CRUISING
HIGHLIGHTS OF CRUISING
When most people think of cruising they think about the ports along the itinerary. Today cruise ships are designed as floating cities within themselves. They come in all shapes and sizes offering a variety of opportunities to explore while enjoying the beautiful scenery that comes with the rivers and oceans they cruise on.
From personal experience and booking clients that want to experience a specific ship can be the primary reason for going on a given cruise. A good many clients will actually stay aboard during certain ports to enjoy the activities on-board. This can be a great opportunity to catch up on a little relaxation or not have a line at your favorite activity.
Ocean and river cruising are quite different experiences but one thing in common is that you do not have to check in and out of your hotel to see multiple destinations.
River cruising allows you to sit on your balcony or on the top deck and enjoy the beautiful castles and cathedrals as you float up the river. This has to be our favorite for relaxation.
Ocean cruising also allows a different flavor on a larger or medium size ship to see glaciers up close and personal or waterfalls with whales in the Alaska Tracy Arm passage.
There are different categories for everyone when it comes to cruising. Luxury, Premier, Mass Market, small ships and many more. Regardless your activity level or the size of your family the ship can be a destination in itself.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
We receive this question a lot and it really comes down to when can you travel? That is the best time. Of course sometime families are limited due to school being in session but many do home school and get the kids out of school for an opportunity to spend time together.
WEATHER
Regardless of your location the weather inside is delightful and there are a ton of experiences you can do while on certain ships.
EXPERIENCES
Broadway shows
Comedians
Meetings aboard with a group
Golf and Putt-Putt
Ice-skating ring
Sports court
Ping-pong
Zip lines
Flow rider (wave rider)
Movies (Indoor and Outdoor Movies)
Race track and Bumper cars
Pools/ Hot tubs
Water slides
Spa and Pampering services
Ski diving experience
Foods from around the world
Meet and Greet with Characters
Game room/Arcade
Teen/Kids clubs
Laser tag
Adult only areas
Ropes course
Rock climbing walls
Game shows (Newlywed games, Bingo, Card Games, Deal or No Deal)
Shopping
Casino’s
Carousals
Specialty Dinning
Night clubs/sports bar
Themed parties
Trivia
Board games
Library
Photo gallery
Classes (Cooking classes, Computer classes, drawing classes)
Education and History opportunities
And the list goes on….
BASICS
LANGUAGE
The majority of the cruise lines speak English as the first or second language. Announcements are made in the primary language of the country the ship departs from and then announced and spoken in English as well.
MONEY
Depending on your location will determine the currency. If you book from the United States the cruise it will almost always be in US dollars while stateside. River cruises is Europe does have the capability while on board to change some US dollars to Euro’s.
TIPPING
This will be determined based on the cruise line itself. Ocean cruises average from $11 to $16 per day per person. River cruises vary and some are already included as no additional charge.
VISA & PASSPORTS
U.S. citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of your Journey. Visa requirements are based on the country you visit. A lot of times the cruise line will assist with this process as long as you already have a passport.
