( 82) Staying On the Ship in Port

If time, interest, physical condition or budget does not make ship excursions a choice for a day in port, don’t worry. There is usually a local market near cruise ship ports and cruise lines offer shuttle bus transportation to and from shopping areas that are not within walking distance.

Staying onboard the ship when it is berthed in port is another option. When the crowds disembark for tours and explorations, the ship is yours. Pricey spa and salon treatments suddenly become affordable with port specials. Meals are served as usual. There’s never a competition for the best poolside lounge chair. The crew staff offers games and movies play in the theater.

Even if you disembark for a short time, many cruisers prefer half day tours and return to the ship to relax and watch the non-stop activity in the harbor.

(100) Disembarkation Tips

The morning of disembarkation, you must vacate your cabin immediately after breakfast. (The crew has only a few hours to get ready for the next group of guests). Count on spending two to three hours in one of the ship’s public areas while customs clears the ship. Be patient. Read a good book. Reminisce about the cruise. Plan your next cruise. Your time will come. Waiting is a good time to check your customs form and make sure it is complete and correct. Be absolutely certain you are not bringing home any restricted items that will delay your progress through customs.

Some cruise lines often offer expedited disembarkation to guests who can literally “take themselves off the ship.” This means you must be able to handle all of your luggage with no assistance and arrange your own transportation from the port to the airport and you cannot be traveling on cruise air. Expedited disembarkation is ideal for travelers who drive to the cruise port and another good reason to travel light! Check with the cruise pursor’s desk before the final day of the cruise to arrange expedited disembarkation.

If you do not qualify for expedited disembarkation, when your color code is called, exit the ship. Claim your luggage and clear customs. Again, be patient. There are lines for immigration and customs. Don’t make jokes or complain. Their work is serious and customs officials are not known for their sense of humor. Suffice it to say, disembarking is not as much fun as embarking! Soon, you’ll be home telling everyone about your wonderful cruise and planning the next one!

(20) Gay and Lesbian Cruising

Many gay and lesbian cruisers enjoy cruising with a diverse mix of fellow travelers on whichever cruise line meets their personal interests and budget. However, there is also a growing cruise market specifically for gay and lesbian single travelers, couples and families.

If you are seeking a cruise with an open environment and the opportunity to meet other gay and lesbian travelers or families from around the world, look for cruises marketed by companies like RSVP Vacations (www.rsvp.net), Atlantis Events (www.atlantisevents.com) and Olivia Cruises and Resorts (www.oliviatravel.com).

(19) Singles Cruises

A singles cruise may mean a cruise filled with single people who enjoy connecting with other singles or a singles cruise may mean you have no travel partner. If you are single and looking for romance, don’t believe cruise marketing that promises you will meet the guy or gal of your dreams onboard any cruise. Statistically, single women far outnumber single men on cruises, especially in the over 40 age set. Research cruise market demographics before choosing a singles cruise. For instance, the average age of cruisers on Holland America is 60+ and the average age of cruisers on Windjammer Barefoot Cruises is under 40. If meeting other singles is your cruise goal, search for a cruise line that specifically markets cruises for singles. Check out the tips and cruise news at www.singlescruise.com or www.cruisingforlove.com.

If you are simply traveling solo and not interested in making connections with other singles, the most important criteria for a cruise is usually the cost of occupying a cabin that is priced for double occupancy without having to pay twice as much. Look for cruises that offer discounts on single occupancy cabins.

Heads Up: Some cruise lines and travel agencies offer to match single travelers with a roommate. Think twice before agreeing to room with a total stranger. Even for the most flexible person, sharing a room and bath with someone who has different sleeping patterns and personal habits can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. Get to know a potential roommate before committing to the intimacy of sharing close quarters.

(18) Honeymoon Cruises

A honeymoon cruise is a natural setting for romance. Take advantage of all the ship has to offer or escape the world in the privacy of your stateroom. No need to worry about making dinner reservations or finding a hot nightspot. Everything is there for you.

When considering a cruise honeymoon look for a cruise line that meets your demographics as a couple. Most honeymooners don’t want to cruise on a ship filled with kiddies or seniors (unless they are seniors). Ask about special discounts or cruise amenities for honeymooners. Request dinner seating with other honeymoon couples. Take advantage of luxury and pampering with leisurely champagne breakfasts (lunch or dinner) in bed. Book a couple’s massage. This is your special time; make the most of your honeymoon cruise. The Caribbean is the top cruise honeymoon destination. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess are four cruise lines favored by honeymooners.

Heads Up: If you are newly married without a passport or photo identification with your new married name, clearing airport security and immigration is complicated. It is best to book your cruise under your maiden name so that it matches your photo identification.

(17) Wedding Cruises

Imagine a wedding onboard ship or in a romantic port paradise. Getting married on a cruise places a whole new twist on a destination wedding for the wedding couple and wedding guests. A cruise ship wedding is usually less stressful and often costs less in the long run than a traditional wedding. Best of all, you are “on location” for a great romantic honeymoon immediately following the ceremony. For wedding guests, a cruise wedding combines celebrating the wedding and a dream vacation. Compare costs for guests who travel to a traditional wedding, paying airfare, accommodations, local transportation, food and entertainment with the cost of a cruise that includes these factors.

