Last week I wrote about what was included in the bottom line advertised cruise price. This week I wanted to follow that up with what you receive for that price you paid.
People often ask me what exactly is included in the price of a cruise. While the answer to that can vary a little among cruise lines, there are some consistencies between them you can count on.
The cruise fare will include :
I don’t know what it is but I love ships.
Now I’m not talking about the experience of cruising, which I definitely love, but I am talking about the ships themselves. My wife makes fun of me (and maybe sometimes gets a bit impatient waiting for me), but I have to take a picture of our ship (and any others in port) from every possible angle, with or without her or anyone else in the picture. People are almost an afterthought. They are important, but they are not the ship in her full glory.
My obsession began back in 1991, at the beginning of my cruise career working for Royal Caribbean, with the introduction of the Monarch of the Seas cruise ship. While “working” onboard for several weeks, I began my ship photo homage with a series of pictures with three of my favorite cities (Boston, New York and Miami) as a backdrop to the true star, the ship.
I took so many pictures, day, night, close, far. You name the type, I took it. If only my skill matched my desire (they still sit in a box in storage begging me for their debut).
Now, I am very thankful for the transition from film to digital cameras. Instantly, I know if I have a winner or not.
One deeply disappointing day back in 1996, I picked up my film from the 1-hour film developer, only to find out all of my fantastic shots of the Splendour of the Seas cruise ship in port at some of Europe’s most beautiful cities were dark!
Picture, if you will, the newest, most modern ship of its time perched majestically with the architecturally appealing city of Hamburg, Germany in the background, shot from every angle of course. It was a spectacular sight, this old, historic city, being graced by this modern marvel. If only you could see it!
When regaling to people the benefits of cruising, we tend to focus on the bang for your buck aspect. You know… how your accommodations, food and entertainment are all included? And you only have to unpack once is another great but *yawn* common one.
But one of the most marvelous components of a cruise vacation is that cruising is, and always has been, a breeding ground for social interaction. And guess what, that awesomeness is FREE!
People in their everyday lives may grunt hello, keep their head down and adamantly refuse to make any kind of unnecessary eye contact. But get them across a gangplank, onto a ship and they seem to strip the defenses and let themselves run rampant. People say hi and strike up a conversation with complete strangers, what a peculiar thing! One of the first questions to one another isn’t the mundane, “Hi, how are you?” Which in turn receives the usual response, “Fine.” But a “Where are you from?” Thus, sparking a real, connected conversation!
Everything about a cruise creates an environment for social connections and the development of lifelong friendships. You are disconnected from the technological world. The cruise lines charge a per-minute fee for internet usage (thank goodness!), and you don’t want to know the per-minute charge to use a telephone. But this makes people look up from a screen and into the face of life.
You all get to travel in style to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The whole ship can share together the awe and eagerness to see new cultures and natural wonders….or you know, maybe to try a frozen margarita at Senor Frogs. Whatever tickles your little cruising fancy. But I guarantee there will be other passengers who share your fancy that you will meet along the way.
And then there is dinner. Cruise lines now have the option for an ‘open seating’ arrangement, so that you dine whenever you wish and with whomever you wish. Be that by yourselves or with new friends. But many people still prefer the traditional dining option in which you are assigned a table, and table mates, and all have the same server each evening as well. It may seem odd at first, dining with completely foreign personalities, eek! But most times people leave with lifelong cruise buddies. If by chance, you are seated with someone who has green skin, antennas and razor sharp teeth-I might discreetly ask the maitre d’ if there is anywhere else you may be able to dine. Don’t fret, aliens are typically very rare. Usually your table mates are quite normal and again, can become great friends.
So to sum it up, if you want to be a grumpy old fart when you travel…maybe a cruise isn’t the best idea and staying at home would be better?
However, if you are a human being and crave new experiences in travel and life—cruise it up.
Go Explore. Go Sea.
So you have found just the right ship and itinerary. Now you need to find just the right stateroom! Choosing your cabin can be exciting, but also quite a process.
In essence there are really only 4 cabin types on any cruise ship:
Inside: Generally the smallest cabins onboard and have no views.
Ocean View: A window providing you with a sea view—can be obstructed (lifeboat outside window), porthole (small, round window) or a full picture window—all provide you with some natural light in the cabin.
Balcony: Private verandah.
Suite: Range from mini to penthouse suite with larger living space and extra amenities
Once you are aware of the four types of cabins, the differing categories within those types narrow down location, size and price.
Here are my top 3 reasons I think you are missing out if you never experience a cruise vacation.
A cruise is a definitely a must-try-will-love-and-get-hooked vacation. It doesn’t hurt that all your friends and work buddies will be extremely jealous when you show them all of your vacation photos.
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