Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
are sometimes additional fuel charges. You also need to budget for airfare, tips, alcohol,
pre- and post-cruise accommodation and excursions. Deals to look out for include two-
for-one offers, prices including airfare or hotels and early-bird rates.
Booking
If you are confident manoeuvring your way around websites and know what you want
from your cruise, booking online can be a straightforward option. It's certainly worth
looking online for virtual tours and reviews, but a knowledgeable travel agent can help
you through the plethora of options available and advise you on extra excursion charges
and surcharges that you may miss when booking online.
There are often great rates for booking early and this allows you more choice in choos-
ing cabins, excursions, dining options and so forth. While you can get great last-minute
deals, you need to be willing and able to be flexible about dates and options. Booking
your airfare through the cruise line may also mean you're collected at the airport and
taken to the ship and if your flight or luggage is delayed, they'll wait or transport you to
the first port.
Choosing a Cabin
Standard cabins are akin to very small hotel rooms, with fully equipped en suites, a
double bed and somewhere to unpack. The cheapest option is an 'inside cabin' (ie no
window). If you get claustrophobic, you can pay significantly more for an 'outside cabin'
where you get either a window or porthole. Prices tend to climb with each floor on the
ship but so does the ship's movement. If you suffer from seasickness, choose a lower
deck where it's less rocky.
Cabin pricing is for double-occupancy; if you're travelling solo you pay a surcharge
and if you're travelling as a group of three or four and willing to share a cabin, you can
receive substantial discounts. Bunks are referred to as upper and lower berths, otherwise
there is a double bed or twin beds that can be pushed together to make a double. Family
rooms are sometimes available by having connecting cabins.
Things to check are how close your cabin is located to the disco and, if you're paying
extra for a window, whether or not your view is likely to be blocked by a lifeboat.
