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5 mistakes to avoid on a cruise

Cruising is the fastest going travel sector in the world. If you haven’t been there’s never been a better time to get out on the water. But there are a few rookie mistakes that you don’t want to make. Don’t pick the wrong cabin Sure, the interior cabin is going to be the cheapest but it also means you’re spending a week or so without a window. For your first time out, it’s worth the extra money to have an ocean view or a balcony where you can get some of that fresh sea breeze. You also don’t want to be stuck in a cabin that’s directly below the nightclub or above the crew quarters when they start their day at 5am. First timers are also more likely to be seasick, so choose a cabin close to the centre of the ship to minimise the movement of the ocean. Study the deck plan carefully or, better yet, get an experienced cruise travel agent to help you pick out the perfect stateroom. Don’t overdo it Yes, all that food really is included in your fare. But that doesn’t mean you have to go nuts on the first day and eat everything on the buffet. Many people think they are sea sick or, worse, have contracted a bug on board when in fact they’ve just eaten more heavy, rich food in a day than they normally would in a week. Same goes for the alcohol. A few cocktails by the pool is fine but you don’t want to spend a day in your cabin with a deathly hangover. Don’t skip the extras Your fare will cover all the basics onboard, like the main restaurants and basic activities, but it’s worth splashing out a little extra cash to experience some of the other facilities onboard. Each ship will have a few specialty restaurants where, for $15-30 a head, you can dine on great gourmet cuisine for a fraction of what it would cost you on land. On some ships you can even dine at the signature restaurant of a celebrity chef, like Jamie Oliver on Royal Caribbean, Curtis Stone on Princess or Nobu on Crystal Cruises. To get into the holiday mode, book yourself a spa treatment or an afternoon in the thermal suite, making use of the sauna, hydrotherapy pools and private relaxation deck. Don’t miss the ports Modern megaliners are so packed with entertainment and gadgets that you could stay onboard the whole time, but don’t miss exploring the ports. Plan ahead and attend the port talks or lectures the night before you arrive – this will give you a good idea of what to expect, find out the logistics of getting into town and learn about the excursions. You are always welcome to visit the ports on your own, but check out the shore excursions for activities like diving, snorkelling, ATV rides, village visits or scenic flights. You can book these through the cruise line or a third party operator on the shore. Don’t be too cool A lot of activities onboard cruise ships are a bit, well, cheesy. With all the trivia, bingo, karaoke and dancing it can feel a bit like an RSA club on the water. But trust us, these activities are actually really fun. You might not want to participate in the “world’s sexiest man” competition by the pool, but they are pretty enjoyable to watch. Forget trying to look sophisticated, relax and join in the laughs. There’s a great community attitude on the ship so these activities are also a great chance to make new friends.

Cruising

Cruise booking “don’ts” to avoid

Don’t let your cruise trip run ashore: avoid these cruise booking “don’ts” for smooth sailing ahead. 1. Don’t pick the wrong cruise line – Make sure you really look into the cruise line with whom you’re booking. There are lines that cater especially to low/high budgets, singles, young people, families, couples, etc. and you don’t want to be caught at the wrong one for your demographic. 2. Don’t pick the wrong cabin – Not all cruise cabins are made equal. Options vary from windowless inside cabins, ocean view rooms, and suites with balconies. Some rooms come with extra perks, like butler service or spa treatments. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might also choose to book your room on the low deck. 3. Don’t forget to check visa requirements – Some cruise lines offer “blanket” visas, but others do not. If yours doesn’t, research the locations on which your ship will be porting and make sure you are able to possess all of the visa requirements accordingly before you book your cruise. 4. Don’t wait too long to book – If you wait to book last minute, you might save big on your cruise price. However, many deals last only a limited amount of time and cruises often book up well in advance. Don’t wait too long to book and miss out on your bon voyage. 5. Don’t pick the wrong date – Make sure you’re booking your cruise in the right year. Many cruises offer their itineraries a few years in advance, and you don’t want to be showing up to your cruise early. It sounds obvious, but it isn’t unheard of for people to show up to their cruise a year in advance. In addition, research the weather conditions in the areas you’ll be cruising and pick your date accordingly. 6. Don’t forget to read the fine print – While it’s so easy to ignore it, don’t forget to read the fine print when booking your cruise. It could include information on additional fees, payment schedule, cabin selection options, or whether the deal can be used in conjunction with others. 7. Don’t forget to do your research – Don’t pick the first deal recommended to you just because it sounds good. Spend a few weeks shopping around using travel comparison websites or travel agents to be sure you’re really getting the best value for your money. Image: Getty

