The thought of spending your holiday on board a cruise ship can thrill you no end. Your feeling or thought is well justified. Thus, it is easy to understand why this form of travel has gained such popularity.
There remains, however, ex-cruisers who would rather pursue a different mode of travel or rather spend their vacation on dry lands. Not everyone is pleased with their first (and maybe last) cruising attempt.
There are many possible reasons why you can be disgruntled with cruising. For one thing, choices in most cruises aren’t always clearly spelled out so you end up paying hidden charges. If you are on a tight budget, you’ll unlikely go cruising again with such a bad experience. With a few tips, you can have a wonderful holiday in the high seas. You either pick these up from your experiences or from this post 7 Ways to Improve Your Cruise by the Travel Channel – Cruises Section.
“… there are a multitude of ways to put a little zip in your next cruise. Here are 7 of them:”
- Get There the Night Before — and Extend the Fun.
If you want a relaxing start, fly or drive into the port city the day before. You don’t have to miss the cruise due to delayed flights bad weather and other unpredictable events. There are pre- and post-cruise stays that offer amenities such as free shuttles to the cruise ship or parking if you drive all the way.
- Say ‘Bon Voyage’ in Style.
Your ship can indulge you and your better half with a romantic or elegant welcome to your suite and before sailing off. Such splurge can lift the shroud of reservation and make you feel relaxed. Upon reservation, find out the extras to pay for, perhaps a bottle of chilled sparkling wine o champagne and a dozen of long-stemmed roses.
- Stay Away From the Pool.
If your idea of a cruise is spending every waking moment in the pool area, you’re in for some disappointment. That’s exactly what everyone has in mind too! Instead, find out about other amenities on board, such as a restaurant or bar with alfresco seating, and decide how else you can enjoy the sun, the decks, etc. Inquire too about the stops and the shore excursions.
- Eat on Your Terms.
Though group eating is common and is encouraged in many cruises at a prescribed time, you are by no means compelled to do so when it is not your thing. Find out about your other options. Knowing the schedules of the calls on ports and departures can help you plan a local dinner. To get the best out of your foods/meals it pays to know your options.
- Stay on the Ship.
If you are on a budget or would love to enjoy the pool when most guests are ashore, it is one great opportunity for you. One truth you must know about shore excursions is how hurried everything is. You may just end up regretting spending when you haven’t got much out of the experience.
- Get a Spa Pass.
Spas are in great demand in cruise ships. You either pay for an overpriced massage or settled for the freebies offered in most cruises. Just like the pool, you may also wait for the time when the ship’s on a port call and most of the guests are ashore. Then you can enjoy all the spa freebies in solitude.
- Go to the Disco.
Even when you are not a fanatic, dancing is good, especially after sumptuous meals. There are a whole lot of great experiences on board if you will try to be more adventurous or bolder.
For more detailed tips about food, drinks, cabins, entertainments and “line-specific secrets”, you can turn to this Cruise Critic post Secrets the Cruise Lines Don’t Tell You. Do your research and you’ll be more empowered when you embark on a cruise voyage and try to live the dream holiday you’ve been dreaming all your life. These little zips can mean a whole magical experience for you and your perception of cruising.
