basic entertainment activities which is more than enough to meet your expectations. But if you are vulnerable to other temptations like spa, special beverages, live music entertainments, exercise classes, gym, meals with celebrities, onboard surfing, onboard shopping or casinos, you should be prepared to see your bank account becoming lighter and credit card getting heavier.
Ships take halts at the ports which can span from a few hours to a full day. Tourists desire to have an experience of shore excursions where they can witness carousal and hullabaloo of portal towns. Guided tours offered by your cruise company may often prove expensive. There are many online travel guides which could plan private overland tours for you at a cheaper price and help you scrimp some money.
Operating the internet while being onboard is a non-rewarding experience. Cruise companies charge heavily for internet use as if they are using special satellites for that. An hour use of slow speed internet on ship costs around 35$. Not a desirable deal. Savvy travelers make a use of internet cafes on the ports when the ship halts in between.
Last but not the least, you have to reserve some money for rewarding crew members - waiters, stewards, cabin boys - as a benevolent gesture, as this staff has to make a living out of hard efforts.
Some of the most spectacular cruises of the world are - Borneo Island, Madagascar, Norwegian Fjords, New England, Galapagos Islands, Glacier Bay National Park - Alaska, The Kimberley (Australia), Greek Isles, Antarctica, French Polynesia, French Riviera, Doubtful Sound (New Zealand).
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