Take Care Of Your Cabin Steward


Take Care Of Your Cabin Steward


One of your best friends on the cruise will be your Cabin Steward. He, or she, will do an excellent job of making up your cabin twice a day and generally taking care of you. This is the person who will also handle any special requests you have, like if you need an iron or extra pillow. We make it a point to get to know our steward on the very first day, and we make sure we tip him (or her) an extra $20. Yes, the daily 10% gratuity that is added to your account does cover the cabin staff, but make no mistake: these guys, who do an excellent job anyway, can add a nice extra dimension to your journey. For example, we like to keep our ice buckets full, and sometimes we even dedicate our sink to holding our beer, which a happy Cabin Steward will keep covered in ice for us all day long. We have received bathrobes, bottles of wine, and cigars from our grateful stewards over the years. Trust us on this one. Whatever tip you lay out will be the best money you spend on the cruise.

By: Fred Tutwiler




Want a Cheap Cruise?


One way to obtain a cheap cruise is to go on a repositioning cruise. A repositioning cruise is where the cruise line sends the ships from one location at the end of the cruising season, to another part of the world for the start of another cruising season, such as ships that leave the Caribbean and sail to Alaska for the start of the Alaska cruise season in May, then sail back to the Caribbean in September. A repositioning cruise is a great way to get a one-way sailing opportunity at a discount, because the cruise lines don't want to send the ship back empty. These sailings are usually two or three weeks, and take place in April, May, September, October, and November. The upside is a longer cruise at a cheaper price. The downside is that the cruise is only one-way, so you have to purchase one-way tickets to the point of departure and from the point of return. Also, repositioning cruises tend to make fewer stops at ports of call. But, if spending time at sea is what you're looking for, then a repositioning cruise might be for you. Ask your local travel agent, or check online.

By: Shari Hearn

Beware of Cheap Excursions


Although you may find the shore excursions cheaper through local sources compared to the cruise lines excursions desks, you may end up stranded - or at the least taken advantage of. The cruise lines check out the companies they contract with, and you are much safer using one recommended by the cruise line or a company your travel agent is familiar with.

By: Dreams and Destinations Travel

Cruises for the Disabled?



There's no reason not to cruise with a disability on today's ships. The newer and larger ships are generally speaking the most accessible, with more accessible cabins in a variety of cabin categories. However, that's not to say that there are not some smaller and older ships that have limited access or have been retrofitted to accommodate fewer people with disabilities. There are even 1-2 tall sailing ships that are built or retrofitted specifically for those with disabilities (you can be part of the crew). Cruise ships can accommodate wheelchair users, diabetics, dialysis patients, oxygen users, the visually and hearing impaired, those with smoking allergies, and even those traveling with assistance dogs.

By: Accessible Travel of Colorado

How to Read Cruise Brochures



Brochure styles vary from different cruise lines. Open any cruise brochure and you are sure to find an overwhelming display of information and photographs. What you need are just the facts in simple-to-understand terms.

Some cruise lines feature their entire fleet with the itineraries in one brochure. Others have brochures for each destination - such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe.

The front of the brochure has the table of contents. Here you'll also find the illustrations and photos, along with description of the cruise line and the itineraries available in that particular brochure.

Next you will usually find information on any special programs offered such as their kids' programs. You will also find a brief description of the ports of call and shore excursions offered.

Deck Plans, staterooms and fares, hotel stays, and past guest programs are usually listed next. A deck plan is a map of the ship that lists all levels of accommodations, shows the location of the restaurants, bars and lounges, swimming pools, fitness center, spa, shops, casino, kids' center and everything else the ship has to offer.

The last few pages of the brochure is where you will find the 'fine print'. This section usually includes the following information - welcome aboard info, Q-and-A's, terms and conditions, what you need to know before you go, important policies, and cruise line contact information. Make sure you read it very carefully!

The back of the brochure is also where you usually find the information on air and sea programs, cancellation insurance, and any amenity packages offered for your cruise.

By: Judy Wilson


Hurricane Season Cruises



If you're planning a Caribbean cruise from June through November you should know that you will be cruising during hurricane season. Why would you choose to cruise during hurricane season? Price is one reason. Typically your best deals are during the fall months from late August to mid December.

Statistically speaking, the chance that your particular cruise is going to be affected by a hurricane is slim. However, it does happen. Cruising during these months requires you to be flexible. Itineraries can be disrupted by even the mere threat of a storm. Usually the cruise line whose Eastern Caribbean itinerary appears to be in the path of the storm will simply switch over to the Western Caribbean schedule and vice versa. If the cruise line can't find a port, then the ship spends those days at sea. You will not get a refund for the missed ports of call, as the cruise lines reserve the right to change the itinerary. The cruise lines' strategy has always been to avoid a storm, and they have specific hurricane storm emergency response plans to help them do this.

