Essential Cruise Tips

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   Should you use a cruise agent?Booking a cruise is not the time to be your own travel agent. Anyone new to cruising should use a cruise-specialist agent. They help find the best cruise line to meet your tastes and choose the right cabin from among the different grades and types. You often get better deals using an agent than going direct as they may offer extra discounts or benefits, like on-board credit. Cruise lines are different and many first-time cruisers do not enjoy their first trip by choosing the wrong cruise line. For example if you like dressing up, then Cunard has more formal nights and is strict about people sticking to dress codes, even informal nights requires men to wear jackets. If you dislike having children around you then P&O offers some adult-only ships.  Carnival

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 Theme cruisesA theme cruise focuses on a specific topic or event and the itinerary, entertainment and on-board activities are centred around it. You are likely to find a themed cruise for almost any topic you are interested in. Themecruisefinder.com usually has at least 500 different options listed at any one time.  The three main categories are: Private: Clubs, associations and organisations make a block booking on an existing cruise and sell it to their fans, followers or members via a dedicated travel agent. The organisers provide special meet-ups, activities, excursions and entertainment which are closed to other guests on the cruise. Charter: Promoters charter the entire ship from the cruise line and everyone on board is there take part. These tend to be cruises targeted at specific l

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   Getting Best Fare: TimingI have many tips for getting the best fare. Here is some more of them:Avoid maiden seasons of new shipsNew ships joining a cruise line fleet receive significant media coverage and are highly sought after, with guests wanting to experience the latest offering and fares are at a premium. During maiden seasons you should find lower and discounted fares on their older ships.Consider less popular or very competitive routesThere are some cruises that the lines find harder to sell and you may find attractive fares on these like: Repositioning cruises. At the start and end of the Mediterranean summer season most lines move the ships to areas like the Caribbean and South America. As there is at least seven sea days they have limited appeal. You can get a week cruising eit

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 Getting Best Fare: Be FlexibleI have many tips for getting the best fare. Here is another of them:The more flexible you are, the lower your fare is likely to be. If you are set on going on a specific cruise on a specific date in a specific stateroom, you will probably pay the highest fare as you will need to book it early to guarantee it. If you are completely flexible on where you go, when you go and what stateroom grade or number you go in, you will get the best fare - as you can book late and find the best deal. Most travellers are likely to fall between these two extremes and so I recommend:Booking a guaranteed grade rather than a specific level or stateroom. Cruise lines will usually offer a fare for each grade on their ships (inside, ocean view, balcony or suite) and charge a premium

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   Getting Best Fare: eMail NewslettersI have many tips for getting the best fare based on my experiences and from what other passengers and agents have shared with me. Here is one of themSign up for the cruise line and cruise agent emailsThis is the best way to keep up to date on when new itineraries are launched as well as the latest deals and promotions. Most lines, and agents that sell cruises, send regular emails promoting future cruises, deals to sell off excess capacity and slower selling itineraries. Visit websites of lines that appeal to you and join their mailing lists. You should also browse the latest offers which will be displayed on their home page or via links while there.The best deals will usually be for cruises departing within 90 days. This is the deadline for travellers w

Carry-on luggageGary 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 When heading off on a cruise you should assume your suitcase will be delivered to your cabin after the ship has departed, and so I always recommend to cruisers that they should pack the following into a carry-on bag rather than suitcases they hand in at check-in. Your cruise tickets, most lines require you to check-in online and print off an eTicket. Identity documents including passport and another photo ID, such as a driver’s license. Credit card, or cash to cover on-board spend. You have to provide this when checking in. Some cruise lines do not take debit cards, so check in advance. Valuables including electronic goods like cameras, tablets, smartphones and laptops and jewellery and watches. Important documents like travel insurance documents, emergency contact numbers

