|
|
Cruises are to Expensive?
No! Cruising has changed dramatically over the last 20 years from a misconcieved idea that ships hark back to the days of the Edwardian liners. Today there are Ships and Cruise to suit all, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your holiday will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, gratuities, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.) You'll be amazed at the value.
How long are cruises?
Its piece of string time . Itineraries can range from as little as three days to as long as three months! With many cruises offered by the Cruise lines avaliable to be split into smaller sections. For example a 2 week cruise in the Caribbean can be often split into a 7 day cruise Eastern or Western caribbean
How do I book a cruise?
Planning a cruise vacation can be complicated - more so than booking an airline ticket, hotel, or hire car. A cruise holiday can truly be holiday of a lifetime. It can be a significant investment of both time and money. Therefore, we highly recommend especially if it is your first cruise to book with one of the Cruise Lines or specialist Cruise Travel Agents which you can find in our Cruise brochure section here or from our Holiday Search here
Thereare literally thousands of different cruise options to choose from and the best Cruise for you depends on how you answer these questions:
When do you want to go? For how long?
What do you want to see? Which is more important? Beaches? Shopping? High Adventure? Relaxation? History? Folklore? Sports?
What's your cruise experience? What's your other holiday experience? Which cruise line is best for you? What type of accommodation?
How are you getting to the ship? Do you need transfers?
Are you taking children? How old are they? How many cabins do you need? Do you need cabins near one another? Do you want to sit together at dinner? Are you celebrating a big anniversary? Does everyone need the same type of cabin? Do you qualify for a group rate?
Do you have special needs? Cots? Wheelchair? Special diet?
Your best bet for booking your cruise is to use the links on this site, Do Your Research. Check out different itineries and prices from the companies offering on here for the package that best suits you. Most Agents and Cruise lines we link to offer many different types of Media for you to get an Idea for the Ship and Holiday that suits you. Whether it be galleries of pictures, video, even 360 walk around images of their ships. On many new ships they even offer live webcams of where the ship is now!!
Dont forget to look at the destination you will visit or want to visit. You can visit the Foreign Office for latest country updates, check for the weather and currency details all from our useful links page here
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it. Cruise ships can range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat.
What's a Fly/cruise?
A fly/cruise or air/sea cruise holiday package includes either free or much reduced airfare along with your cruise ticket. These money-saving options are available from most major UK Cities and include transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling. Often these packages will include at least one nights hotel accomodation, before or after transfer to the ship.
Can I book at last minute?
Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. The best place to look is to go straight to our Holiday search ; just click on cruise and the date you want to travel and see what is there. We only list Cruise Holidays from ABTA bonded Cruise Travel Agents, so even if its a fantastic deal you have the surity of a specialist professional. Cruise Search But, to get exactly the ship, cabin and sailing date you want, you should plan and book early. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead. Then, just sit back and anticipate all the fun you're going to have!
Do I need a passport?
Yes, always a top tip when travelling to make sure you have your passport. There are so few exceptions, its really not worth the risk travelling without it. But to be sure check out the latest details regarding visas and passport requirements at the Passport Office here
Can I extend my cruise holiday?
Most travel agents will help create a tailor made cruise holiday for you, whether you just want to add a few days before you fly home or book an hotel before embarkation. If you are looking to tailor your holiday around a cruise only package. Book your flights here and hotels here
Is sea Sickness a problem?
Today's modern cruise ships are quite large and contain hi-tech stabilizing devices and advance weather notification processes. In the unlikely event you experience sea sickness , there are a number of over-the-counter solutions to ease your concerns. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacists before taking any medication.
Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on all of today's modern cruise ships are equipped with satellite televisions and in some cases in-cabin internet connections. While most ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. And, you can make phone calls from most ports. In addition, many ships have fax capabilities and newer ships offer Internet access and e-mail capabilities to passengers.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with yours to be sure. Many ships even feature hair dryers in your cabin.
Can we celebrate a "special" day?
Absolutely! This is what taking a cruise ia all about for many people. Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of Happy Whatever to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapes, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. Just make sure that you advise your travel agent and cruise ship before travel. It is also well worth a quick word with you maitre'd or waiter to confirm such arrangements have been made. I have seen a few disappointed customers on board as the staff didnt "guess" they had a special celebration.
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most lines will work with groups often at reduced rates depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year.