Cruise Holidays Irish Cruise Blog

How to Pick the Right Cruise for You

 

Posted by Susan O’Driscoll

Picking the perfect cruise holiday can be overwhelming with so many ships and destinations to choose from. So to make it a little easier I’ve highlighted some points to consider before booking your next adventure at sea.

Consider your travelling group

Are you travelling alone? Is it a honeymoon? Are you travelling with children? Is there anyone elderly or disabled in your travelling group?

The travelling group must be your first consideration when organising your cruise holiday. Make sure the cruise ship is geared towards the interests of the group. For those travelling with children certain cruise lines offer more activities for kids than others so search around.

Set a Budget

Before you start speaking to travel agents determine how much money you can spend on this holiday. Remember cruises vary in length so if your budget is tight opt for a shorter cruise. Also remember to check what each price quoted includes. Most will include accommodation, onboard entertainment, meals and use of the facilities aboard the ship. Remember to budget for the extra costs involved then such as flights, port taxes, cancellation insurance, drinks and shore excursions. You may opt for a more inclusive cruise package to save all the hidden extras - Silversea are regarded as the best in this area. 

Determine your destination

Although some may argue that the ship is the true destination on a cruise, most holidaymakers choose a cruise based on the ports the ship will be visiting. Remember that some cruise lines specialise in different regions. For example, Holland America and Princess Cruises are the recognised leaders in Alaska cruising while Royal Caribbean and Carnival are known for their Caribbean cruises. Also remember that if you don't want to spend much time at sea, choose an itinerary on which the ship visits a port every day. That's easier in Europe, where everything is very close together.

Book a cruise that offers activities and entertainment you will enjoy

Make sure the cruise ship fits with your interests and expectations. If you’re an adventure seeker make sure to choose a cruise that offers shore excursions such as deep sea diving or glacier walks. If you love live entertainment many cruise ships now offer games on deck, musicals and celebrity performances. If you want to learn something on your trip, consider cruises that offer lectures by historians, geographers and other experts, or if food is important to you check out the many food and wine cruises on offer with celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations and tastings. Finally remember there are now many themed cruises available including singles cruises, gay cruises, cougar cruises and even swingers cruises. With so much variety it really is the best time to holiday at sea. 

 

Best Cruise Lines for Kids

Posted by Susan O'Driscoll

Have you been thinking of taking your family on a cruise but you’re worried about managing the kids onboard? Well no need to fret. Many of the modern lines have outstanding facilities for children and our top four in the market are outlined below. Happy Cruising!

Why Carnival Cruises?

· Camp Carnival is a free program for 2- to 5-year-olds. 

· Toddlers don't have to be potty-trained to participate in Camp Carnival.

· Parents of children under 3 receive a pager

· Activity books and crayons are available in dining rooms.

· Babysitting services for children younger than 2 are available at Camp Carnival during limited hours.

· Cartoon Network and Boomerang are available on in-room televisions.

· Single or double strollers are available for rent.

· Cribs are provided for free for in-stateroom use.

· Shipboard shops sell diapers, wipes and ointments. Bring baby food though.

Why Cunard?

· On Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, nannies take care of children ages 1 and up for free.

· The nursery service includes diaper changes. Preschoolers can attend pajama parties, go on treasure hunts and have their faces painted.

· Queen Mary 2 has a 3- to 4-foot-deep "Minnows" pool for families, plus a 6- to 12- inch-deep splash pool for smaller sailors

· Be sure to escort your little one to the Children's Tea served in Kings Court every evening with balloons, artwork place mats, crayons and kid-friendly treats.

· Queen Mary 2 boasts over 8,000 books in the largest at-sea library, which includes a well-stocked children's section.

· Kings Court restaurant will blend food for babies on request.

· Playpen-like cribs are available for complimentary in-cabin use.

· Be sure to bring plenty of diapers, wipes and other baby necessities though because the ship's store does not carry these items.

Why Norwegian Cruises?

· All NCL ships offer children 2 years old and up an opportunity to play at Kid's Crew, which is home to ball pits, tunnels and jungle gyms.

· Age-appropriate activities headed up by the youth staff include Pirate Parades, Dora the Explorer sing-alongs and Blue Clues scavenger hunts.

· While in-cabin babysitting is not permitted on this line, children ages 2 - 5 have their own night-time babysitting room.

· Port Play is offered when the ship is in port, and Late Night Fun Zone is offered nightly from 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.

· Norwegian Dawn, Star and Spirit each have a children's themed water play area, which includes slides, water squirters and splash areas.

· The Kid's Cafe (available on all ships but Norwegian Majesty) offers tot-sized tables and chairs, plus a buffet of kids' favourites like hot dogs, French fries and cookies, along with fruits and veggies to keep them healthy.

· All ships now offer the Under 2 Zoo, a play area with toys (tunnels, balls, Leap Frog Leaning toys) for little kids to play with under parental supervision. Timing and locations for free play vary based on ship and cruise itinerary.

