The Beginners Guide to Cruising

By D. Mouatt

Cruising is the biggest growth area in the travel industry and the cruise lines believe that this trend is going to continue, witnessed by P & O having ordered another 7 ships.

Part of the reason for this growth is that the price of cruising has come down. No longer is it just the reserve of the wealthy few. A number of companies now operate cruises that cost less than £500 per person for a 7 day cruise, which compares well against many of the holiday resorts.

There is a comprehensive array of itineries in most shipping line brochures, some being fly-cruises whilst others start and finish in the U.K. Generally, ships sailing regularly from the U.K are more geared up to British tastes than those operating from a foreign port. Having said that many of the ‘budget’ cruises operated by the major british tour operators are also geared to the British passenger.

Don't be put off by thinking that a cruise to say Norway and/or Iceland will encounter low temperatures, or if going to the Caribbean then there might be a lots of rain and perhaps a hurricane. The cruise lines avoid the seasons when those type of conditions are most likely to prevail. Indeed Norway in May June or July can be beautifully warm which makes the scenery seem even more breathtaking.

Is it better to travel on a large ship as opposed to a smaller one ? There are many pros and cons and it really is a matter of personal choice. What counts most is the quality provided, and the old maxim that you get what you pay for is, perhaps, a better guide. Some folk reckon that small ships are more friendly and it is easier to find your way around. They can also dock in small ports whereas larger ships may have to anchor offshore and use tenders to transport passengers. Use of the latter undoubtedly means less shore time and is more restrictive. Occasionally, heavy swells will even preclude tenders being used which means that the passengers will be unable to land. On the other hand larger ships, especially the more recently built ones, have more facilities and are able to provide better entertainment. In really rough weather they are likely to ride the waves a little better.

Many of the shipping lines also allow you to select the cabin that you are going to occupy. There are a varity of classes, basically the more you pay the better your cabin and generally the higher on the ship you are. Generally a better cabin is all you get with all other facilities being the same as the lowest proced cabin. However a few ships (the QE2 being the most obvious) your cabin class also determines the restaurant and the type of service you get.

But the other aspect you might want to consider is whereabouts in the ship you want to be. Closer to the middle, the less the effect of rough weather, but some people find an inside cabin to be claustrophobic and prefer an outside view. In addition the higher up the ship or the closer to the bow, the further away you are from the engines which can be a considerable bonus.

Few seasoned cruisers pay the brochure price. Shop around - scan the internet or TV, try travel agents especially those that specialise in cruises. Sizeable discounts can frequently be obtained especially if you are able to take up short notice offers. When comparing prices check what is included or excluded. For example is free parking at the port included in the offer (This can be worth several pounds per day.) For short cruises, rather than pay parking charges it may be worthwhile to stay overnight in a nearby hotel. Some will allow you free parking for the duration of the cruise.

Don't accept the insurance cover offered by the shipping line or travel agent without first enquiring elsewhere. Similar cover at a much reduced price can be obtained from a reputable insurance company or even a different agent.

Foreign currency for onshore spending can be obtained either prior to the cruise or purchased aboard ship. The rates aboard are not unfavourable and there is no commission. With the exception of coinage, unused currency can be exchanged back at the original purchase rate.

This will be fully set out in the brochure but usually it covers accommodation, meals and most entertainment. Some companies such as Cunard-Seabourn now incorporate tips in the fare. An inboard credit system for drinks consumed and purchases from the inboard shop/s operates, settlement being made at the end of the cruise either by cash, cheque or credit card.

Unless included in the price then, you are expected to tip the waiter and his or her assistant and the cabin steward, preferably on the final night of the cruise. (World cruises more regularly.) Guidance is given as to their level. It varies from ship to ship but is likely to total around £3 to £5 per passenger per day. Put this aside at the beginning of the voyage. Gratuities are normally included (10 to 15 per cent.) in the price of drinks and a separate tip to wine waiters and bar stewards is therefore unnecessary.

All cruises have quite a number of people who are not fully mobile and generally cater for them quite well. If a wheel chair is contemplated or is necessary tell the cruise line in advance. There might be difficulties at some ports of call where tenders are required to get passengers ashore.

Ships have doctors and usually a hospital. A charge is made for their services but, subject to any excess clause, the amount involved can be claimed against the travel insurance.

