Essential Cruise Tips

In this episode of Essential Cruise Tips Gary Bembridge, cruise author and expert, share six activities that are no longer allowed on cruise ships. These were covered in an article on CruiseFever.net and include: Messages in a bottle. Streamers at sailaway. Hitting golf balls into the ocean. Smoking in the dining rooms and staterooms. Visits from friends and family on embarkation day. Skeet shooting. Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you do not miss out on other cruise tips on iTunes or Stitcher Radio

  In this episode Gary Bembridge, cruise expert and author, shares another Essential Cruise Tip. Four First-Time Cruise Tips I was asked by "Cruise International Magazine" to provide a few tips for first-time cruisers for an article they were doing with suggestions from different cruise writers and bloggers. These are the four that I provided: (1) Chose your cruise line very carefully. Think about, and ideally write down, what is important to you on a vacation and use that as a checklist when deciding which line to travel with. Most key itineraries are covered by multiple cruise lines but they offer very different on-board experiences. If you want a party atmosphere you don’t want to find yourself on a line focused on traditional and quiet enrichment programs. If you want to avoid children you don’t want to be on a line that caters mostly for families. (2) Use a cruise agent. Booking a cruise is complex. You need to select the right line, the most suitable cabin and understand what is included and excluded i

In this episode Gary Bembridge, cruise expert and author, shares another Essential Cruise Tip. How to become a cruise on-board guest speaker It is not easy and it is not a dream job as you will find most speakers have to pay a fee for each day they are on board to the agency that finds them assignment, cover their own travel to the ship and costs whilst on the ship like gratuities and drinks. They will, however, be given accommodation, food and be able to bring a guest with them. In return they usually have to give one talk per sea day at most. There are three main types of guest speakers: destination experts, enrichment experts (talking about a topic like history, crime etc) and workshop hosts (e.g. bridge or painting). Most assignments are obtained through agents that specialise in finding speakers for the cruise lines and include: CruiseShipSpeakers.com http://cruiseshipspeakers.com CruiseShipSpeakers.net http://cruiseshipspeakers.net CompassSpeakers.com http://www.compassspeakers.com SixthStar.com http:/

  In episode 101 of 60-Second Cruise Tips, cruise expert and author Gary Bembridge shares another cruising tip. This one he talks about the nine tips that an article by CruiseFever.net suggested you use to get a cabin upgrade on a cruise. The tips are: Choose the slow season for better chances of an upgrade. Book through a travel agent. Get a more expensive cabin in the first place. Hope for the chain reaction effect. Mention your special occasion for cruising. Wait until the second day of the cruise before asking. Choose your ship wisely. Go cruising more often on same line. Go for the TBA (To be Assigned) booking. Find out more and to review the original article visit http://cruisefever.net/how-to-get-cabin-upgrades-on-a-cruise-ship/ Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you do not miss out on other cruise tips on iTunes or Stitcher Radio  

In episode 100 of 60-Second Cruise Tips, cruise expert and author Gary Bembridge shares another cruising tip. This one is for a new and different cruise excursion option called resortforaday.com Their sell day passes to beach resorts across many of the main Caribbean ports including Jamaica, Cozumel, Bermuda, Cabo San Lucas, Curacao, Spain, St. Thomas, Nassau, Freeport, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, Barbados, Roatan, San Juan & Tobago. The passes must be booked before you head off on your cruise as they are not sold on board or on arrival. You can cancel up to 11 days before your departure and will get a full refund if the ship does not call at the destination. Find out more and review their FAQs at resortforaday.com. They have a Live Chat customer service online to also answer queries. Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you do not miss out on other cruise tips on iTunes or Stitcher Radio

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, cruise expert and author Gary Bembridge shares another cruising tip. This episode is: Avoiding Group Cruises I have had travellers contact me saying they have been on a cruise and found that there has been a large group or themed event taking place that swamped the ship, affected their access to amenities and changed the atmosphere of the ship. Leading to a less enjoyable trip. Cruise lines are not obliged, nor inclined, to let people know that a large group has taken out a booking on their ships. With themed cruises and interest groups arranging cruise-based events, there is a growing risk that you could be affected. So how can you check if a large motorbike enthusiast event or other activity is going to be taking place on your cruise? There are three things you can do: Use the site http://themecruisefinder.com, as it has the largest database of forthcoming events, from small to large and is the best resource. Check on here for your planned cruise. To make it

