A Travel Guide To Cruise Vacations
Everyone looks forward to an annual vacation, but the planning can be quite complicated at the best of times. A cruise is a great solution for those who prefer minimal planning with maximum impact. Cruises, which have become very popular in the last couple of decades, offer plenty of activities as well as a variety of destinations. The best part is that booking the cruise is usually the only planning that has to be done. Find out more within this article about the ins and outs of going on a cruise and finding the perfect one for you.
Who to Go With
Among the most popular cruise lines are Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line and Celebrity Cruises. All three are family-friendly, which means that suitable activities are offered for children and young teens. In general, adults can usually choose from activities such as golfing, theaters, seminars and classes, workout facilities, casinos, spas, nightclubs, duty free stores, art galleries and more. Carnival has been operating since the early seventies and has refined their packages immensely. Their on-board restaurants also feature several different types of international cuisine and guests can also opt for room service around the clock. Despite its offerings for children, Carnival does have a party-goers reputation, especially for short-term cruises, which may not be suitable for family vacations. Cunard has been operating for much longer, dating back to the late 1800s. They offer luxurious surroundings with stately rooms and entertainment. Guests can even enjoy a tour in the planetarium or feel at home in a large garden conservatory. While Cunard’s pricing is generally in keeping with other competitive offerings, alcohol prices aboard their ships have been known to be quite steep. Since their guests usually comprise of an older crowd, there are fewer activities for young children here. Celebrity Cruises offers a better compromise that allows children to have a blast while their parents enjoy some downtime. They also include guided tours at destinations, which can be a bonus for some or a disadvantage for those who want to explore on their own.
Where to Go
The two most popular cruise destinations are the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. After this are several niche destinations, such as Alaska, Antarctica and Hawaii. While the Caribbean and Mediterranean are great for those who want to bask in warm weather, keep in mind that cruises to these destinations can also be very crowded due to their popularity. Keep in mind that outings and activities off the ship can also vary depending on the destination. For example, Caribbean cruises offer heaps of activities, such as snorkeling, shopping and more, while an Alaskan cruise would be better suited for those with a passion for photography or hiking.
When to Go
One of the main factors that influence when people travel is the weather. In general many people travel during the summer to take advantage of the sunny skies. Alternatively, winter months are another favorite, especially for North American tourists heading south to escape the snow. Remember that while these are ideal times to travel, they are usually also more expensive and crowded. For those looking for a quieter experience or a lower cost, try researching cruises during the off-season. Apart from better prices, it could also result in better choices of accommodation aboard the ship.
How Long to Go For
Deciding how long to go on a cruise depends on the individual travelers and their interests. For example, a family with very young children might find that the kids get restless on a cruise of more than three to four days. On the other hand, older couples or honeymooners might prefer a week-long trip. While longer cruises can be more relaxing, they typically cost more. A more extreme example would be a worldwide cruise which could last up to several weeks.
What to Do
Cruise ships today offer so many different types of activities that there is certainly something to please everyone. On board, guests can indulge in relaxing spas or work up an appetite at sports and fitness centers. Those with a hankering for something more intellectual or stimulating can usually head to the ship’s theater, library or sign up for a class. There are also plenty of options in terms of nightlife, including dance clubs, comedy clubs, restaurants and more. Destination stops also offer many different activities, depending on the location. Shopping, sight-seeing and photography are some of the most popular types of activities that cruise guests can indulge in.
Money
Cruise prices can vary greatly depending on the destination, time of year, length of the trip, location of the room and several other factors. On average, expect to pay between $1,000 and up. One good way to ensure a lower cost is to look for all-inclusive cruise packages that include meals. Do keep in mind that even so, travelers can still encounter additional costs such as tipping the staff or shopping while on board. Find out ahead of time whether on-board activities and entertainment are also included or if they comprise of extra charges. Apart from that, stops at various destinations will also require additional expenditure to participate in activities or for shopping.