Cruising

Readers Respond: What’s the best cruise you’ve ever been on?

We asked our readers what was the best cruise they have ever been on after two years of no cruises thanks to the global pandemic. But thankfully, it was not that long ago cruises were given the green light to make their way back to our shores and sail away on a much-needed trip. Read what you all had to say about the best cruise you went on. Grace Boland - 3 River cruises through Europe -- did 10 on the big monsters before I discovered River cruises are so much more beautiful. Christine Taylor - The very first one. Regal Princess on her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. Everything was wonderful. Been on a few others since but nothing quite captures the awesomeness of those first impressions of a stunning ship and of course all the amazing places we visited. Marilyn Blott - Cruising the Inside Passage, Alaska. Very stunning and beautiful. Jill Harker - On the Orcades when we emigrated from the UK to Australia way back in 1970! Fabulous trip, great ship, wonderful food, amazing ports of call, and made some wonderful friends! Margie Barnes-Mayman - Love all cruises but have to say the month long cruise from China to Canada and up to Alaska was the best. So many experiences, so much to do on the ship even on the sea days. Even being in an inside cabin didn't dampen our great time on board the Celebrity Millennium. Sailed three times with Celebrity Cruises and twice with Princess cruises. Joy F Saker - Budapest to Amsterdam on a river boat. Bliss! Also enjoyed a Princess Cruise around NZ for Xmas - so much we did it again the next year. It was such a joyous experience, and the decorations shipwide are divine. Bernadette Heckford - The one we went down the Suez Canal then onto Jordan to see Petra. Cheryl Quaass - Four day cruise of the Greek Isles way back in 1982. Loved every second, beautiful places. Christyna Dobbins - I've only been on two - one around Australia, and one from Australia to the USA to stay with friends I met on the cruise. Margaret McDonald - River cruising in Europe. Wonderful, go ashore every day and stretch your legs, Alaska was great but despite being told it would be smooth sailing we did get seasick for a short time...It was worthwhile any way. Maria Michailidis - The P&O cruises within Australian waters. Not fancy, but enjoyed seeing different parts of Aussie land (excursions)plus the entertainment was top class. Have done a few different ones overseas, but for me, the Aussie ones beat them hands down. To leave a memory of your own, or to check out more of the amazing responses head <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtys/posts/3341525652744364" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Cruising

