Anne Campbell's Tips
To Insure Smooth Sailing
After taking over 100 cruises I've learned - often the hard way - a few tips to help ensure smooth sailing for my ocean voyages.
*** Pre-cruise hotel night. Whenever possible, I try to go to my embarkation city at least one day ahead of time (of course, n some cities, you may want more than one night). This always adds a day of fun and makes my vacation one day longer, plus it eliminates any situations that may arise due to airline delays. Most cruise lines offer a pre-cruise hotel program that might include transfers, taxes and even breakfast. Your cruise counselor can advise you of the details. If you are using the cruise line’s air transportation program, they can also coordinate your flights with your pre-cruise hotel stay.
*** Always carry your documents and valuables with you Check as much baggage as you are permitted, but certain items should always be kept with you. Any airline tickets, cruise tickets or other vouchers should be in your carry-on bag. Any valuables, such as jewelry, cameras, etc. should be hand-carried. The same holds true for cash, credit cards and travelers checks. It’s always a good idea to carry an extra pair of eyeglasses. And be sure to hand-carry any prescription medication (in their original bottles)
*** Purchase travel insurance. Cruise insurance is available from SoloCruiser™ , and it's worth the extra money. Travel Insurance protects you from delays or cancellations due to death or serious illness suffered by you or family members, as well protection for lost luggage, travel delays, medical coverage and even emergency evacuation. SoloCruiser™ offers the best Travel Guard policy available, and we recommend it strongly. Our special policy is not age-based, so you won't pay extra if you are of a more “mature” age. Ask Cruise Consultant for more specifics.
*** Spa Treatments. If your heart is set on a massage, hair styling or other beauty/spa treatment on your cruise during a day at sea, try to be among the first to board and then go to the ship's spa/fitness center to book; these slots can fill up fast. The same is true for obtaining reservations at a ship's alternative restaurant, when an advance booking is required. Some cruise lines now allow passengers to pre-book spa treatments on their web sites.
*** Going Ashore. Sign up for shore excursions early – they can sell out! Some cruise lines now permit pre-booking of shore excursions on-line, or in advance by mail. But be sure you are signing up for the tours you want, because cancellation penalties may apply. The shore excursions offered by the cruise line are usually the most convenient way of sightseeing and make the most efficient use of your time. Note that at ports that require tender service, priority disembarkation is generally provided to those participating in the ship’s shore excursion.
*** Be First. Aboard luxury ships, videos and DVD's for viewing in your cabin are complimentary. Since the best go first, dash to the library after you board and grab the ones you want. And be kind; be sure to return videos to the library after you've seen them. If you don’t find the book or video you want, check back in a few days – it may have been returned by another guest.
*** Air/Sea Tickets. While many people today purchase airline tickets online, one of the biggest advantages of buying an air/sea package from the cruise line is that if your bags don't make the ship, the cruise line will help track them down and make sure they're delivered to the first port possible. What's more, your transportation between the airport and the ship is usually included. Otherwise, you're completely on your own in locating your luggage.
*** Airline Deviation. If you purchase your air transportation through the cruise line, and you want a particular time of day or a particular airline, you may want to consider an air deviation. The fee is generally around fifty dollars. Ask our Cruise Counselor for details.
*** Transfers. When you purchase airfare on your own, you’ll be responsible for your transportation between the airport and the pier. In many cities, taxis can be quite expensive due to the distance between the airport and pier. Ask your SoloCruiser™ agent about purchasing a cruise line transfer. You and your luggage will be transported via motor coach between the airport and pier for a reasonable price.
*** If you have a problem, get it fixed immediately. You have no idea how much your satisfaction means to the ship's staff. If you encounter any problem, notify the Purser’s Office as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you return home – by then, it’s too late to assist you.
*** Be generous to the staff and crew. In one of the editions of Fielding's Guide To Worldwide Cruises I authored, I dedicated my book to the officers and staff who work so hard to ensure you have a safe, fabulous cruise experience. Trust me, they work very, very hard and put in many hours to achieve this. Today, gratuities (on ships that recommend them) are often added to your shipboard account and you can adjust them up or down during the cruise. But when a waiter, room steward or maitre d’ performs extra service I slip them a few extra dollars the last night of the voyage. Equally important, praise them by name in the questionnaire left in your cabin the last day of the cruise: your comments may result in a promotion or special recognition by the cruise line for a staff member who really deserves it!
Note: I'd love to hear about your tried-and-true procedures for making the most of your cruise. To pass along your tips, post them on SoloCruiser's message boards or email me at annecampbell@solocruiser.com.
