Essential Cruise Tips

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-out: CancellationThe cancellation policy for a cruise varies by line and you must understand what you are agreeing to when you make a booking. Always ask your agent what the terms are, or check the cruise line conditions online or in their brochure. You will usually find deposits are non-refundable and only sometimes are even transferrable to an alternative cruise if you change your mind. A name change on a booking is often also counted as a cancellation and significant fees can apply.You usually have to pay the full balance of a fare 90 days before a cruise, and in full if booking within this timeframe. Some lines stagger the cancellation charges the closer to the departure date while others will keep it at the full fare after paying this balance.As deposits are usually lost if y

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 RadioBad Habits To Avoid : Fixed Dining If you are on fixed dining on a cruise, there is an etiquette to follow when it comes to time keeping. Fixed dining is still very common on most cruise lines. It means you are allocated a set table and time for your evening meal. You will dine with the same people and have the same serving team each evening.It is important to arrive at your table as close to the starting time for the meal as possible. Some lines offer up to a 15-minute window before they will, in theory, not allow you to join your table. If you arrive late you hold up the meal for everyone at your table. The servers aim to ensure that everyone receives the starter, main course and dessert together. So they will wait for everyone to arrive before taking orders or, if they have started serving, they wil

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 RadioUsing Foreign Cruise Agents To Save MoneyI always recommend using a cruise specialist agent when booking a cruise, as they can guide you on the right line, cabin and find the best fare for your needs. However, you may find that the best fare comes from an agent in a different country to the one you live in.I have met and corresponded with many cruisers who have got better prices by using a foreign travel agent. Although prices are managed globally in most cases by the lines, there are many occasions when people I know have saved hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars on the price of a cruise. It seems to be mostly on longer cruises such as world cruise segments or extended voyages. You may not have to use an agent in your local market when getting quotes and making a booking. If you are looking at a

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 Ports Not GuaranteedWhen you book a cruise the ports of call are a planned itinerary, not a guaranteed one. You need to understand that you may never get to some of them, so never make absolute must-do arrangements in any destination based on a cruise you book. So, for example, do not plan and book your dream wedding in one of the port you are due to visit. You may never make it there.In the cruise contract or terms, you are agreeing that the line can make changes to the ports at their discretion. While changes are unusual they can occur for any of the following reasons:Weather preventing the ship docking. This has happened to me fairly often, with the ship either spending a day at sea or diverting to another nearby port.Operational issues, such as too many ships going to be in port. I have had

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 RadioGetting To And From Your Ship: Flight TimesIf you are making your own flight arrangements to get to and from your ship, there are a few key guidelines that I recommend you follow.If you can, aim to get to the embarkation port the day before your cruise leaves and stay overnight. This means that if there are any flight delays, cancellations or other issues you should have time to make other arrangements. If you miss departure and are travelling independently, the cruise line will not assist you if you get to the ship too late.If travelling in on the day, double check what the latest time you can embark. Ensure your flight arrives in plenty of time and allow generous amounts of time for collecting your bags, clearing immigration and customs if required, and ensure you know how and how long it will take t

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 RadioHow To Avoid Being Surrounded By Old PeopleCruises have a reputation, especially among people who have not done one yet, of mostly being for old people. However, if you chose the right cruise line you will be surrounded by people just like you. The profile of people on board differs based on a combination of the destination, time of year and the line itself. Selecting the best match for you is essential. For example, you can cruise around the Mediterranean and Caribbean on the following: Cunard or Holland America which offer a more formal and traditional cruising experience and is likely to have more older couples of 60 and above. Royal Caribbean which provides high-energy resort attractions like rock climbing, ice skating and water slides and will be more full of families and young couples. Seabourn,

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 Radio.Non-clothes items to packMost people focus on what clothes they need to take on their cruise. If a fancy one with dress codes there is lottos angst about the right mix of gowns, suits and more casual clothes. If a mixture of weather then layering dominates the packing. But you should spend as much time thinking about non-clothing items to bring. Here are some things I recommendHere are a few helpful items to take: Electrical plug adaptors. Cruise ships usually mostly have American two-pin plug sockets, using 110-120 volts and so bring adaptors as needed if from other countries. Extension cord. Many cabins have limited number of plugs and so an extension cord enables charging and use of multiple items at one time. Chargers for your electrical items like mobile phone, laptop and tablet. Earplugs and ey