Five themed cruisers for 2022 and beyond

<ol> <li>Meow meow | A cruise for cat lovers</li> </ol> Cat-obsessed cruise goers, unfortunately, cannot bring their cats on this cruise. But what they can do is meet like-minded people to chat about and share photos of their favourite furry feline friends. Activities on this cat-themed cruise include trivia, a scavenger hunt and a cocktail party. <ul> <li>Date: 27 October 2022</li> <li>Destination: Mexico</li> <li>Cruise Line: Carnival</li> <li>Ship: Paradise</li> </ul> You can learn more about this <a href="https://meowmeowcruise.com/">cruise here.</a> <ol start="2"> <li>Scrap booking cruise | For those who love to scrapbook </li> </ol> Cruise and Crop is a cruise company offering scrapbooking cruises where guests can enjoy making scrapbooks together. But the fun doesn’t stop there! On certain cruises, you can also try your hand at card making, embroidery, knitting, jewellery making and other crafts. <ul> <li>Date: 17 dates in 2022</li> <li>Destination: Various</li> <li>Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean</li> <li>Ship: Various </li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://www.cruiseandcrop.com/">cruise here.</a> <ol start="3"> <li>Knitting cruise | A cruise for those who love to knit</li> </ol> Craft Cruises offers a range of cruises where craft lovers can get together to improve their knitting skills will classes and workshops. On-board knitting instructors will advise guests about any local yarn stores in the ports of call. As well as knitting, Craft Cruises also offers cruises themed around crocheting, needlepoint, hand spinning and beading. <ul> <li>Date: 9 dates in 2022</li> <li>Destination: Various</li> <li>Cruise Line: Holland America Line</li> <li>Ship: Various</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="http://www.craftcruises.com/">cruise here</a>. <ol start="4"> <li>The 80’s cruise | For those who want to relive a slice of the 80s</li> </ol> The 80s Cruise is a non-stop all-inclusive concert with 20 bands including The Human League and Belinda Carlisle. Guests can enjoy parties on the pool deck and themed costume parties such as the ‘Decade of Decadence Prom’ and ‘Pop Icon Night’. <ul> <li>Date: 5 March 2022</li> <li>Destination:Caribbean</li> <li>Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean</li> <li>Ship: Mariner of the Seas</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://www.the80scruise.com">cruise here.</a> <ol start="5"> <li>The country music cruise | For those who love country music </li> </ol> Get your stetsons ready for The Country Music Cruise – a themed party at sea with nightly country music performances and the chance to meet the stars. Country music fans can enjoy seminars, autograph sessions, line dancing and country karaoke. <ul> <li>Date: 22 January 2023</li> <li>Destination:Caribbean</li> <li>Cruise Line: Holland America Line</li> <li>Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam</li> </ul> Learn more about this <a href="https://countrymusiccruise.com/">cruise here.</a>

Cruising

Once-in-a-lifetime $100k cruise sells out in just three hours

A unique and exclusive cruise experience has sold out in less than three hours, with tickets costing upwards of $99,000 per person. The Regent Seven Seas Cruise will set sail in January 2024 and stop at 66 ports in 31 countries, with 132 nights on the high seas. Those who managed to get the high-class will board the Seven Seas Mariner in Miami, Florida, before sailing through North and Central America, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Middle East and more. <img style="width: 500px; height: 374.41130298273157px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843000/cruise-1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/740c46df8efa47d396708cdf32a73bd4" /> Image credit: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Travellers will cover 34,500 nautical miles and visit 61 UNESCO World Heritage sites over the four month trip. The UNESCO stops include the churches and convents of Goa in India, the archaeological heritage of the Lenggong valley in Malaysia, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and the Tongariro National Park in New Zealand. Fares start at $99,592AUD per person for the Deluxe Veranda Suites and $271,000AUD per guest for Master Suites with personal butler service for the duration of the trip. <img style="width: 500px; height: 373.6176935229068px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843001/cruise-2.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b6bb1147825b4854b9076aa75238c10a" /> Image credit: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent’s president and CEO Jason Montague released a statement before the voyage went on sale on July 14th, saying he’d seen record breaking bookings for world cruises over the past two years. “We believe our 2024 World Cruise is our most enriching to date, representing the opportunity for uniquely immersive exploration thanks to access to a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and hundreds of free shore excursions,” he said. While out at sea, travellers will be treated to luxurious amenities, as well as dining and entertainment options onboard the Seven Seas Mariner, which can carry 700 guests and 445 crew members. The once in a lifetime cruise comes in the wake of the cruising industry taking a severe financial hit during the pandemic, as the company attempts to resume operations. Image credits: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Travel Trouble

