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The value of booking a cruise is that there truly is something for everyone. A cruise offers complimentary shows, dining and entertainment around the clock. After booking your cruise, the first step is to login to your cruise portal and start exploring your ship.
Learn what days are you in port and what days you are at sea. The night before the sea day is the best night to stay out late and enjoy the ship because you don’t have to get up early the next morning.
As an experienced cruiser, I can promise you that the most stressful part of your vacation is that you cannot be everywhere at the same time! It is important to plan a few things on your trip but it is just as important to leave time to go with the flow and relax.
Booking those special occasions/activities/events in advance can make your trip memorable.
The most popular shore excursions can and do sell out. It is strongly recommended to book them in advance. For example, let’s say you are a scuba diver and your ship is headed to Tortola to see the Virgin Baths that you’ve always wanted to see. Be sure to book it as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
On the flip side, if you’re like me and like to go with the flow, you can always wait to explore the shore excursions and visit the desk once you board the ship. In fact, they often have additional tours and even a tour presentation on board.
Every cruise offers self-serve buffet style dining that does not require reservations. At the time of booking you can choose My Time Dining (go when you please, may be called something else depending on the cruise line) or a traditional seating time (Early or Late).
Each ship has many specialty dining options to choose from as well. The specialty restaurants do fill up and it is strongly recommended to reserve these in advance, especially if you have a special occasion to celebrate or a preferred seating time.
Most shows and entertainment do not require reservations. However, it is important to check your cruise app to see if you can reserve shows. For example, with Norwegian cruises you can now book the show tickets for the Broadway show in advance.
Each cruise line has different amenities that you can book online pre cruise. It is always a good idea to log into your cruise-portal and explore your ship. You may be able to pre-book things like the spa and discounted packages, photo packages, and pre-boarding, etc.
If you are flying home the same day of the cruise, try to book a flight later in the day. Here is a travel agent secret. If you book a later flight after 5pm, you can be the first one off the ship. Imagine, getting off the ship with no line, collecting your luggage, putting the luggage on the bus and then going to explore somewhere new with no worries because they drop you at the airport after the tour. For example, If you are disembarking in Miami or Fort Lauderdale you can go and see The Everglades! Get on a flat bottom hovercraft and see the crocodiles and alligators.
Each ship has its own features and the more you know about your ship, the more you can plan and enjoy. Vacations For Canadians has prepared a “Know Before You Go” document for each cruise line to read before you travel. And you can always visit https://vacationsforcanadians.com to help book your trip as well. This is one of the many benefits for booking with an experienced cruise agent.
Vacations for Canadians
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