Jayestravellingadventures

Cruising since 2004

Every cruise ship is like a floating hotel, all are different but serve one purpose.
Cruise ships stop at different destinations throughout the duration to explore on land.
I have created a guide which explore all the basics which you will need to know before jumping onboard.

Cruise Lines

America are home to the biggest cruise line companies, however there are over 60 major cruise lines. Every cruise lines differ with different price ranges, interior décor, maximum capacity of passengers etc.

Cruise Destinations

There are lots of destinations which cruise lines can access such as; America, Asia, Europe and many more. There are two types of cruises which sail in a loop or from one place to another.

Cruise Fares

The majority of cruise lines include; a cabin, entertainment, food, drinks (such as water/tea/coffee) in your fare total. On American cruise lines they can include daily tips so you will need to plan for these. Cruise fares doesn’t normally include; Bars, WIFI, Spa treatments, Excursions (trips in port), retail shops.

Cruise Itinerary

A cruise itinerary can hep you decide which cruise you would like to go on, however these are subject to change due to a few factors; Weather, Port laws, Other cruise lines and more. Cruises can be 1 night to 99+ nights, but the most popular is 7 nights.

Inside A Ship

Cruise ships are mostly 10 to 20 decks high without number 13 due to it being unlucky. Decks can be filled with; Bars and Restaurants, Theatres, Lounges, Gym, Swimming pools, Shops, Casinos etc.

Cabins

The cheapest cabins are inside cabins due to being the smallest. Oceanview cabins have a window which can vary in size. The most popular are Balcony cabins due to having an outdoor private space. The most expensive cabins are Suites as they mostly come with a butler service for the cruise duration. If you are traveling solo then this could be more expensive as cabins are priced for 2 people.

Booking a cruise

Always bring your passport with you as some cruise destinations or embarkation processes required to see your passport.

On Board Credit

When you book a cruise you may get on board credit (OBC), this is essentially money which you can use onboard the cruise ship. Your OBC might not be deducted from places such as the Casinos etc.

Cash

You don’t use cash whilst onboard a cruise ship, you will be given a cruise card which is linked to a debit/credit card and billed on disembarkation. On most cruise liens you can take cash to pay your bill either at the end of your cruise or each night onboard.

Travel Agents

Booking through a travel agent shouldn’t be more expensive, however you can book directly through the cruise line or whilst onboard a current cruise. I try to plan my cruises ahead and book whilst onboard as it only requires a £50 deposit.

Insurance

Once you have booked your cruise you will need to buy cruise specific travel insurance. I always go with Holidays Extra and my mum has Post Office travel insurance, always shop around as you might find it cheaper elsewhere.

Deposits

As mentioned above most cruise lines allow you to pay a non-refundable deposit before paying the full fare 2-3 months before the embarkation day. All cruise lines are different and some may request a different amount.

Onboard the Ship

Drinks Package

Before you travel you can buy drinks packages online, these allow you to have unlimited drinks for a fixed price. This isn’t mandatory, because if you don’t drink much like me then you wont make your money back. There are rules when booking this so always check prior to purchase.

Excursions

These can be booked prior to travelling or whilst onboard. They are organized professionally with locals either on foot or via a buss. You can hop off the ship and explore on your own if preferred.

Speciality Restaurants

Most cruise lines will have restaurants onboard which you have to pay extra for, you can avoid these if you don’t want too. There is always somewhere to have food onboard for free.

Sickness

Seasickness isn’t uncommon and some people do experience it, there is always sick bags around the ship in rough weather as well as you can get sickness tablets at the reception desk on some cruise lines.

Most cruise lines also have state of the art medical facilities onboard which are not included in the fare and insurance can cover the cost. There is a safety briefing which happens on the first day incase an emergency happens.

Dress Codes and Packing

Majority of cruise lines host Celebration nights which allow men to wear their best tux and for women to show off their best gown. You can avoid this as some restaurants wont have a dress code. In the daytime there isn’t normally a dress code to adhere too.

If boarding straight on the ship without flying then the cruise line may have no luggage limits. There is a list for each cruise line in what you can and cant bring onboard.

Daily Schedule (example)

Every night you will be issued your own daily schedule for the next day onboard. This will highlight everything that is going on in the day such as;

Parties (silent disco), Theatre Performances, Gameshows, Sports, Lectures, Movies, Dance Classes, Exercise, Solo meets, Activity opening times, and much more. There is always something for everyone.

Every cruise line is different so always make sure you read their Terms and Conditions before booking a cruise. There is always something for everyone and I cant wait for your cruise journey to begin!

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If you have any cruises booked or you have cruise previously, then order your very own personalized cruise map. Head over to The Cruise Maps: Satellite Precision Customised Cruise Maps and use the code Jayestravellingadventures for 10% off!! Id love to see your maps by tagging us or sending them via our Instagram account!