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: Seasickness Seasickness is unpleasant and cruise lines do everything they can to reduce the probability of you suffering from it. Steps they take include scheduling and sailing itineraries that minimise the chance of encountering rough seas, using ships equipped with stabilisers to help keep the ship steady in rough seas and swells and taking advantage of modern radar systems to avoid poor weather. If you are concerned or prone to seasickness there are a number of steps you can take such as traveling in a cabin in the middle of the ship and low down as movement is least here and take over-the-counter motion sickness pills like dimenhydrinate (marketed as Dramamine, Gravol, etc.) in North America and cinnarazine (marketed as Stugeron or Stunarone) in Europe. You must buy them before you go. T

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: Independent Provider Excursions

 If you only consider the shore excursions sold by your cruise line you may be missing out on saving money and discovering exciting alternatives by using independent providers. There are a number of large companies, including ShoreTrips.com and Viator.com, that offer comprehensive programs alongside those for sale on board.

You need to make the final choice on which is right for you. The following are some reasons for booking an excursion with an independent provider: They have tours that may not be available through the cruise line, especially when addressing special interest, hobby and sport excursions. They often provide day passes to local resorts where you can use all the swimming, water sports and land-based sport facilities. When they have simi

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: Cruise line Excursions If you only consider the shore excursions sold by your cruise line you may be missing out on saving money and discovering exciting alternatives by using independent providers. There are a number of large companies, including ShoreTrips.com and Viator.com, that offer comprehensive programs alongside those for sale on board. You need to make the final choice on which is right for you. The following are some reasons for going with cruise line excursions: * They have run the tours many times and know passengers like you enjoy them. * They have validated and verified the quality and reliability of the operator and guides. * It is convenient and easy to book online through the cruise line’s site before the voyage or on board. * You can apply any on-board credits you have a

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: The Advantages of Cruising There are many advantages that cruising has over land-based vacations. The following are some of the key ones: Inclusive fares. A cruise fare will include your accommodation, cruising from port to port, meals, and entertainment. Some premium lines also include drinks, gratuities and excursions. You are likely to spend a fair amount on board on items like gratuities, drinks, excursions, gambling and Internet access. However, these are at your discretion. Packing. You only have to pack before and at the end of the cruise and not every time you visit a new destinations you would have to do on land. Travel time is part of your vacation. You are able to relax and enjoy the facilities of the ship as you sail between destinations. You do not loose time commuting to ai

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: What is a ship’s Godmother? It is a long-standing tradition for ships to have a “Godmother”. These are people who bless and name the ship and wish it, and all who travel on it, safe passage. In recent times the choice of the Godmother has become a major marketing tool, as it can create additional PR and news coverage. The British Royal family have taken the role over many decades, including Katherine Duchess of Cambridge for Princess Cruises Royal Princess. Diana, Princess of Wales, having named an earlier incarnation. Her Majesty the Queen has named a number of ships including Cunard Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth, and P&O Cruises Britannia. Movies stars are another popular choice with people like Helen Mirran for P&O Ventura, Sophia Loren for MSC, Joanna Lumley for Viking Odin

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: Cruising while Pregnant Heading off on a cruise when you are pregnant may sound like an appealing idea. A chance to relax and be pampered before your new baby changes your life, and makes lots of demands on your time and energy for years to come. However, almost all cruise lines have limitations about carrying pregnant women. A review of the policies I did shows that you will need to be less than 24 weeks pregnant by time the cruise ends before you will be accepted. As requirements can change, you should always check with your agent or the line before booking.Many cruise lines will ask for a medical certificate from your doctor confirming that both mother and baby are in good health, that it is not a high-risk pregnancy and confirm the expected date of delivery  which has been calculated from

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: Cruise contract watch-outs When you book and pay your fare you are agreeing to the terms of the cruise line contract. You are unlikely to be given a copy of it but can access it online, in the brochure or requesting a copy from your cruise agent. Here are a few things to be aware of: Refuse to let you cruise: You are likely to have agreed that the line can refuse to take a booking or carry you for any reason. They will only refund the cost of the cruise if they do. Search rights: You are likely to be consenting to searches being made of your person, baggage or other property, and to the removal and confiscation or destruction of anything the line feels is a safety issue, illegal or will adversely affect other passengers and crew. Independent contractors: Many of the facilities on ships are c