Cruise industry experts reveal when Aussie cruises will resume

Despite a fall in COVID-19 cases that has Aussies eager to start exploring, people might have to wait before they start cruising again. The ban on cruise ships was implemented last year by the Australian government and was extended until March 17th, but it doesn't mean the ban will lift on this date. Most cruise ships are also currently stationed in Asia and Europe and will have to undergo quarantine before being ready for domestic passengers. Some companies that have smaller boats with a capacity of 100 to 200 passengers are offering tours that begin in late March. This includes APT, Ponant and Silversea. P&O Australia is also taking a leap of faith despite being at the mercy of the government ban and has cruise dates set from Sydney on April 30th. Princess Cruises is recommencing Australian cruises in October 2021, whereas Norwegian Cruise Line has no Australian departures at all until December 2021. Australia's tourism minister Dan Tehan recognised the hard work the cruising industry has put in to make things safer for their passengers on the breakfast show <a rel="noopener" href="https://cruisepassenger.com.au/strongest-hint-yet-that-australian-cruising-is-coming-back/" target="_blank">Today</a>. He was asked about the number of special deals available for cruising. There are welcome signs, and yes, we’re seeing rebounding when it comes to cruising, and also domestic tourism.” Host Stan Stefanovic asked the minister: “In relation to cruising, the Ruby Princess saga led to a major heartbreak here… should Aussies feel safe taking up these offers now?” The minister replied: “The cruise industry has done a lot of work to make sure that cruising now is COVID safe. They’ve put protocols in place, so people should be confident to be able to go and book cruises. “They also should be confident to be able to book, you know, wonderful vacations right across this nation, because we’ve got so many wonderful places to see – whether you’re doing it as part of a cruise around our coastline, or going to visit just the wonderful places right across the nation.” Joel Katz, managing director for Australasia at the Cruise Lines International Association has said that smaller domestic fleets might pave the way until the ban is lifted. “Cruising can progress a responsible restart domestically within Australia, using ships and crew that have gone through all required quarantine procedures,” he said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/australias-international-travel-and-cruise-ship-bans-to-remain-until-mid-march/" target="_blank">Travel Weekly</a>. “Ships and crew would then remain within the Australian safe zone or bubble, offering local cruising to locals only, within Australia, until international borders reopen.” “Cruising delivers enormous financial benefit to communities around Australia and supports around 18,000 jobs across the country,” Katz said. “We look forward to working with the government to plan a careful revival of the country’s $5-billion-a-year cruise industry.”

International Travel

Cruise staff reveal the hardest part about working on a ship

While working on a cruise ship can have its perks, there are always downsides to every job. Afterall, working on a moving vessel for months at a time can take its toll. A former cruise ship worker has shared their perspective on what makes working on a cruise ship so difficult. Joshua Kinser told <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/cruise/1157814/cruise-ship-crew-job-cruises-working-holidays">Express UK</a> it can be a particularly difficult job in many ways. “There are many difficulties and challenges that cruise ship crew members must endure on their lengthy contracts at sea,” he said. “The monotony of the job becomes tiresome,” he explained. “The food served to the crew can sometimes be about as appetising as the seaweed that gets tangled in the cruise ship propellers.” “I wish I could have told passengers how much I wanted a lobster tail or some of the great food that they were eating in the passenger dining rooms,” Kinser added. “I know it may seem petty to some people out there, kind of a first-world problem sort of thing, but after three months eating the same slop that is served on some of these ships, most employees just want a taste of the wonderful food that the passengers eat.” Not only is the food unappetising for the most part, there is also a homesickness that can be guaranteed on the job for many of the employees. Working away from home for months at a time can cause a real strain, Kinser explained. “The isolation from friends and family and one’s life on land can be very difficult for some to deal with at times.” One upside is getting to know new people from different parts of the world, however Joshua says it is not for everyone. “Adjusting to the very different culture and rhythm of life as a cruise ship crew member can be difficult for some,” he said. “Being on ship time and having your daily schedule dictated at all times can take some serious getting used to. “This is especially the case if you are a person who has lived most of your life in a country that affords you a considerable degree of autonomy, independence, and free will, or if you’re just a stubborn and oppositional person by nature in general. “If you don’t deal with authority well, you may not be very happy working on a cruise ship. “All of this is difficult at times, and the degree of difficulty changes with what ship you are assigned to.” The best part about working on a cruise ship though? “There is a lot to celebrate in ship life: The travel is tops of course,” Kinser said. “I was able to travel all around the world aboard cruise ships and I am forever grateful to the cruise ship companies for the opportunity to do so.”

