If you have never taken a cruise before, here are tips that will make your trip more enjoyable, less frantic and organized.
Lately, there are more requirements that cruise lines require such as completing immigration information prior to the cruise. It is important that you have two forms of ID. You must either have a travel passport or a birth certificate. You must also carry a photo ID like a driver's license. Print these papers after you have made a final payment and take them with you when you check in. We always take along a photo copy of our passport as well. Our last cruise to Europe collected our passports on day 2 for visa processing in Turkey and returned them to us on the next to last day of the cruise. I'm sure they've misplaced a few passports over time.
We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not mandatory, but it eliminates panic about flight delays or missing luggage concerns. If you do arrive the same day as departure, allow ample time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time on your return flight. It is suggested to choose your departing flight by 1:00 in the afternoon. Attempt to arrive the day before the departure of the cruise line. This is not necessarily mandatory but it does eliminate panic about flight delays.
You will be assigned to one of two rooms on board. They are called a"Stateroom" or "Cabin". There are two kinds of accommodations on board. The are called state room or cabin. They both have the same meaning. Choose wisely. If you or someone in your family is claustrophobic, do not choose an inside cabin, as they are small with no windows. Try a cabin with a porthole. Balcony cabins are also a good alternative as they are usually bigger. If you are with your family, most new ships have cabins that are family friendly. You cabin will include very nice amenities that will make it seem more like home. These include private baths, refrigerators, large closets, phone and TV.
Sea sickness should not be a concern for you. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to side. To be on the safe side, pack medicine like Dramamine or Meclizine (can be bought over-the-counter at your local pharmacy) in your bag. You can also purchase over the counter medicines in the Sundries store on board, after sail away. Modern ships have what are called stabilizers. This eliminates most of the rocking motion which sends people staggering around green from sickness. If you should experience sea sickness, retreat to your cabin and lie down with a cold washrag over your head or neck.
No cruise is complete without fine dining. You can even enjoy 24 hour room service - be mindful of tipping guidelines, which vary. We prefer the Free-Style Cruises, which allow you to eat in different resturants on board and at the time that is convenient for you - usually between the hours of 5 pm - 10pm.
When you are packing, bring comfortable shoes. This is very important because you will do lots of walking. Do not forget to take medications, plenty of clothes, a swimsuit and your travel documents in a small bag that you can take with you. This eliminates the anxiety of waiting for your belongings to show up in your cabin.
Above all, have fun taking advantage of the many activities that they offer there. Get a massage, go work out at a fitness center, and go relax by the pool. You can even watch movies, go rock climbing, go skating and more! Also, do not miss out on the shore excursions, If you are bringing your children, take advantage of the activities for kids. Every cruise line has a children's program. These are usually grouped by age. Take advantage of the baby-sitting service available. You will have to pay, but it is worth it if you and your spouse/partner would like to steal away and enjoy the nightlife on board. Whether you are going for an anniversary, a get-away, or a family vacation, a cruise line is a great destination.
By Nick Nikolis
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Traveling Tips to and Around Europe
Europe is one of the most heavily traveled continents for people coming from North America. There are so many famous countries that offer excitement, culture, learning experiences, and an overall enjoyable time. Given the potential great memories, it would be a shame to miss any of it due to lack of helpful information or preparation. So after choosing the country within Europe that you would like to visit, or if you plan to visit multiple countries on your vacation, you should be aware of the following tips.
Preparing For Your European Experience:
Getting into Europe is not as easy as it used to be, so you'll want to come prepared. You must have a passport to enter any country. Consequently if you are traveling through several nations on the same trip, it is wise to have your passport and/or visa ready at all times to show to the various customs offices. You also need to be aware in advance of items and products you can and cannot bring into other countries as you travel from one to another. Be prepared to leave those at your hotel and avoid the risk of confiscation.
Learning a Few Foreign Phrases:
There are 320 mixed languages spoken throughout Europe, so try to learn a few key phrases based on the primary languages of your destination nations. The majority of Europeans speak several languages in addition to their mother tongue, so it should suffice to learn just a bit of the major ones. A high percentage of people also speak at least a little English as well, depending to where you travel.
International Driving Considerations:
When renting a car, be aware of different national laws. Some such as Ireland, Cyprus, and parts of England require driving on the left hand side of the road, so be cautious if you plan to drive. (If you are uncomfortable with that arrangement and fear making a critical driving error on the wrong side of the road, you might alternatively consider taking a taxi or bus instead of driving yourself.) Seatbelts are required everywhere you travel in Europe and for everyone in the car, so don't be negligent. Additionally, the speed limits change and can be much higher than those in the US. Drive safely and move to the far side of the road if you plan to motor at a slower pace.
More To It Than Just Plugging It In:
Finally, you need to know that electrical currents differ in Europe from that the United States. There are special adapters you can purchase before your departure so that you can plug in your hair dryer, iron, and other electrical necessities you may bring on the trip. If you do not have an adapter, ask your hotel concierge to provide one since the power will ruin anything using electricity without using an appropriate adapter.
Planning your trip thoroughly is a good idea. If you do this, you will minimize your hassles as you travel throughout these beautiful countries. With the finer details taken care of prior to departure, your vacation in Europe will be truly a positive experience you will never forget. For practical recommendations to super travel locations such as to Costa Rica, Europe, Bahamas and many more, please visit www.travel-vacation-spots.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning vacation travel opportunities!
By Terri Miller
Preparing For Your European Experience:
Getting into Europe is not as easy as it used to be, so you'll want to come prepared. You must have a passport to enter any country. Consequently if you are traveling through several nations on the same trip, it is wise to have your passport and/or visa ready at all times to show to the various customs offices. You also need to be aware in advance of items and products you can and cannot bring into other countries as you travel from one to another. Be prepared to leave those at your hotel and avoid the risk of confiscation.
Learning a Few Foreign Phrases:
There are 320 mixed languages spoken throughout Europe, so try to learn a few key phrases based on the primary languages of your destination nations. The majority of Europeans speak several languages in addition to their mother tongue, so it should suffice to learn just a bit of the major ones. A high percentage of people also speak at least a little English as well, depending to where you travel.
International Driving Considerations:
When renting a car, be aware of different national laws. Some such as Ireland, Cyprus, and parts of England require driving on the left hand side of the road, so be cautious if you plan to drive. (If you are uncomfortable with that arrangement and fear making a critical driving error on the wrong side of the road, you might alternatively consider taking a taxi or bus instead of driving yourself.) Seatbelts are required everywhere you travel in Europe and for everyone in the car, so don't be negligent. Additionally, the speed limits change and can be much higher than those in the US. Drive safely and move to the far side of the road if you plan to motor at a slower pace.
More To It Than Just Plugging It In:
Finally, you need to know that electrical currents differ in Europe from that the United States. There are special adapters you can purchase before your departure so that you can plug in your hair dryer, iron, and other electrical necessities you may bring on the trip. If you do not have an adapter, ask your hotel concierge to provide one since the power will ruin anything using electricity without using an appropriate adapter.
Planning your trip thoroughly is a good idea. If you do this, you will minimize your hassles as you travel throughout these beautiful countries. With the finer details taken care of prior to departure, your vacation in Europe will be truly a positive experience you will never forget. For practical recommendations to super travel locations such as to Costa Rica, Europe, Bahamas and many more, please visit www.travel-vacation-spots.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning vacation travel opportunities!
By Terri Miller
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