15 cruise tips approved by the Over60 community
There’s nothing better than a cruise, but it can be difficult to know what to expect. Here are 15 of the best cruising tips from the Over60 community. Don’t step onboard any cruise ship without reading this advice first.
1. Pam Holland says when you’re on a cruise by yourself it’s important to be careful which cabin you choose: “It's not much fun on a balcony if you travel solo. Much better to take a cheaper room and use the seats/lounges up on deck and watch the sea.”
2. Grace Boland reckons the solution to the post-cruise blues is to, “Just book another one! It’s river cruises for me. Booking my fourth. Don’t like the monster ships now. River cruise ships have spoilt me forever. Magnificent!”
3. Jane Fisher advises on the hidden costs of cruise ships, especially when it comes to drinks, saying, “This is especially important if you travel on any American cruise lines, the prices for alcohol are in US dollars, so your nightly glass of wine ends up being quite expensive.”
4. Nils Gustafsson has some good advice regarding shore excursions: “The most expensive part of your trip is your cruise tours, so book them with the locals when you arrive in each port. They’ll be half the price and less crowded as well.
5. Sandra Woodhouse recommends two items every cruiser should pack, “Two essentials to take on a cruise, an e-reader and a pack of playing cards. Both perfect when the weather is not.”
6. Rosemary Miles says, “There's a lot to be said for only booking with a well-known, large cruise company. There are a number who have been around for years and are well established.”
7. Jac Haines says, “Take out travel insurance as soon as you start paying deposits. Talk to a person and have them highlight in the contract where you are covered for deposits and everything else right down to political turmoil and mother nature.”
8. Diane Green is an advocate of the cabin balcony room, saying: “I always like a balcony room. That is my space. I don't have to share with loads of others. When we cruised through Fiordland, New Zealand, up on deck was like being in a sardine can. I retreated to my balcony, sat in reasonable comfort and had a great view.”
9. Marion Johnson on the other hand, prefers interior cabins, “We prefer interior. Less noise from the hallways. Yes, we have a clock night light but don't take the battery LED lights any more. After all there are lights in the room. We sometimes leave the television on with no sound on the cam station if we want to be up for a new port.”
10. Dianne Barnett has some good packing advice, saying, “When traveling with a partner, always have a photo copy of your passport, Medicare, private health card etc. in each other’s suitcase as well as your own.”
11. Kerrie Sanderson has some important advice on how you should treat cabin crew: “Treat them with respect. Unfortunately, too many passengers treat the staff as servants. One cruise I was on a gentleman sent his boiled eggs back 11 times then ended up throwing them on the floor (I would have pushed his face into them) you just can't please some people.”
12. Judy Kanizay says, “Go prepared and travel smart! Hard to avoid the coughs, colds, tummy bugs but careful preparation can give relief, save grief and money. A local pharmacy can be helpful. A must in my luggage are jar of Vicks plus bottle of apple cider vinegar.”
13. Antoinette Devlin says, “As far as I'm concerned, cruising is the only way to holiday. Not mentioned in the tips is that if you book very early, you can pay the cruise off weekly or monthly. My sister and i have done that and in 2 weeks we start a cruise around Australia for 30 wonderful days. We've paid it of monthly for a year and a half. There's so much you can chose from and it doesn't have to cost money. Things like trivia, listening to music at night etc.”
14. Jannah Foley recommends a trip to Egypt, “I have done this trip twice! It is highly recommended and very affordable. Also, very safe. Egyptians are very hospitable and friendly. I was in Egypt last year and it just gets better every time I go there... and I have been there several times!”
15. Margrit Cameron says, “Cabins are always a bit on the tight side but who cares when all the classy entertainments, the food, the beautiful ocean and the numerous comfy public areas and cafes and bars will keep us happy.”
What are your tips for cruising?
Image: Getty