5 Ways to Explore Cruise Ports

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Preparing for Your Cruise Vacation

Whether this is your first cruise or you are a seasoned cruise veteran, you will want to do some pre-planning before your vacation begins.  The type of cruise (ocean, river, expedition) will factor into the amount of planning that you do as well as your overall vacation budget.

River Cruises

We'll start with the trip that requires the least amount of planning ahead of time.   River cruises usually include most of the excursions in the price of the cruise.   There might be some optional tours, which could be complementary or available for extra cost, available for each port of call.  It is advisable to review the list ahead of time and book the ones that interest you the most, if that option is available to you.

Local Guides

For the most part, you'll be docked near the center of activity in your port of call.  There may be times where you'll need to be shuttled, typically by bus, to your tour starting point.

Whether you are walking, on another vessel (like a canal boat), or a bus, you'll be accompanied by a local guide who will provide you with information about what you are seeing as well as background information including food, culture, and history.  You may have some free time to explore after the guided portion of the tour.

Your Cruise Director will explain the tour options, usually the night before arrival in port. Typically there are different difficulty levels which you'll select by picking the audio phone color of choice.

Ocean Cruises

Similar to river cruises, there will be a list of shore excursions published on the cruise line's website and brochures.   You can browse the list ahead of time and select / pay for the ones that interest you the most.   Booking shore excursions requires the least amount of planning on your part since the tours include the most popular attractions in each port of call.   Once again, you can select difficult levels by reading the descriptions and selecting accordingly.

Level of Comfort

New cruisers tend to use cruise line shore excursions because it is the simplest and there is no worry about finding your way around town or making your way back to the ship on time.  Another option is to use a tour company like Shore Excursions Group, who we work with on a regular basis, to find similar tours to those offered by the cruise line.   Those tours are usually cheaper and the groups tend to be smaller than the ones with the ship.  They will guarantee return to the ship on time or they'll get you to the next port of call at their expense.  That takes the worry out of missing the ship departure.

Private Tour Guides

Your vacation specialist can provide local guide contacts should you decide to book one or more tours with a local guide.   The internet is another source for finding local guides.  This is a great option if you are traveling with a group (even a small one).   The tour price is divided by the number of guests, and this option gives you a customized experience at a reasonable price.

On Your Own

If you are looking to blaze your own trail, you can explore completely on your own.  You will want to be sure to have the ship contact information with you and pay close attention to when you must be back on board the ship.   There usually is about a 30 minute window between the time to be back and the actual ship departure, but you don't want to cut things close and be left behind.

The least expensive option will be to head out on foot, perhaps getting some local cuisine or do some shopping (OK, that might not be cheap).  You will want to do some research before your cruise to see if there are attractions within walking distance or a short cab ride away.  For the sun worshipers, catching a taxi to a local beach is a great way to spend the day in port.   Most taxi drivers will be glad to come back to pick you up at a set time.

Another option we offer is Resort for a Day.  Instead of selecting a beach at random, you can play at some of the most magnificent resorts while your ship is in port.

Click on the Infographic above for some more details.  Browse our blog and website as well to learn more about our adventures.

 

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Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 2)

In this post, I'll continue with some myths.

Myth #3 – I’ll Get Seasick or Norwalk Virus
There are some people in this world that suffer from motion sickness. A good friend of mine gets motion sickness in a car and on an airplane. That doesn’t mean that she never gets in a car (she does every day) nor take an airplane ride (she takes several trips each year). What it does mean, is that she takes preventive measures that help counteract the balance problems. By the way, she has been on several cruises and once again took precautions and was able to enjoy the vacation.

Modern ships are very stable thanks to the stabilizers which prevent side to side and up and down motion. Except in the roughest of seas, someone that is susceptible to motion sickness will be fine as long as they utilize one of the preventive measures that are available. Consult your doctor before your cruise if you have any concerns – they can make a recommendation for a remedy that will work for you. You can also check with guest relations onboard the ship should you start feeling the motion.

I’ve been cruising for over 30 years and haven’t personally had motion sickness, even in the roughest seas. A secret that I’ve used is to be sure to drink plenty of water and eat regular meals.

There’s been lots of press over recent years about Norwalk Virus. A ship isn’t the only place where this illness can strike, but cruise ships often make big news when the virus occurs. Cruise lines take as many precautions to prevent this disease as possible, the rest is up to the passengers. When you board the ship don’t be surprised if you are asked to complete a medical declaration.

You’ll also find sanitizers (as shown in this picture) spread throughout the ship. On my most recent cruise, aboard NCL Pearl, the crew took this very seriously and had someone stationed by the gangway every time we boarded. Also, there were sanitizers by all dining venues and a crew member manning the door to make sure everyone used the sanitizer. The secret to avoiding this illness is to be sure to wash you hands often during the cruise.