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   Things to leave at home when cruisingMost lines allow you to take unlimited luggage but many cruisers are limited by baggage restrictions of the airline they are flying with to get to the ship and want to avoid cluttering up their cabins with too many clothes, items and suitcases.So leave behind items the cruise line are likely provide like: Beach towels. These will be provided in your cabin or can be collected by the pool. Hair Dryer. Shampoo and body wash. Depending on the line you will either be provided these in dispensers or individual bottles of brand-name products. Bathrobe. Some lines only provide these in their premium suites. You must leave the following at home: Alcoholic beverages. Most cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring it on board and will hold it until the end

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 Another 6 Money Saving TipsI am always asked how cruisers can save money on board. You can be sure that the line will be working hard to get you to spend money and you need to budget and ensure you monitor and track your spending.The following are another six tips on savings to help you stay within budget: Do not sign up for premium events like art classes, wine tastings, cocktail making and flower arranging. They can be costly! Take your own photographs while boarding and on formal nights rather than buying the costly cruise line ones. Do not buy the special cocktails and champagne on offer at sail- away parties as these are usually at a premium. Avoid using the Internet on board and rely on free Wi-Fi in ports. Ask the crew or follow where they go, as they will know where the closest fre

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 6 More Money Saving TipsI am always asked how cruisers can save money on board. The following are six more tips on savings to help you stay within budget: Use the free juices, teas, coffees and water at meals and in the buffet rather than ordering them at the pool, bars or lounges. Water fountains are around the ship and, although it is not encouraged, you can refill water bottles there. Many lines allow you to bring bottled water and sodas on board. Check in advance if this is permitted. See if your cruise line allows you to bring any alcohol for use in your cabin. Most do not, but some may permit limited quantities and charge corkage fees in the restaurants. Attend cocktail parties you are invited to as they serve free drinks and canapés. Check if there will be a CruiseCritic Meet &

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   6 Money Saving TipsI am always asked how cruisers can save money on board. You can be sure that the line will be working hard to get you to spend money and you need to budget and ensure you monitor and track your spending.The following are five tips on savings to help you stay within budget: Compare arranging your own flights, pre and post trip accommodation and transfers to and from the ship. You can often beat cruise line prices. Research the ports you will be visiting before departing and plan some self-touring or alternative inexpensive independent provider tours. Return to the ship for meals if self-touring rather than buying food on land. Use the shuttle bus and public transport instead of taxis. You will always find other passengers who are also finding their own way around or hav

  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   Photography and cruise line excursionsIf you are a keen photographer or video maker and want to ensure that you will have time to capture the images you want, you should avoid cruise line or independent group tours. Instead you should plan to self-tour or hire a private guide.Scheduled port tours are designed to visit as many sights and attractions as possible in the limited time available. They want passengers to feel they have seen all the key things in that destination and leave little time at each stop to take in the scene and to frame and take photographs and video. You will be fighting with the rest of your busload of visitors to get a good position to take photographs and they will also be cluttering up the scene. The tour guides will be hurrying you along to meet the schedule an

  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   Daily program as saviourAlways take your daily program out with you when you leave the ship to explore a port, even on a cruise line excursion. It could prove to be a saviour should you get lost, left behind, injured or mugged.The daily program has the contact details of the cruise line’s agent in the port. It will give their address and phone numbers. Some programs also include the ship’ emergency contact details and the address of where the ship is docked if you need to catch a taxi or get a lift back.I have seen the daily program come to the rescue of a number of passengers across the years, especially in ports where the guests did not speak the local language. For example in Palma De Mallorca a mother and her young son were left behind when a guide miscounted the numbers of our tour

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   Beach towelsYou do not need to pack beach towels when you go cruising. Cruise lines will supply them but deal with how they give them to you differently.Value cruise lines, like MSC Cruises, require you to sign out beach towels against your cruise card from a booth on the pool deck or when you get off the ship in destinations with beaches or water parks. If you do not return the towels you will be charged for them. It is important to make sure when you return towels that your account has been cleared.Premium cruise lines, like Cunard, usually have a beach towels in your stateroom that they will replenish after you have used them, as they do for your bath towels. They also have them available around the swimming pools without requiring you to sign them out.As with all linen, cruise lines a

