Embrace the art of cruising
A holiday for young and old who want a bit of adventure in a safe luxurious manner
For those people who say, “Cruising isn’t for me,” I say, “You just need to try it.”
For us, choosing a cruising holiday is a “no- brainer” as there are very few, if any, negatives. Cruising is no longer a holiday for just the older generation or the wealthy.
It is for all people, young and old, who want a bit of adventure in a safe and luxurious manner. It certainly isn’t boring and it is a great way to have a multi- generational reunion or to get people to meet who come from different places. A ship wedding is also an interesting concept — the guests continue on for the honeymoon. Rooms can vary according to budgets but all will enjoy the same activities on board.
With so many cruise lines, so many destinations, and so many varied itineraries, there is a cruise for everyone. My husband and I have been fortunate to enjoy several cruises as have other members of our family and many of our friends, and none of us have had a bad experience. We are not totally devoted to one favourite line as we place destination and itinerary, as well as price point ahead of a specific company. We have enjoyed more than one cruise on board Holland America, Princess, Carnival and Norwegian Cruiseline but have also tried other lines.
On any cruise prepare to be spoiled. You will have a great hotel room that moves with you and you only have to unpack once. You will have excellent dining options, entertainment in lounges and shows to rival Las Vegas, as many activities you can fit in each day, or a much relaxation as you wish. The service, from room stewards, to dining room staff, to deck hands, to store clerks is top notch. You are made to feel special as the staff remembers your name and offers up the little extras such as turndown service each night, a great array of towel animals to greet you in your stateroom and chocolates on the pillow at bed time. There are many special events offered throughout a cruise and the more you cruise the more of these you are invited to. There are also clubs for the younger set and those who really want “to party.”
On sea days you can play Bingo, go to the casino, enjoy the pools and hot tubs, go to the gym or spa, walk the promenade deck, read in the library, go to church, watch a movie, sing karaoke or be part of a talent show, go to lectures and classes, play trivia and pool games, go down a water slide, climb a wall, do “Run for the Cure,” browse the shops, sharpen your golf game or listen to live music in various lounges. You can do most of these activities for free. There is even a medical centre if you or someone in your party needs it.
You will meet new and interesting people with whom to share cruising stories or gain new ideas. Sea days are meant to be relaxing but you can make them as busy as you want. You can always find a quiet spot on your own if that’s what you desire and you can watch the water and the world go by as you look for sea life or simply let your mind drift.
Shore days are busy ones and you want to plan these carefully, especially if you only get a few hours in a given port. Many people choose shore excursions through the cruise line ( this way you will not get lost and will always be back to the ship on time) and there are always many to choose from, something to suit everyone. These excursions can even be booked from home before starting the cruise. Many travellers plan their own shore excursions through local independent companies which can be booked online before leaving home or use local transportation such as trains, buses and subways while they are in a port. These are usually cheaper and information about them can be learned from past cruisers and Internet sites such as Cruise Critic. Sometimes it’s fun to plan very little and just get off the ship and explore the port area on your own. Getting “off the beaten track” can give you a much better view and taste for a place. Just remember to be back to the ship on time.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is important so that you can make the most of your time in a port. It helps to read up on the history and culture of a place as well as the special things to see and do. It’s handy to know a few words in the native language, be aware of some of the customs and perhaps have a small amount of the local currency. On shore days it’s fun to eat off the ship and sample the native cuisine. If you don’t want to do this you can always go back to the ship for all your meals.
Dining
You will never be hungry when you cruise. All meals and snacks are included and there is somewhere to eat 24 hours a day as well as room service if you don’t want to leave your cabin. Most cruise lines have now gone away from strictly set seating but also include “As You Wish,” “Personal Choice” or “Freestyle” dining so you can dine when it suits you. For those who like a set time at a set table that is still an option. You can always order extra servings, request special foods and have dietary concerns addressed.
Cruisers no longer have to dress “to the nines” for dinner, and “smart casual” is the accepted dress code, just no shorts or beachwear at meal times in the dining rooms. All ships have less formal dining in the buffets and it’s nice to use these facilities and take your food out on the deck or poolside, especially during the day time. Meals are typically several courses and the choices are endless. Servings are not huge so you can enjoy plenty of variety without always feeling stuffed. Many ships have specialty restaurants where passengers can eat in a fancier atmosphere for an additional charge.
Alcoholic drinks on most cruise lines are not free and neither are fancy coffees, bottled water or soft drinks. Many people enjoy drinks in the privacy of their cabins and many lines allow passengers to bring wine and beer on board in each port. For a small corkage fee you will be allowed to bring your own wine to the table. We find it fun and part of the experience to buy local wine and beer when in port and enjoy it when back on board.
Some lines, smaller pricier ones, do include drinks and excursions in their package price.
At your service
Services on board ship are extensive. There is a photo department, front desk service, an Internet café and a casino. On some ships there’s even a laundromat or laundry services for a small fee which is great when you are on a long cruise. Security is usually pretty tight and the ships are always very clean. No one wants an outbreak of Norwalk virus. Mandatory lifeboat drill always takes place on the first day of the cruise, just in case. There is no need to carry cash or keys with you while on board as your cruise card acts as your room key, charge card and boarding card when off the ship.
Transportation
Getting to and from a ship is another thing to work out at each end of a cruise. The arrangements can be booked through the cruise line or on your own through companies such as Super Shuttle or even the hotel you are staying at. In some ports you can use public transportation such as buses and taxis in New York and the Canada Line in Vancouver. You can also drive yourself and then store the car for the duration of the cruise. This makes an Alaskan cruise out of Vancouver so easy.
Scenic appeal
On any given cruise there will be favourite ports of call based on location, history, scenery, famous sites or specialty items synonymous with an area. Whether it is based on scenic or historic appeal, some ports will really stand out and so will the arrival or departure from some ports. For us these would include: New York City and sailing by the Statue of Liberty, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Lions Gate in Vancouver, heading out of Sydney Harbour in Australia, cruising the fiords of New Zealand, arriving in Venice near St. Mark’s Square and being almost on the Grand Canal, pulling out of the harbour in Monaco, doing the transit of the Panama Canal, going around the famous arches of Los Cabos, Mexico, enjoying all the beach areas of the Caribbean, taking in the glaciers of Alaska, and floating by icebergs nearly as big as the ship and watching penguins galore in Antarctica.
From time to time there are cruising stories that give the industry a bad name but these are really few and far between considering the number of ships and destinations there are today. Safety and illness ( we have never even been seasick) are usually not issues to worry about. Ships are not crowded and are certainly not boring. A cruise can provide a wonderful holiday for everyone, and considering all that is included, a cruise can also be a very affordable way to travel. Where else can you have your transportation, hotel, meals, and entertainment all in the same place and for one price? A cruise gives you a chance to see so many of the world’s fascinating places. We will continue to travel as long as we are able and will always consider a cruise as our means of doing so.