Embarrassing Cruise Mistakes You Can Avoid By Reading This

Embarrassing Cruise Mistakes You Can Avoid By Reading This

May 23, 2017 by Chris Owen

The old saying ‘live and learn’ helps us avoid repeating mistakes. That works for many parts of life from where to buy common household items to which brands we like and use. Travel by ship is travel made easy as floating hotels have the ability to take us around the world in comfort. Still, it is amazingly easy to overlook some critical parts of travel; embarrassing cruise mistakes that are easy to avoid, just by reading this.



Large Humans Might Not Fit In Upper Berths

While the idea of a discounted price for third and/or fourth guests sharing the same stateroom might sound good at home, on the ship that can be quite another case. Upper berths have a weight restriction of 250 pounds. The top of that bed is 27” below the cabin ceiling and passengers will have to climb a ladder to get into it.

This is one I stumbled across on a cruise embarkation day years ago. Trying to get into a stateroom rated to accommodate four people were four larger ladies. Only two of them could get through the doorway and there was no way any would fit into the two upper berths in that stateroom.

No, Not Everything Is Included

To say that a cruise vacation is inclusive ‘by nature’ is accurate, compared to land travel where nothing is. But to blindly assume that the cruise fare pays for the lion’s share of expense is not entirely accurate. Worst case: The end of the cruise comes around and a surprising bill appears.
Avoid this embarrassing cruise mistake by checking onboard spending accounts every couple of days. There might be errors on your account that can be fixed far easier any other time than the day you get off the ship. To be sure there is no post-cruise debt lingering around, many cruise travelers set up a cash account just for this reason.

Debit Or Credit, Be Sure The Funds Available

Speaking of shipboard accounts, the cruises line will want a debit or credit card to guarantee onboard purchases that are not included in the cruise fare. Each day, they will place a hold on funds they believe you will need to have available to pay for purchases made by the end of the cruise.

The critical cruise mistake here is not allowing for other charges that might be made on that debit or credit card. Daily holds can often use up daily credit limits travelers may not know they have. Such was the case on a cruise we were enjoying many years ago, right up until the time that we were summoned to the Purser’s Desk. Told ‘the preauthorization we tried to run on your card was declined. How would you like to handle this?’

The easy fix, using either a debit or credit card:

• Be sure the bank knows you are on a cruise before leaving home. Otherwise they might think someone has stolen your card since you live in Kansas and a charge from your cruise line came through from Miami.
• For the same reason, notify your bank of the countries to be visited on your cruise.
• Play it safe: bring more than one card along

Perhaps you too have seen or made some embarrassing cruise mistakes that will probably not be repeated. Share those with us here!

Chris Owen shares frank, inside information about cruise vacations on ChrisCruises.com.

Courtesy: CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

For information, any questions & booking, please write to: info@eTravelCruise.com

Our website: eTravelCruise.com

5 Benefits to Having a Balcony Cabin on Your Cruise

5 Benefits to Having a Balcony Cabin on Your Cruise

February 28, 2017 by Jonathan Mark

When you are booking a cruise you will have the option of choosing an interior cabin, a cabin with a view, or a balcony cabin.  And then , of course, there are suites which have balconies, a huge space, and often come with a butler.  But for this article, I want to mention 5 of the biggest reasons for choosing at least a balcony stateroom.  Yes, they do cost more, and you might be tempted to just get an ocean view, but here are some things to consider before you make that decision for your next cruise.

Better Views

Most balcony staterooms have floor to ceiling transparent doors which give you a much better view than just a window, whether it be a porthole or full sized window.  And let’s face it, when you are cruising it’s all about taking in the sights.  What better way to enjoy these sights than from the comfort of your own room where you can order free room service and put your feet up.

Ocean Air Anytime You Want It

For me this is the biggest reason to get a balcony stateroom.  Even if you can still see the ocean with a window in your stateroom, or imagine it with an interior stateroom, there is nothing like feeling the ocean breeze as you cruise from island to island.   When the cruise ship really gets moving the breeze can be a little too intense, but even if you want to stay inside your cabin and leave the door open a little it’s nice to breathe in that ocean air.  Most cruise ships want you to keep the door closed but this is mostly because they don’t want to pay for keeping a room cool if the door is open.  Just make sure you turn the thermostat up or down depending on the temperature outside.

