Fact or Fiction

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We are a full service travel agency and we specialize in cruises, so we have learned a lot about the ins and outs of cruises and the various cruise lines.  One thing in particular that we have learned is there is a lot of advice out there on the best ways to cruise.  I’m here to set the record straight on a few of them.

 

Drink Packages:  Many well-seasoned cruisers will tell you that you should always purchase a drink package in advance.  This is not necessarily so.  You have at least a couple of days while on the cruise to see how much you really need that drink package.  If you find that you are purchasing enough drinks to make the drink package worth it, then by all means, purchase one.  But you don’t have to commit yourself to the drink package in advance.  Also, be aware that many cruise lines will bill you for the gratuities for the drinks at the time of purchase.  Since they automatically bill gratuities at 18% that could add a fair amount to your bill that maybe you were not counting on.  So don’t be in a rush to purchase that drink package.  Take your time and make the decision that is best for you!

 

Shore Excursions:  The theory is that you should never book a shore excursion with outside vendors.  The reasoning behind this is the cruise line will not wait for you if you are late getting back to port.  The ship sponsored shore excursions tend to be more expensive and have larger groups.  They also guarantee to have you back to your ship in time for departure.  Many outside vendors offer a guarantee to get you back to your ship in time for departure and if they miss your departure time they will get you to the next port.  In addition, they offer a better product at a better price and with smaller groups.  Read the fine print to make sure your vendor does make this guarantee and ask questions!  You are not stuck with what the ship offers.

 

Cabin Organization:  One tip that has been offered over and over again is to pack an over the door organizer to keep all of your personal items organized.  This is not necessary.  Many cruise lines have revamped their staterooms to include more storage and better use of space.  Why pack a bulky organizer when you will more than likely not need it.  I know I haven’t.

 

Boarding the Ship:  This is really more of a preference issue.  Well-traveled cruisers will tell you to board the ship late to avoid the long lines.  This can be a way to avoid the lines; however, you miss a great opportunity to explore the ship and get settled in.  I personally like to get on the ship at the earliest possible moment.  I love to explore the ship, find lounges that have a great view and are not usually used during the day.  These make for fantastic places to sit and read, watch the beautiful scenery go by, or meet with friend to enjoy a quiet conversation.  The pools are great, don’t get me wrong, but it is sometime nice to have a little hideaway and just enjoy the view!

 

To Patch or Not To Patch:  I admit it.  I don’t usually get motion sick; however, my business partner does.  So we are always looking for the best way to handle it.  He has had the most success with Dramamine II.  This is a non-drowsy formula and he has taken it within a half hour of first signs of getting sick.  Works like a dream.  We have often seen passengers walking around with a patch on when the seas were like glass.  The theory is that if you wear the patch from the moment you get on the boat you will not get sea sick.  In really you don’t really need to do that.  You can wait until you start to feel a little bit of motion sickness before putting the patch on, or taking Dramamine.  Why not wait to see if you even need it before you use it?  I hate being sick so I understand the precaution, but I hate using medication if it is not necessary.