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Cruising ABCs
Everything You Need to Know to Take a Cruise
By Crystal Patriarche
Make sure to look into cruise cancellation insurance. These trips are expensive, with a lot of money up front. If your plans change it is nice to have the cancellation insurance. "The one tip I have, which my parents learned the hard way, is to take out trip insurance," says Caryl Brubaker of San Francisco, Calif. "My father got ill the day before they were to leave, and they were out the money for the trip."
It's hard to be romantic on a cruise when there is so much to do, so much to eat and so much to see. Make sure if you are with a significant other to share some Jacuzzi time and maybe a bottle of champagne.
Before making any rash decisions about a cruise, talk about it and kick it around before making a decision. There is so much to chose from, so many types and price ranges of cruises. Talk to others and get advice from people who have taken a cruise before.
"There is typically a safe in each room so you can lock up money and jewelry," Estridge says. "We have never had a problem, but it's a good idea."
For those new cruise vacationers, be aware that alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are not included in the package. "It is shocking when you get your bill at the end of the week!" Estridge says. "Cokes are $1.50 each, beer is $3.50 each and a bottle of White Zinfandel is $27. Be prepared!"
On some cruise ships, you can buy a soda card that allows for unlimited soda at a fixed cost, so look into that. "They really get you on the cost of booze," Yearley says. "I know the cruise lines do not like it, but if you plan on drinking alcohol, pack liquor in your luggage and mix your own in your room. I thought they would check our luggage, but they never did."