However if you've never experienced a cruise, these, 10 things to know before your first cruise, should go a long way in helping you prepare for your first time at sea!
1. What do I wear?
By and far, this is probably the most common question that is asked about a cruise. First, check your itinerary to see how many formal nights you’ll have. Men can wear a suit or tux – but they can also get away with slacks and a button down shirt and tie. Women can wear a nice dress (think “Sunday Best”) or go ALL OUT in a gown fit for prom, it’s up to you! Dinner in the formal dining room is business casual with the exception of formal night. Pretty much anything goes except for shorts, sandals and tank tops. Otherwise dress for the season and activities you'll be experiencing.
2. What happens if there is an emergency (medical, family accident, etc.)?
What steps do you take to get home quickly? Most cruise lines will allow you to get off the ship at a port of call to catch a flight in case of emergency but you MUST have your passport and photo ID – you can’t do this if you only have a birth certificate. Carnival Cruise Lines offers a Great Vacation Guarantee, where you can receive a full refund (plus 10 percent and all travel expenses), if you decide you want to leave the cruise. Just keep in mind – you must notify Guest Services within the first 24 hours of the cruise and you can only get off the ship at a port of call, never at sea.
Talk with our travel experts about insurance policies that will cover all your travel worries.
3. Is a cruise a good idea with toddlers?
Carnival Cruise Lines offers free camp and babysitting services for children 2 and up, including for kids who aren’t potty trained (staffers will change diapers as long as they’re provided by parents).
4. How much can I take part in with my toddlers?
If your toddler is enrolled in camp during a cruise, there are some times where parents are welcome to join them. This is usually referred to as “Family play.”
Experience the new Seuss at Sea and Camp Ocean programs on the Carnival Freedom and you will be blown away by how much fun they are – for the kids and the parents! When searching for a cruise with children, check to make sure they have children’s programs that your children will enjoy. there are even teen camps.
Not to be out done by any other cruise line you should consider the Disney brand cruise line for special character interactions, events and themes.
6. How do you prevent getting motion sickness?
This is probably one of the most common questions when it comes to cruising. Buy Sea Bands, the little elastics that you wear on your wrists. They press against your pressure points and help keep sea sickness at bay. You can also bring along Bonine or Dramamine, and when taken before you get on the ship, they help prevent motion sickness. You can also take them if motion sickness strikes. Make sure to buy the non-drowsy formula, or you’ll wind up sleeping through your vacation!
7. How do I pick a room for the person who easily gets motion sickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a cabin in the middle to lower decks, mid-ship. The higher up you go, the better your view, so keep that in mind!
8. When is the best time to sign up for your shore excursion, before the cruise or once you get on the ship?
We highly recommend that you book your shore excursion before you set sail. The popular excursions sell out quickly!
9. I want to know how to find out what’s included in the price and what’s extra?
This varies depending on the cruise line. Most cruise lines offer your stateroom, all meals in the casual dining spaces and dining rooms, musical shows, club entrances, karaoke and pool area for the price of your cruise. Many cruise lines offer upgraded dining options in specialty restaurants, spa services and some fun extras like martini classes or dance lessons. Getting off the ship at port of call is always free of course, but if you’d like to take an organized shore excursion, there is always an additional fee.
10. How do cruises handle food allergies?
Most cruise lines can work with a range of food allergies, but only in the formal dining rooms. I highly recommend that you speak with a vacation planner at the cruise line of your choice about this topic, as each cruise line handles food allergies differently.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you get the very best in cruise experience and at the very best value. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours, Inc.
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
No comments:
Post a Comment