Cruising

Mysterious bodies turn up on ghost ship

It might sound like a scene out of Moby Dick, but mysterious bodies have turned up on a “ghost ship”, which washed up off the northern coast of Japan this week. And while the emergence of the ship is still shrouded in mystery, a small detail hidden amongst the bodies has offered a clue to the origin of this skeleton-filled vessel. Senior local police official Hideaki Sakyo told AFP while there was little to identify the bodies by, boxes of North Korean tobacco and life jackets with figures in Korean script suggest the boat could’ve been populated by would-be defectors. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> A ‘ghost ship’ containing 8 bodies washed up on Japan’s shore — and it may have come from North Korea <a href="https://t.co/Z8i8tlWGnB">pic.twitter.com/Z8i8tlWGnB</a> — NowThis (@nowthisnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/nowthisnews/status/935615035014918144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2017</a></blockquote> That said, there’s still no hard and fast proof. “Nothing else was found on the beach nearby, and so far we haven’t found anything (suggesting they may be defectors),” a Japanese coastguard spokeswoman told AFP. North Korean fishing vessels washing up on Japan’s coast isn’t an entirely uncommon occurrence, especially during winter where fishermen contend with high winds. North Korean fisherman often venture far and deep on government orders, and the old, poorly equipped vessels are prone to issues. Once something goes wrong, there are few rescue options available for people on the boat. Earlier this month a North Korean solider who managed to defect into the South made headlines after managing to cross the demilitarised zone (DMZ) despite being shot at five times. What are your thoughts? Hero image credit: Twitter / The Independant

Cruising

11 islands you can buy right now

If you want to join the ranks of rich-listers like Richard Branson and Leonardo DiCaprio, then you need to get your own private island. Luckily, there are many islands on the market for under US$1 million (AU$1.43million), which means your dream of having a completely private holiday spot could become a reality. Prices vary greatly based on where they're located, whether homes have already been built on the property, and how many acres are available. 1. Wild Cane Key Island Wild Cane Key island, off the coast of Bastimento in Central America, is listed for US$360,000. The island is a total of 3.4 acres with multiple building spots available on the land. It's most easily accessed by helicopter. 2. The Swains Cay Andros Private Island The Swains Cay Andros Private Island is in the Bahamas and offers a two-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow on its 2.2 acres of land. It's going for US$525,000. 3. Nukudrau Island Nukudrau Island is part of Fiji. The 46 acres of land are surrounded by clear waters ideal for snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Price is available upon request. 4. Lovango Cay Lovango Cay is a five-acre island within the US Virgin Islands, and it's just a 10-minute helicopter ride away from St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport. Price is available upon request. 5. Cayo Iguana Cayo Iguana is a private island off the coast of Nicaragua. The five-acre island is listed for US$750,000 and includes a large three-bedroom, two-bathroom house. 6. The Mavuva Island Lots The Mavuva Island Lots are located on a 42-acre island in Fiji. The lots run between US$75,000 and US$125,000. 7. Frigate Caye Enjoy fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, kite-sailing, and scuba diving off the coast of this 1.4-acre island near Belize. It's currently listed for US$225,000. 8. Aleutkina Island For US$297,000, you can purchase this 1.81-acre island off the coast of Alaska. On it are several potential building sites and places to build a dock. It's perfect for those who love to fish for shrimp, crab, and clam. 9. Deadman Caye The 1.4-acre Deadman Caye, located off the coast of Belize, is guarded from the waves by the surrounding coral reef. Here you'll have access to some of the best spots for bone fishing, and it's on the market for $299,000. 10. Tahifehifa Island Tahifehifa Island is near the island group of Tonga in the South Pacific. At 1.09 acres, this island is listed for US$311,623, and it has a beautiful white-sand beach. 11. East Sister Rock Island If you're looking to splurge a bit more, consider the US$11.5 million East Sister Rock Island. Located in the Florida Keys, this island features a three-bed, two-bath home, plus a guesthouse and a helicopter launch pad. Pink Pearl Island is 2.5 acres of land off the coast of Nicaragua. On the market for $500,000, this island's listing includes a house in the middle of the island. Written by Sarah Jacobs. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=content&utm_content=link1&utm_campaign=travel-insurance">To arrange a quote, click here.</a> For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2017/01/retirees-lose-37000-after-cruise-company-goes-bust/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2017/01/get-paid-to-cruise-the-world/">This line is paying people to take a cruise</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2017/01/retirees-lose-37000-after-cruise-company-goes-bust/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2017/01/clever-ways-to-skip-the-queue-on-a-cruise/">6 clever ways to skip the queue on a cruise</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2017/01/retirees-lose-37000-after-cruise-company-goes-bust/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2017/01/new-report-details-true-cause-of-titanic-sinking/">New report details ‘true’ cause of Titanic sinking</a>

