Cruise Ship

Traveling by cruise is an excellent way to see several ports of call in one trip. Unlike a car, train or airplane, children have the means of moving around and having fun doing various activities, while traveling.

Choosing a Ship: When considering a cruise be careful to choose a cruise ship that is family-oriented. There are many cruise companies who cater to older people, such as retirees. Although these may be luxurious ships, they may not be the most fun and rewarding experiences for your child. If you or your child have never been on a cruise, it is best to start with a short cruise, say 3 or 4 nights. This would allow everyone to get acquainted with life at sea, especially when you consider the small cabin you will be sharing (cabin sizes do vary and can get expensive, check with the cruise operator or your travel agent).

Another aspect to consider is the age of the ship. An older ship that has not been renovated can have rooms that are old, worn and musty. A newer ship will have better amenities and nicer rooms. If your budget allows, we recommend a cabin with a balcony or veranda. This can be a fun experience for any child and a great escape for parents once the little ones are asleep.

Booking your Cruise:

Cabin Selection: Cabin sizes and prices vary according to location and amenities. You will find an inside cabin will typically be cheaper than an outside cabin due to the views of the ocean. Some cabins may be bigger or have verandas. The preference is yours when choosing a cabin. Just a few points you will want to consider. The front and back of the ship are not the best locations. You will feel more movement and hear the dropping of the anchor (very early in the morning) in these locations. The best location for minimal movement and less noise is the middle of the ship on the lower levels such as the second or third from the bottom floor cabins.

Discounts: You can find lots of discounts on cruise ships through various travel agencies. Sometimes you may find great deals either a year in advance of your vacation or a few weeks before the ship sets sail (when a ship needs to fill up cabins). If while on your cruise vacation you find that you have enjoyed it so much you would like to do it again, there are travel counselors on board to help you plan your next cruise which may also be discounted.

Dietary Needs: Be sure to mention to your travel agent any dietary restrictions you may have. If given plenty of notice, the cruiseline staff will have time to plan a special meal to meet your needs.

Insurance: Cruise travel insurance is optional. However, we highly recommend you get it especially when traveling with children. There are two types of plans so be sure to do your research. First, travel insurance is used if there is an illness and you need to cancel with a doctor's note. Second, travel protection is used prior to your trip if you need to cancel for any reason. There are different variations of each. Some insurance will cover pre-existing medical issues and others will not. You must read the policy closely and choose the insurance plan that best suits you and your family.

Packages: If you plan to stay a few nights at your origin location or the final destination, you may consider a travel package. These pre and post packages can include hotel, sightseeing tours, car rental, transfers and meals. Be sure to consult your travel agent for the best package that is right for you.

Boarding Day:

Transfers: If you will be flying to the ship origin, we recommend adding transfers to your cruise package. Transfers include a baggage handler who meets you in baggage claim to take care of your luggage and whisk you to the cruise ship terminal. Upon arrival you do not have to worry about your luggage since they handle it all for you. There is an extra fee for this but it makes life much easier rather than dealing with taxi's, carrying the luggage and checking it all in at the cruise terminal

Luggage: Once you arrive at the terminal be sure you have your passports, ID’s, tickets, etc. out of your luggage and readily available to check in. Once your luggage has been checked in you may not see it until that evening. If you are in need of a sweater, medications, formula, toys, favorite stuff animal or blanket, be sure to pack it in a carry-on bag. Also be prepared to stay in the clothes you have on when you arrive since you will not have your luggage for several hours.

Eat: If you arrive when boarding begins, usually around lunch time, grab a bite in the dining room. The staff will be there to serve you lunch when you board.

Beverage Plan: Most cruise lines now a days do not include a beverage of any sort, other than water with the meal. So we advise you purchase a beverage plan which covers any sodas and juice anytime during your vacation. Sometimes buffets will have a couple of beverage choices for free.

Reserve Your Dining: Many family oriented cruise ships have an adult dining experience available. For an extra cost you can switch one of your nights in the regular dining room with a higher end dining experience which can last several hours. Many do not allow children so be sure you also have a sitter lined up. To ensure your spot in one of these upper scale dining rooms, be sure to book it when you board the ship as seating is subject to availability.

Excursion Booking: If you plan to do an excursion at any point during your cruise, book it before you board. However, if you still are not sure which one you want to do, you can still book some excursions (upon availability). There are excursion counselors on board to help you plan the perfect outing while at port.

