Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
10 BEST CRUISE TIPS
Check with a cruise specialist and get the very best for you
best HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Ensure you make mention of any pre-existing illnesses to your cruise consultant. Medicare does not cover you at sea, even in Australian waters. And you’ll be required to cover your own medical costs if you’re uninsured. Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to mention anything regarding your health, as your consultant wants to make sure if you need to make a claim it is not rejected. And check all gyms and classes to ensure the exercises and activities suit your level.
10 best budget plans
First, build your itinerary around the cruise. Add in as much as you can before you go aboard. Work out what you want to do before and after the cruise, such as hotels and transfers. This dictates your airfare and away you go! Depending on what the cruise line offers, try to include as much as possible in the actual fare by adding in what matters, for example, drinks packages, shore excursions, wifi and gratuities. Pay as much as possible up front, so there are no surprises. This provides a framework to work out your budget. Finally, ensure comprehensive insurance to cover everything you’ve pre-purchased, in case you need to cancel for some unforeseen reason.
LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND TRY NEW THINGS – YOU MIGHT JUST ADORE THEM!
BIG SHIPS SMALL SHIPS AND AMAZING RIVERS – AT SOME POINT YOU SHOULD TRY ALL THREE
7 best cruise types You may have an idea of where you wish to cruise but need more info to make a happy decision. So your personal preferences are a major factor. Those looking for in-depth cultural immersions have different needs to those after adventure or, indeed, just a relaxing cruise. Ship size matters also. Read the itinerary carefully to ensure your activity needs are being met. Cruises are seasonal and some areas have short seasons so timing may influence your decision, too. Thus plan and book early. Depending on your physical ability, you may wish to avoid cruises with too many tender ports (where ships transfer guests ashore on smaller boats) or countries without basic easy-access infrastructure. best is Big, small river or ocean?
Big ships offer countless great activities, onboard facilities, fabulous destinations and dining options, all perfect for groups, families or those who choose the ship as their destination. Smaller ships are best for more intimate cruise experiences, educational elements and smaller unusual ports but may be more physically demanding. Your budget may also play a role as smaller ships are often more expensive.
River cruises have less facilities and activities but can immerse you into so many exciting countries, with easy access to local villages, walks, events and more – and are great for guests with motion sickness.
5 best for dining
Onboard dining has become a muchcelebrated event of the cruise experience. Gone are the days of drab smorgasbords from bain-maries. There are multiple dining options featuring a multitude of cuisines, some with celebrity chefs or well-known restaurant chains. Others may have a theatrical element or even boast Michelin Star ratings. In addition to included dining, many lines now offer specialty dining that serves a higher culinary experience for an added price. This should be booked in advance through your onboard account as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Check all restaurants, bistros, cafes and bars on cruises you are considering before booking. Go yum!
best OUT-OF-THEWAY DESTINATIONS
Getting back to nature and up close to polar bears in the Arctic must be on your travel bucket list! There has been a huge increase in the popularity of these areas with new cruising and advanced ice-breaking technology to access previously untouched places, with minimal impact to the environment. Greenland, Iceland and Spitsbergen itineraries are at the top of the list, and for more rugged adventurers, the Northeast or Northwest passage itineraries sell out upon release. Icy and magnificent!
best for going solo Talk to everyone for ideas! And before you go, ask your travel consultant to register you for any solo special offers with low or no single supplements, and with ships with dedicated solo staterooms. When you’re aboard, find a fellow passenger sitting on their own and chat to them. Some of the best friendships are made on cruises. Ask waiters if there are others travelling alone and join them. Go to the singles’ mingle events, which are so often heaps of fun. And ask about cruise ships that cater more for the solo traveller with onboard events to make socialising easy. And enjoy! best for kids
Ask yourself lots of questions! What is your dream holiday? What is more important, the facilities or the destination? Are the kids teens who are old enough for water-slides and racier activities or would they feel happier with amazing kids’ club facilities where they’re kept busy with littlies’ stuff all day? Would they be excited by characters like Shrek and Mickey Mouse or teen hideaways? Given the growth in multi-generational cruising, many ships now offer fantastic facilities for all ages. So ask about all kid-friendly cruises. And ensure you’ll be happy too, as everyone needs a good time!
Specialist cruising travel agents are there to find your perfect cruise because when it comes to choosing, the options are now greater than ever. Size, price, offerings destinations, seasons and specials are endless. So make the Cruise Line International Association agents (CLIA) your first port of call and read on for their best tips for you. Visit cruising.org.au.
1 BEST time to cruise
Travelling slightly out of season avoids the large tourist crowds that key destinations such as Croatia and Alaska are likely to bring during the high summer months.
It’s also important when choosing your dates to match your time with your reason for travelling to that destination. For example, if you are travelling to Alaska to see bears, late August and early September, at the end of the season, are actually the best. However, if you want to see snow-capped mountains, early in the season before June, will be the best time for you. But always enquire.
2 BEST TIME TO BOOK
If you’re choosing a ship, departure date and destination for a specific reason, such as an Expedition Cruise to see the Northern Lights, or you have chosen your cruise for its inclusions and on-board facilities, then the sooner the better. If you’re after a great offer on a particular departure, then following the cruise company’s deadlines of that offer is always going to net you a great deal.
Most ships fill from the top, meaning if you want a specific suite/cabin type or location, you are best to secure that as soon as possible. If you are more flexible with your reason and location on the ship, then often a lastminute deal could work for you.