CRUISE TIPS

1 - - Choose a ship that fits your own personality and lifestyle. If you're looking for a cruise with lots of activities and options, then Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line may have the right ship for you. Larger ships can have from 2000 to 3100 passengers, and have more activities, more nightclubs, bigger casinos, performances, movies, shops and more organized fun than the smaller ships. If you require the best and are wanting a six star quality Line with award-winning cuisine and service, then Crystal Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises may have the ships for you.

2 - - A good travel agent is a blessing, but don't rely solely on them for advice. Ask friends about their cruise experiences, do some research before you book a cruise.

3 - - Read the cruise brochure. When you get your cruise tickets, you will get another small brochure answering additional cruise questions, such as what to pack? What is the dress code? How many formal nights? ... and much more. Follow those guidelines, but keep in mind that space is limited in your cabin, so don't empty your closet.

4 - - Usually only longer and certain types of cruises will send you shore excursion brochures after you book, allowing you to choose what land tours you want to take in advance. Most other lines will mail your tour options only with your documents and when you board you may purchase them. You may find this information available directly on your Cruise Lines website. Attend the shore excursion lectures on board and ask questions in the presentation to see if it's what you want to do. In most cases, passengers will have time to change their pre-booked shore tours.

5 - - Immediately upon boarding, sign up for your on board credit account and any shore excursions as they fill up quickly. Take lots of one and five dollar bills for tips. About $100 to $150 in small bills. They come in handy for tips to guides, the porters who handle your bags at portside and cab drivers. Some cruise experts also advise tipping crew at the beginning of a cruise. Many others say they prefer seeing what the service is before they tip.

6 - - We know that sooner or later we'll be assigned to a dining room table where the other parties are our total opposites. If this happens to you, all you do is go to the maitre d' and ask him to switch you to another table, tipping him is a good suggestion, it can't hurt. If the ship is full, this may require some flexibility on your part such as switching to a different meal setting.

7 - - Sample all the experiences a cruise has to offer; pamper yourself with a sauna and a massage in the European spa, workout in the complete gym facility with breathtaking seascapes, eat until your hearts content, 8 times a day, between meals, snacks, buffets & complimentary and 24 hour room service. Dance the nights away, learn about art and history, attend auctions, join in the never ending ship board activities, Enjoy live comedians, music and stage shows, try your luck at blackjack, catch up on a little reading, or just work on your tan. It is also a place to relax between those periodic ports of call.

8 - - Before you leave, try to figure how much you will spend on drinks, wines, spa, salon, souvenirs and other purchases and then set your budget.

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*Shore excursion tours purchased on board ships often add a lot to the cruise experience, and in many cases, particularly for the inexperienced traveler, they are well worth the price. Here are some broad guidelines that may make your cruise experience more enjoyable:

* Do some homework. The one question we hear over and over on ships is, "What's there to see in Caribbean, Bermuda etc...?" Buy a good guidebook at your local bookstore (Fodor's and Berlitz both offer a good general series of guides; the Insight guides are strong on historic, culture and art). Most libraries have travel guides, but the selection is limited and often not current. Don't forget to view our "Cruise Lines", "Ports of call" and "Weather Channel" links for further information.

*When you choose a cruise and you get a brochure of shore tours, read the guidebook and compare the sights in the ports of call with the attractions the tours will visit. Are they what you are really interested in? If there is something else - - a museum, a historic palace or church, but isn't on the tour, is it possible to make your own way to that place? *And before making that decision, make certain your desired attraction will be open during the day of your visit.

* Ask whether the tours include admission prices to the attractions on the tour. (It should.) If it is a day long tour, does it include lunch? If not, what luncheon arrangements are available? Will the bus or minivan carry water or drinks? Bringing a snack for an excursion by simply ordering from room service is a great idea.

* If you have mobility problems, ask the cruise tour director about what problems the tours may pose.

* Dress appropriately. Always take a hat, sunglasses, sun block, water bottles, extra film and any medication you may need. Some cash, travelers' checks and perhaps a credit card will do.

* You may in some cases consider arranging your own tours. Ask if the ship runs a shuttle from the dock to the center of town. Many people often skip the tours and take this option, knowing that you can see what you want and return whenever you like. Some ships have concierge desks that will arrange for a car and driver for you. WARNING: know when passengers must be back on board. The ship will not wait for passengers who take privately-arranged tours and come back late.