More Private

Don’t get me wrong.  It’s nice to be able to lay out on the pool deck with a lounge chair and get some sun, but sometimes the pool deck can get a little too busy and crowded for my taste.  That’s why it’s nice to be able to back to your own private room and put your feet up where no one can bother you.  You might have a few rowdy passengers in other balconies, but usually during the day it’s quite quiet and peaceful out there

Easier to Wake Up

I know sometimes budgets don’t allow for an upgrade to a balcony stateroom on a cruise ship, but interior staterooms just don’t allow you to wake up naturally.  It’s just as dark when you went to sleep as when you get up.  I loved being able to wake up to the natural sunlight coming through the glass doors.  There is no need for an alarm clock and you don’t feel detached from reality.

Experience the Ocean Life More

On my last cruise my wife and I got to see dolphins swimming around the ship while we were sailing to one of our ports.  They were right along the ship and jumping in and out of the water.  It was quite a sight to see and we never would have seen this if we didn’t have a balcony.  We spent a lot of time just leaning on the railing and looking out into the water, and spotted several other kinds of oceanic life, which was a wonderful part of our cruising experience.

Not everyone will be able to afford a balcony stateroom, but if you are able to modify the budget enough to pay for one, it will be well worth it.  The best balconies are on the back of the ship.  They are bigger balconies and a little more private since you don’t have as many neighbors, but usually you will have to pay a little extra for these as well.

So what do you think?  Have you ever been in a balcony stateroom?  And what was your experience compares to interior or ocean view cabins?  Let us know in a comment below.  We would love to hear from you.

Courtesy: CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

For information, any questions & booking, please write to: info@eTravelCruise.com

Our website: eTravelCruise.com

5 Things You Should Not Do On A Cruise

5 Things You Should Not Do On A Cruise
June 20, 2017 by Ben Souza



Before one embarks on a cruise, they often ask the question, “What are some tips and secrets to make the most out of my cruise?”.  It seems that everyone is looking for the “must do’s” so they do not miss anything.   But who can blame them, they are on vacation and want to make the most of it.
As important as the tips and secrets of cruising are, it is also important to look at things that you should not do on a cruise.   After all, you are not on the ship by yourself and how you act affects the families around you who are also on vacation.

Here are a few simple things that you should avoid doing while on a cruise.

Don’t be a chair hog:  We’ve all been there, you head up to the lido deck to catch some sun by the pool and all of the chairs have towels on them that are “saved”.  Thankfully, some cruise lines have begun to crack down on this and many will only allow you to save chairs for up to 45 minutes without being used.  It was a common practice for many to get up early in the morning, save deck chairs in their favorite spots, and then not actually use them until 2-5 hours later.

There is nothing wrong saving chairs by the pool or seats in the theater for a few family or friends.  However, don’t be that guy who tries to save 30 of the best seats in the theater and then only end up using 10 of them.

Don’t blare music on your balcony: On a recent cruise, the passengers in a balcony near us brought a stereo and thought it was a good idea to blare rap music on it.  While you might enjoy jamming to rap music, would you want someone blaring polka, heavy metal, jazz, barbershop quartets, salsa, or any other type of music that you didn’t like?  You want to sit outside and listen to loud music, that is what the pool deck is for.  After all, have you ever heard a passenger say, “the music on the lido deck isn’t loud enough”.  It is probably a safe bet that the guests in balconies near you do not listen the same type of music that you do.

Someone in another cabin did complain to the crew and everyone around us was able to enjoy peace and quiet on our balconies for the rest of the cruise.

Don’t let your kids run wild:  Children on cruises are usually extremely excited, they will want to run around and raise their voices.  After all, who can blame them?  Just about no one will have a problem with this on the pool deck, that is what the pool deck is for.  However, some parents allow their children to run around the cabin decks and other public decks of the ship unattended.
Most cruise ships also have special areas that are for adults only (18+ and up).  These areas include quiet decks with sun loungers and swimming pools and hot tubs.  While the staff on the ship might only enforce these rules if another passenger complains, do your best to follow these rules.

Use Elevators to only go up or down 1 floor:  If you have a disability, then you can completely ignore this point.  There are few things more annoying on a cruise than having your elevator stop, a large group pile in, and then they get off only one floor up.  If you are able bodied and need to go up or down 1 deck, use the stairs.  If you are going up or down 6 decks by all means, use the elevator, that is what they are for.

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator will also help you burn a few extra calories.  This can also help you from gaining weight as most do while on a cruise.

