Tips on Cruises

Cruises
You may want to think twice about using the ATM machines available on most major cruise lines' ships. The surcharge for these ATMs can be as high as USD 5 per transaction, and they dispense US dollars that will need to be converted once on shore.

If you find you need money on the cruise, and want to avoid the atm and their high charges, try this: use your room/purchase card to buy chips in the amount of money you want. Then cash in the chips. You will get the cash you need, the cost being put on your credit card to be signed off on at the end of the cruise. No fees, other than interest!

If you purchase air through the cruise line, it may cost more, but the benefits are higher. Most cruise lines, when they have book the air for you, will delay the cruise or provide a "catch-up" should there be a problem with your flight.

It may be worth it to opt for a cruise line's air deviation, which allows you to have a choice in your flights rather than allowing the cruiseline pick something (usually the least expensive, with the most connections or an indirect route), then notify you of the choice 10 days prior to departure.

If you purchase air separate from a cruise, the cruise insurance will not cover the air. Separate travel insurance will be needed if you wish the air to be covered.

If you are not buying air from the cruise line, allow for arrival one day prior to departure to allow for airline mishaps (like that never happens!). You may have to pay for one night in a hotel, but it's a lot better than missing the boat!

Bring diapers for your children - most cruise lines do not furnish them and they can be quite expensive on board.

When checking in, ask if the cruise has a soda card for the children. This card has a one time fee and the kids are allowed unlimited soda refills.

Cruises usually only include coffee, tea (hot & iced), milk and water in their prices. Soda, alcohol, bottled water and special beverages will cost you more.

Ask about the children's program before putting your deposit down. Some programs are seasonal, while others are dependant on a minimum number of children on board the ship.

Check with the cruise (or your helpful travel agent) to make sure you have appropriate paperwork to disembark in foreign countries. In most cases, if you join a tour, a group visa is obtained by the ship.

Do you know when hurricane season is for the area you wish to go? Sometimes those unbelievable prices are offered right at the height of that season. Ok, so being in a hurricane is not a common occurance, but just be aware.