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 Resource: CruisableThe newest cruise resource launching online and as an app is called Cruiseable.com.It is designed to be both a cruise community and a travel resource. Right now you have to go to one site for reader recommendations, another site for cruise itineraries, another site to book it. Cruiseable is an all-in-one solution that provides the information you need and connects you with travel advisors who really know cruises.There are five main features which are: Cruise discovery. You can browse through thousands of images of ships and destinations — accompanied by trustworthy travel journalism instead of marketing hype. Technology: filters atop any page help you zero in on the cruise that fits your style and budget. Photo sharing. They spent a year downloading organizing and optimizing

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 RadioWhat Happens If I have Toothache On Board?Cruise ships carrying more than 12 passengers are required to have a doctor and medical facilities on board. River cruise ships are unlikely to carry a doctor as they are always within reasonable reach of land to access emergency and essential medical assistance.You will find that you are likely to be well covered if you have any medical problems on a cruise.However, the same is not true if you have dental problems. Cruise lines do not have dentists and dental facilities on board. If you suffer from tooth ache or other problems, like a crown or filling coming out, the most you should expect is some help with the pain and assistance on trying to locate a dentist in the next port. Many lines used to try to help patch up and deal with simple problems, but the incr

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 Radio. TBEX At SeaIn an earlier episode I spoke about theme cruises, and how they are becoming ever more popular.If you want to cruise the Caribbean while learning more about how to be a travel blogger you should consider attending the TBEX At Sea themed cruise.The Travel Bloggers Exchange, known as TBEX, run the world’s largest travel blogger conferences in North America, Europe and Asia and will be hosting a week long cruise in 2015.It takes place onRoyal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Sea which departs Ft. Lauderdale on October 31st with ports of call at Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten, returning to Ft. Lauderdale in the morning of November 7th.This themed cruise is aimed at bloggers in the cruising, family travel, luxury travel, couples travel, adventure, and baby boomer travel niches. Sessions d

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 RadioBad Cruise Habits To Avoid: Part FourOnline you will find lists of categories of annoying cruisers, bemoaning the fact that too many people become annoying, irresponsible and selfish on board. I wanted to share some more thoughts about bad habits every cruiser should avoid.For example:Do not be a corridor noise nuisance. Although most cabins are fairly sound proof, the noise of children running and screaming up and down the corridor and noisy chatter in the hallways will be heard in cabins and can be very distracting and intrusive. Door slamming of the cabin and balcony doors also reverberates through to the next door cabin. Avoid it.Be on time for and during excursions. Excursions run by the cruise line work to a set and strict schedule. They rely on every guest following the requests of the guide on

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 RadioBad Cruise Habits To Avoid: Part ThreeOnline you will find lists of categories of annoying cruisers, bemoaning the fact that too many people become annoying, irresponsible and selfish on board. I wanted to share some more thoughts about bad habits every cruiser should avoid.For example:Pay attention and stay focused in the safety drill. Although incidents at sea are rare, they are a real possibility. At every muster drill I see people chatting, checking their phones and not focusing on the message and instructions - and generally not taking the briefing seriously. It only takes up to 30 minutes of your vacation time and the rules and guidance does change. It could save you or your fellow passengers life.Do not be a secret balcony smoker. Smoking has, or is, being severely restricted on most cruise line

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 RadioBad Cruise Habits To Avoid: Part TwoOnline you will find lists of categories of annoying cruisers, bemoaning the fact that too many people become annoying, irresponsible and selfish on board. I wanted to share another thought about another bad habit every cruiser should avoid.Do not be a chair hog. This topic seems to cause the most discussion, upset and complaints about fellow passengers. The three main areas it takes place is (1) around the pool or sun decks where guests place books, magazine and towels first thing in the morning on loungers and then head off to eat or do other things, (2) in the buffet restaurants where people book tables and then go off to fetch food and (3) in the theatres. Although all cruise lines have a policy on booking loungers and chairs, they are usually not very strong in

