Travel Tips
..for people considering a Cruise Line:
What is the length of the typical cruise?
Cruise lengths vary depending on the itinerary. You can find cruises
that travel 3-days for weekend trips, 4-days for midweek adventures,
week long (usually from Sunday to Sunday), 10 days. There are also cruises
that are several months in length. There are even 2-day cruises for
the quick getaway. To put it simply, no matter your budget or time frame,
there's a cruise for you!
Where do cruise ships visit?
Almost everywhere! Some popular destinations are Alaska, Mexico, Eastern/Western
Caribbean, California Coast, and the Mediterranean sea. However, on
an international level, cruising can be enjoyed where ever there is
water.
Aren't all the cruises that go to the same area all alike?
Not at all! You can enjoy the variety that each cruise line has to offer,
which is a result of service, on-board amenities, itinerary, staff,
food, and excursions. Many different cruise lines go the warm climates
of the Caribbean. Depending on the cruise line, some even have their
own private islands where only their guests can go. Packages are available
from the penny pinchers to the all inclusive luxury experiences in your
own master suite.
Are there any extra fees with booking a cabin on a cruise line if
I'm going by myself?
- Yes. There are typically higher rates for people traveling alone.
These 'special rates' however can be almost 200% of the price compared
to traveling with another person in a double occupancy cabin. Bottom
line: you could wind up paying for 2 cruises even if you're cruising
solo. Ther are some cruise lines that offer lower single rates, but
these are not usually advertised.
- Here's another option you might consider: "Single share"
programs. These unique programs are offered by some Cruise lines. The
cruise line will match you with a roommate so you can benefit from the
reduced double occupancy rate. By chance they don't find you a roomie,
they'll usually still give you the cabin at the reduce rate, and you're
still flying solo!
- Whatever options you're considering, feel free to call us to get the
perfect solution for your trip! Our friendly staff is waiting to serve
you at 1-866-477-0008 or click here for our comprehensive
quote form.
Does it really matter which Cruise Line I go with for my trip?
Absolutely! Unlike other vacations, your cruise line becomes your entertainment,
restaurant, hotel, recreation… everything! It's different from
a vacation where you go to different areas for each service. Taking
time to do some research and asking past cruisers will be worth the
time it took to look into it. Try to find others that have similar interests
as you. Adventuresome folks might not like the older clientele aboard
some itineraries, and vice-versa. More than just the cheapest price,
you want a trip that you'll never forget.
Things To Do Before You Leave
When I'm away traveling, what should I do to keep my home or apartment
safe?
-
Have a relative, friend or someone you trust stop by
to check on your place every so often.
-
If no one can stop by to collect your mail, you can
have the Post Office hold it at their location so you can pick it
up later. There are forms available known as 'vacation delivery hold
forms'.
-
Don't advertise that you're away! Have someone stop
by to mow the lawn, shovel the snow, or pick up the newspapers so
you're house doesn't look like it's empty.
-
Some cars don't perform well if they are not started
regularly. Have a friend come by to start your car every now and then
if you live in very cold or hot climates.
-
Automatic timers for lights and radio are a cheap and
effective way to give the appearance of someone occupying a resident.
Plug a radio into an automatic timer and turn it up so it sounds like
there's activity in the house throughout the day.
-
You may want to store your jewelry and valuables in
a safe place, perhaps even a safety deposit box.
-
If you have an alarm system tied in at your home, call
the alarm company and let them know that to treat any alarms as real
from the date you leave until your return. Give the company the names
of your responsible friends who will be looking out for your interests
while you're away.
-
Remove your houseplants from direct sunlight. Make sure
to water then thoroughly and wrpa the pots with plastic, like a garbage
bag, so the water does not overflow and ruin your floor. Many plants
are able to survive without watering for at least 2 weeks.
-
Clear your fridge of any food that could spoil while
you are gone.
While you're at it, you could turn your fridge down to its lowest
setting to save on electricity.
-
You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest
setting.
-
Since you won't be using water while you're gone, you
may want to reduce the setting on your hot water heater, to save on
gas or electricity.
-
If you live in a hotter climate you may want to consider
turning your air conditioner up. Although you want to reduce your
electricity bills, you don't want your home to become too hot that
it could damage electronics or harm any animals in the house while
you are travelling.
-
Burglars are very observant. Be sure to leave your drapes
and blinds as you would normally when you're home.
-
Take a tour around the house to make sure all the windows
are locked in the basement and your garage.
-
Protect your investment in electronic items and unplug
them. Should a storm pass through your area while you are on your
trip, you could be protecting them for a power surge.
-
If you have a garage, why not pack your car inside it,
behind the closed door, so people that are passing by don't see that
you are going on a trip.
