Cruising has never been more popular or affordable. If you are a first-time cruiser, be sure to use an Expedia Cruises Consultant to help plan the vacation that is just right for you. We have extensive knowledge of destinations, cruise lines, and even the character of each ship! Take advantage of our experience.
Just do the math. Compare a one week cruise against a week at a non-all inclusive resort. On a cruise vacation, your meals, accommodations, entertainment, and most activities are included in the fare. It's easy to stick to your budget. Plus, on a cruise you get to visit many different ports of call. Unpack once and settle in for a journey that takes you anywhere you want to go. At the end of the day, you retreat to a floating resort to enjoy fabulous cuisine, world-class entertainment, then get lulled to sleep at sea.
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How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise
So you’re on a cruise ship, ready to embark on a dream vacation. You’ve packed your bag, done your research on the local towns on your itinerary list, and have worked up your appetite to enjoy the endless feasting on the ship. Despite how large and steady the ship is, you get hit with a sudden case of seasickness. You can’t bear to look overboard to enjoy the vast ocean and the sea breeze. Each step you take makes you feel a little more nauseous.
Today’s cruise ships are built to minimize the rolling feeling that passengers may experience due to waves or wind. Despite how large and steady today’s cruise ships are, there are many ways to help further prevent seasickness while on a cruise. Not to fear, we have complied a list of seasickness remedies, so you can fully enjoy and indulge in your cruise vacation!
Ginger has long been associated with natural anti-nausea properties. It has an amazing ability to prevent dizziness in addition to calming an upset stomach. If chewing a piece of raw ginger doesn’t appeal to you, it may also be consumed as a tea. If you prefer to avoid the taste of ginger, ginger candy or ginger pills are also available and can help reduce motion sickness.
Similar to ginger, peppermint is another natural remedy that is known to calm an upset stomach. Drink it in a tea, or let a peppermint candy dissolve in your mouth. A pleasant side-effect is a minty-fresh breath!
Also known as scopolamine, the seaskickness patch is commonly available by prescription only. It is applied behind the ear at least four hours before travelling. Its effectiveness may last up to three days. Keep in mind that just like other prescription medication, precautions must be taken to reduce negative side-effects. If you decide to go with this option to keep your seasickness at bay, avoid drinking alcohol or driving, and be mindful while taking part in watersports as you may feel disoriented. Always consult with your doctor before taking any medication.
An over-the-counter medication, like Gravol or Dramamine, is another option to help you beat seasickness. Look for a non-drowsy option so that you won’t miss out on your cruise’s amazing itinerary!
These bands provide natural nausea relief by applying pressure to the P6 (or Nei-Kuan) acupuncture point on the wrist. You won’t need to worry about side effects when using acupressure bands because they do not contain any drugs.
To prevent the rocking waves from making you feel nauseous, choose a stateroom towards the center of the ship where ship movement is less pronounced. A balcony stateroom will also allow you to access fresh air when needed.
Keep these seasickness remedies in mind, and be confident that you can enjoy an amazing travel experience on your next cruise!
Only if you want to be. How would you like to go ice skating, rock climbing, practice your golf swing, shoot a few hoops, go to the casino, see a Broadway-style show, do some shopping, work out at the gym, relax at the spa, take a dip in the pool, log onto the Internet? You can do it all without ever leaving the ship! Every ship has a Cruise Director whose job is to make sure each guest makes the most of their vacation. In fact, there are so many things to do while cruising that you will probably book a longer cruise next time.
Most people are so busy exploring the ship and different ports of call, they spend very little time in their stateroom. If you need more room, choose a cabin with a balcony or upgrade to a mini-suite or suite. You may also want to cruise on one of the larger ships such as the Grand Princess, Royal Princess or Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. You definitely won't feel confined! You might want to consider a shorter cruise for your first time, such as a three or a four day Caribbean cruise. Another option is an itinerary with many ports of call. This lets you discover new places and get off the ship for the day.
Every guest can enjoy the use of any of the ship's facilities. The price and the category of staterooms are based primarily on size and location. Whatever category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, exquisite dining, variety of activities, and world class entertainment as everyone else.
So much, you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own or take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of beaches. Climb a waterfall or a pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time (and you aren't ready to rest yet), enjoy a folkloric show. Play golf, basketball or tennis. Discover local and exotic cuisine or learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim on some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record-size marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub or a glittering casino. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all of the things you dream about. Cruising is the perfect opportunity to sample destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation. You only have to unpack once, and the destinations come to you!
Travel insurance can give you and your loved ones peace of mind that in the case of an emergency you'll be protected. Whether you're looking for medical coverage in a foreign country or want to protect your belongings, there is an insurance policy that is right for you. If you currently have travel insurance, be sure to understand what is covered and what limitations or exclusions may be listed. Unfortunately, there are a myriad of unforeseeable circumstances that could occur when traveling to a new place, and travel insurance can protect your vacation investment.
Smoking on cruise ships has become quite the subject of debate, however, most cruise lines have adopted the policy of designated smoking areas, with the rest of the ship being a no smoking zone. In general, smoking is usually prohibited in exterior public spaces as well as indoors. You can check with your Cruise Consultant, cruise line or your specific cruise ship about their smoking policy, as well as the location of any designated smoking areas.
In general, most cruise lines do not allow you to bring alcohol onboard. If you buy alcohol as a souvenir at the ports of call, your cruise line may store them for you until the end of your vacation. You can inquire with your Cruise Consultant for your cruise line's specific alcohol policies.
Families with children book 25% of all cruise vacations. Most cruise lines offer special programs, facilities, and activities based on age. Children and teens not only get to meet kids their own age, but often travel at a substantially-reduced rate.
Many cruise lines have extensive programs and special activities for every age group, from toddler to teen. This gives youngsters a chance to experience the cruise with kids their own age while mom and dad enjoy some adults-only time together. Naturally, many of the traditional pleasures of a cruise, such as shore excursions, onboard ship activities, and dinners, can be shared by the whole family together.
Your Expedia Cruises Consultant can recommend the ideal family vacation. Here is a sample of some of the amenities that are offered:
Many cruise lines cater to family vacationers, however, there are some restrictions. Some ships also have better facilities than others. Your Expedia Cruises Consultant can help you plan the right cruise for your family.
At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, discos and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, and the Late Night Buffet (for that one last bite to tide you over 'til breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or on shore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. Much like on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, cocktail dress, a dinner jacket, or a gown.
Vacation Packing Guide
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But you don't need to rent a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. Check with your Cruise Consultant to be sure.
Over the years cruise lines have adopted minimum service charges or gratuities per day. There are exceptions to this rule, for example special promotions or varying cruise line policies; however, gratuities or service charges are generally added to your shipboard account. Therefore, tipping is not mandatory but of course is appreciated, especially if a crew member has gone above and beyond to make your voyage special.
