11 Expert Cruising Tips

Cruising is such a great thing to do. Shoot, what’s not to love about it? All that wonderful leisure fun, getting taken care of by all those people, going to cool places. Damn skippy!

One of the things I really like about cruising is telling people neat stuff to make their cruising experience better. Now, I know, it’s pretty hard to improve on something that is so intrinsically great to begin with, but, I do what I can. And, it’s not a bad lifestyle (giggle).

So, here’s another installment of my life’s work – sharing the fun and delight of cruising to the Caribbean. In this instance, I’m sharing a few tips about how to smooth the process of cruising, and get a bit more bang for your buck. Of course, to be perfectly honest (and we all want more of that, right?) I share this information in hopes that you will be curious enough, and entertained enough, to go to my website and buy one of my books about cruising. Gasp! Did I just let the cat out of the bag? Shucks. Ah well, can’t un-ring the bell, can ya’?

Yep, the simple truth is that I write articles, give speeches and do interviews so that people will learn about my life’s work and want more of it. And there is always more of it, I’m happy to say. And the good news for all of you folks reading this article is that a lot of what I create is actually free.

In fact, if you go to our website at www.dothecaribbean.com, you can get a free copy of our latest e-book entitled “The Best Darn Cruising Tips EVER!”. You’ll find 60 of the most useful tips and suggestions anywhere about every aspect of cruising. The e-book is free, but you can order a printed copy also (for .95) in case you just want to have everything all bundled together in a nice compact booklet.

In the coming weeks and months, I’ll be completing a few more books, putting the finishing touches on some videos about cruising, and (my real passion of the moment) launching a user-generated website that displays the most sensuous scenes of the Caribbean. Ooooh, now THAT is going to be fun, fun fun. Stay tuned. You’re not gonna want to miss that one.

But, on with the business at hand. Here are some useful and relevant tips and ideas that you can use for your next cruise. In the interest of space and the amount of time you have to read online articles, I’ve only included 11 tips here. But, by all means, go to my site and pick up the other 50+ when you download the aforementioned e-book. The criteria used for which tips to present in this article were 1) how easy the information was to explain in a few short paragraphs; 2) how useful it is to someone who doesn’t know much about the art and science of cruising; and, 3) tips that pay off (you’ll know what I mean after you’ve used these little jewels on board a ship).

Tip #1:Take Care Of Your Cabin Steward.

One of your best friends on the cruise will be the person that picks up your dirty clothes, hangs up your wet towels, straightens up you messy vanity and turns down your bed every night – your Cabin Steward He, or she, will do an excellent job of making up your cabin twice a day, and sometimes more often if needed. This is the person who will also handle any special requests you have, like if you need an extra pillow. I make it a point to get to know my steward and on the very first day, make sure I tip him (or her) an extra . Yes, I know the daily gratuity that gets added to my account does cover the cabin staff, but, make no mistake. These guys, who do an excellent job anyway, can add a nice extra dimension to your journey. For example, I like to keep my ice buckets full and sometimes I even dedicate my sink or a cooler to holding our beer, which a happy Cabin Steward will keep covered in ice for all day long.

My generosity is always understood and rewarded. I’ve been delighted to find extra towels, robes, chocolate hors d’oeuvres and even a bottle of wine. One other point, my favorite way to communicate with my steward (if I don’t bump into him/her in the hallway) is to place a Post-It note on the mirror over the vanity. It always works.

Tip #2: Copies Are A Good Thing

Make copies of all the important travel documents that you take (driver’s license, passport, credit card, etc.) and keep them in a safe place on your person while you are traveling and in your cabin once you get on board. If anything happens, you will have all information you need, and the purser’s office will be better able to help you.

While you’re at it, print out the cruise info you expect to use the most (such as directions, phone numbers, etc), on a colored piece of paper. That way it stands out from the various other pieces of paper you’ll have in your cruise documents.

Tip #3: Electricity Is A Really Good Thing.

Each cabin has only one electrical outlet, which is located right next to the desk/vanity.

And it has only two plugs. If you’re like us and you want to use your computer, charge your camera, listen to music and use a hair dryer while someone is taking a shower… well, you get the picture. Bring a power strip or surge protector. You may also find it useful to being an 8-ft extension cord, that way, you have electricity anywhere you want it in the cabin.

Tip #4: Prepare Your Stomach.