A misconception that often exists amongst those that haven't cruised before is that they have got to dress up each night . Formal dress, which in the case of a man may either be black tie or a suit and for a woman evening dress, is requested for dinner approximately twice a week only ; usually on a seagoing day. It does lend a sense of occasion to the event and the majority of regular male cruisers wear a dinner jacket as opposed to a suit. On other evenings dress may be informal , (a suit or blazer for a man and something smart but not "overdressed" for a woman) or casual, when slacks and an open neck shirt etc. will suffice. On the first and last nights of a cruise most folk wear their travelling clothes. For breakfast and lunch you may wear what you like but swimming trunks/costumes are taboo in the main restaurant but may be acceptable in open deck restaurants. The daily programme of ship events, which is delivered to your cabin, prints the requested dress code for the evening.

On most ships breakfast and lunch is served not only in the restaurant (normally an open sitting) but also in other areas of the ship where you can, within reason, suit yourself as to when you eat. These other areas, cafeteria, conservatory or whatever it is called, are usually self-service but, for those who cannot easily manage, stewards are always available to assist. For dinner you have an allocated table for the whole voyage. There are a few tables for two persons but an early booking of the cruise is necessary to acquire one. The others usually accommodate four, six or eight. A good way of quickly making friends is to opt for a six or eight place table. (With four you might be unlucky enough to find someone you cannot stomach whereas, with more diners you can turn your attention to the more amenable companions .) It depends upon the ship but most of them have two sittings, the first around 6.30pm and the other 8.15 or 8.30pm. You can request for either when booking. Obviously ones own personal eating habits tend to dictate which siting you would chose, but a little tip is that often the first sitting presents you with more choices of entertainment after your meal. However this sitting can mean you have a bit of a rush if you have returned from a shore excursion.

If special diets are required then it is advisable to inform the shipping company well in advance of the cruise. Often the booking form will have space for such requests. Usually children sit with their parents for breakfast and lunch but a special children's tea is usually laid on before the adults first sitting.

Whilst on board one can virtually do as much or as little as you like. There is usually a comprehensive range of sporting activities, talks, lectures, handicraft lessons, dancing, board and card games, film, variety shows or cabaret and musical concerts to name but a few. If on the other hand you want peace and quiet, perhaps to enjoy a read, then most ships have quiet rooms plus a well stocked library. Incidently with regard to shows modern larger ships such as P & O's Aurora and Oriana and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines "Legends/ Splendour/Visions etc of the Sea" have purpose built theatres which permit more lavish entertainment and better views for the audience.

On the larger ships, in particular, children have their own entertainment programme during the day.

Some shipping lines advertise some of their cruises as Theme Cruises. The theme might be classical music or Bridge for example. Don’t be put off by this if the theme isn’t your thing. This theme doesn’t dominate the entertainment and if you aren’t interested you will probably not even notice that the events are actually taking place.

At each port there is a comprehensive range of full and half-day tours. The former cost from around £40 to £70 per person depending on the itinerary and include lunch. The latter cost £20 to £25. You can book and pay for these in advance of the cruise or book them at the Tours Office aboard ship. For certain ones, such as a helicopter ride or a trip on a glass-bottomed boat, pre-tour booking may ensure that you secure a place. Port guides are always delivered to your cabin to assist if you prefer to make your own arrangements . Often three or four people hiring a taxi can be a cheaper and equally satisfactory alternative - it depends upon the location and whether English is generally understood. If you want to hire a self-drive car then the Tours office will arrange this.

Given the limited time that one get ashore, (anything from a half-day to a day and a half) a tour is a very good way of exploring the surrounding area. It depends upon the itinerary but often a half-day tour coupled with say two-three hours exploring the port town is the best of both worlds. Too many full-day tours can be very tiring.

Occasionally the official tours leave something to be desired. If so complain at the ships Tours Office. Be polite but firm and insistent and if your complaint is reasonable then there is a good chance that you will obtain a refund. In any event the Tours Office like to know these things because the last thing that they want is dissatisfied passengers.

Considering that ships stores are duty free the price of inboard drinks and cigarettes is higher than it should be. If you intend to bring either bottles or cigarettes home consider getting them whilst ashore. In Gibraltar and Barbados (and I dare say many other places) the cost can be almost half that charged by the cruise line.

Cruise ships have fully equipped salons but they are expensive and sometimes there is a tendency to try and sell you various lotions etc. often in the guise of being part of the treatment. Unless you really want them and don't mind having a large bill then watch out.

Most ships operate on a cashless basis so that anything that you buy on board is charged to you cabin bill on presentation of a cruise card. This card is effectively like a credit card (except you have to pay it off before you disembark and not a month or so later!). Some ships don’t allow tours or gambling money to be charged to the card.

An aspect that you'll rarely see in brochures is "getting the cruising bug". Having tried it once you may well find that you want to go again, again and again. Good for your enjoyment not so good for your pocket!

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