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5 frank cruise tips the cruise line won't tell you
Here are some important cruise vacation tips you might not find on any other list. The cruise lines won't tell you these. A good travel agent might but it would not be negligent of them to keep these tips to themselves. Only the most trusted of friends will let you in on these tips, if they know about them.
- Bring your own toilet paper- might as well just get this out of the way right up front. The cruise lines do a great job of feeding you, pampering you, and taking you to multiple destinations while you only have to unpack once. Providing plush, soft toilet paper is not one of their selling points.
- Be careful flossing- or just skip it unless you're on a really long cruise. Either that or bring along some Superglue if you have anything other than original teeth in your head. Crowns, bridgework, fillings, all love to jump out of your mouth at sea. Yes, the ship's medical center can help but that brings us to number 3
- It is going to cost more than you thought- this is nothing to be scared of but to say a cruise is totally "all-inclusive" is stretching it a bit. OK, a lot. While we have done cruises and not spent any money on-board (OK, one cruise and it was tough) We have also spent more than the total price of the cruise,on board, for extras not included in the price. Passing up on-board spending can mean losing out on some rich experiences through shore excursions, spa treatments and other things that cost extra. And buy travel insurance; it should cover that trip to the medical center.
- Travel Insurance has you covered- eventually- Travel Insurance at sea is not like medical insurance at home where you make a co-pay at the doctors office and you're done. The cruise line medical center is a fully-equipped hospital and they want their money at the time service is rendered. Later, you'll file a claim with the travel insurance company and get reimbursed for covered charges. Bonus tip: get documentation on everything you spend money on that might be turned in later to the travel insurance company for reimbursement. You'll jump through fewer hoops to get reimbursed down the road.
- Be good, they can kick you off- Cruise lines, more specifically, the Captain (aka "master of the vessel") has the right to put you off the ship at the next port without a refund or way back home if you misbehave. That could mean being rowdy in a bar, arguing with a casino dealer or smuggling drugs back on the ship from some lovely island in the Caribbean.
Filed under: North America, Canada, United States, Cruises, Caribbean
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dave Kearns Jan 2nd 2011 1:42PM
The TP on the ship is specially formulated for the ship's plumbing system - which is quite delicate. Your home TP will clog it up in no time. Do you really like sewage backing up in your cabin?
Book you shore excursions before you go and take advantage of non-ship sponsored deals (find recommendations for reliable providers at cruise discussion sites on the web) - that way there's no surprisesng on board.
Piquekid Jan 5th 2011 2:29AM
Im glad you told us that! I sure wouldn't have thought of it! Thank you!
Jenn Jan 3rd 2011 11:36PM
Except for the TP, I love this article! I loved my 3 cruises, but have decided to stick with land based all-inclusives until I get old & drink less. The cruise lines charge way too much for alcohol. And we like to drink on vacation! With alcohol, shore excursions, photos & tips, our onboard bill has ALWAYS been higher than the cruise. Looking into a new cruiseline that offers an all inclusive package for drinks. That may be our savior!
Jack Jan 4th 2011 1:02AM
...maybe that's why "the cruise lines won't tell you" ?
Charles Jan 3rd 2011 9:29AM
Have to agree with Dave. Many Cruise lines now are really getting picky with what you can take on board. If found with a roll of Charmin Extra Soft in either your checked bag or carryon, chances are really good that the Cruise line will confiscate it and possibly even fine you. The TP provided on board is decent, although may not be the softest.
Also, you can save quite a bit by just not buying massive quantities of alcohol and spa treatments.
After 10 cruises, our Average Cost on "other things" on our cruises comes out to about $150 for two people. We have enjoyed ourselves and have not denied ourselves anything we wanted. We just don't feel that $200 for a hot stone massage is really necessary to relax when you can just sit and look at the sea pass by.
k916 Jan 3rd 2011 8:44PM
Who decided the point was to spend *no* extra money on board? All-inclusive, to me, means that all the basics are included at such a favorable rate, that, I can actually afford to buy good drinks, gamble a bit, treat myself to a shawl from the shop, and yes, have a few spa treatments. I wouldn't pay $200 for any massage, land or sea, but there are numerous other spa treatments which are perfectly affordable and make my stay much more pleasant. True, these perks are not necessary, but, neither is taking a craft to shore to a tour, either. It's just one of your options that make the entire trip more delightment, and, more affordable because the trip is so affordable from the OUTSET. I can watch the sea go by, which is relaxing, or, I can get a pedicure so that I look cuter in my shoes when I go dancing. It's all part of my vacation and I don't think I've been robbed if I pay a little for that privilege. Spa treatments get a bad name.
ToniBella Jan 3rd 2011 8:30PM
I disagree with the TP issue. Soft TP is not good for sewage on board or at home. It's no worse than Scott tissue which is what I use at home anyway so I think that bit of info is really reaching for lack of complaint.
What people probably don't realize is that alcohol is not included in the 'all-inclusive' price like it would be at a resort so that can be your most expenive items if you like your spirts. Also not included but not mentioned is the tip for the staff at the end of the cruise. While it is included in some of the higher end cruises, some cruise rates do not include.
And as far as getting kicked off of the ship - I would hope that would go without saying. I don't think it's a must-know for a passenger because one doesn't really plan to be rowdy and disrespectful to staff in advance, do they? I don't know....
snidewoman Jan 19th 2011 12:29AM
Maybe the captain can throw you off, but I can't imagine anyone misbehaving more then my sister... and they didn't toss her off... we were the passengers from hell.. poor lady who took care of our cabin. We did leave her a giant tip...