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 RadioBad Cruise Habits To Avoid: Part OneOnline you will find lists of categories of annoying cruisers, bemoaning the fact that too many people become annoying, irresponsible and selfish on board. I wanted to share a thought one bad habit every cruiser should avoid.While most cruise passengers are courteous, and considerate - there are things everyone should follow to make sure they are respectful, and make pleasant companions. For example:Follow every precaution to avoid bringing or spreading Norovirus. Cruise lines cannot prevent the virus being brought on board, and they rely on passengers to be honest. If there's an outbreak on a ship, it creates an enormous amount of extra duties for the crew, on top of their existing responsibilities, and it's a highly disrespectful way to treat fellow cruisers. I've

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 RadioSolo Travellers Saving Money: Part ThreeThe cruising industry is looking at making cruising financially more attractive to solo travellers who usually have had to pay large surcharges to stay in cabins designed for twin occupancy. Over the next few episodes I will share tips for solo travellers wanting to go cruising, for example: Consider European river cruising.Many of the river cruising lines, including Tauck and Uniworld, operating in Europe waive surcharges on many of their cruises through the year. This form of cruising usually offer more deals for solo guests than their ocean counterparts. It is with asking your travel agent to check which are offering deals when you want to travel and sign up for the email newsletters of lines to get alerts of deals.Set up a Google alert for solo travel deals.I

Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn RadioSolo Travellers Saving Money: Part TwoThe cruising industry is looking at making cruising financially more attractive to solo travellers who usually have had to pay large surcharges to stay in cabins designed for twin occupancy. Over the next few episodes I will share tips for solo travellers wanting to go cruising, for example: Cruise on lines that have programs to partner up solo travellers. Lines like Holland America and Princess have a matching program where solo travellers can sign up to be partnered up with another guest to share a cabin. Your travel agent or the line can manage this. You do, however, risk sharing with someone who you do not get on with.Sign-up for solo travel site newsletters. There are a number of sites that focus on finding and promoting deals for solo travellers wh

Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio   Solo Travellers Saving Money: Part OneThe cruising industry is looking at making cruising financially more attractive to solo travellers who usually have had to pay large surcharges to stay in cabins designed for twin occupancy. Over the next few episodes I will share tips for solo travellers wanting to go cruising, for example: Cruise on a line that has dedicated solo cabins.There many lines that offer solo cabins on some of their ships. New ships coming on stream seem to have solo cabins as standard and so look at the newest ships in any fleet.The following are best known for their solo cabins: Cunard (Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria). Norwegian Cruise Line. They have a specific solo guest haven on their newer and larger ships. P&O Cruises. They have solo cabins on all of their

Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radiocruise, cruising, tip, tips, advice,Who is who on board: Part ThreeThere are many hundreds of crew on board responsible for creating your cruise experience. Some you come across every day and others you may never see as they drive operations behind the scenes. Three of the most visible ones on every ship are:Excursion ManagerThe Excursion Manager is responsible for the promotion, bookings and delivery of the port-excursion program. They are a valuable source of information about the best things to do in port, as they see all the ratings and comments left by previous guests and have usually visited the destination often.Future Sales ManagerThe Future Sales Manager is responsible for promoting and taking bookings for future cruises with the cruise line. They will usually be able to offer extra

Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio Who is who on board: Part TwoThere are many hundreds of crew on board responsible for creating your cruise experience. Some you come across every day and others you may never see as they drive operations behind the scenes. Two of the most important ones on every ship are:Executive ChefThe Executive Chef oversees planning and preparation of food for passengers and crew in all of the restaurants, including the speciality ones. They manage a large team of chefs and kitchen staff preparing up to 20,000 meals a day on large ships. You are likely to see them in the various restaurants and events around the ship. They will often host tours of the kitchens which I recommend you attend if they are run to get an insight into the scale and logistics of providing meals at sea.Cruise DirectorThe Cruise

Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit http://www.60secondcruisetips.com and subscribe free to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radiocruise, cruising, tip, tips, advice,Who is who on board: Part OneThere are many hundreds of crew on board responsible for creating your cruise experience. Some you come across every day and others you may never see as they drive operations behind the scenes. Two of the most senior ones on every ship are:CaptainThe Captain is responsible for navigation, safety and ultimately for all on-board operations. You should see him or her around the ship frequently and hosting cocktail parties, but are unlikely to be invited onto the bridge or to dine with them. Security changes means few get onto the bridge and only important guests, like celebrities and frequent travellers get invited to either. You will have to satisfy yourself with a photograph taken with them at one of the events.Hotel ManagerThey