Don’t stiff the staff when it comes to tips: Virtually all cruise lines now automatically charge your gratuities/tips to your on board account.  While you can have these adjusted up or down if the service did not meet your expectations, taking them off entirely because you are too cheap to pay them is well, pathetic.  The crew members work 7 days a week for 6-10 months at a time without a day off.  Yes, sometimes they have bad days like you have bad days.  They also work for a small salary and their tips make up the majority of what they earn.  If you do not want to tip the crew, don’t go on a cruise.

We would love to hear from you, what are somethings that you should not do while on a cruise?  Leave your opinions in the comment section below.

Courtesy: CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

For information, any questions & booking, please write to: info@eTravelCruise.com
Our website: eTravelCruise

6 Tips to Save Money On Your Next Cruise

6 Tips to Save Money On Your Next Cruise
July 6, 2017 by Ben Souza




Have you ever had sticker shock when your received your onboard account statement at the end of your cruise? If you are not careful, it is easy to rack up a large room bill if you aren’t closely monitoring your account. However, you are on vacation, who wants to constantly check their account balance to see how much they are spending?

Here are a few tips to keep you from having a large charge to your credit card at the end of your cruise.

Soft Drinks

A can of Coca-Cola/Pepsi will cost you roughly $2 plus 15% gratuity. You can purchase a soda card (usually around $6-7 per day plus gratuity) that gives you unlimited soda throughout your cruise, but that adds up to over $50 on a 7 night cruise. A way you can save money is to bring your own soda on board with you. Most cruise lines will still allow you to bring on one 12 pack of soda per person onto the ship with you at embarkation.  After you get onboard, have your room steward empty the overpriced drinks out of your mini-fridge.

Shore Excursions

An easy way to save money on shore excursions is to book them ahead of time online through a 3^rd party agency or after you arrive in port. I just came back from a 7 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean and decided to take an island tour in St. Thomas. The cruise line wanted $59.99 per adult for this tour. We were able to talk a local and get the exact same tour for $20 per person.  We were even able to customize the tour and visit a beach that isn’t as crowded, something you can’t do with the cruise line’s tours.

Booking with the cruise line does give you the guarantee that the cruise ship will not leave without you in the event that your excursion arrives back late at the pier. However, if you plan on being back to the ship least 1-2 hours before it is scheduled to leave, this will give you give plenty of time in case of a breakdown, traffic etc.
Click Here to search through the huge selection of shore excursions that offer money back guarantees and often lower prices than cruise lines. (affiliate link)

Use Cash

Cruise lines will let you use cash to fund your onboard account instead of a credit card. I know many cruisers who do this because it helps them keep their account spending under control. Once you charge to your account the amount of cash that you put on it, you can not use your card for anything else until you visit guest services and add more cash to it.
This can be a pain since the line for guests services doesn’t always move the quickest and can be long (especially the first and last day of the cruise). Some cruise lines do have kiosks that allow you to view and add cash to your account without having to stand in line.

Casino

An easy way to control what you spend (or lose) in the cruise ship’s casino is to bring an envelope for each day of the cruise. Put cash in each envelope and once the money for that day is gone, you stop gambling. This will keep you from returning to the well (your wallet) too often and will keep your losses in check.

Internet

Cruise lines are starting to roll out cheaper and faster internet packages. Unfortunately, these packages are not yet available on every ship and cruise line. If you are going on a ship that does not have these newer, faster, and cheaper internet packages, then here are a few tips for you.
Internet (wifi) can be a bit pricey when on a cruise. Many internet packages start at .75 a minute and go lower if you buy a block of minutes.  There can also be a one time connection charge of $3.95.  The connection is much slower than your home DSL or cable. The speeds will remind you of the old AOL dialup days.

If you need to check your email or view message from home while on a cruise, visit an internet cafe while in port. Not only can usually get 60 minutes for around $5, the connection speeds will be faster and more in line with what you are used to at home.

Cell Phones

Using your cell phone while at sea can cost anywhere from $3-$6 a minute, depending on your carrier. Text messages also come at a cost and data roaming is ridiculously expensive ($15 per mg). If you use the phone in your cabin to call home, it will cost roughly $1.99 per minute (rate will vary based on the cruise line).

If you need to check on things back home, either use your cell phone while in port (roaming charges will apply but are cheaper than the ship’s charges) or get a calling card. Calling cards are the best deal and will let you call home for 1/10^th of the cost of using your cell phone.
These are 6 ways that can help save money on your cruise without sacrificing anything. If you have other ways of saving money, please post them in the comment section below so you can help fellow cruisers make the most of their cruise vacation.