One thing to note – should you become ill, you need to report it to the doctor onboard. Failing to do so could put the whole ship at risk. Often people get upset that the doctor confined them to their quarters when they were sick, but the alternative would be to have hundreds or thousands of people sick. It’s no different than children passing various illnesses at school. A little prevention goes a long way.

So, don’t worry about these possible problems ahead of time. Simply take the necessary preventive measures and odds are you will not have any problem.

Myth #4 – All There is to do is Eat – I’ll Gain Weight
Granted food of all varieties is available onboard the ship, but that doesn’t mean you need to gain weight on your cruise any more than it would if you were at home. Cruise lines offer a variety of menu options and can also assist with special diets. If you have special dietary requirements, be sure to let your Cruise Specialist know when you book your cruise so that they can inform the cruise line.

Even if you find yourself eating too much there are very simple measures you can take to combat gaining weight. A simple step I take is to use the stairs instead of the elevator as often as I can. When booking your cruise you may even consider location on the ship to optimize the chances of you using stairs or walking to get to public areas.

If you want something more formal, than simply walking the stairs, there are several options including fully equipped gyms, jogging/ walking tracks, basketball courts, swimming pools, rock climbing walls, and various formal classes (such as aerobics). Of course, that’s just onboard the ship. You can plan your shore excursions so that you get some exercise doing one of your favorite activities.

So as you can see, by eating sensibly and adding some exercise during your cruise, odds are you won’t gain weight. I’ve actually had several cruises where I’ve lost weight and believe me, it wasn’t from skipping meals. Your Cruise Specialist can recommend a ship that has the activities that you will enjoy and be more likely to participate for a healthy cruise.

Myth #5 – Cruises are Too Expensive
Too expensive as compared to what? Unless you are a hermit I’m sure you’ve noticed that the US dollar is not very strong in Europe at the moment. If you were to plan a land-based trip to Europe, I can easily bet you’d spend more than you will on a cruise visiting the same locations. There are several reasons why this is the case. First, if you book early, you lock in the price for your trip regardless of any price increases by the time you leave for your vacation. Secondly, your room and board, all meals, and lots of entertainment onboard the ship are included in the price of your cruise price.

The money you save on meals alone will give you extra money to spend in ports on shopping or other activities. On a recent cruise to Norway earlier this year we had two BLT sandwiches and Cokes for approximately $50 US. That was our option and there were less expensive meals that we could have eaten. We had a choice in this case, but if you were on a land-based trip, you might not have options.

With the value of the dollar declining, do you avoid going to Europe? I hope the answer is no because it is a wonderful place to go to experience your family roots, culture, history, scenery, etc. What better location to take your children, as they study world history, then to the site where history was made. I’ve traveled to many European destinations that I would never have seen if it had not been by ship. Here’s a secret: look at a Repositioning Cruise (sometimes called Trans-Atlantic) since these are often a very good value.

To get the best value for your travel budget, I encourage you to work with your Cruise Specialist. We can provide you with advice that you can’t get from any internet price list. The biggest secret to saving money on your cruise vacation is to plan ahead and be flexible if possible. Prices can vary from week to week even on the same cruise. If money is a concern, a little homework will go a long way.

Summary
I’ve covered a few of the more popular myths that I’ve heard over the years. This is not an exhaustive list. If you have others that you’ve heard and would like me to comment, either comment here or contact me via email and I’ll be happy to do so.

 

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Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 1)

Current statistics shows that only 15% of the population has taken a cruise before. Of those that have cruised, 90% cruise again. 

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Releases the 2019 CruiseTrends and State of the Cruise Industry Outlook.

"Travel agents are an integral part of planning the cruise experience, and cruisers rate their agents more highly than non-cruisers. 

Cruisers who use travel professionals are also more likely to be satisfied with their experience than those who did not, and they are more likely to book another trip, as well."

I suspect that some of the myths and misconceptions may be influencing people that have never tried cruising before. In this post I’ll take a look at some of the more popular myths and misconceptions.

Myth #1: A cruise is for old people and newly weds

The destination and cruise line, among other things, contribute to the demographics of your fellow cruisers. Several factors influence the passenger mix on a given voyage. Most passengers on a world cruise will be senior citizens, since there aren’t many younger people that are able to get away from work for three months or more.

Certain destinations, such as Polynesia and the Bahamas, may have a number of newly wed couples onboard. The Caribbean will most likely have the largest demographic mixture, although the time of year may also influence the mix of passengers. When school is in session, there will be far less children onboard than during summer vacation for example.

Historically, certain cruise lines have catered to a particular age segment. For the most part, that is changing since the industry is seeing an increase in families (consisting of multiple generations) traveling together. The major cruise lines have added children’s programs, spa and fitness programs, internet cafes, sports and recreational facilities, and other amenities which appeal to all age groups.

This doesn’t cover all the possibilities, but I hope you get the idea that regardless of your age requirements, there is a cruise out there that will satisfy your needs. I strongly encourage you to work with a Cruise Specialist who can help you select the cruise that is right for you and your companions.