For about a week before leaving, eat at least one serving of yogurt every day, or take acidophilus supplements. It helps to build up the good bacteria that your digestive track needs to deal with any little bugs or impurities that you pick up. Some of the best food you’ll find will be in small local establishments, or even roadside venues. The chow is really good in these places, and authentically spiced. But, the sanitation requirements in the Caribbean are not the same as in the US. Also, the normal diet for locals is different than what you may be used to. Your stomach may not be used to it all. The yogurt is an easy and effective way to build up your digestive balance and immunity.

Tip #5: Freshen Your Luggage

If your travel time to the ship is more than 24 hours, put fabric softener sheets between your garments to keep everything in your suite case smelling fresh. This is particularly nice with garments or accessories that are not regularly laundered, such as sweaters or jackets. You may want to cut one in half and place each half in your shoes. You’ll be even more appreciative on your return home, since your luggage will be packed with soiled clothes, some of which may even be damp.

Tip #6: Bring Bungee Cords

Bungee cords are one of the most useful items you can take and for reasons other than you might first think. They are easy to pack, take up virtually no room at all, and can even be useful in keeping your bags lashed together as you maneuver onto the ship.

But here’s the really cool part. One thing you’ll find when you get to your cabin is that there are never enough places to hang things – like a shirt, or hat, or camera case. Most cabins have two or three hooks and that’s about it. While a hook is only big enough to hold one hat or other similar item, it is big enough to hold two or three bungee cords. What’s more, there are lots of places through out the cabin that can accommodate one end of a bungee cord but would never work as a hanging place, such as a lamp or the edge of your mirror. Just hang the bungee cord from any suitable place and – voila! – you have a hook that is sturdy enough to hold anything you’ve got.

They also make a great clothesline. Some bathrooms have a retractable clothes line in the shower, but not all. Your bungee cord can be strung across the opening of your shower, or between a couple of towel bars. Be creative, you’ll find several places that work.

And finally, one of the main irritations of being up on the deck when the ship is underway (as is the case with Sea Days) is the 20 knot winds that you have to deal with. When you get up from your seat to hit the bar or take a break, It’s not unusual at all to see a pool towel or shirt or hat go sailing over the edge of the ship. If you have a bungee cord with you, you can easily strap everything to your chair.

Tip #7: Bring Extra Clothes Hangers

There are often not enough clothes hangers in your cabin, and those that are there can be a pain in the butt to use. They’re usually the kind that has a little peg which slips into a metal ring which is permanently attached to the clothes bar in the closet. So be sure to pack enough extras to handle all of your important hang-up clothes, so you have enough and you don’t have to mess around with the ones in the closet.

And speaking of clothes hangers, you can buy INFLATABLE clothes hangers (that’s right, inflatable coat hangers. Who’da thunk it?) from Amazon.com (click the “Apparel” tag” on the website). They take up no space at all, are totally easy to inflate and are sturdy enough to hold shirts and coats. They are also great for eliminating those pesky bulges that you get on the shoulders of your shirts. You might need to get a couple of sets so you can keep one set for traveling and use the other in your home closet.

Tip #8: Check With Your Insurance Company (auto and medical)

If something happens and you are required to get any kind of medical treatment while you are cruising, there is a really good chance that you will have to pay for the treatment and get reimbursed later. So, find out before you go if your health insurance will pay for such treatments, and what kind of documentation you’ll need to file a claim with your company. This is one of those times where you may want to inquire into travel insurance, especially if you are traveling with a condition that elevates the risk (such as older travelers, pregnancy, or some other pre-existing condition). Get very clear information from your company about the documentation you need from the ship or port, because once you leave where the treatment is delivered, there is virtually no chance you will ever get medical records sent to you without hiring an attorney. If you have a pre-existing condition, you’ll get better treatment if you provide the medical staff with your medical history.

In the same vein, check your coverage with your auto insurance company. You may find that you don’t need any additional coverage, which can save you a lot if you decide to rent a car or scooter. Keep in mind, however, many rental companies require you to make good on any damages when you return the vehicle, so if you are using your personal insurance you will have to pay for the damages and get reimbursed. That little fact is one of the major incentives the rental companies use to sell you the insurance. Unfortunately, even though they are blood-suckers for trying to manipulate you, it is often less hassle to go ahead and buy the local insurance. But, get a professional opinion from your agent.

