Do’s and Don’ts For Conscientious Cruise Ship Passengers

Do’s and Don’ts For Conscientious Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruising over the past two decades has reached a level of popularity not seen since the introduction of passenger jets. Themed cruises catering to everyone from singles and cinephiles to heavy metal fans and jazz buffs are all the rage, whether the destination is deep in the Caribbean or a short run up and down the Pacific coast.

Part of cruising’s 21^st century attraction is that it’s comparatively stress free – just show up, check into your cabin and let the captain and crew handle the rest. If you are looking to hit the high seas this year, here are some initial do’s and don’ts to consider while waiting for your ship to come in.

Do understand what is and isn’t included in your fare, as most cruises are not all-inclusive. Your base fare will likely include accommodations, entertainment and select food and beverages, as well as transportation between each port of call. Beyond that, you might be on the hook.

Don’t assume that all cruise lines and ships are the same. This is particularly relevant in an era of rapid cruise-industry expansion. Conduct the research need to ensure potential ships meet you and your family’s specific needs before booking your cruise.

Do make sure your flight arrives the day before the ship departs. It is tempting to want to fly in the day of to save money on a hotel and take less time off of work. However, even if you book the earliest departure, a single flight delay can cause you to miss the ship. And remember that, depending on your itinerary, you may not be allowed to meet up with the ship at another port of call.

Don’t book a cruise just because it is cheap. Sometimes, you will come across a deal that seems too good to be true, and that is probably because it is. If you find a rate that is $200 per person for a 4-night cruise, you will likely end up paying more than that when all is said and done, as things like port fees, gratuities, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi are not included in that initial fare. Do research each port of call prior to coming aboard. This will make it easier to book once-in-a-lifetime excursions, such as riding up to the top of a glacier in Alaska via helicopter, snorkeling with sea turtles or visiting ancient Mayan ruins. It also will enhance your experience by deepening your knowledge and understanding of each port’s history and culture.

Don’t skip the cruise travel insurance. When you are planning your picture-perfect vacation, you never want to think about the worst-case scenario. Life, however, happens. You may get ill prior to embarkation or miss a connecting flight. This is why it is important to purchase travel insurance, as it ensures that you will be covered if things do not go as planned.
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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.