Over the years, ocean cruising has evolved to become one of the most popular forms of travel. From fun and entertainment to stunning views and excursions, cruise lines are constantly coming up with new ways to make each voyage an unforgettable experience. Whether onboard the ship or exploring one of the many ports, your options for activities are endless.
With so many places to see and so little time, working through the details of your trip may seem a little daunting. To better learn about cruising, we floated some questions to CAA Travel Consultant of 35 years, Ron Vietgen. A seasoned ocean cruiser, Ron has visited over 20 countries by cruise. Some of his favourite destinations include Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska and Italy.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before booking your next ocean cruise.
What are the most important things to consider before booking an ocean cruise?
Trip Length
One of the first things to determine is the duration of your trip. Whether you just want to go for a few days or escape for a couple of weeks, deciding on your preferred time at sea is a good place to start. That said, many ocean crusing trips tend to be a week. Of course, you can always extend your vacation by adding on days in your embarkation city either before or after the cruise.
Destination and Excursions
While picking a destination may be important to many travellers, it is not the end all be all for everyone. For those who are familiar with their cruise route, their trip may focus less on excursions and land activities, and more on the experiences aboard the ship. Others might be visiting for the first time and want to explore each port to the fullest. It all depends on your preferences.
Cruise Line and Budget
Selecting the right cruise line is a key part of a successful trip. While some cruise lines offer family-friendly services, others may tailor amenities to a more mature traveler, giving you quite the variety of experiences to choose from. Based on your budget, you will also need to pick your cabin type. Rooms that have an ocean view and balcony tend to be the most popular. Specialty dining and beverage packages, as well as gratuities, can be paid for in advance to make the whole experience that much easier.
Aside from traditional travel items, is there anything you must or should pack for a cruise?
Having a good pair of walking shoes is a must. You’ll likely be doing lots of walking around the ship and at each port so comfortable footwear is important. A pair of binoculars are great to have as well. There’s a good chance you’ll encounter some wildlife or beautiful scenery – like in Alaska for example. Being able to have a closer view will make you appreciate your vacation even more. Finally, motion sickness pills are probably one of the most important things to pack. Though you may be familiar with the sway of a ship, it’s a nice safety net to have in place in case a wave of seasickness hits you.
What can travellers expect when reaching a port of call? How can they discover the land excursions available to them?
Many people choose to embark on one of the excursions their cruise line offer. Excursions can be pre-booked and are often accompanied by a local tour expert. You are also more than welcome to do build your own agenda. While the freedom is great, you just need to make sure you are back before the ship leaves. A benefit of going on an excursion through the cruise line is that the ship will never leave without you.
What types of activities, dining, and entertainment options can travellers take advantage of while aboard the ship?
Depending on the cruise line and size of the ship, there can be countless things to do. Travellers are often delighted to learn that their cruise line offers surfing machines, roller skating, mini-golf, ziplining, and rock climbing. You can also enjoy the nightlife by visiting the casino, playing bingo or trivia, watching a live show or taking in a meal at a specialty restaurant.
What are some popular or unique destinations worth considering for a cruise?
The beauty about cruising is that it’s a great way to either cross off a bunch of countries at once or to experience one destination in detail. From trips to the islands of Tahiti and journeys around the tip of South America to adventures through the Norwegian Fjords and expeditions to Iceland, the world is your oyster!
Looking to set sail?
If all this talk about cruising has you wanting to plan your next trip, contact a CAA Niagara Travel Consultant today. Book an appointment with a CAA travel expert and get ready to experience the world at sea!
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