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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 2 of 2)
Jack Jan 4th 2011 12:44AM
I agree with all of the above on the toilet paper. Don't bring your own. Also, never come to the port early and never book an aft-facing balcony cabin. Also bad ideas. And if you could all wait and come to dinner late, that would be nice too. Thanks!
Pam Jan 4th 2011 1:32AM
I was wondering why you would not book an aft balcony cabin?
CruisePro Jan 4th 2011 12:19AM
I think it was George Lucas who once gave a speech to theater owners. He told them that popcorn would make them money, not necessarily the movie. It's the same way with cruise lines (I work for a major line and this is a FACT). The line, at least my employer, is not out to rip anyone off. The bar prices are much more reasonable than any major city's saloon. The spa prices are similar to your local day spas (with great discounts on port days) and the boutiques are duty-free. The thing is, once they have you onboard, being a cashless society it's so easy for people to just hand over their key cards and "charge" whatever they like. IMO, it's always wise to keep an eye on your spending, but most people on vacation are a little more self-indulgent than they are at home; that's what the line is counting on. We'll sell you a 7-night, all meals, onboard entertainment and destination transport for only $399/pp but each person is probably going to spend closer to $1,000 on the rest of their cruise vacation. Bon Voyage!
Paulina Jan 4th 2011 12:21AM
I've been too scared to take a cruise on the ocean! I'm so afraid that my bum might hurt from the scratchy tp, I might lose all of my teeth to the whales and then, if I smuggle some good "Northern Lights" onboard, they'll not only take it from me, but they'll smoke it themselves, and then kick me off! I say no way!!
Brace Jan 4th 2011 12:34AM
I always bring a couple of rolls of tp and box of baby diapers for my child. When I use them, I always throw them overboard. Sometimes, however, the wind blows it on deck, but the custodians always pick it up.
m Jan 4th 2011 1:20AM
EW you cant be serious. I understand that custodians are there to 'clean up after us' but isn't it a little embarrassing to be the scummer that leaves dirty diapers KNOWINGLY laying around for others to clean up? Grow up, and clean your own s**t.
Dee Jan 4th 2011 9:05AM
Why would you throw soiled diapers and wipes overboard? The ocean does not want your garbage. As for the custodians picking it up, that's disgusting! They are there to keep things clean, not pick up after you. Do you know how gross it is to pick up soiled items? What if your neighbor's dirty diapers/wipes blew onto your property? How would you feel to see it there?
Please be responsible and have some consideration for others around. No one exists just to pick after you. That's just plain lazy on your part and what are you teaching your child. Entitlement is not justified.
Dee Jan 4th 2011 6:21AM
Ok, tp comment is stretching it, it's usable and a benefit to the ship.
The only other thing I would add and I tell everyone this, bring small money - ones, fives and tens. There are so many times you take an excursion, or visit someplace and they almost always ask for a tip. The first time all we had were one hundred bills and it was early in the morning, sightseeing a fort. You don't have to tip, but sometimes it's the nice thing to do. I love cruising and would live on a ship if my family let me.
Brad Jan 4th 2011 2:07AM
Cruising is fast becoming as bad as flying. It used to be fun and a great way to spend a week or more. Now it's becoming full of nasty, unruly passengers, crew who could care less and horrible experiences. It is no longer the "way to go."
rob Jan 4th 2011 12:49PM
We recently traveled on Celebrity Cruises. The stateroom attendants lost my $1,800 hearing aid and Celebrity Cruises won't do anything about it even though we bought their insurance. Go to Celebritycruisesarelosers.blogspot.com and learn why you should stay away from Celebrity Cruises
Arsenio Jan 4th 2011 2:16AM
ALL HEAR THIS: BRING A SMALL FLASHLIGHT. If power goes out such as it did during a recent cruise for four days off of Mexico last month, you will be the envy of all the other passengers that you came prepared and had a personal flash light for dark hallways and rooms, also bring extra batteries. NOW THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CRUISE LINES SHOULD TELL BRING.