  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 Taking alcohol on boardCruise lines want you to buy drinks on board to drive their revenues. Therefore, most cruise lines will not allow passengers to bring alcohol for personal use onto their cruise. They screen for it being brought on at the start of the cruise and after excursions. If they find any they hold it until the end of the cruise when they return it to passengers. It is important that you get a receipt when it is taken from you.The lines know that some destinations are known for their local wines, spirits and other alcohol-based drinks and expect their guests will want to take some home with them. However, they will still require it to be handed in until the cruise is over.If you are on a ship that is cruising in a region that allows them to sell duty-free alcohol on board, yo

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   Shareholder benefitsIf you own shares in a cruise line you may be able to get on-board benefits when you sail with them. Stock exchange listed companies, like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, offer these perks. In order to receive them you have to own a minimum number of shares (usually 100), contact the line before you travel to request them and provide proof that you own their stock.  They do not make it easy to claim the perk so start the process well in advance of travelling. To how to get them check the line’s corporate pages or search on Google for “(name of cruise line) stockholder benefits".The benefits change over time so stay up to date of what they are currently offering. Some examples of the additional benefits have been:    •    Carnival: $250 on-board credit for crui

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   Important documentsBefore you head off on a cruise, especially when you are travelling outside of your home country, scan in copies of all key travel documents. Take paper copies along with you - packed in a different bag to the one carrying the originals. eMail a set to you and a trusted friend or family member or load them onto one of the online cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. After you have created the folder, simply send the link to your nominated emergency helper.The documents should include copies of your passport, visas, prescriptions and bookings. If your original documents are lost, stolen or damaged you will have access to the copies to help facilitating and getting yourself out of the situation. By having a friend at home who can access the documents they c

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   Always travel with insurance You should always have travel insurance when going on a cruise. Some cruise lines may ask the name of your insurance company and their emergency helpline number before issuing your tickets. But even if they do not you should take out insurance as costs associated with problems you may encounter can be significant. Take out insurance to cover cancellation of your cruise. Deposits and fares are usually not refundable and so if you have to cancel you can find that you are out of pocket. If you or a member of your party falls ill while cruising the medical costs on board or in foreign ports could be hefty. If you have to be evacuated from the ship or repatriated home along with the people traveling with you the financial outlay could be significant. It is also adv

  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 Transatlantic crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 or repositioning cruise on another line?You should go on a Cunard Crossing at least once. It is the only remaining classic journey from the era of crossings before jet travel. They are the only line with a real “ocean liner” versus cruise ship: the Queen Mary 2. It is designed for the rigours of the north Atlantic with a strong hull to withstand the constant battering and to be stable even in the Atlantic. It is the only surviving scheduled transatlantic service between Europe and New York. The ship and on-board schedule is geared for entertaining people at sea for a week. There is a range of stateroom grades and prices ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $40,000 per person.Most lines offer repositioning cruises which tend to be competi

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 Transatlantic crossingsA cruise purist calls crossing the Atlantic a crossing and not a cruise. A cruise is when you sail around many ports and is mostly about the destinations, while a crossing is where the journey itself is the whole experience. It is about being at sea for a week on a ship with only two ports: the start and end ports on opposite sides of the Atlantic.Cunard is the only line that runs a regular scheduled crossing of the Atlantic. Before the age of the jet liner, there were about 40 lines plying the route between New York and Europe. Competition was fierce especially to provide the fastest crossing. The ships were segregated between the plush and luxurious palaces that were First Class, Second Class and the functional and inexpensive Third Class. Today Cunard still has thr

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   How much of a region does a river cruise really let you experience?A river cruise gives you a flavour of a region rather than a comprehensive exploration. Many cruises are one week long and you visit five or more destinations taking in key highlights close to the river.  You will get a feel for the traditions, culture, sights and food of the places you visit. I find it gives me a good sample of the area being cruising through and informs and inspires me on places I want to return to and explore further. For example, on my “Enchanting Danube” cruise on the River Beatrice it ignited a passion to go back to Vienna to spend more time exploring the museums and to Budapest to explore and understand the Cold War history and post war reconstruction better. River cruising gives an overview and ins