Hopping on flights from one place to another (say on business class flights to St. Lucia) has its benefits. But taking a cruise has a charm of its own.
Booking your first cruise can be perplexing, as there’s so much choice and so much information out there.
You may come across different cheap options online. But if you are a first timer, it is wise to know all the details before you book a cruise.
- Book through a specialist
A good travel agent such as White Magic Travels will enquire extensively about your taste, people accompanying you, their age range, places you have holidayed in the recent past, even on flights to Trinidad from London… Some travel agents may push certain cruise lines with whom they have commission agreements with. So, always ask for various recommendations.
- Know about your fellow passengers
Different cruise lines/ships attract different kinds of people. You may choose according to your preference- singles/solo cruises, family cruises, adults only, couples cruises or luxury cruises, etc.
- Start with a shorter cruise if you are a first-timer
Take a mini-cruise to acclimatize yourself. Once you have had an experience of a short one, you may then go on the longer ones. Else you may take flights to Memphis from UK.
- Be organised
It is a good idea to make tours of the ship on the first day; you’ll get to know the ship and a bit about how it functions.
- Know the currency on the cruise
On any cruise that isn’t all-inclusive, you’re likely to spend quite a bit of money during your holidays. Spend judiciously.
- Buy drink packages thoughtfully
Drink-packages offered by cruises may vary from cruise to cruise. There are endless variations. Consider your budget and itinerary before investing.
- Minimise full sea days
If you have never sailed before, you may be concerned about seasickness. You can minimise the ‘sea-days’ (when the ship sails all day and stops lesser) by flying straight to last ports; say on cheap flights to Memphis to cruise to New Orleans.
- Inform if you have any difficulty
If you’re not happy with something; the crew behind the reception desk/cabin steward are there to help.
- A special tip
There are many luxury cruise lines that includes gratuities and service fee in the passenger bills. You should tip, only if it is not included in base charges.
Cruising makes you realize how insignificant your worries are; being in the middle of the huge water bodies! Toss out your troubles into the waters and have fun!