Courtesy: CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

For more information, questions & booking, please write to: info@eTravelCruise.com

Our website: eTravelCruise.com

What Items You Should Take with You Off the Cruise Ship in Port

What Items You Should Take with You Off the Cruise Ship in Port
February 22, 2017 by Jason Leppert

Just as American Express famously said “don’t leave home without it,” there are a few things you should never leave the cruise ship without either.

Cruise Card (or Band or Medallion)

The one thing you will always need getting off the ship whether in a port-of-call or at final disembarkation is your cruise card, or alternate band or medallion as new technology emerges. This essential is what let’s the ship know when you are onboard and when you are off, among plenty of other functions, and it should never leave your person when out and about.

Identification

There are some destinations that will let your cruise card alone suffice as identification when passing through port security, but it can never hurt to have a driver’s license or passport on hand in case. Getting in the habit ensures you have it when it is absolutely required.

Money

While it’s a cashless society onboard wherein your cruise card acts as a credit card for charging to your account, it will not work ashore in regional shops and restaurants. You’ll still need the local currency in bills or a credit card authorized for international purchases.

Phone

Seemingly everyone has a smartphone attached at the hip these days, so this one is probably pretty obvious. Still, remembering even a basic cell phone is a good idea for emergencies. Be sure to keep in mind your talk and data roaming privileges when using it regularly, however. You can rack up some hefty charges very quickly if you’re not internationally prepared.

Camera

This one may very well be redundant to a smartphone since the built-in cameras are so good nowadays, but in either case don’t forget some form of camera to capture memories of your time ashore. On the same token, don’t be so engulfed in capturing everything digitally that you neglect to take it in with your own eyes as well.

Sunblock

Even when it is overcast, it’s never a bad idea to have already applied sunblock onboard or to have it with you should the sun peek out or the deceptive UV index begin affecting your skin tone. A lot of excursion time may be spent outside, and a hat at the very least is a good item to have with you.

Water

Just as it’s important to stay protected against the sun, it’s wise to stay hydrated as well. Especially in tropical climates, it can be very easy to deplete your body’s water levels. The best thing to do is have a bottled water with you to top off on occasion.

Mosquito Repellent

While fears of zika or other such diseases can be out of proportion to the actual danger, mosquito repellent will help prevent bug bites and contracting any nastiness. In risk prone areas, cruise ships may provide aerosol cans at the gangway, but it’s always best to be self-reliant and plan ahead of time.

Jason Leppert is the Editor-in-Chief of Popular Cruising, the leader in video cruise reviews.

Courtesy: CLIA Cruise Lines International Association).

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5 Cruise Ship Embarkation Day Tips

5 Cruise Ship Embarkation Day Tips
June 12, 2017 by Angela Minor

Use these five embarkation tips on your much-anticipated cruise vacation, and let the fun begin!

1. Timing is everything.

You know the boarding time for your cruise line, and possibly even signed up for a check-in time to avoid the crowds. Get to port early. There will be hundreds to thousands of fellow travelers squeezing into the gangway throughout the first morning of your vacation. Plan to arrive with plenty of time to spare. While you’re in the terminal, make your last phone calls, organize your carry-on, use the facilities, and grab a snack or drink.

If you prefer, stroll in closer to the end of the embarkation window. The ‘set sail’ time is later than the final time for boarding. So there’s a bit of flexibility for those who like to arrive at the last minute. The queues are shorter, and your wait-time will be less  The next option would be to take advantage of a cruise line priority embarkation program. These are offered to loyalty members; but some lines allow regular passengers to purchase the perks. You will have a dedicated queue or perhaps an exclusive lounge in which to wait.

2. Papers please.

With the press of hundreds of travelers behind you, fumbling in your bags for your paperwork is the last thing you want to do! Have your boarding passes, passports, travel visas, proof of vaccination, and any other required documentation literally in your hand. (Your cruise line should tell you which documents you will need, as some are only required in certain countries.)

Print your cruise line luggage tags ahead of time and place them on your checked baggage, as well as on your carry-on. This will be one less task to complete at the terminal. Insider tip: Once you find out the number of your stateroom, write it on your luggage tag. The key cards no longer have room numbers on them for security reasons. And, speaking from experience, the illusive cabin number can slip from your mind before you get there!