Safety Drill: Every person on board will have to attend the safety drill. All the information is located in your cabin on the specific location you need to be when the drill begins. It is important that the whole family knows what to do in case of an emergency. The drill does not last very long so you will have plenty of time to get ready for the fun.

Onboard Activities: Take advantage of all the fun activities the cruise ship has to offer. Itineraries are usually distributed the night before. If you are traveling on a family friendly cruise, there are usually child friendly activities throughout the day, everyday. Your child will enjoy everything from movies, shows, swimming in the pools, and kid’s club activities.

Eating: Be aware of the food on the cruise ship. It is pretty common for people to gain weight while vacationing on a cruise. The food on board may be delicious but not the most nutritious. Although you can eat as much as you want or order as much as you want, try not to get carried away with the constant barrage of food and drinks presented to you and your child. Food is available around the clock, so stay focused on regular eating schedules. Try a simple room service one day if you prefer, it’s also included!

Dress Code: Cruise vacations have become much more relaxed in recent years on the dress code. There is usually one formal night on a 3 or 4 night cruise and two formal nights on a 7 day cruise. However, formal does not mean tuxedo and full length gown any more. Now you will find dress codes for the formal dinner to be “Sunday Attire” type dress. If you are dining in the specialty dining, they also require a more formal attire rather than casual.

Excursions: Participating in excursions off the ship are a must. It is highly recommended that you book excursions in advance of your cruise or as soon as you board, as they tend to sell out fairly quickly. Cruise ship excursions can get very pricey.

For a cheaper, on-the-fly way to experience your cruise stop, consider doing it on your own. Taxis are always available at the ports to take you anywhere. For example, when traveling to Ocho Rios you may want to consider going to Dunn’s River Falls. Although the cruise ship may offer an excursion package to the falls, a short cab ride and entrance price may turn out much cheaper. Remember, cab fares can be negotiated, where excursions from cruise lines can not. Be careful where you decide to do your own side trips. Do your research beforehand as some cruise ship excursion packages may end up being the same price or a safer option (consider the country you are in).

Communication: While on your vacation you may want to have contact with the world outside of the ship. There are several methods you can use. While on the ship you could use the internet cafés or the in room phones to communicate with your job or family. There are fees for both, although the phones can be pricey (about $15 per minute). Another alternative would be to use your own cell phone, if you have coverage. For the cheapest method, we recommend buying a phone card at the port and using a phone on land to make your call.

While on board the ship, you may want to communicate with family if you intend to separate. A cruise ship can be very large so we suggest bringing two-way radios to keep track of where family members might be at various times while on the ship.

Shopping: Many of the ports of call are catered to those who love to shop. You will find a multitude of local crafts, art, jewelry, perfumes and alcohol. All items should be duty free. If you make purchases of alcohol, the shop will deliver it to the ship for you. Many times we found prices in the ship’s duty free shop to be just as good, but do your homework.

Money: While we are on the subject of shopping, you may want to consider these tips regarding money. You really do not need any cash while on the ship. When you board you will be given a card that is like a credit card to use while you are on the ship. The card is used for everything from drinks, spa treatments, excursions, casinos, shops and photos. Since this can get dangerous, we recommend you check your account periodically via your cabin TV to make sure you are spending within your budget.

You only need cash if you want to use it in local markets at the ports. Many ports do accept the US dollar but we would also recommend using your credit cards for any large purchases, which are normally accepted. You may also need cash if you intend to use it for tipping at the end of your cruise. All tipping can be prepaid when you book your cruise. However, if you wish to pay in cash at the end, it is customary to tip accordingly. The standard is $3 per person in your cabin/per day for the Head Waiter and Steward each, and $1.50 per person in your cabin/per day for the Assistant Waiter. For those of you who need to budget this beforehand that would come out to about $210 for a party of four on a 7 night cruise.

Final Destination Arrival: Chances are your ship will arrive early in the morning at your final destination. Many people try to rush off the ship to catch early flights out which can cause extended waiting times to get off the ship. If you do not have to catch a flight, take your time getting off. Have breakfast or take a walk around the ship. Simply relax and take your time. Your vacation is coming to its end, don't rush it!

Be sure to also review Universal Tips for more travel information.

Last update : 20-02-2008 20:54