Tips for the First Time Cruiser

Cruising...once you've experienced it, you just can't get it out of your system. With each and every cruise you learn something new. Before you know it you're sharing your enthusiasm with novices as well as your fellow avid cruisers. However, before you get to that point, you have to step foot on your first ship. Beware and cast off with caution! Even the most skeptical cruiser has become hooked! You just might be next.

For those of you who are casting off for the first time, here are a few tips.

1) Basic Cruise Terminology:
embarkation: getting on the ship
debarkation: getting off the ship
port: left side of the ship (usually the side you dock on)
starboard: right side of the ship
aft: the rear of the ship
fore: the front of the ship

2) How to choose a cruise:
It's hard to go wrong on a cruise vacation, but a bit of planning will make sure you get the most bang for your buck! You'll want to consider 3 factors when choosing your cruise: cruise line or ship, itinerary, and budget. Each cruise line has a slightly different personality and amenities. With a little research you or your travel agent will match you to that perfect ship. Cruise lines fall into four categories - contemporary, premium, deluxe and luxury. Your budget and lifestyle will determine which you prefer. A few of the names you hear about so often - Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess are considered Contemporary lines. Whichever level of luxury you choose, a ship is a destination in itself!

Living in the Southeast, many of us think Caribbean when we think cruise, but your itinerary choices are endless! According to the Cruise Line International Association, the "hot" destinations for 2010 include the Mediterranean, Alaska, European Rivers, Europe, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and of course, the ever popular Caribbean and Bahamas. When choosing your itinerary, you should also consider your port of embarkation and debarkation. Ask yourself, "Do I want to fly or drive to the port?" The choice is yours.

3) Best Time to Cruise?
Everyone knows that anytime is a great time to cruise! If your heart is set on a specific locale, advance planning is a must. The Caribbean is a year round destination, but more exotic locations will require some scheduling. You can usually count on the following calendar as a general guide: Alaska - May to September, Europe - April to November, Bermuda - April to October, the Panama Canal -September to April.

4) Passports / Visas / Identification:
It's best practice for everyone who is cruising and traveling to foreign ports to obtain a passport. If you get sick or are detained and can't return via the ship, you will not be able to reenter the U.S. without a passport. Though unlikely, that would be a headache no one wants to deal with on vacation! It's also advisable to make three copies of your identification: passport, visa (if required), birth certificate and driver's license. Keep a copy in your checked baggage, in your carry-on baggage and leave a copy at home with someone. Visas are only required in certain countries. The list can be found on the U.S. State Department's Travel Website.

5) Best Cabin Location:
Once again, this is going to depend on personal preference. Typically, the higher you go on the ship, the more expensive the cabins become. Some people prefer the higher cabins for the view. However, if you are prone to motion sickness you are better off on a lower level and mid-ship. If noise is a concern avoid placement below large public areas or across from the elevator.

6) Will I get seasick?
The cruise ships today have stabilizers that assist in regulating the motion of the ship at sea. But let's be honest. The ocean is an unpredictable force, so rough seas are always a possibility. If you're very sensitive to motion, you'll feel less of it on the larger ships and don't forget the importance of that strategic cabin placement - lower and mid-ship! Many over the counter medications for seasickness seem to work well for most people, including Dramamine and Bonine.

7) Tipping:
First time cruisers might easily be caught off guard by the amount of tipping involved in their first cruise. Be sure to take plenty of one dollar bills just for this purpose. The tipping will begin at the port when your luggage is unloaded. Sorry do-it-yourselfers. You are probably out of luck here! You'll want to be prepared for any taxi rides in the port cities as well. Onboard gratuities are usually added to your final bill on the last night or you have the option of tipping in person. The cruise line provides recommended amounts for each service person.

8) Safety:
Modern cruise ships obey international and national maritime codes for seaworthiness and fire safety. They are equipped with lifeboats, modern telecommunications and have doctors on staff to treat cruisers during an emergency. Within a few hours of boarding your ship, you'll be required to participate in a safety drill at a "muster" station. During this drill, you'll be instructed where to find your life jacket, how to properly wear it, and where your designated area is to report to during an emergency. It's very important to participate during this drill. After all, it's part of the tradition of the first day at sea!

As far as safety in port is concerned, it's usually advisable not to wear flashy jewelry and keep an eye on your wallets and purses, as petty thefts can be a problem for tourists. If you aren't familiar with a port, the safest way to enjoy the area is through a ship-sponsored excursion. Be cautious about getting off the beaten path in unfamiliar territory. A little research before the trip will indicate which areas have safety issues. Most of the time, everyone is friendly to tourists and you'll have a wonderful time with no incidents.

9) How will the children be entertained?
A cruise is a paradise for children and parents alike. The cruise lines have awesome supervised childrens's programs, broken up into appropriate age groups. Most cruise lines require their workers to have college degrees in education or another related field to work in this program. The children will have so much fun they won't mind Mom and Dad sneaking off for a little alone time.

10) What's NOT included in a cruise?
Cruises are basically considered all-inclusive vacations. Even so, there are some
items that are extra. Usually, your gratuities are not included. Also, though food and drinks are included in your cruise fare, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not. Excursions, those fun adventures you take at the ports of call, will be extra. Specialty restaurants are fun and delicious, but they carry a small surcharge - up to $20 to $25 per person. If you're on a tight budget, the dining room and buffets will serve you just fine. Even with a few extras thrown in, cruising is still one of the best values out there!

Relaxation, fun, entertainment, food, adventure, a get-away you'll never forget! If you'd like to plan your next cruise escape, we would love to assist you at CruiseOne - Cathy & Lon Brooks. 770-456-5631. www.cruise2escape.com