Best thing to do if you're cruising during this time is to plan ahead. Arrive at the port of embarkation at least one day prior to departure in case difficulties arise, especially if you're cruising out of Florida. Also prepare for the possibility that you might arrive home a day or two late. The ship will wait out at sea if the hurricane is threatening Florida.

Buy insurance, whether through the cruise line or an independent provider - and make sure that the policy covers disruption in case of weather-related events. If the cruise is actually canceled, you will get a refund. However, it's very rare for the cruise lines to cancel a cruise.

By: Judy Wilson





My Favorite Cruise Line



We love to travel with Holland America. The bar and wait staff are from the Philippines and the hotel staff are from Indonesia. I learned how to say 'thank you', 'good morning', and 'good evening' in both languages. The staff reaction was priceless, and the grins couldn't have been larger. Best yet, I got the most overfilled bar drinks, the freshest servings from the grill, and the most individual attention, to the amazement of many other passengers. It pays to be polite.

By: Linda Seher


Packing Tips for Your Next Cruise



When packing for a cruise add extra metal coat hangers to your suitcase so that you will be able to hang much of your clothes. Also, purchase a child-size shoe hanger. I found one at the dollar store. You can hang this in the bathroom and put lots of little things in it such as toothpaste, hair brushes, mouthwash, etc. This will give you extra space in the bathroom as well as keeping things covered from the excess water which might come from the shower. Happy cruising.

By: Pam T

Three Helpful Tips



We travelled on a South Pacific cruise in mid-January [summer].
  • The first item I bought on day one was a warm jumper (mistake). No matter what time of year or destination, it gets cold out on the ocean - especially when the wind springs up. Pack something warm to wear!
  • When buying duty-free alcohol or cigarettes while in port, be aware that the goods will be sent to the ship and held until your last night aboard.
  • When choosing a deck, it is a good idea to be close to the laundry and purser's office. You can get in early to do your washing [there'll be a line up]. The PO is usually busy and you may need to go there multiple times for various reasons.

By: Louise Lamb

Seasick?



I'm a travel consultant, and have been for 10 years. Over the years people have asked me, 'I get seasick; what is the best category for me?' Most people think the higher up you go the better, and I always had a hard time explaining it to them; but one day I was watching a storm come in and was looking at the trees - and that is how I got this idea. I now tell people a ship is like a tree. When the wind blows and the tree is moving, where is the most motion? - at the top of the tree. The lower part of the tree is hardly moving at all. This has worked very well for me, and I have never received a complaint yet!

By: Elliott Travel, Taylor, Michigan

Stencil Your Luggage!



I used to use ribbons or tape around the handles of our luggage, but so did everybody else. I purchased a stencil and a small pot of stencil paint from our local hardware store and stencilled every piece of our luggage with the same design. On our last cruise, our various pieces stood out from all the others. The chance that anyone else will have the exact same design in the exact same colours are remote.

By: Linda Seher


Time in Port May Not be Long Enough




We just returned from an 18-day cruise. We booked late, within the last week, and online. The itinerary quoted was 'ports of call' only. The duration at several ports of call was merely hours: 6 hours shortest, 8 hours longest. Not long enough to see anything UNLESS you splurge on the expensive tours. Traveller beware - check the time in port carefully, we would have enjoyed the trip more if we had more than a few hours in port.

By: A. Greenwald

Price is Negotiable



Just like hotels, the rate for a bed and breakfast room is negotiable.

The main difference is, that, unlike a hotel where it can take awhile to get to somebody in authority to authorize an adjustment, this is not true with an inn.

The person on the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and breakfast, and he/she can make the decision on the spot. All you have to do is ask in a nice way.

Just remember - the innkeeper may only have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if you are haggling over the last room, then don't be offended if it's 'no dice' on a price reduction.

But on the other hand, one room of a four-room inn without a paying guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. So it's always worth asking for a reduction!

From: New England Vacations Guide

B&B Basics



Since the arrival of the internet there are thousands of first time bed and breakfast goers. For the first-timers there are some basics to make your stay more comfortable for yourself and your innkeeper; and to help you understand the experience. Once you've stayed in a bed and breakfast, you'll never stay anywhere else!