Cruising

13 ridiculous travel accessories that actually exist

These travel gadgets are so ridiculous we wonder how they ever came to be made in the first place. Motorised scooter suitcase <img width="437" height="264" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzE1L3N1aXRjYXNlLjRlMGIzLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/8af7905e/6d6/suitcase.jpg" alt="Suitcase"/> Travel coffee cup holder <img width="435" height="290" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0L2UxL3R1Z28uMmZkZWYuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/fc9d1491/223/tugo.jpg" alt="Tugo"/> The B-tourist strip <img width="436" height="477" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzhkL3N0cmlwMi4zOGNmMS5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/d436896f/641/strip2.jpg" alt="Strip2"/> Inflatable footrest <img width="432" height="432" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzFiL2Zvb3RyZXN0Mi5iYTRiMC5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/dce425b6/bdd/footrest2.jpg" alt="Footrest2"/> Collapsable boots <img width="426" height="266" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzY4L2Jvb3RzLmU2M2E3LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/46155721/b64/boots.jpg" alt="Boots"/> Portable bidet in a bottle <img width="423" height="327" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0L2NhL2JpZGV0LjFhMzNjLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/f8b44023/e86/bidet.jpg" alt="Bidet"/> The ostrich pillow <img width="420" height="280" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzQ1L29zdHJpY2guYjUxMDAuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/e4a70a33/c27/ostrich.jpg" alt="Ostrich"/> Washable plane seat covers <img width="373" height="497" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzJjL3BsYW5lc2hlZXQuODVjNjEuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/2eff7d1c/c92/planesheet.jpg" alt="Planesheet"/> Releaf neck rest <img src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzA3L25lY2tyZXN0LjUyZjkxLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/b7a80a17/6c6/neckrest.jpg" alt="Neckrest"/> Slot flop sandals <img width="436" height="258" src="http://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0L2U4L3N0YXNoZmxpcGZsLjViMmFjLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/0b8f2aa0/3cb/stash-flip-flops.jpg" alt="Stash-flip-flops"/> Inflatable weights <img width="441" height="441" src="http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzYzL3dlaWdodHMuYWRlNGMuanBnCnAJdGh1bWIJODUweDg1MD4KZQlqcGc/202b304d/e0a/weights.jpg" alt="Weights"/> Skyrest travel pillow <img width="439" height="439" src="http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzFmL3RyYXZlbHBpbGxvLjc5YmM5LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTg1MHg4NTA-CmUJanBn/33cc6d31/f6b/travel-pillow.jpg" alt="Travel-pillow"/> All in one carrier for 4-door vehicles <img width="444" height="444" src="http://rack.3.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE0LzA2LzA0LzA2L2RvZy4xZmYwYy5qcGcKcAl0aHVtYgk4NTB4ODUwPgplCWpwZw/6f304fc3/343/dog.jpg" alt="Dog"/>

