TOP TIPS FOR CRUISE HOLIDAYS & ARE THE DRINKS PACKAGES WORTH IT?
Today I'm going to share with you some tips on cruising for anyone looking to book a cruise. You may have caught my blog last January about cruising around the Caribbean. I have since done two more, one in Europe and another round the Caribbean. I have two more booked for 2023. A short one to Rotterdam & Bruges, another to Japan in the Summer.
Article written by author Peter Brooker from personal experience
TIP 1
You have to get the package. I have done three different ones. First cruise, no drinks package. It's a fool’s errand. You might think you will only have a couple of drinks, but even a couple of drinks will add up. Without the package you have to pay gratuity, and you'll also have to pay extra for WiFi. You will have to pay extra for special coffees. (Like almond cappuccinos? Well they are not free in the buffet).
The second cruise we got the basic package plus some extra devices on the WiFi. You can pay for up to 4 but it's really not worth it. WiFi is so intermittent and the bandwidth is miserable that you won't be able to do any sufficient web browsing or 'work' on a cruise ship. The basic package will enable you to have one device each. So just use your phones, browse social media and keep on top of your emails. That's about all it's good for.
The last cruise we went for a premier package where we were allowed 4 devices on the WiFi. (2 each). We only used our mobiles because the WiFi was so weak. We had some champagne and some decent(ish) whisky that is free in the premium package, but largely we felt that was surplus to requirements. We worked it out, it would have been cheaper to get the basic package, and if we fancied a glass of champers or something top shelf, we could have just paid a little extra on top.
Breakdown:
For our 10 days in Japan on the Princess Cruise, we will pay for the basic package that will include drinks at $60 a day. That will include gratuity that is $16 a day, and WiFI that would be $10 a day per device. It's a no brainer really.
TIP 2
Book all the excursions as soon as possible. Do not wait until you get on the boat to book the excursions as all the good ones would have sold out. Download whatever APP you need for whatever cruise ship you are on, and keep an eye on when you can book the excursions. They will always sell out fast.
Photo by Peter Hansen on Unsplash
TIP 3
Bring a 4-way. This is something we always do on holidays, including Cruises. You should have a universal adapter but always bring a multi-four way connector from home preferably one with USB charge points. If you're thinking of bringing a steamer or curling iron, they are backward compatible on the boats so should work. I brought my portable steamer with me and it worked, not in the bathroom, but in the wall sockets in the room. Of course when you try the same thing on land in a hotel in Miami, it doesn't want to know.
TIP 4
If you're cruising for the first time make sure you get some photos done and take some fancy clothes. There will be formal nights where everyone dresses up in their Sunday best. On the premium packages you will get unlimited digital photos for free and 3 x Prints. You will need to pay for digital downloads on the basic package. If you've cruised multiple times then the photos get a little same-y. The ones they take as you board and leave the boat are worthless, but have them taken anyway and pull some silly faces.
TIP 5
If you're doing a cruise that involves different islands, try and experience them in different ways. For example on the recent cruise we did around the Caribbean, we did a 4x4 safari round Barbados, a catamaran to St Lucia, a Ski Lift up St Maartin (I know right) and it really felt made each Island visit that much more special. Also bring some cash to tip the drivers and tour guides. Whilst your gratuity is built in for the bar staff and catering aboard the boat, the tour guides love a goodbye handshake that contains a 10 dollar note.
TIP 6
Bring the gym gear and do it early. Each boat will have a decent gym and there really is no excuse not to work out, even on the days of excursions. If you get the workout in before breakfast you can relax for the rest of the day. You'll struggle to get really drunk on the boat despite the package, because you will be drinking water between. (At least I advise you should). Especially as it gets hot on the boat.
TIP 7
My girlfriend and I like to book a couple of days either side of the cruise in whatever port we leave out of. For example we had 3 days in Miami after the boat docked at Fort Lauderdale. Same with the European cruise, we stayed on in Greece for a few days, and flew in early and stayed in Barcelona a few days before it left. You get a good feel for these countries and tack on some extra holiday.
Peter Brooker
That's really all I can think of. I recommend Princess Cruises but am in no way affiliated with them. In fact quite the opposite. I recently introduced the company to 5 new customers (family members) and asked if they do commissions. They told me to hit the bricks. They don't even share or repost any photo you tag them in on INSTA. But if you need any further advise, I'm happy to help. Although I'm not a seasoned veteran by any means. Just hit me up on my INSTA. @fromtailorswithlove