Myth #2: I will be bored on a cruise

When you arrive at your cabin after embarking the vessel, you’ll find the daily program of ship’s activities. Every day, your cabin steward will provide you with the program for the next day in addition to any other important information (such as reminders about time changes, invites to special events, etc). While many people, that haven’t cruised before, feel they will be bored, a quick examination of the daily program will reveal that there are many activity choices that you can make each day. The great news is you can be as active or inactive as you want both onboard the ship and in ports that are visited during the cruise. The ship has an entire staff devoted to activities and entertainment. There should be no reason to be bored during your cruise.

I would highly encourage you to discuss your interests with your Cruise Specialist while planning your cruise vacation. While you’ll find many of the same amenities and activities on most ships, there are certain ships that have added some unique features that might be of interest to you.

Here's just a sampling of what you can expect during your cruise:

SPORTS, FITNESS, RELAXATION

Spa / Fitness Center (workout, have a massage, relax, take a course), swim or relax in one of the pools / hot tubs, jog or walk around the jogging track, play your favorite sport (basketball, table tennis, golf, miniature golf, etc). Some ships even have rock climbing, ice skating, bowling, and even billiards on self-leveling tables. Relax - curl up with a good book (in your cabin, in the library, poolside, or any quiet spot) or simply find an empty lounge chair on one of the decks.

ENTERTAINMENT

Take in a show in one of the lounges or main theater (range from individual performers to high-energy Vegas-style shows), watch a movie (in your cabin, at a movie theater, or on some ships - under the stars), try your luck in the casino or at bingo (extra cost of course), attend karaoke or various events planned by the activities staff

ENRICHMENT

Attend a talk or learn a new skill (destination talks, computer skills, learn to dance, scrapbooking or other arts & crafts). Attend an art auction, wine-tasting or other scheduled events. The shore excursion desk can help you plan enrichment and other activities for your ports of call. Spend some time surfing the net in the internet cafe (or on many ships from your own PC).

SHOPPING

Shops onboard are duty free just like they are in ports of call. Typically there will be daily specials throughout the cruise, so you'll want to check your daily program to avoid missing your favorite items. These items, if taken home, will count towards your customs allowances, so be sure to keep that in mind while shopping. There usually are shopping talks and/or shopping guides so you can plan your port shopping trips.

THEME CRUISES -- another possibility, if the only thing that keeps your interest is some specialty or theme. Theme cruises are very popular these days. I have helped clients find a theme cruise that interested them. It's also possible to start your own group with others that share your interests. Besides, there are benefits for traveling in your own affinity group.

STILL THINK YOU'LL BE BORED .... what would interest you - let me hear from you

NEXT TIME: we'll look at a few more myths. Also, email me if there's a topic that you'd like me to discuss. I'd like to make this blog a vehicle for sharing ideas and helping you enjoy cruising more.

Continue with:   Misconceptions and Myths About Cruising (Part 2)

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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Where have you explored? 

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Meetings at Sea

DARE Conference 2019

Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas

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We've just returned from our 2019 National Conference for Cruises Inc., CruiseOne, and Dream Vacations, which was held on board Royal Caribbean's latest ship, Symphony of the Seas. We had a group of over 1100 people, including executives from our partner cruise line and land suppliers.


The picture on the right was from our opening session which was held in the Royal Theater, which actually was one of our main venues throughout the week. Royal Caribbean and our headquarters staff planned an amazing event once again.  Royal even provided a second Cruise Director for our exclusive use throughout the week.  He was with us at all the general sessions and our events.

In other posts, we'll write more about the specifics of the conference, which will give you an idea of just what is possible.

Attention Corporate Meeting Planners  

Take the Stress Out of Your Next Meeting

Corporate Retreats are all about getting hard work done, encouraging team building, rewarding professional growth and highlighting company credibility. As a business, you make important decisions daily that spearhead your entire operation towards success. So, when planning your company’s retreat, why handle things any differently?

Think outside the box and take the humdrum corporate event setting from old to BOLD by holding your next corporate retreat aboard an incredible cruise ship. Bring productivity to the high seas with an exceptional alternative to the usual corporate scene. Let us custom-design your unique event to meet your requirements and expectations. We will make it easy, simple and above all…memorable for everyone!

THE BENEFITS OF CORPORATE RETREAT CRUISING: 

• We will help you through the entire process of choosing the best fit for you and your team. 
• All you need is just a reservation of EIGHT cabins or more and the appointed retreat leader cruises for FREE! 
• With Cruises Inc. by your side, you will have a hassle-free booking process along with full assistance with the overall coordination. 
• Earn the best corporate rates around and get access to exclusive perks like reduced rates, shipboard credits and additional on board amenities. 
• You’ll have access to expert advice from an Independent Vacation Specialist with years of experience in corporate retreat planning. 
• Meeting areas are available to accommodate any special request. 
• The more attendees participating, the more you can save.

 

National Plan A Cruise Month Promotions 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

Follow Us On

        

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers


Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat