Balcony, Port Hole or Inside Cabin

So you are booking your first cruise. While spending hours looking on-line and comparing prices, you immediately see that those inside staterooms are priced significantly lower. So what do I do, do I go with the bargain or get a room with a view.

Some of the things you might consider are. Who is going? If it is just you and your significant other then a room with a balcony does offer a large dose of romance to the trip. If I were taking a family with little kids, the balcony would probably be to stressful. Even tho the guards make it very safe, parents love to joke about how there kid would be the one trying to climb over.

Of all the cruises I have been on, I have to admit that I have been pretty spoiled. I have always had a balcony or a room with a window. You have to make your decision based upon your own personal preferences and things that you like to do. If you are a party animal that is going to be out and around the ship, going to the casino, the clubs and all the entertainment you can go to and you will be spending very little time in your room then it makes sense to save some of your money and just get an inside cabin. They are much more economical and you aren't in your room that much anyway.

However, for myself I find a lot of peace and serenity in sitting out on my own private balcony while the sun is setting or on a full moon and watching the ocean and the sky. Of the whole cruise experience, this is what keeps attracting me back, more than the clubs, the entertainment, or the gourmet food. I love this feeling and the calmness it brings me. So for me it is affordable to get a balcony or a large port hole in my room, because I am not at the casino or the clubs spending my money.

However, like I said it is entirely dependent upon your budget and personal preference. Another big consideration comes into play at this point in your venture decision. Where am I cruising to? What I mean is, if I am going on a Mexican Rivera cruise and really on a tight budget, I could live with an inside cabin, even tho not my preference. However, if I am going on an Alaskan cruise, I will spend the extra bucks and get a room with a balcony. There is nothing like watching the ice calving or a whale from your own balcony.

I hope this helps give you a little better insight and helps you to make an informed decision about the type of stateroom that will be best for you and your budget. The whole cruising experience is absolutely dazzling no matter which type of room you have. So plan ahead and fine tune things to your own liking.

As Usual Bon Voyague and Happy Cruising Fellow Cruisers.

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Planning for all cruise costs makes a more enjoyable trip

In making your cruise plans make sure you budget in and plan for all costs. You can jump on line and find great advertised cruise deals all day. At first glance that 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise for $389.00 looks like a killer deal. If you can go in September after the kids are back in school, I have found that this is a killer month to go. Go on-line and make some comparisons between August and September. Its a big difference in cost.

However the intent of this blog is to give first time cruisers a good overview of other costs they will have to deal with and also some proven strategies for saving a buck or two.

First and foremost, don't totally eliminate the idea of using a travel agent. Often there are amazing group discounts available. That does not mean you have to have the whole group personally, but travel agents often are given a bunch of cabins to fill for a group rate. So decide on your cruise then look around and ask some questions from some agents and see if there is a group rate. Often times this includes a discounted airfare as well.

You can put together a killer package yourself, just consider all the costs. First decide where you want to go. If you are able to drive and you don't live too far from the port this can save you some big bucks. If flying I recommend flying in the day before in case of any unforeseen flight delays. Port Of Los Angeles has hotels near by some as low as 50 or 60 dollars a night that will let you park your car free, provide you with a free breakfast and shuttle you to the cruise line and pick you up after the cruise, and take you to your car. Even with hotel costs this is a much more convenient and cheaper alternative than parking your car at the cruise port.

If you are flying, many of these hotels will provide free transportation from airport to the hotel. If this is not available then check out the ground transportation. Make sure you get on the web and check around and find the lowest fare you can. I have seen fares range from $12.00 per person up to $30.00 per person. Some will even take young kids for free. You can reserve this transportation, but usually not necessary, just be familiar with the name of the company. There are hundreds if not thousands of these transportation vehicles driving by the airport all day.

There is an opportunity to pay tips wherever you go. All of these modes of transportation that you will experience it is customary to pay a tip. Well use common sense, if I am riding from airport to hotel and paying for my ride, I will throw down a couple bucks for a tip, not too much this guy is making a decent hourly wage already. However as I head out the next morning on my free shuttle ride to the airport from the hotel, this guy relies more on tips from his income than his wage. So I will throw down a couple more dollars. A dollar a bag is fairly common.

Then once you get to the cruise line there are stewards running to grab your bags and take them to the baggage area for you. You don't have to let them, you can haul them yourself. The expectation is to pay another tip at this point. I like to jump in and help out a lot with baggage handling and work off part of my tip, just makes me and my pocketbook feel a little better.

Its finally time to get on the ship. The tips don't stop here, however most are suspended until the end of your cruise. The majority of workers on cruises are foreigners. After inquiring on several cruises, I was told because they will work harder and put up with bad attitudes much better than Americans.

Most of there money comes from tipping. No need to go into how it is all broken up. This will be explained on your cruise. It is just helpful to know that customary average is about ten dollars per day per person. One other tip charge to be aware of is if you drink there is a gratuity automatically added to every alcoholic drink you order.

If you order room service it is customary to give them a couple bucks. So again when planning your cruise, be sure to plan in a few hundred dollars for tips. It is not mandatory that you pay tips on the cruise ship, but everyone does. The ten dollars is a suggested amount. However, when my son went on a cruise and there was a family of 8 with 6 of them being little kids, he did not pay a full 10 dollars per person per day. Each will have to do what they feel is best for there situation. Pay more pay less or if you are a real tight wad don't pay any. That is an option, although it is not real ethical.

There are lots of other optional costs that you have to decide weather or not to budget for. All cruise ships have a casino. People that smoke plan ahead and buy cartons of cigarettes. The price is generally about 50 percent less than what yu pay at home.

An internet cafe is available. Standard price is about $30.00 for 30 minutes. There is no guarantee or no money refunded for dropped service. Last time I went on a cruise out of 30 minutes I was able to utilize maybe half of it. Royal Caribbean will give you a $5.00 token refund but that is the max.. Basically what I am saying is that the internet on-board a ship for passenger use is not really perfected yet and is very expensive.

Now of course standard spending money for when you leave the ship at the different ports. You are so used to eating free on the ship that when you dock , remember you have to pay to eat on shore. Lots of people will time there shore activities so they are close to the port, and ru back on the ship and eat and then go back to shore. This is personal preference, but if you are on a tight budget, is another way to save a few more bucks.

I learned by trial and error after a couple of cruises, and not really planning a budget. I wish I would have had a detailed blog like this to inform me about all the exta costs that are involved. Stay tuned for continued blogs about cruising tips.

As Usual, Bon Voyague and Happy Sailing Fellow Cruisers.

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Food For Fun

One of the main activities that a cruise is famous for is the food. As soon as you board the ship, everyone is headed to the buffet. Most cruise liners are set up with similar dining arrangements. There is an all you can eat buffet going pretty much from around 7:00 a.m. tell 10:00 p.m. Everyday. You can either grab breakfast at the buffet or you can go to one usually several dining facilities and order off of a menu.

I recommend breaking it up and trying both. Sending the kids off to the buffet . while you and the special significant other enjoy breakfast is a great choice as well. But, seriously food, food, food everywhere on a cruise. There is always a place to get a snack and you can order room service 24/7.

For dinner there are typically two dining times. An earlier one around 7 and then a later one around 9. If you have been off the ship all day sometimes it is a rush to get back and get to dinner for the early dining time, However if you have kids this time usually works well too. The early dining time allows you time for your stomach to settle more before the midnight buffet. Yes there is always some special reason that more food is created, a Mexican night on Mexican cruises, A Caribbean night on Caribbean cruises. These are all extra food events that usually begin around 10:00 p.m. on the night of the scheduled event. Hey there is always soft ice-cream, piazza, hot dogs and sandwiches at some snack bar most all night or until the wee hours of the morning. You can always get a snack, or a bite to eat anytime on a cruise.

A little more about the dinner dining. This event should not be missed, it is a wonderful time to meet new friends and people. If you are a small group you are randomly placed with other fellow cruiser’s.

This can be some of the funnest times on your cruise vacation. Typically all the help is foreign and it is great fun to talk to them about there culture and customs.

Do not be shy here, order what you want and as much as you want. If you are struggling between two appetizers or two entrees or two desserts just order them all. If you want something prepared a certain way, just ask. All cruise liners try to shine with customer service and quality in the dining room as much as they can.

The dining room staff even puts on some type of nightly performance of singing and dancing and often involves all the guests in it. It is great times and great fun. It is very competitive who can be the best and who will do the best. By the second night of your cruise your waiter or waitress will know your name, your favorite drink, and your preferences and even down to if you want a straw or not. I have not had bad service in the dining room on any of my cruises. I have been on so many, that the problem is I expect that high level of almost perfection and it is easy to critique and compare.

So seriously, let your hair down, relax, try different foods you have never had before. On my last cruise I immediately asked , When is Lobster Night? A couple days later on lobster night the waiter brought out a plate with two large lobster tails on it because he remembered me saying how much I like them. Wow at Red Lobster just the lobster tails alone would have been $60.00 or more. So leave your diet at home, eat up and have a great time.

As Usual, Bon Voyague and Happy Cruising Fellow Cruisers.

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Shore Excursions

Personally I just love the atmosphere of the cruise ship and given a choice would father just stay om the ship during the whole cruise and skip the shore excursions.   Before embarking off to your destination and beginning your cruise, the cruise line you choose to travel on offers an entire booklet dedicated to shore excursions at each port of entry.

 This will include anything from snorkeling, to a hiking path, ATV's, dune buggies, horseback riding.  You name it they probably have it.  For convenience and yes as well for additional profit for the cruise line all of these excursions and activities can be purchased on-board the ship or you may even purchase them prior to departure.

 The intention of my blog today is to target those that are not so enthusiastic about spending $1,400 for the group to pet a dolphin as my son and his family did.  With a little bit of research, which is readily available on the web, you can find and access local businesses that are very competitive with the businesses the cruise ships use.

 Often when contacted personally you get the same service, for a better price and even more personal.  A few years ago, when I was married and went on a quick cruise to BAJA Mexico, including Catalina Island and Ensanada Mexico. We decided to book all of our own excursions.

 My wife wanted to go snorkeling in Ensanada Mexico. In Ensanada the water is very cold and poor visibility and probably not the best snorkeling.  In fact it is not offered as a shore excursion anywhere.

 Well as persistent as my wife could be she researched and found a local person that would pick you up right off the cruise ship, drive you to the other side of the Island to a quaint little cove.  He provided wet suits to deal with the cold water issue.  He spent the next 2 hours  taking you out in this cove and giving a wonderful description of any local plant, corral or fish life.

As a side note it felt pretty cool when our guide told us that we were the only Two people from the ship today that had the opportunity to do a water activity.  Guess what it was just the 3 of us. Myself, my wife and the guide.  

All the way there and back he pointed out things and talked about local culture and people. We discussed everything from the average local income to the night life, and the cost of real estate in the area.  It was quite an adventure, riding around in the back of his blazer with the top off.  

He provided snacks for the day and when we were all done he gave us a tour of the down town business district.  The day included lunch, as he took us too this wonderful street taco vendor.  He bought us all the fish and shrimp tacos and soda pop we wanted.  I have been hooked on fish tacos since that day, but have not been able to find any as good as those in Ensanada that day.  

Okay here is the best news of all.  The entire package that I just briefly described was like $45.00 per person.  Oh my gosh what an incredible day.  I have booked other expeditions and activities myself as well.  Continue reading these blogs for more great cruising information. Be a little bit adventuresome and try to book some of these shore excursions with local businesses.

As Usual Bon Voyague and Happy Sailing Fellow Cruisers.

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Cruise Picture News

Like I said a cruise is a very affordable and enjoyable vacation. Many say they can't afford to go on a cruise. With proper planing and looking for the deals it is very obtainable. People say that the casino's and the booze really drive the cost of the cruise up. This is true since neither are included in the price of a cruise.

A big thing to beware of that can also lay culprit to driving up the final tab on your all inclusive cruise is the enticement of all those photos they take. As soon as you get in line to board the ship you are having your picture taken every time you turn around everyday. Hey they are very professional and they hang them up on the walls in full view for you and your family to see.

There is not one picture that can't be lived without. I remember years ago on my first cruise thinking that I just had to have every picture taken. This runs into quite a tab. So beware of the photo damage on your pocketbook.

The last cruise I went on with my son and his family they purchased over $1.000.00 in family photo's on the cruise. He even purchased the huge canvass background for $300.00. In the hype of the moment we buy anything. Many of us are emotional buyers.

The sad thing is a few months later he got a divorce. Now I am not saying don't buy, but make a few wise choices and have a budget in mind.

Here is the capstone on this story. I found out that just because the cruise ends and all the pictures are shredded that those files are not immediately deleted. Six months after the cruise was over I called Royal Caribbean and asked if there was anyway that I could still get this picture of myself. I thought oh they don't save those files this long.

Well guess what all I had to do was go to the website, do a help search for past cruise photo’s and enter in date of cruise and there they were. This was awesome, no elevated price, minimal shipping and no emotional buying.

This is a wonderful service. So if you need to budget your money closer, just buy a couple prints, go home and order more later for Christmas or something. Heck you have already paid the sitting fee.

Bon Voyage and happy sailing fellow cruisers and cruiser wanna bee’s.

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Water Charges

I absolutely love to cruise. For me it is one of the most affordable and relaxing vacations there is I have utilized several major cruise lines including Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean I have had a wonderful time on each cruise. However on my last cruise just last spring with Royal Caribbean, a wonderful 7 day Mexican Riviera to Puerto Villarta, Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas,

I learned an interesting thing that about Royal Caribbean, that I sincerely hope is not a common practice. You know those little fridges in your cruise cabin that are stocked with $5.00 waters and $3.00 cans of coke. Well being a pretty conservative traveler I never even open the fridge but choose the unlimited soda card ;that is available instead. For about $30.00

Well the last morning of any cruise is pretty crazy, everyone is running around and going to assigned locations to be given departure information. It is highly recommended that settling of your ship account is taken care of the night prior to departure. So the morning of the last day I am looking over my final ship statement and noticed that I had been charged for consuming 3 bottles of this rare artisan water that sells for $5.00 a bottle.

Well I looked into the fridge and am confused because all bottles are intact and no seals broken. After going to the information desk and standing behind several other people with the same complaint that they are being charged for unopened bottles of water, I am a bit irritated. The man at the counter told me well, I can't help you now I have sent an e-mail to your room steward and you can check back in an hour.

I am supposed to be clearing the ship in an hour. So being the persistent person I am I simply tell him oh I will wait here in front of you for an hour. At this point there is quite a line of people behind me. The poor guy continues to tell me, sir you can step aside. I just smile and say I don't mind waiting.

Immediately he goes into the back, comes back out and informs me that he called the room steward directly on a radio and the water charges were removed. Royal Caribbean is a wonderful cruise line and I have used them three different times and will use them again. But beware this is a common thing to slip in 10 or 15 dollars in room charges on you final invoice the last morning Most people don't even pay attention, it just hits the credit card and on they go. Happy sailing fellow cruiser’s.  

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