Phil Jan 3rd 2011 9:08PM
CORRECTION: It should be "Take your own toilet paper." And, yes, the ship's toilet paper is formulated for on board use. Conventional toilet paper will clog! Happy sailing!
Ebonyflash Jan 3rd 2011 10:12PM
I agree with ToniBella 100% ! Are people that pampered that they would bring their own TP on a cruise? Most level headed/rationally thinking adults seemingly wouldn't go overboard on extra spending on an already advertised all inclusive cruise; which should have more than enough to offer.
dawn Jan 3rd 2011 9:35PM
yeah, with a group, skip the ship sponsored shore excursions. they are much cheaper at port. we got a tour of honduras all day for 20 a person (we were charged 10 a person but we tipped well) when the ship was charging 80 or 90.
BobH Jan 3rd 2011 11:00PM
Dawn, Yes, tours on shore are cheaper than the ship price. However, I always heard that if a SHIP tour ran into trouble the ship would wait for its return. Not so with private tours.
Last cruise, through the canal, a ship's tour DID have a bus break down and DID wait for its return.
Local tours are good, once we got one in Ketchekan, AK and covered the totum park and the ancient native village for less than one of them through the ship. The ship split them for more than the one we took. However, we were back in time for lunch and the ship didn't leave til about 4.
Use you head and don't press the departure time.
Have FUN!
Jray Jan 3rd 2011 9:38PM
Why would your dental work pop out at sea?
philip Jan 3rd 2011 9:38PM
as most of the time these HELPFUL hints are BS...
theship's TP is designed for the sensitive plumbing so if yo u want soem thing softer bring baby wipes...and use the trash can.
only 6 star lines are all inclusive..if you agent tells you otherwise get his/her name and report same t oyour states AG...ships charge for bottled water/drinks/ carbonated beverages.. check on a ful lcruise pre paid drink card for non aclcohol drinks saves alot of $$
I am an agent for cruises and we use non cruiseline shore excusion company, slightly more $$ but personal service, more options AND fewer people means persona lservice....
last but not least TIPPING is an extra cost..pre-pay andsave...also bar tabs include TIPS automatically..do not overtip...good luck happy cruising
Kathy Jan 3rd 2011 9:46PM
We took the cruise to Cabo San Lucas trip, on one of their bus trips we took on every stop seemed to be where they were selling their wares...which I did not like to be put in that situation to buy their stuff! Nothing much to see on the stops either!
To use the bathroom we were told to go to the jewelry shop where as you can imagine a very long line for one commode...of course while you wait you look at their jewelry which of course you don't have to buy but did not like that idea of the whole thing. To go eat which you had to go threw the jungle part of it and of course where they were selling again. Were not rich and if we were sure wouldn't be taking no cruise...turned me off the whole thing.
tmcneely3 Jan 3rd 2011 9:57PM
Mr. Owen, this piece is pathetic. Please do better or do something else.
Grace Jan 3rd 2011 10:45PM
Be careful about travel Insurance covering your on board medical expenses. I had travel insurance but they would only pay after the claim was denned by my regular medical insurance carrier.
tahoetraveller Jan 3rd 2011 10:48PM
Oh yes, the TP is horrible on the ship, even in a Grand Suite, which we recently spent 10 days in. I believe like others, that the TP is formulated to degrade for the delicate plumbing systems on the ships.
I bring baby wipes and use the sanitary napkin bags to dispose of the wipes.
I love cruising, and I sometimes buy the tees, jewelry, watches, etc. that they offer on the ship. But, I don't have to buy anything. We are fortunate enough to be able to book a suite, and with that we have a "free" happy hour cocktails offered for a couple of hours each night. Also, expresso, lattes, soft drinks, and snacks.
So many people were complaining on this last cruise, the weather was bad, didn't like their dinner, drinks were expensive, yada, yada, yada. These are the complainers and nothing makes them happy. I on the otherhand am grateful for everyday I am alive and make the most of it.
We also booked with a company that offered us "pre-paid" gratuities and of course if the service was exceptional we added to that.
We also only booked one excursion through the ship. The others we booked before we left and made sure we had plenty of time to get back to the ship. We saved about one half by doing this.
Happy Sailing :)
susan Jan 3rd 2011 11:10PM
Cruised on over 30 cruises and folks, the TP statement above is bull. Never ran out of TP, it is specifically designed for ships so don't go bringing your own. Also, extra money, yes, of course, if you gamble, drink adult beverages and want to buy ship offered excursions. I know many people who do not spend any extra money, it all depends on your wants and likes. Never been on a cruise where anyone has been asked to leave although I do know of those who have seen it happen. they are always the younger, spring breakers who want to see how much alcohol they can drink, most often, they only make total asses of themselves. Bring your sun screen, your bathing suit and prepare for one heck of a ride!
flaviany Jan 3rd 2011 11:38PM
All other tips are somewhat helpfull. However, your number one - BYO Toilet Paper - is highly questionable, if not, irresponsible. Like other said it before me, there's nothing wrong with the TP provided on board. And it is also made so it does not clog the delicate plumbing system. I know what I'm talking about, I've been on more than 10 cruises in different cruise lines.
Instead of TP, I would recommend bringing Clorox wipes (that's an indispensable item you should take with you wherever you stay - hotel, cruise ship).
But please, do not throw them in the toilet.