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: How much luggage can you take?Cruise ships usually do not place limits on how much luggage you can take. However when planning what to take you should consider the following: Weight Restrictions. If flying to catch your cruise you need to stay within the weight limits of the airline to avoid excess baggage charges. Self-disembarking. While cruise lines will usually take your bags to and from your cabin to the port terminal at the start and end of your trip, consider if you want to self-disembark at the end of your cruise. You will have to be able to comfortably carry all of your bags through the ship, down the gangway and through the terminal. It may be some distance and involve escalators or stairs. Dress codes. You may need to pack a wide range of clothes to meet the requirements of the li

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: What is there to do at night?You are usually going to be in port and off the ship during the day and sailing at night. As the ship departs for its next destination it comes alive, offering a myriad of things to keep you busy and occupied - throughout the night if you desire. Some new to cruise guests worry that they will feel trapped and bored at sea at night, but this is unlikely with the many options available. Some of the things to do at night include: Dining. Food is an important part of the cruise experience and the evening meal is when the cruise line lay on the multiple-course gourmet meals that are included in the fare in their main in dining rooms. They are leisurely affairs served by attentive waiters and a chance to share your day’s experiences with your table companions. Producti

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is: Avoiding NorovirusThis is a form of gastrointestinal illness which usually causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. People with it can also have headaches, fever and stomach cramps. It is also common on land with up to one in thirty people suffering it every year. As it is contagious, and spreads easily through touch, it tends to get a lot of publicity and coverage when it breaks out on a ship. It spreads fast when passengers are not disciplined about hand washing and sterilising, and so lines suggest strict cleansing habits. Cruise lines take many steps to prevent an outbreak which include having passengers sign a declaration that they have not suffered from vomiting or diarrhea for 48 hours before boarding, asking them to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, and to use the alcohol

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is:   How to avoid missing the ship in PortWatching your ship head off into the distance standing on the quay in a foreign port is a vacation experience you should avoid. Though it does happen.Here is how to ensure you do not get into that situation, and what to do if you do: Make 100% sure you know the all aboard time. This is the latest time you have to be back on the ship. Double check as it is often different by port. Go on cruise line excursions, as the ship will always wait for these to return - even if delayed. If you self-tour then before you do so check with the excursion team the best travel arrangements to get back to the ship, and build in extra time for traffic delays or incidents. If you go on a tour with an independent provider, make sure they include a guarantee to get you back t

In another episode of 60-Second Cruise Tips, Gary Bembridge, author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook", "Essential Cruise Tips" and "River Cruising Essential Tips and Tricks" shares another cruise tip. This time it is:   Children Sharing CabinsMany cruise lines have limits on the age a child can be before they can travel.  Based on my experience, it is common for babies to be at least six months old on date of embarkation before they can cruise. It can differ based on where you are going too. So check on both issues with your preferred cruise company.Most also have rules that do not allow children under the age of 18 or 16 to travel together in a cabin without an adult being present too. So if you are planning to book one cabin for your children under this age to share, you may be disappointed. The rules may differ for interconnecting cabins and vary by line and so double check, especially if booking via an agent. If booking direct either online or by phone the cruise line systems will usually reject booking

Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit 60SecondCruiseTips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn RadioCruise Contract Watch-outs: Non‐Liability For Medical TreatmentAlthough there will be a medical centre on board on ocean cruise ships, it is usually provided by a third party or specific organisation within the overall cruise corporation. The medical team are unlikely to be direct employees of the cruise line itself. In the contract you agree to when buying your ticket it is likely to state that if you access the service on board the line itself will not be liable for any aspect of medical treatment provided - including the advice, diagnosis, medication or treatment.If the cruise line has to refer you or transfer you to a medical facility in a port they will not provide any warranty, guarantees or be held liable for any treatment you receive.You need to understand that while there is medical facilities

Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit 60SecondCruiseTips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn RadioPassenger Restrictions: Who Cannot Cruise And WhyAlthough your agent is likely to guide you when booking, you should check if your cruise line has any restrictions in types of passengers they will carry. For example, some lines do not allow: Unwed or unrelated couples under 18 to be booked in the same stateroom. Children under six months of age to travel and may restrict the number of those under three years of age. Children under eighteen to travel without being accompanied by an adult over the age of twenty-one. An adult who is not a parent of a child under 18 to travel with them without a   "Parental Consent Guardianship Form" signed by a parent or legal guardian and received a month or more before sailing. Guests under eighteen to share a cabin without an adult. Disabled or special needs passenger