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09-02-2017 06:14 PM - edited 09-02-2017 06:16 PM
In the November 2016 issue of Reader’s Digest, writer Michelle Crouch shared the following:
Our “all-inclusive” rate? Typically, that doesn’t include alcohol, tips, shore excursions, internet, dining outside our dining room, and what you spend on casino or bingo play. And please, do come play: Your odds are often even worse than on land.
Always look at the ship’s deck plan before you choose your cabin. Don’t pick one directly under the gym, the pool deck, the disco, or any late-night venue. Know that if you book a cabin at the front of the ship, you’re going to feel some up and down motion.
If your ship permits it, pack a charging station or a power strip. Many cruise ships still have only one or two outlets per cabin—and that’s not going to cut it.
If you’re arriving by car, do not park in the cruise terminal, which can cost $20-$30 a day. Off-site lots typically cost half as much, offer shuttle service to port, and have your car waiting with the AC on at trip’s end.
You’re twice as likely to be sexually assaulted on a cruise as you are on land, a 2011 study found, and two thirds of the assailants are crew members. Yet cases are hard to prosecute, with alcohol often involved and police often not on board. Stay safe by sticking with a friend.
Shhh…here’s a secret. You can book many of the same land excursions we offer for a fraction of the cost by arranging them privately with tour companies beforehand.
For God’s sake, wash your hands. There were 11 outbreaks on cruise ships in the first six months of 2016, almost as many as in all of 2015. Most were norovirus, a highly contagious bug that causes stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Thanks to laws that allow us to register our ships in foreign nations, we don’t have to comply with U.S. labor regulations, so crew members typically work 12-13 hours every day, with no minimum wage, overtime, or benefits. Don’t be shocked if your service reflects this.
Every wonder where we get all that fresh water? We make it. That’s right—giant onboard desalination systems remove salt and impurities from ocean water so it’s safe to drink.
Our Wi-Fi prices can be crazy high for subpar performance. So save your surfing for port days, and ask the crew for the nearest free hot spot. (Since they can’t afford ship Wi-Fi either, crew members flock to internet cafes when they disembark.)
Sorry, procrastinators. Most cruise lines now favor early booking promotions over last-minute deals, and the least expensive rooms sell out first. For the lowest price, book right when we announce an itinerary, often about 18 months out.
We’re not required to report thefts of less than $10,000, so no one knows how much petty crime really happens on board. But it’s a lot. Leave your valuables at home.
We really do train for pirate attacks (even though they’re extremely rare). We can’t share many details, but let’s just say that our ship’s fire hoses are good for more than fighting fires.
09-02-2017 07:11 PM
are you a travel agent ?
09-02-2017 07:35 PM
@lucky-girl wrote:are you a travel agent ?
@lucky-girl LOl! No; I don't have the patience!
09-02-2017 08:18 PM
Goodness! Taking a cruise sounds awful!
09-02-2017 10:31 PM
cruises are wonderful..You just have to do your research.
09-02-2017 10:41 PM
Although each item here is true, I have been on 14 cruises and have always enjoyed them immensely. Just like home, be csutious and do your homework. I always found the staff very friendly/
09-02-2017 11:43 PM
@World Traveler wrote:Thanks to laws that allow us to register our ships in foreign nations, we don’t have to comply with U.S. labor regulations, so crew members typically work 12-13 hours every day, with no minimum wage, overtime, or benefits. Don’t be shocked if your service reflects this.
I've been looking at NCL's Pride of America lately. As far as I know, this is the only US flagged ship with a predominantly American crew (this is the ship that's in Hawaii). There was a recent thread on Cruise Critic that pretty much said the opposite - the American crew is not as friendly or good as the foreign crews. Personally, I don't need an overly friendly crew.
Sorry, procrastinators. Most cruise lines now favor early booking promotions over last-minute deals, and the least expensive rooms sell out first. For the lowest price, book right when we announce an itinerary, often about 18 months out.
Now, this I've always found to be true. Unfortunately, Royal has shaken things up a bit with non-refundable deposits (something I understand Carnival does too). In other words, the truly best prices now come with restrictions. I have one more cruise booked with them that will push me to their Diamond loyalty class. After that, I can look around. (Although, to be honest, cruising is always secondary to my land trips.)
09-03-2017 01:18 AM
I think I'll keep my feet on solid ground..............
09-03-2017 07:20 AM
Good to know! I have only been on one Cruise so far....
09-03-2017 10:58 PM
As a person who does love to cruise.. I have one comment. Do not book your own off shore excursions. If there is a problem and you are late ... in getting back the cruise line does not have to wait for you. I have seen it happen (fortunately not to me).
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