3. Where to go first.

Once you’re onboard, head to a Guest Services desk to reserve your shore excursions, spa appointments, and other extra fun you want to have on your cruise. This is my third suggestion assuming that you haven’t booked these activities prior to leaving home. Some cruise lines offer the option of making all manner of reservations online – do this if you have the opportunity. It prevents the hectic conversations in line that start with ‘what does everybody want to do in port,’ ‘who wants a massage,’ and ‘what was the name of that specialty restaurant on the ship.’

Also, it is recommended that you skip the buffet as well as the first bar you see after the gangway. Scads of flip-flop clad tourists stop at these two places immediately after boarding. Be a savvy cruiser and find the eatery and bar furthest from the gangway!

You may also want to make a quick stop in your cabin. See #4.

4. Dressed and ready.

You passed through check-in, wrote your stateroom number on your carry-on, made your excursion reservations online, and grabbed a bite and a tropical drink – so make your next stop at your room. (Be aware that some cruise lines allow boarding several hours prior to the time when your room will be ready. For example, boarding at 11 AM and room access at 2 PM.)

The embarkation tip here is to pack one leisure cruise ship outfit, such as shorts, swimwear, jacket, etc. This way you can change out of your tired traveling clothes and go right back out on deck. It’s more likely than not that your checked luggage will arrive at your room quite a bit later than you do. Also, remember to pack any necessary medications, sunscreen, and other essentials in the carry-on for this reason. Keep the bag small and light though since you’ll be carrying it around until you stop by your room.

5. Vacation mode.

The last embarkation tip is to stay chill through the process. Yes, it can be a strain on the patience. Yes, it can take an inordinate amount of time. And yes, other people will be complaining. You, however, have decided to adopt the vacation mode mindset. It’s all part of the experience, and can be turned into funny anecdotes after it’s done. Use these tips and transform your embarkation into a story to tell your friends who didn’t get to go on a cruise vacation!

Angela is a professional freelance travel writer and published indie author – AngelaMinor.com

Courtesy: CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).

Best Time to Board Your Cruise Ship on Embarkation Day

Best Time to Board Your Cruise Ship on Embarkation Day
August 23, 2017 by Jonathan Mark

We already have a previously written post on embarkation day tips, but here we will just talk about when you should try to get on the ship and the best times to board to avoid long waits in line.



Most cruisers agree.  By the time you get to the port you have already paid for your cruise, so the sooner you get on the ship the sooner you can start enjoying your vacation.  You don’t want to waste ½ a day just waiting and waiting when there is free food aboard that vessel that you could be eating.  And yes, that wait can be long, especially if you are not a frequent cruiser and you have to wait in the long line like everyone else.  So the best advice is simply to get there as early as possible.

So what is early?  Usually if you get there around 10:30-11:00 am you will be pretty close to being first in line.  But this does not mean that your wait is over.  You still have to wait for them to actually start boarding the ship, but when they do you will be among the first to get on the boat and start enjoying a buffet lunch in port.  But from my experience, it’s much better to wait for your ship to leave the dock while you are pigging out at the buffet and getting a self-guided tour of the ship than standing in line behind 300 other anxious people.

If you don’t get there at 11:00 am you might have a little wait ahead of you.  So some people like to get to the port around 1:00 pm or a litle later because by then most of the lines have died down and you can usually just get right on the ship after a brief wait.  If you get there right at noon then you can expect some delays ahead of you.
Always be mindful of the boarding times according to the website of the cruise line you are sailing with, but you can even try to board the ship as late as 2:30pm in some cases and you will practically not have to wait at all.  After all, who wants to feel like they are at the DMV to get their vacation kicked off?

Keep in mind that you will not be able to go to your rooms as soon as you get on board, unless you do get on the boat at the last minute.  If you get on early like 11:00 am or so you will have to wait a couple hours until you can go to your room and settle in.  So whatever carry-on luggage you have will have to be toted around for a few hours.  This is why you should send as much as you can straight to your room.

If you sail with Princess, Cunard, or Holland America you can go to your room as soon as you get on board your ship, but with the big 3 like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival you will just have to enjoy walking around the ship for a while until your room is ready for you.
The majority of cruises leave port at 4 or 5:00 pm.  If your cruise leaves at a different time than this, check with your cruise line to see what time embarkation begins.  Most ships will begin boarding 4-5 hours before sailaway.

Courtesy: CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).