Making The Most Of Your Cruise
08/22/2007 06:08 a.m.
A cruise is a considerable investment in your recreation and thus you should be able to derive the maximum benefit. Seasoned cruisers have learned some valuable lessons that deserve to be passed on.
• Check for a deal on an outside room, possibly with an external veranda. You will be able to enjoy watching the sea roll by and the amazing coastlines come into view in full and blissful privacy which is well worth the extra cost.
• Book the late dinner seating when you're in port. This will give you more time to wander around and see all the sights.
• Don't overeat and overdrink. The temptation is to just stuff it all down, but that would be a big mistake not only for your waistline but for your entire vacation. Many cruisers spend most of the voyage sleeping off huge meals or so drunk that they don't recall anything.
• Schedule some activities. There's always something going on somewhere on the ship, so check with the activities desk. And when you get to port, don't just spend the whole day elbowing the locals shopping for knick-knacks, take in a sightseeing tour or some of the myriad sports activities.
• Do unique things. There's no point going on a cruise if you're going to do the same things you could do at home. Just because the ship has a video arcade doesn't mean you should spend your entire cruise there.
• Avoid problems. If you require prescription medication, make sure you have a sufficient supply. If you wear eyeglasses, have an spare pair. Try to stay with a group when onshore, don't flash a lot of cash, and remember to treat everyone with respect since you are a guest in their country, not the other way around.
Tags: caribbean, north america, oceania, western europe, bahamas, barbados, jamaica
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