TOPHERSMOM08 Jan 4th 2011 2:19AM
I have been on 5 cruises and I we have never spent for two people more then the cruise. If you spend $800.00 each ( that is what I paid for my last cruise for a room with a balcony) on board, when food and juices, tea and water
( all except pop & alcoholic drinks) are free! We are not "big drinkers". However this list of what a cruise line won't tell you is stupid. You don't bring on your own TP. It is a floating city with a specific system. I have never noticed that the TP is any different then a hotel or store's TP. I have been lucky and never had to visit the medical area, so no problems with any dental or accidents. Never had a situation where I could be kicked off or anyone in my "party" however if everyone acts like a normal person you will be ok. I usually do go to the spa I just wait to see the specials but I wouldn't spend $200 in the spa. I always have my pedicure & manicure done before I leave. I do always spend to much on pictures but I want to have the picture for memories! Also on Carnival I was able to see the excursions and booked before the cruise and saved money. However I don't recommend doing a "no cruise sponsored" excursions for two reasons. 1 because people have lost there money if it is canceled due to rain or other situations. 2 the cruise will not have contact with them. If they are late getting back the boat won't know and you can get left behind and it will be your cost if the boat leaves without you. Also It is safer to stay with company's the cruise line works with because you don't know what can happen.
Our last cruise had over 30 people with the oldest being a great aunt who was 84 years old at the time and never been before and since has planned another cruise.
Mr. Owen , You sound like you don't like cruises and you have stock in an on land resort. This list doesn't even make since at all.
kelli Jan 4th 2011 2:24AM
what they dont tell you.. they have shampoo and soap.. Bring conditioner, razor, shaving gel. dont buy the drink card, waste of $$. i would bring a container to put water in at the buffets vs buying it.
dont get a massage, pedicure, manicure.. not sure who licenses them but not cheap...
Bring tons of ones and extra $$ for tips and .. workers rely on tips....
They will kick you off before they leave dock if you get too drunk. I saw it happen on the cruise ship i went on... paramedics carting someone off of the boat.
if you buy a souvenior (sp?) cup for alcohol, you can trade it in for the next drink and get a 1$ off. you can buy "alcohol" drink coupons as gifts for someone... that sometime is cheaper.
you have a safe in the room, use it.. leave valuables there when doing adventures off the boat. Don't get your hair done by people off of the boat, watch out for lice. Always bargain with people... on Adventures, If there is a guy walking around selling water for 1$ or 2$ a bottle and it hasnt been open, buy it.
research the adventures and what people have to say about it, we did one at freeport, with food. the beach had chards of glass and metal ... we found it in the water too... the food wasnt that great and drinks weren't included....
john Jan 4th 2011 4:15AM
I don't recommend using super glue on a denture that will be in your mouth. A friend did just that and she later developed cancer that was not found in time and it took her life. Consult with your dentist abot what to do if you break a denture or lose a tooth. Get professional advice. Extra costs come from port excursions and the use of facilities on board the ship. Drinks start at $5.00 each and it adds up quick. The T-P on board is formulated to break up in the tank for easy removal. Your home T-P will not do that and will cause a problem.
Roy Jan 4th 2011 10:45AM
Most of this chatter about cruises (in general) could have (would have?) been totally avoided IF people would use a good travel agent that specializes in cruise business. People who work 8 hours a day and more at their own jobs or profession cannot simply go "online" and somehow think they can do better than a professional who spends their entire day keeping up on what is and what is not correct about the cruise business. This is where a lot of this confusion and problems come from. Research is good, but there will still be a lot you don't know. As a twenty year professional in the cruise travel business, I can say with certainty, those who think they are getting a "deal" by shopping online are not doing themselves any favors. Those are usually the ones who come home dissatisfied about their cabin location, didn't know about gratuities, shore tours, spa treatments, price of drinks on board, etc. Just get a good agent, stick with them if they are a good agent, and you'll be just fine. Don't nickle and dime them with "I can get it for less online". They put in the time to get to know you and your desires, likes and dislikes, and the website won't. Most do NOT charge a fee of any kind and will keep you informed better than a website. It's worth it.
Mark Anevich Jan 26th 2011 11:32AM
I have been in the travel insurance business for more than 25 years. During that time I have seen many claims from passenger on cruise ships from simple treatments for minor aliments to extensive medical intervention resulting from heart attacks and personal injuries from slips and falls. In some rare cases the passenger had to be emergency airlifted by helicopter to the nearest port for emergency hospital treatment.