First and foremost is to understand that you are staying in someone's home as was in the 'old days'. Most bed and breakfasts are owner-operated, and some are run by innkeepers. Most of the things in the home are usually antiques, fine linens and bedding, family heirlooms, and the like - which is what makes it so special. Those things are not replaceable as they would be in a hotel.

Almost all bed and breakfasts offer complimentary refreshments and a fridge in a common area to keep things cold, but don't allow eating in the rooms. So if you're not sure what is permitted, please ask.

Before you take everything you own when you go away, ask what amenities are already available - such as bicycles, beach chairs, towels, etc. Also, ask what might be available to rent nearby - from kayaks and ski equipment to hot air balloons.

Your innkeeper will also be happy to inform you of all there is to do in their area and supply you with maps and brochures, or make dinner and tour reservations. You receive much more personal attention at a bed and breakfast than you would in a hotel or motel. Your innkeeper will be happy to give you a history of their home and the area, the best places to go, the best places to eat, and the places to avoid. They make sure you will get the most out of the time you have away.

Breakfast is always special. Not only are you enjoying the culinary talents of your host, but you get to meet and greet the other guests. Sometimes you'll meet people from the other side of the globe or run into an old high school chum you haven't seen in 25 years! Usually the menu is the same for all. Some places can accommodate special dietary requests, but I would advise asking when making your reservation.

There are some bed and breakfasts that accept babies and very young children. Most don't. Usually the cut off age is 7+. A bed and breakfast is normally not child proofed (unless a special room or cottage is available for families), and really not appropriate for very young children. Most folks who go to bed and breakfasts are looking for some peace and quiet. I can't vouch for everyone, but once you try it you'll never go back! Bed and breakfasts are great places for women traveling alone. They are also lovely and different places for small weddings, wedding breakfasts, dinners, small business functions and the like. Just ask your host what is available.

By: Inn Bed and Breakfast, Westbrook, Connecticut


More Tips:

Do Some Advance Research

It's a good idea to do some research about a bed and breakfast before you visit - your idea of 'romantic' may be very different from someone else's! But remember that many guidebook authors stay for free when reviewing a bed and breakfast, and thus you may have to read between the lines to get an idea of the place. Does 'cozy' mean comfortable or cramped? Does 'friendly' mean gracious or intrusive? Read carefully, and whenever possible, consult visitors' reviews. Many e-mail discussion lists and sites on the web allow guests to share their experiences. After your stay, return the favor and write your own review!

By: Mallory McCreary, Shake Off The City


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Know Where You're Going



Most B&Bs are located in 'residential' neighbourhoods, so when you are using a taxi to reach your destination, please be sure to explain this to the taxi driver. It is also a good idea to ask your host about the cross streets so that you can provide this info to the driver. Avoid unnecessary or undesired 'tours' of neighbourhoods while your driver searches fruitlessly for a hotel-like structure. Ask first, tour later.

By: The Bonaventure, Atlanta, Georgia


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Let Your Host Know When You Will Be Arriving


As an owner of a B&B, what makes me happy is to know when the guests are arriving at my door. It doesn't have to be precise, but more or less accurate. Remember, not every B&B owner can sit and wait for you all day. Call or write and let the owner know when you are arriving. This consideration will save the host/hostess their time and you from arriving at the house without the host/hostess being there.

By: Aiko's Bed and Breakfast, Washington, DC

Stay for More Than One Night



In planning your stay at a B&B, allow enough time to enjoy what the area offers, with some time for relaxation. Hosts appreciate a stay of more than one night for the opportunity to become acquainted, and provide help in seeing and doing what is of interest to the guest, without imposing on a tight schedule of time. You'll find a 2-night stay is more than twice as pleasant as a 1-night stay, and a 3-night stay more than 3 times better. Check web information for area activities and attractions in planning your time.

By: Brookside Meadows B&B


Travel Vouchers May Not be Such a Good Idea



This tip is only about travel agents' vouchers when visiting Ireland. You will find when you visit your travel agent, he may recommend travel vouchers to pay for your B&B accommodations in Ireland. Travel agents will give you a tourist board B&B book that shows hundreds of B&Bs throughout Ireland that except vouchers.

What they do not tell you is that these B&Bs also have a price in Euro, per person per night. Most of them are as cheap as if not cheaper than what you pay for the voucher system. In most cases, you have to buy 5- or 6-day vouchers - which are non-refundable. Most B&Bs have a 24-hours' notice no charge for a 1-night booking.

Also (and most importantly) you pay the agent between 68 and 70 Euro per night for a voucher. The B&B only receives 48 Euro per night from the agent. Therefore, most B&Bs prefer cash bookings. If you have trouble finding accommodations (especially in high season) with your vouchers, it is because most B&Bs will accept a cash booking first. They will wait until the last minute before accepting the lesser voucher payment.

