Practical Tips for Group Cruises
By guest blogger Jacquelin Carnegie
Before You Go
Before you book a cruise, plan to spend some time talking with your travel agent about the likes and dislikes of the group. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Some things to consider:
- How much time can the group spend away from the office and from home?
- Where would we like to go? What cruises and destinations best match our interests?
- How does the cost of a cruise compare to other options?
- What is there to do on board and at the ports you'll be visiting?
- If you take the kids, which cruise lines offer the most appropriate activities for your children's ages?
For more information, contact: Cruise Lines International Association.
Smart Facts
- How long is a cruise? You can go on a voyage for three months or three days. Most people take a cruise for a week or 10 to 14-days.
- Where to go? Some of the most popular cruise destinations are the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Canada/New England, Europe and the Mediterranean. But, with over 1,800 ports-of-call around the world, there are plenty of choices.
- Themes to consider: The cruise industry has cruise lines, individual cruises and more with specialty cruises to suit nearly every interest: photography, gay/lesbian cruises, nude cruises, family cruises (think Disney Cruise Line), and more.
- What to wear? Pack as you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, attire is a bit dressier. But, it's really up to you. At the "Captain's Gala," you'll probably want to wear something formal; for other occasions "suit" yourself. As you cruise from port to port, you won't have to worry about packing and unpacking. The hassles of an ordinary vacation are practically eliminated.
- Staying in touch: Updated: Today, most modern cruise ships are equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stay connected while at sea. However, the strength, speed, and cost of the Wi-Fi service can vary significantly. Some may offer high-speed internet similar to what you'd find on land, while others might have slower or more limited service. In many cases, accessing Wi-Fi on a cruise ship comes with an additional cost. It's advisable to check with the specific cruise line for details before embarking on a cruise.
Jacquelin Carnegie is a contributing travel editor to Accent magazine. For the past 15 years, she has covered international travel destinations for both consumer and business publications.
June 15, 2006