The Definitive Guide to Going on the Perfect Cruise – Part Three

So we're still on a cruise, on our way to some enchanted land. It's a great weather today, and the air is warm, and so are everyone's smiles. Here's more of what you can expect in a ship cruise.

Onboard Activities
All in all, it’s virtually impossible to be bored on a cruise ship. There are ongoing activities throughout the day, which are usually free of charge. Contests, games, bingo, clay shooting, dance, Tai Chi and golf lessons, karaoke and sing-a-longs, etc. Swimming or relaxing in a spa or hot tub.

Children and Young Teenagers on Board
All mainstream cruise ships offer organized programmes that cater to the entire family. These programmes are usually categorized by age, which include age-appropriate activities.

Not Inclue in Cruise's Fees

Tips
Beverages
Spa Treatments
Hairdressers
Dry cleaning
Laundry services
Shore Excursions
Guidelines to Extra Expenses

When paying for your cruise the tips will NOT be included, although you can pre-pay your tips if the cruise liner will agree to it. Some cruise lines automatically add the recommended tip amount to your account at the time of sailing. You can decide to adjust this amount based on the service received.

The onboard hospitality crew and general staffing crew earn much of their money in tips. Make no mistake, they do EARN IT – their shifts are long and they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and well-looked after on your holiday. You won’t find better waiters, stewards, bartenders, and cabin staff anywhere.

Most cruise lines have ‘recommended tipping rates’ that can start at $10.00 per day per guest. These tips are then distributed among the personnel that service your every need for the included cruise items such as stateroom stewards, waiters, bartenders, and general cabin staff.

Spa Treatments
All cruise ships offer excellent technicians for spa treatments such as massage, facials, waxing, manicure, and pedicures. Hairdressers are available as well. Of course, all of these are extra, but are they worth it, and you’ll always look your best without much effort. Another tip, book in as soon as you get on board for your first service and you can book ongoing services easily or you’ll miss out. These services fill up very quickly.

Shore Excursions
Unfortunately, shore excursions are not included. There are dozens of things to do when your ship docks at the beautiful exotic destinations. Don’t let your next holiday turn into a fiasco. Cruise lines make it extremely easy for you to book excursions on-line even before you board the ship. If you prefer you can book shore excursions once you board.

The Best Hints to Remember

Budget for your on board expenses and include the spending money for any on shore shopping excursions.
Keep track of your spending by retaining all receipts
Check your account balance each day.
Book your shore excursions ahead of time so you won’t be disappointed.
Take care when going on tour alone. Even though most people on shore rely on tourists for their income, it’s easy to become prey to misadventure.
Don’t purchase any foodstuffs that are suspicious. Rather be safe than sorry.
Don’t buy any food that cannot be consumed before you reach your departure port.
Don’t buy anything on shore if you believe it may be confiscated by customs once you are home.

The best tip to remember is to check everything with your travel agent before paying for your cruise. If you need to find a travel agent in a hurry just browse free online classifieds, and do some shopping around for the best prices. Ask questions and then ask some more. They are there to assist you to have a really good holiday. If your travel agent doesn’t know much about the cruise line then it may be better to find another agent, otherwise you can get in touch directly with the cruise line. Bon voyage!
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