· The Cartoon Channel is available on stateroom televisions.

· The new Norwegian Epic, launching in 2010, will have Family Deluxe Balcony and Family Balcony staterooms located adjacent to the Kid's Crew area.

· NCL does not offer stroller rentals, but cribs may be available on certain ships.

· Baby wipes and diapers can be purchased in the ships' onboard shops.

Why Royal Caribbean?

· Offers playgroups for parents to attend with their children.

· Youth counsellors host 45-minute sessions for two age groups in onboard lounges.

· Royal Babies (6-18 months) play with musical instruments, engage in baby gymnastics, learn about shapes and colours, and even play with food-related toys and activities.

· Royal Tots (18-36 months) can pretend to be pirates and princesses, sing songs, and play with Fisher-Price Little People.

· Children 3 and older can avail of the Adventure Ocean program, plus drive a Barbie Escalade or Jeep on the new Power Wheels Track.

· Royal Caribbean offers in-cabin babysitting.

· Cartoon Network is available on stateroom televisions.

· Complimentary Pack and Plays are available for in-cabin use; cribs are no longer provided.

· High chairs are available on request. Bring your stroller and your own baby items.

· Ship stores do not sell diapers and other necessities. However, parents can pre-order diapers, wipes and cream through the Babies on the Go program, a partnership with Huggies. The baby essentials will then be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

Ten ways to save money on your cruise holiday

 

We might be officially out of recession but few of us are feeling flush yet. So take note of these handy money-saving tips and 2010 might see you cruising into the sunset…

 

• Find the right travel agent, with their help you can find the best value for money.

 

• Keep an eye on your cruise after you book. If the price goes down, some cruise lines will offer on board credit or even refund the difference.

 

· Make sure you understand what is included in your cruise price and cut down on the extra costs.

 

• Skip the air-inclusive deals and book your own flights. This can often work out cheaper.

 

• If you know you are not going to spend much time in your cabin opt for the cheapest.

 

• Book your offshore excursions through a private company to save money.

· Take advantage of the ship’s free entertainment.

• Bring your own wine and just pay corkage fee.

 

• Get your mobile enabled for roaming for calling home instead of using the expensive satellite phones in the cabins.

 

• Become a frequent cruiser and avail of loyalty discounts.

 

 

 

Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush

Packing is often the most stressful part of planning a trip but hopefully with these handy hints we can take some of that pressure off. Besides the obvious clothes and toiletries here is a list of other essentials you need to make your trip go plain sailing!

 

1. Airline tickets, cruise documents, passports, visas, vaccinations certificates, driving license, medical insurance cards, copy of prescriptions, emergency numbers, currency conversion chart and picture ID if you don’t have drivers license.
2. Credit cards, ATM cards, cash or travellers cheques. Wallet and/or backpack.
3. Watch, glasses, sunglasses, guidebooks, foreign language phrase book, maps, reading material, notebook and pens.
4. Plug adaptor and converter, mobile phone and charger, laptop, binoculars, camera and film or digital memory cards, batteries for camera and charger, underwater camera, extension cord/power strip with multiple plug-ins, iPod, flashlight, and alarm clock.
5. Prescription drugs and other medication, ear plugs, first aid kit, baby wipes, sun screen and insect repellent.
6. Luggage name tags, Swiss army knife, laundry bags, travel pillow, corkscrew, playing cards, sports gear and snorkelling gear.

 

Myths about cruising

Cruise ships are full of old people

Certainly many cruisers are older but most of these are very active and full of life. A lot of younger people have also started to enjoy cruises and there are plenty of families on board too. When planning your cruise take it that the longer and more expensive the cruise the older the demographic is likely to be.

 

Cruises are all-inclusive

Most cruises are not all-inclusive so make sure to check when booking. Certain onboard activities and other things like alcohol may be extra. However the standard cruise price still covers room, board and the use of the ship facilities.

 

If you don’t like the sun, don't go cruising

Although many cruises visit sun-soaked destinations such as the Caribbean there are plenty of ulterior destinations to suit every taste. The cruises that journey through Antarctica or Alaska are notably different but every bit as spectacular.

 

I will get seasick

Cruise ships are very stable and seasickness is rare, even if you are usually prone to it. Carry remedies in case but you should be fine.

 

I cannot choose who I dine with

Some ships still have assigned times for dining and assigned tables however many modern ships offer flexibility and variety and offer greater control to customers over where they sit. Check it out before booking.

 

Cruise ships are packed with people

Although a cruise ship will carry a lot of passengers they are designed so they still offer places for peace and relaxation. You can always find somewhere on the ship to relax with a good book!

 

Cruises are boring

Anything but! Cruises are jam-packed with activities. There are leisure facilities, dance classes, cinemas, theatres and live music to name a few. And if you want some chill out time, then you can do that too. Lie out on deck with a cocktail and relax, you’re on holiday!