Top Cruise Tips from YOU Travel's Cruise Specialists

by YOU Travel Cruise Specialists

Did you know that YOU Travel is part of CLIA? - (Cruise Line International Association), which is the world's largest cruise industry trade association. The association provides a global voice for our cruise community made up of prestigious cruise lines, highly trained & certified travel advisors & industry stakeholders such as Ports and Ship development & business services  They support global policies & practices that foster a secure, sustainable, and healthy cruise environment for YOU our valued cruise customers.

At YOU Travel we are proud to have accredited cruise specialists.  With many holding the highest Masters qualifications. This means when dealing with a YOU Travel Cruise Specialist,  you get the very best cruise knowledge in the industry!

 

 

Top Tips

• Book Early! - With cruising being at an all-time global high as a holiday option the cabins & suites are filling up fast and you won't want to miss out. Regardless of cruise type, Ocean, River, or Expedition, all are proving to be extremely popular.
• New to Cruise? Use a CLIA Accredited Cruise Specialist - Don't think all cruises are the same! Just because someone liked or disliked one, doesn't mean you will have the same experience. Choosing a cruise is like match-making and the internet will put anything and everything in front of you which can make the choosing process overwhelming. Find yourself a CLIA accredited Cruise Specialist who can make sure you are paired with the right cruise line, ship, cabin, and itinerary they will also keep the entire process enjoyable, easy, and stress-free.
• Family Cruising - If you are thinking of doing a cruise as an add-on to a longer family holiday - we highly recommend leaving the cruise part to the end of your time away to allow yourself to enjoy a holiday where there's no driving, no cooking, no entertaining the kids and everyone gets to enjoy a good break!
• Shore Excursions - Always pre-book shore excursions in advance, never wait until the last minute as you will miss out on your bucket list experiences.  

 

 

• Expedition Cruising Shore Excursions - Don't be afraid of being able to get into the Zodiac boats on an expedition cruise, the staff are always on hand to help and it’s the best way to get close to land and animals. It really is suitable for all ages and stages of life with the staff support.
• Packing: Before You Embark - When embarking on your cruise, take a small carry-on bag with togs, sunblock, book, medication, and change of clothes (and any other essentials) so you can relax and enjoy the cruise ship facilities while waiting for your main luggage to be delivered to your cabin.
• Packing: Before You Disembark - On Ocean Cruises you have to put your large suitcases out the final night of the cruise.   Don’t forget to take or pack an overnight bag so you have something to put your clothes and toiletries in once your suitcase has gone.
• Laundry - Pack less and do your laundry on board if you are on a ship that has self-catering laundry facilities, your YOU Travel Cruise Specialist can advise which ships cater for this. Now you will have room for souvenirs!
• The cruise lines that do offer paid laundry services can sometimes be quite expensive. Some cruise lines offer complimentary laundry and pressing services for their suite guests and their elite/top-tier past passengers (so it can pay to be a loyal passenger). There is always the option of saving on laundry costs by bringing your own laundry detergent and rinsing smalls and shirts in your cabin’s bathroom.

 

 

• Pre-book Specialty Dining! -  Diarise the date speciality dining opens for your cruise, and make a note of sea days and your celebrations to book a special dining evening then make your reservations as soon as available.
• Go All Inclusive! - Always opt for the "all-inclusive rates" as it’s nice to return home without the large credit card bill.  All-inclusive will cover your drinks and wi-fi and often much more and it really is beneficial to include as much as you can before you cruise especially with the exchange rates. 
• Utilise Social Media - Join Facebook Groups before you travel – most sailings have them
• Onboard Spa - Look out for the onboard Spa Specials when ships are in Port as it will be a lot cheaper than a sea day.
• Tip For Longer Cruise Journeys - For round-the-world or longer cruises, you may want to purchase plastic bins for the cabins to store extra items and purchases.

 

Happy Cruising!

We hope these tips have helped when planning your next cruise adventure.  YOU can get in touch with your local YOU Travel Cruise specialist here...