International Travel

Cruise booking “don’ts” to avoid

Don’t let your cruise trip run ashore: avoid these cruise booking “don’ts” for smooth sailing ahead.1. Don’t pick the wrong cruise line – Make sure you really look into the cruise line with whom you’re booking. There are lines that cater especially to low/high budgets, singles, young people, families, couples, etc. and you don’t want to be caught at the wrong one for your demographic.2. Don’t pick the wrong cabin – Not all cruise cabins are made equal. Options vary from windowless inside cabins, ocean view rooms, and suites with balconies. Some rooms come with extra perks, like butler service or spa treatments. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might also choose to book your room on the low deck.3. Don’t forget to check visa requirements – Some cruise lines offer “blanket” visas, but others do not. If yours doesn’t, research the locations on which your ship will be porting and make sure you are able to possess all of the visa requirements accordingly before you book your cruise.4. Don’t wait too long to book – If you wait to book last minute, you might save big on your cruise price. However, many deals last only a limited amount of time and cruises often book up well in advance. Don’t wait too long to book and miss out on your bon voyage.5. Don’t pick the wrong date – Make sure you’re booking your cruise in the right year. Many cruises offer their itineraries a few years in advance, and you don’t want to be showing up to your cruise early. It sounds obvious, but it isn’t unheard of for people to show up to their cruise a year in advance. In addition, research the weather conditions in the areas you’ll be cruising and pick your date accordingly.6. Don’t forget to read the fine print – While it’s so easy to ignore it, don’t forget to read the fine print when booking your cruise. It could include information on additional fees, payment schedule, cabin selection options, or whether the deal can be used in conjunction with others.7. Don’t forget to do your research – Don’t pick the first deal recommended to you just because it sounds good. Spend a few weeks shopping around using travel comparison websites or travel agents to be sure you’re really getting the best value for your money.

Cruising

5 mistakes to avoid on a cruise

Cruising is the fastest going travel sector in the world. If you haven’t been there’s never been a better time to get out on the water. But there are a few rookie mistakes that you don’t want to make.Don’t pick the wrong cabinSure, the interior cabin is going to be the cheapest but it also means you’re spending a week or so without a window. For your first time out, it’s worth the extra money to have an ocean view or a balcony where you can get some of that fresh sea breeze. You also don’t want to be stuck in a cabin that’s directly below the nightclub or above the crew quarters when they start their day at 5am. First timers are also more likely to be seasick, so choose a cabin close to the centre of the ship to minimise the movement of the ocean. Study the deck plan carefully or, better yet, get an experienced cruise travel agent to help you pick out the perfect stateroom.Don’t overdo itYes, all that food really is included in your fare. But that doesn’t mean you have to go nuts on the first day and eat everything on the buffet. Many people think they are sea sick or, worse, have contracted a bug on board when in fact they’ve just eaten more heavy, rich food in a day than they normally would in a week. Same goes for the alcohol. A few cocktails by the pool is fine but you don’t want to spend a day in your cabin with a deathly hangover.Don’t skip the extrasYour fare will cover all the basics onboard, like the main restaurants and basic activities, but it’s worth splashing out a little extra cash to experience some of the other facilities onboard. Each ship will have a few specialty restaurants where, for $15-30 a head, you can dine on great gourmet cuisine for a fraction of what it would cost you on land. On some ships you can even dine at the signature restaurant of a celebrity chef, like Jamie Oliver on Royal Caribbean, Curtis Stone on Princess or Nobu on Crystal Cruises. To get into the holiday mode, book yourself a spa treatment or an afternoon in the thermal suite, making use of the sauna, hydrotherapy pools and private relaxation deck.Don’t miss the portsModern megaliners are so packed with entertainment and gadgets that you could stay onboard the whole time, but don’t miss exploring the ports. Plan ahead and attend the port talks or lectures the night before you arrive – this will give you a good idea of what to expect, find out the logistics of getting into town and learn about the excursions. You are always welcome to visit the ports on your own, but check out the shore excursions for activities like diving, snorkelling, ATV rides, village visits or scenic flights. You can book these through the cruise line or a third party operator on the shore.Don’t be too coolA lot of activities onboard cruise ships are a bit, well, cheesy. With all the trivia, bingo, karaoke and dancing it can feel a bit like an RSA club on the water. But trust us, these activities are actually really fun. You might not want to participate in the “world’s sexiest man” competition by the pool, but they are pretty enjoyable to watch. Forget trying to look sophisticated, relax and join in the laughs. There’s a great community attitude on the ship so these activities are also a great chance to make new friends.

Cruising

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