Tip #9: A Can Of Air Freshener

Especially if you are traveling on one of the older ships, it’s a really good idea to pack a can of your favorite air freshener. I prefer the types that kill odors as opposed to those that just scent the air (i.e., Lysol, because it not only deodorizes the room if needed but also sanitizes surfaces). In the small confines of a standard cabin, any unpleasant odor can be stifling and the room ventilation system can take a while work.

Tip #10: Stay Out Of The Steam Baths.

Yes, we know, there isn’t anything quite like the soothing and cleansing feeling of a steam bath to relax you or rid you of the after effects of a late night partying. Even so, we NEVER use public steam baths. This isn’t a knock on any particular cruise line, it’s a knock on public steam baths. A steam room is the absolute perfect environment for all kinds of airborne germs and bacteria – hot, moist, subdued lighting. Oh yeah, perfect for that little cold bug or other mischievous virus that gets sneezed out of people. STAY AWAY FROM STEAM BATHS!

Tip # 11: Use Porters When You Leave The Terminal.

There are two really good reasons to use porters.

They carry your bags, in exchange for which you should tip them about per bag with a minimum of . This is especially good if you have several bags and if you have a ways to go to get to your transportation.
They have a special desk they go through at Customs and so you don’t have to wait in the line. That alone is worth !

Alrighty, gang. That’s all you get here. If you want to find out why you should pack zip-loc bags, a first aid kit, walkie-talkies, trash bags and suction cups you’ll have to go get your own free e-book. You’ll also get some great info about choosing travel agents, buying trip insurance, preventing seasickness and the perfect way to get a wake-up call.

See ya in the Caribbean. Aaaaaarghh!!

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a cruise to the Caribbean – Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Going on a Caribbean cruise is certainly one of the best ways of spending ones holidays. But there is always a good idea, some knowledge of the places you want to visit before, when you go on a cruise through the Caribbean. It goes without saying that the on-board activities were busy and you would never sail to boredom, but in addition to this, you must also note the way you spend time when you are at various stops. Let’s take a look at some of the best islands, where they would land, while on your cruise through the Caribbean.

St. Croix

It is on the eastern side of the Caribbean. St. Croix in the Virgin Islands is located and for people with sporting tastes, it is almost a paradise. You can kayak. And yes, if you want the feeling of playing some history before you take a look at the place where Christopher Columbus landed.

St. Thomas

If you are in the Virgin Iceland, how to miss, you can visit St. Thomas? It is to go by far the best place to snorkel at the Cinnamon Bay National Park. And why would you do that. Now, for the simple reason that the nature of the surrounding waters of the St. Thomas kept very flat and one can easily see all kinds of marine animals here. And some experience has to have.

Grenada

This is an island to visit no doubt. Hurricane Ivan devastated the island completely in 2004, but it is still the place to be when you are on a cruise through the Caribbean. For those who live some underwater adventure, you can not find a better place for diving. The place is full of great underwater attractions. The presence of a series of underwater volcanoes, and a lot of countless colorful tropical fish makes a great day of diving.

Jamaica Jamaica is also such places that have, throughout your cruise through the Caribbean. Make sure that you do not miss visiting Jamaica, at any price. Bustling markets of Jamaica is a renowned sight here. For the adventurous there is the adrenaline pumping it Bamboo Rafting.

Puerto Rico

You must have heard of Conado beach. It is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the world. Puerto Rico is certainly worth a visit for all you to cruise through the Caribbean.

Aruba Aruba is certainly worth a visit. Despite being a small island in the Netherlands Antilles, but boasts of over a year’s worth of beaches, 365 beaches. So, even if you have one year here, you would be a new beach and relax in the sun, every day. Not without reason, regarded as the paradise island of Aruba.

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Cruise offerings abound, but making the most of your experience takes information that is harder to come by. The Essential Little Cruise Book, now in its fourth edition, is the answer. A compact collection of insider tips for a perfect vacation at sea, it offers practical advice on everything from deciding where to go and what to expect at sea to finding the best price and cabin-don-t leave port without it!

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Top 8 Cruise Packing Tips & Planning

Agencies – When choosing a cruise, there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind. What length of cruise you want, what activities cruise you want, what you should choose Cruise Line, which should ship go, what type of cruise atmosphere is better for you, what your preferences are dining cruise? All these questions will be entered in your cruise selection. One of the best cruise planning tips is to use a cruise travel agent to help you. You will know all the details of each Cruise Line, the cruise ship, Cruise Get’s activities, etc. ..