***Visit our Cruise Line Links on our homepage for shore excursion tour information available only a few clicks away.

All Cruises require passengers to show proper documentation and proof of citizenship upon boarding: Either a Birth Certificate and Driver's License (State I.D. with photo can be substituted for a license) or Valid Passport is all you need.

PICTURES

Pictures will be taken on board by the ship photographer throughout your Cruise, and they are available for purchase throughout the entire cruise at the photo gallery, also remember to bring your own camera or video camera. Film is sold in the duty-free shops on board.

In most all of the islands Snorkeling and Diving is very popular. Snorkel and Dive gear are available for rental with the tours through the Shore Excursion desk on board. You may want to bring your own from home, especially if your skipping the ships tours and are sightseeing on your own the adventurous way.
(Check with your airline carrier on their requirements or restrictions before packing dive gear.)

MONEY

Bring traveler's checks and some cash (remember singles for tipping). Credit cards are the most convenient method of purchasing items both on and off the ships. Traveler's checks can be cashed at the pursers desk on most ships 24 hours a day. Many ships also have ATM's right on board.

TIPS ON TIPPING

Always tip porters (those who handle your luggage curbside at cruise pier terminal) approximately $2.00-$3.00 a bag. Tip Room Service accordingly as you use it. All other Cruise staff for example - Tipping your waiter, busboy and cabin steward, head waiter & Maitre d' is at your discretion and most commonly done the last night of your cruise. Recommended tipping guide lines can be found in the back of any cruise brochure, but are also conveniently listed within info booklets located in your cabin. Amounts differ based according to the Cruise Line you travel on.

If you have any special dining requests such as a table for 2 or would prefer a specific
dining room be sure you speak with the Maitre d' immediately upon boarding.

Most ships have the following number of formal nights...
3,4,5 day cruises have 1 formal dining night
7 day " " " " " " " " " " " " 2 formal dining nights
10 day & up " " " " " " " " 3 formal dining nights

Breakfast - (in port) Main seating --- 6:45 - (at sea) 7:45a.m. - Late seating --- 8-9a.m

Men: A suit and tie are required for all formal nights, renting a tux ahead of time is available as well. Ask your travel agent ahead of time for who to contact rentals. Women: From a basic black cocktail dress to a gown for formal nights. Men: Semi-casual nights sports coat and casual pants are appropriate Women: Skirt and blouse, pants suits or even sun dresses. Day time attire: Be casual and comfortable, T-shirts, shorts and sneakers.

Standard Cabins range in size from 120-190 square feet, suites can be as large as 185-500 square feet. They can accommodate anywhere from 1-6 passengers depending on the ship. All cruise lines base the cabin rate on double occupancy but many lines may have special single occupancy rates when available. Any 3rd, 4th, 5th etc... additional passengers in a cabin are typically at considerable savings over the 1st and 2nd passenger rates.

When making your reservations, remember to give your past guest # to your agent, if you have one, so you may receive all the past guest benefits for sailing with that cruise line again.

Ask about the availability of hotel packages before or after your cruise to extend your vacation. 1 to 3 night stays are usually what is offered. Be sure to book these pre and post packages well in advance as they sell out quickly, especially holiday times.

When purchasing a cruise and getting your air transportation on your own, not through the cruise line, always try to book your arrival flight in a day prior to your sailing to ensure you make your cruise on time and for after 12 noon on the return.
If you will be booking a honeymoon cruise the day after your wedding, your best bet is to book the air with the cruise package and in most cases this includes transfers (airport to ship - ship to airport). Cruise Lines have been known to only wait for passengers from delayed flights when the Cruise Lines themselves have booked the delayed flights for you. If you must book your flights for same day arrival as your cruise departure be sure to arrive at least 5-6 hours before your cruise departure time and check out insurance program options offered that can protect you in case your flights are delayed, cancelled etc....

Travel insurance purchased through most Cruise Lines is usually decided on and applied to your reservation when your final payment is due. This is when penalties for canceling actually start applying. However, certain insurance providers offer additional benefits and coverages when insurance is paid up front with your deposit, for example, pre-existing medical coverage, etc. Ask your agent which insurance is best for your situation.

SAVE UP TO 75% OFF BROCHURE RATES --- CALL TODAY !!! FIND OUT JUST HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE !!!

Toll-Free

1-877-ANYCRUISE (1-877-269-2784)

Mon.- Sat. 10am-8pm est.

If outside the U.S.

(910) 799 - 6961

ANYCRUISE@ec.rr.com

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