Cruise weddings can be simple or elaborate. Some cruise lines offer services of a wedding coordinator to handle all the details, including flowers, music, photography/videography and the wedding cake. Although most cruise ship wedding take place while in port, some cruise ships have added wedding chapels or offer sunset ceremonies on deck.

Here are some important considerations when planning a wedding cruise:

• Does the cruise line offer wedding services?
• Can you marry at sea or only in port?
• What is the cost of a cruise wedding ceremony and what is included?
• Who will perform the ceremony?
• What legal documentation is required?
• What group discounts can your guests expect?

Note: Many couples also celebrate wedding anniversaries by renewing their wedding vows on a cruise. As a rule, the only requirement is your original marriage license. What a romantic surprise for a spouse!

(16) Family Cruising

Family cruises offer something for all ages and interests. There is time for togetherness and time for separate kid-fun and grown-up fun. Parents relax while the kids are entertained and even educated in creative shipboard programs. Evening in-cabin babysitting or group babysitting is available on most family-oriented cruises. Cruise lines with high scores from families include: Disney Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises.

When considering a family cruise, look for:

• Family-friendly staterooms like suites or connecting cabins. Some cruise cabins sleep four in a standard cabin, but think crowded.
• Kids’ programs differ from one cruise line to the next. Look for cruises that offer multiple age groups rather than combining tots and pre-teens. Newer ships typically have larger centers designated for different age groups from tots to teens.
• Request a typical daily kids’ activity schedule for each age group.
• Check the ratio of kids to cruise counselors. Ask about what training youth program directors have?
• How are port days handled? Do kids always go ashore with parents or are there onboard programs allowing parents freedom for shore excursions?
• What are family dining options? Are families seated with other families for traditional dining? Are there kids’ dining nights?
• How are evening babysitting services handled and what is the cost?
• How do parents stay in touch with cruise staff and their kids? Are pagers provided for emergencies?
• What are kids’ program restrictions and rules? Most cruise lines require that tots in group programs be potty-trained. Chronic behavior problems may result in dismissal from organized programs.

Check www.cruisecritic.com and www.familycruises.com for family forums and reviews of family-friendly cruise lines and cruise ships.

(15) Baby Boomer Cruising

Baby boomers are classified as people born between the years of 1946 and 1964, putting this generation between 43 to 61 years old. Proclaiming that 60 is the new 40, baby boomers (76,000,000 strong) are currently the leading cruise market segment. After years heading the workforce and being avid savers, boomers have raised their family and are ready for quality “Me” time and experiences. It’s time to re-kindle romance and fulfill long-awaited travel dreams.

The majority of baby boomers want to be entertained, have it all and do it all in style. As a diverse group, some boomers are all about the luxury experience; other boomers are all about adventure. Cruise lines are more than happy to provide the pampering and pleasure they enjoy. Some of the cruise lines preferred by baby boomer cruisers include: Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity, Oceania and Princess. Favorite boomer cruise destinations run the gamut from the Med, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. Boomers also enjoy leisurely river cruises and transatlantic crossings.

(14) Senior Cruising

In addition to general cruise market categories, there are cruises for just about any personal demographic, interest and special occasion. Until recent years, seniors were traditionally the leading group of cruisers. After all, they are retired with plenty of time to travel. Today, seniors still make up almost one-third of the cruise market. Savvy cruise lines cater to seniors with enrichment programs and upscale entertainment rather than wet T-shirt contests and all-night discos.

With diverse personal tastes and budgets, there is no single “best” seniors’ cruise line. However, some of the cruise lines favored by mature travelers include: Holland America, Cunard and Crystal Cruises. Regardless of which cruise line you choose, if you want a cruise experience without toddlers and teens check the school calendar. Avoid traveling in summer and during winter and spring breaks when school is out. Cruise during off-season and shoulder seasons when the kids are in school and enjoy the benefits of best cruise prices!

(12) Buy a Piece of the World

At the opposite end of the cruise match budget spectrum, when money is no object, buy a piece of The World (www.aboardtheworld.com). Think condo at sea. This luxury residential cruise ship travels the seas year-round, stopping for a night or two at ports around the world. Residences on The World range from $825,000 to $3.6 million (not including annual maintenance fees).As of June 2006, all residences were sold, but some are available for rent for a minimum of six nights beginning at $1,200 per night for two guests. Dining is included at four onboard restaurants and a variety of small cafes and tearooms.

Coming in 2009, The Magellan (www.residentialcruiseline.com) will feature two-to-four bedroom cruise ship residences and cruises to 300 ports of call in 150 countries. Full ownership starts at $1.8 million and fractional ownerships begin at $156,250.

(11) No-Frills Cruising

New to the cruise market from the United Kingdom, easyCruise (www.easycruise.com) offers a no-frills budget approach to cruising. Basic cruise prices can be unbelievably low. Think specials as low as $175 for seven days for a recent Caribbean itinerary. However, once onboard easyCruise you must pay for everything, including all meals. Cabins are described as “minimalist.” Itineraries are limited and don’t look for extravagant production shows, a casino, spa or much in the way of planned onboard activities. Think of easyCruise as transportation at sea; a way to reach ports not a resort-type destination in itself.