Vacation Cruising: How to save money without sacrificing fun!
“Baby let me take you on a sea cruise” The lyrics to Frankie Ford’s song “Sea Cruise” seem to echo the sentiments of many people when planning a vacation. Some think it’s out of the realm of possibilities when considering a vacation on a budget, but not anymore! Many people, including myself, think that cruising the open seas on a luxury ship is a vacation we can’t even dream of. However, with some careful planning and saving, a cruise is definitely within the realm of possibilities! The cost of cruising has dropped dramatically over the last few years, and it's become affordable for almost everyone as a vacation alternative. But many of us could afford to cruise even more often if we could just cut down on all the extra onboard and on-shore costs, above and beyond the actual cruise fare. There are hundreds of tips out there on how to save money on your cruise. Whether you get advice from family and friends, the Internet, or your local travel agent, they all are valuable. The only problem is how do you remember them all? This book has taken the best tips from several sources and put them in one convenient place – HERE! Almost anyone can take a cruise vacation that’s everything depicted in the movies and on television. You can enjoy The Bahamas, Hawaii, Mexico, and even Alaska aboard luxury cruise ships with all the amenities of a resort on land. The key to making the most of your cruise vacation is to know where you can save money without sacrificing fun or rest and relaxation. Many cruises are all-inclusive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean “ALL inclusive”. There are extra charges for items on board as well as activities and shore trips. You deserve to enjoy your vacation and all that comes with it, and you can do it on a budget! What could be better than that? So sit back and read up on the best ways to save money on your cruise. Gopher, Julie, and Doc from “The Love Boat” won’t be there, but YOU will be!
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 4 A Word About Travel Agents 5 Doing It On Your Own Finding the deal 7 Let’s Go Cruising Making the reservation 18 A Simple Plan What to know before you board 22 Paperwork 22 Medical Records 25 Packing 26 Budgeting 28 Welcome Aboard! What to do once on board 29 To Insure Proper Service Proper tipping procedures 34 Charge It! Shopping 35 Location, Location, Location Ports of Call 38 More Than Bus Trips Shore excursions 39 Food, Food, Food 44 Getting Your Drink On Beverages 48 Mama Needs A New Pair ‘O Shoes Gambling in the casinos 51 Sports and Such 52 Calgon, Take Me Away Spas and massages 53 Oh My Aching Tummy Sea sickness 55 Smile for the Camera Pictures on your cruise 56 Phoning Home Keeping in touch with home 58 Wash Day The ship’s laundry 59 No Money, No Money, No Money Getting freebies 60 In General 61 Wrapping It Up 63