For your own benifit, check out websites in Ireland and compare prices against what you are paying for the vouchers. You will always get deals, even in summer time, if you are staying 2 or 3 days in one place and you are paying in cash.

By: Aanson Lodge


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Window Seat Warning


If you're a window seat flyer special note when flying AirTran airlines. The newer Boeing 717 planes they use have a peculiar seat support system that limits the window seat passenger's leg room when combined with the curve of the fuselage of the plane. There are two seat supports for the seats in front of you. Not a big deal - except on long flights for 6 footers plus. I suppose this would be the same on all airlines that use the same age Boeing 717 aircraft, but AirTran is the only one I've flown with the space limitation. I'm switching to aisle seats on AirTran.

By: Bob McConnell


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Who Needs a Suitcase?



To travel with a backpack gives the freedom to use both your hands. Important to consider: A 65 liter pack, with front zipper to access contents at bottom of pack without unpacking, is plenty big enough to travel 30 days, in both hot and cold weather including heavy footwear. Pack a day pack in your main pack. At the airport remove and use it as carry on luggage with essentials for several days should the main pack get lost. Make sure your pack has a high quality suspension system.



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What to Wear While You Travel


Wear clothes that are stylish and slightly businessy, but not too 'businessy' (think blazers and bluejeans). Too businessy comes across as arrogant, not businessy enough comes across as tourist. Always think in layers. You never know what the temperature in the terminal and the airplane will be. Take a blazer even in summer, and always wear long pants. By the same token, always wear short sleeves, even in the dead of winter.

By: Catherine Lee


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What is the Correct Luggage Allowance?



When booking a flight through a travel agent, double check with the airline that the travel agent has given you the correct luggage allowance. I was told that I was only allowed 1 piece of checked luggage and 1 hand luggage at a combined max weight of 50 lbs. I had not flown before and didn't susupect that this was wrong, but it turned out that the luggage allowance was actually 3 pieces with a total max combined weight of 183 lbs. - 70 lbs. per checked piece and 43 lbs. per hand luggage.

By: Amanda Mazur


More Tips:

Use the Airport Shuttle


If you don't want to stand around in an airport for 3 hours trying to find transportation to your destination, and you don't want to spend a fortune, a bus or airport shuttle is the way to go. Most large airports have them. To shorten the time even more, call ahead and reserve one. It doesn't cost extra. The companies are not all the same, so try to get a recommendation from a local travel agent. Also, when you make your reservation, make sure you find out WHERE to catch your ride. Airports are large and confusing, but most have specific signs for transportation services. Make sure you're at the right bus stop.

By: Frank Blakely


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Split City Ticketing Can Save You a Bundle


This strategy is when you buy 2 round-trip tickets in order to save big bucks or add a stopover. One ticket is to an interim city while the second is between that city and your intended destination.

Two examples:
  1. San Jose, California to Cabo San Lucas flights are offered by only one airline, connecting in LAX or PHX. Instead, buy separate round-trip tickets San Jose-to-LAX and LAX-to-Cabo; you can save a bundle. This exact example is in my book, Winning the Airfare Game (Hawk Ridge Press, 2001).
  2. DC to Johannesburg flights on online booking engines are usually too expensive. Look for separate flights between DC and London AND London and South Africa. Most likely, you would be connecting in London anyway.

Split tickets can be used to save money but you can also build a stopover (in LA or London, for these examples) into your trip. The cheapest fares usually do not permit stopovers. Check it out for your next trip.

By: Charles McCool


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Special Circumstances



There are some things beyond your control, and airlines actually have some flexibility in these circumstances.

If you are ill, you can usually cancel or reschedule your flight. You will need a note from your doctor, and you will be required to fill out a number of forms.

If you are flying to the funeral of a relative, many airlines will waive the advance purchase restrictions on fares, resulting in much cheaper tickets. You will need to tell the airline the name of your relative, your relationship to the dearly departed, and the name and phone number of the dearly departed's funeral home.

By: Tim Matthews


More Tips:

Protect Your Luggage


When waiting in line or sitting in the airport (or anywhere else, for that matter), always have the strap(s) to your carry-on luggage wrapped around an arm or a leg, then they won't disappear without your knowledge. I carry this suggestion to the extreme if I am in a questionable area. I have even straddled my large bags when I felt it necessary - or at least have them touching my leg so I'd know if they were moved.


By: Travel Kiosk


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