Tips On Planning Unforgettable Cruises

By Kurt A. Schefken

Over the years, cruises have become a more poplar way to travel. Because there are many different types of cruises, you will have to narrow down where you want to travel to first and then find a cruise line that is headed to that location. Some cruises make stops in more than one port along the way, which can give you a chance to see more areas than you would have if you were traveling by car or other mode of transportation. Many people take cruises because they don't have to worry about driving, navigating, or finding their way out of strange towns and cities when they become lost.

On a cruise, you will have to ability to set your own schedule. If you want to sleep in one day and get up early the next, you can do so. There are plenty of restaurants that serve food all day long on a cruise ship. As you get closer to your destination, you will begin to feel the excitement of visiting a new place. The people you meet on cruises are usually very friendly and want to explore a new place as much as you do. You will make many new friends while on a cruise.

Travelling by sea is a great way to relax while on vacation. Depending on the length of your cruise, you may be able to relax for an entire week or more. Many people take two or three week cruises when they want to relax. The longer the cruise, the more ports the ship will stop in. This will give you an opportunity to shop, try new foods, and take some great pictures. Being able to tell people what a great time you had through pictures is one way to not miss any details when describing your trip to places like Costa Blanca and Alicante.

Before you choose a cruise, you should find out if there will be added expenses for travel, accommodations, and travel insurance. If you are traveling with a group, you should nominate one person to handle the arrangements in order to avoid confusion. Once the arrangements have been made, you should pay close attention to the weather to see what you will need to pack. Since you will be on the water for a few days, you should pack a few long sleeve shirts and a light jacket. You may also need to pack formal wear if it is required during dinner time.

Cruises can be taken at any time during the year. Planning in advance is the best way to have a good time. This means making sure you have all of your reservations, seating arrangements, clothing, and other items in order before the cruise dates. During your vacation, make sure you take plenty of pictures, make new friends, and have a great time.

The technical writer Kurt Schefken is specifically passionate about information much like Benidorm. Through his reports, he proofed his experience on issues related to Costa Blanca and Benidorm.

Luxury Cruises - Debunking the Myths of Elite Cruises

By Liz McDougall

Recently I’ve talked with some people that think that the luxury cruise market is only for the uber-rich, or star-struck contest winners that wander around Titanic-like ships with first and third classes. They worry about dress codes, fork placement, the dreaded last-day invoice, and a whole host of possible faux-pas they could make while onboard, like stumbling into the Captain’s personal brandy stash, and being thrown overboard for “bad form”.

First, let me put your mind at ease. Luxury Cruises, while being, well, luxurious, are very approachable and very affordable. The staff onboard the ships are used to folks experiencing a higher level of service, food and ambiance for the first time, and they are very happy to help you discover all there is to offer.

Here are some suggestions:

Relax and Talk to Experts.As you prepare for your cruise, be honest with your travel planner about your concerns. The more information they know about you and what you expect, the better they can match you to the right cruise line and right ship. There are some luxury cruise lines which cater to an older crowd and so the nightlife won’t be as expansive. There are some that have added educational seminars rather than Karaoke (both are fine, by the way…) - just be sure and communicate your likes and dislikes clearly so you’re not disappointed.

Sticker Shock Averted.Your travel planner’s motto should be, “We can work with any budget, What’s yours?”. Don’t be offended by this question; they aren’t trying to wrangle more money out of you. It helps them (and you) to weed out options which clearly won’t work - but will allow them to perhaps get some extras included by way of their relationships with the cruise lines if they have a little wiggle room. Be sure you know exactly what’s included and what’s not in the cost of your cruise fare, and consider flexibility in terms of dates, departure ports and even length of your cruise. It could be the cruise of a lifetime even if it is only a four-day, rather than a sixty-eight-day sojourn.

Shopping & Gambling OnboardI have a confession to make. I love to play blackjack, and I especially love to play on cruise ships. I can imagine myself in a 40’s spy film being watched by some tall, dark, handsome man who buys me a drink… and… I digress. Reality is, its usually my dapper tuxedoed husband desperately trying to keep me from losing our next month’s mortgage on one hand. The point is: have a budget in advance and stick to it. Things can add up quickly when you’re shopping and gambling onboard.

Do your Research, but Validate Them ProfessionallyI wouldn’t make a move without a travel professional these days. I simply can’t call the Internet, although I do love to surf for ideas and research and despite the fact that I can connect with people around the globe and get first-hand information, having someone that knows me, what I like, what I dislike and can tell me without fear of offense that I would be making a terrible mistake by doing such and such. That kind of unbiased “travel therapy” is crucial today, and I appreciate it.

So, dive in. Explore the world of the uber-rich and take a luxury cruise. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but aren't you worth it?

Liz McDougall is the Senior Staff Writer and Cruise Review Expert for CruiseMatch.com which specializes in helping travelers plan and prepare for cruises of all types. As an avid traveler, she loves to see and discuss the world with other lovers of travel.