| These 7 must know cruising facts show, again, | | | | people, such as stewards and waiters, who have |
| why cruising is the fastest growing holiday choice | | | | served you personally throughout the cruise. Note |
| and has grown in value, fun and still stayed | | | | the policy of the cruise line for information about |
| affordable. | | | | suggested tip amounts. |
| In fact, cruising is at the same price level as it | | | | 4. Most cruise passengers do not get seasick |
| was 10 years ago. | | | | The motion of a cruise ship at sea is generally |
| More and more people are discovering the fun | | | | mild, so most people do not experience |
| and value of cruising, but many more still have | | | | seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness |
| not heard the good news. Today more than ever, | | | | on other forms of transportation (cars, trains, |
| a luxury cruise is easily affordable and accessible | | | | airplanes, etc.), though, take the same precautions |
| to everyone. Don't believe it? Then read on for | | | | on a cruise as you do for other types of travel. |
| our list of seven important facts about cruising. | | | | There are several over the counter motion |
| 1. Cruising is a good value | | | | sickness medications, or your doctor may |
| Some people don't consider taking a cruise | | | | prescribe something stronger if needed. And if |
| because they think it is too expensive, but this is | | | | you do get onboard and find yourself feel |
| simply not the case. When you compare the cost | | | | nauseous, don't worry - the ship's medical staff |
| of a cruise with the cost of comparable travel, | | | | will happily provide you with medication to help. |
| accommodations, food and activities, you will | | | | 5. A cruise ship is a great family environment |
| quickly see that cruising offers great value for | | | | Nearly every cruise line offers special programs |
| your vacation dollar. | | | | and accommodations to families, and some even |
| 2. Cruising is entertaining, fun and as active as you | | | | specialize in entire cruises designed completely |
| want | | | | around the needs and wants of a family. On |
| If you think you might be bored while on a cruise, | | | | these family-focused cruise lines, you will find |
| think again. There are so many options and | | | | special supervised areas of the ship where your |
| activities that you probably won't be able to | | | | children can go to do age-appropriate activities |
| participate in them all. And don't worry about | | | | while you enjoy adult time. |
| being in the close quarters of a ship; there really is | | | | 6. Each port is a new adventure |
| plenty of space to move about so you're not | | | | Every port you visit is different, and each one will |
| likely to feel confined or claustrophobic. | | | | have excursions, activities and places to discover. |
| When it comes to nightlife, a cruise ship offers | | | | Just as on board the ship, you will not be able to |
| many options. Common choices include | | | | do everything there is to do at each port. You |
| Broadway-style entertainment, dance bars, quiet | | | | can choose a paid tour excursion or you can |
| piano lounges, casinos, movie theaters and arcade | | | | explore on your own. Many cruise lines have |
| game rooms. There truly is something on board | | | | cooperative arrangements with hotels and resorts |
| to suit every entertainment taste. | | | | in the ports they visit so that cruise passengers |
| 3. A cruise ship is not divided into different classes | | | | can use hotel facilities like swimming pools, fitness |
| of service | | | | rooms, spas and other amenities. |
| Long gone are the days of first, second and third | | | | 7. You don't have to buy a special wardrobe |
| class passengers, or the wealthy receiving better | | | | There is no need to buy fancy clothing or a |
| treatment than others on a cruise. While there | | | | tuxedo to go on a cruise, although some cruises |
| are differences in the sizes and locations of | | | | do require formal dress in specific on board |
| staterooms, this is no different from a hotel that | | | | restaurants. Your general packing list does not |
| offers different types of rooms at different price | | | | need to be much different from any other |
| levels. | | | | vacation; simply include clothing that is appropriate |
| Regardless of the size or cost of your stateroom, | | | | for the climate and expected weather conditions. |
| you have full access to the ship's facilities and | | | | And don't worry about items like hair dryers, |
| amenities, and the ship's crew will do everything in | | | | shavers, and other personal appliances - they all |
| their power to make your experience exceptional. | | | | work just fine on board a luxury cruise ship! |
| In return, it is accepted practice to tip those | | | | |