– Almost all of the cruises I had been to sail very calm am. I am the type of person who can not read in the car without getting sick, so that on my first trip I was a little nervous because of sickness. To my great surprise I was not done. In fact, I could hardly say, I was on a ship at all. Of course the size of the ship a difference, but all my cruises to medium sized ships. All that when you said, concerned about motion sickness, here is a gem of a cruise tip – keep that a cabin in the middle of the ship. This is the ship’s center of gravity and is less effected by any kind of movement.

– This is one of my favorite cruise packing tips. Cruise cabins usually have a standard wall outlet. Most of us are traveling with more than two things that have plugged my favorite is a power squid. This is useful for the larger bulky plugs, equipped with everything recharged like a cell phone, camera, etc. ..

required – another great cruise planning tip. Getting to and from the port can be a hassle. Very often the Cruise Line, a shuttle service from the airport offer / hotel to the port and then from the port to the airport at the end. At the beginning and the end of the cruise more relaxing and trouble, let someone else worry about the logistics. It may be a little more expensive, but you are on holiday after all!

– Cruise holidays offer a variety of field trips that fill quickly. Book this morning. Do not worry about the weather. The excursions are once in a lifetime experience, you will regret it if you miss them.

– It may take up to 12-13 weeks to get a passport, be sure to register early! You can speed up service, but it costs more. For most, get the post office is the best place for the application and assistance. Once you started, it does not really take that long.

– This cruise packing tip is a must. The day to reach the ship, he will take a while until you get your luggage to your room. Pack the items you need / want immediately, swimsuit, drugs, a change of clothes, etc. .., so enjoy your cruise can begin immediately. During the cruise is an ideal backpack for trips, it can take another layer of clothes, camera, and mineral water. The last night on the ship you’ll put all your luggage outside your room. The backpack is for packing up all the remaining items such as pajamas, great beauty and shaving products, medicines, etc. ..

– True for all trips, this definitely makes the top tips cruise packing list and is very helpful to make a simple cruise. Easy to pack as light as you can. After each cruise, look what you use and not used. Make a list so that next time, when the load is easier. Take care not to forget something, the cruise ship is likely to have on board.

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Barbuda Travel

culture can be another important difference between the islands. If you are looking for a taste of Paris alongside a bit of tropical sunshine, turn to Martinique and other French West Indies. Travelers can also enjoy islands where Dutch colonial style still reigns in the Netherlands Antilles or the tea in the British West Indies. Some islands have been territories of many nations in its history, and the cultural mix can be irritating.

The Caribbean Village will be set on an elevated area overlooking the parade route on Lake Shore Boulevard. From there, patrons can look down and see the spectacle of it during Caribana with another party is nonstop unfolds! There are more than 50 top artists from various Caribbean islands implementation over the day from 10:00 bis 21.00 clock clock

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Cold Winter send many travelers to the Caribbean for a break from the snow and ice, but even if the weather is warm at home, there are many reasons to visit the Caribbean. No matter what your interests, you are sure to do something to find on the islands throughout the year, especially when you consider the many beautiful festivals take on

Caribbean vacation destinations are all about fun in the sun and nothing beats the Caribbean. Only in the south and east of Mexico and in the north and west of Venezuela, South America, where the water is clean, clear and the sun is hot, a Caribbean travel vacation has something for everyone – whether you are one for water sports, hiking, swimming, diving, and just plain frolicking in its white sandy beaches.

Caribbean travel and life offer all-inclusive resorts, where you can enjoy all for one price. One of the most popular variety which is all-inclusive Caribbean travel and life sandals, located in the Castries area of the Caribbean island St. Lucia offer.

The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches, of course, well known, but many seniors can not find Bahamas’ famous Cable Beach as attractive as the quiet shores of Aruba. Anguilla is known for its beautiful views and quiet shores, as well as a more upscale atmosphere, which is known from its British heritage.

main source of tourism, attracts hundreds of tourists to the Caribbean for a luxury experience. As expected, major hotels and resorts around the coast are the island’s only airport and VC Bird Airport is always busy. East Caribbean dollar is the official currency. Month of April and May brings another pack of expectant tourists for the famous Antigua Sailing Week, filling the exotic island with a wonderful mix of many sailing ships, sailors and spectators on race and party as well.

The Bahamas Islands are located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean, just southeast of Florida. If you are among the variety of activities, shopping, nightlife, and bustling centers to exploring the beautiful beaches, then look in the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, or the impressive Grand Bahama Iceland.

Holiday Read more about sleep habits. Also on pusa read and Barbuda travel

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