Cell Phones And Internet Usage On Board

Let's face it, we are in a technological world.   We cannot be separated from our devices.

But, you are on vacation, so have some fun, but you can keep in touch while on the seas and in selected ports.

CELL PHONES

Your cellphone is best to be shut off when you are not in a port where you can get service.   Most U.S. carriers will work in U.S. islands, or their protectorates such as Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands etc.  My best recommendation is to check with your carrier to find out what their international and roaming policies are.   There are too many carriers out there to have a clear and concise answer on this.  In past cruises, I merely just shut off the phone till I arrived at a port where service was available for my carrier.

But for those that cannot be without their phone, there is typically satellite-based cell service on most ships out there, but with a steep cost. Typically it can cost up to $2.00 per minute, so keep those calls short.  Also, if you just absolutely need to be contacted,  most all cruise ships can be reached at just about any time in an emergency either via their circuits or even two-way radios they have in their bridge.   But, I recommend that whatever emergency message that needs to be passed be of absolute life-or-death seriousness.   Anything else can wait in their eyes.


INTERNET

Most cruise ships will have some form of an "internet cafe" of which you can check on emails, browse or post to social networking sites and so forth.   Also many cruise ships also offer WIFI internet in most if not all parts of the ship.   IT IS NOT FREE!!!  Please read that again!!  

However, rates typically aren't too bad.  Depending on the length of your cruise, I typically bought a package of internet usage equating to about 10-15 minutes per day cruising to at least keep in touch with everyone on Facebook.  


Again, you are on a cruise, and hopefully you have told people that you won't be very reachable till you arrive back in port.   But you can find ways to keep in touch.   Also, there may be locations in some of the ports you travel to that might offer WIFI either free or at a cheaper rate.


Happy Traveling!

Ryan

Documentation

In this post, we're going to discuss documentation.  As in the legal kind.

I cannot recommend any higher for all individuals going on any cruise line to pursue the full passport from the country of your origin.   With a passport and your state identification (drivers license or State ID for U.S. residents),  you should be all set.  A copy of your birth certificate also might help.  Better to be prepared and have more documentation than you need than to be sitting at the pier watching the cruise ship sail away without you.

For children/minors, generally a certified copy of their birth certificate will usually do, but check with your individual cruise line for particular identification needs.  

Most cruise lines, and several other travel sources do sell a "pouch" that has a neck lanyard to wear around your neck of which you can place your travel documents.   It can also serve as a wallet as well.

That is merely an example, but I am sure there are other styles out there.  


Happy Traveling!

Ryan

Alcohol, Tobacco And Firearms

Ok, now that we have your attention with that title,  let's touch on the concept of "adult consumables."  And no, your firearms are typically not allowed on board, in fact most all weapons (a few exclusions to this) are typically not allowed on board.

However, for our adult readers that wish to consume, a person needs to be prepared to pay on the average of about $5 to $8 per drink.   Beer is typically on the lower end of that scale and mixed drinks/specialty drinks ranging up to around $8.   Budget accordingly.   This can get a little out of hand if you aren't paying attention and could be very surprised at the end of your cruise.   Most cruise lines use your room key as sort of a "charge account" for just about everything on board that involves money.   Budget accordingly based on your drinking habits.

Many cruise lines also offer wine by the glass or even being able to purchase full bottles of nice wine for your formal dinners.  The bottle or bottles are kept in storage and brought to your table for dinner and an person will "uncork" it for you.

Tobacco usage, is becoming more and more restricted on many of the cruise lines, and in some cases not even allowed at all.   Now, as a tobacco consumer and an active cruiser, I do have an opinion about this.  I can understand not being allowed to smoke in your room but to completely eliminate it is rather foolish and discriminates a huge segment of the general population. (45-55% still.)    Think about it...... if you were at a hotel or other destination, you could at least go outside to enjoy your habit, be it cigars, pipes or cigarettes.  You cannot just jump off the ship, enjoy your tobacco product and jump back on.  

Aside from that above paragraph, please check with your cruise line and find out each individual policy regarding smoking tobacco products.

Let's touch on the less-than-legal adult consumables one may choose to participate in.   Quite simply put, do not bother attempting to bring "pot" or other illicit drugs on board, or even try to purchase in any of the destination ports.   Drug sniffing dogs to go over all luggage and are even at some of the ports.   I am not taking either side of the drugs/no drugs at this point, but I would say it's just not worth the risk.  In fact, for example, the Jamaica Board Of Tourism has hired over 200% more police officers a few years ago to help combat their drug related reputation and many of those new hires a few years ago are UNDERCOVER officers.   If someone approaches you at a pier or in town in any port, just them thanks for the interest but that you are not interested at this time.   Be courteous but firm.


If there's a topic you wish to have discussed, please put that in comments section and I will address it as best as I can.


Ryan

Which Cruiseline Should I Choose?

There are at least a dozen of the larger cruise lines out there to choose from, and probably many more smaller lines as well.

Of the largest two, those being Carnival (www.carnival.com)  and Royal Caribbean (http://www.royalcaribbean.com) are probably going to be the best choices for those that wish to have fun!  Both companies offer large ships, typically 900 feet or longer with 3,000 passengers or more.  Carnival is my personal favorite but I would clearly make a trip on Royal Caribbean as my "backup line."

Why do I mention those two?  Well, simply put, both lines offer a great selection for the entire family.   Plenty of activities to keep most every single person happy.   I'll touch on the on-board activities later on.

There are quite a few other lines to consider, but largely those other lines are more for the relaxed traveler, or the senior traveler.  If you might be the type that doesn't get into the outgoing lifestyle, party or celebrating atmosphere, some of the other lines might be more desirable.

It really depends on what you are looking for.  Those that might be more introverted or wish to be more seclusionary, you can just do things at your own pace.   Those that have a balcony suite can even have their own sunbathing area, get room service to deliver meals and just enjoy the peace of sailing to some incredible destinations.    (I plan to do a "destinations" post soon!)    The only two obligations for following a time schedule for cruising is when you need to first board the ship and the time to disembark once arriving back in your departure port.


If you want a topic covered, please feel free to pose that in the comments section.  I'll gladly do what I can to respond to it.


Ryan

Packing For A Cruise

One common mistake many make when packing for a cruise is OVERPACKING!


    Although other regions may have different weather conditions, generally speaking most travelers that choose to cruise, chose the Caribbean cruises as their first.   And of course, the Caribbean region is definitely warmer most all of the time due to it's proximity to the equator.  With that being said, packing is actually simpler than other regions.

    Most people that are on cruises to the Caribbean typically need to pack comfortable clothing that would best be defined as "beachwear" for most of the daytime activities.  Evening wear for general exploration of the ship typically is definitely more of a spring/summer casual wear except for the semi-formal and formal dining periods, and we'll get to that later.

Typical daytime clothing for men and women might be:

T-shirt/tanktops
Bathing suit  (some might use a bikini type but most seen wear something called board shorts or swim trunks)
Bathing suit or beach clothing for women
Flip Flops or other comfortable shoes

     Evening wear might consist of whatever comfortable shorts and shirts that are otherwise considered casual wear for what you might consider casual from your upbringing.  

     Now, let's get to the formal/semi-formal dining experience.   Here's where many like to take the time to shine by dressing up.   In fact, certain nights depending on the cruise actually require more formal wear.  Dress with the best you have if you can.    Your cruise line website can assist you better with this as this does vary from cruise line to cruise line, but generally speaking dress the best you can within your means.


    Now that we have mentioned about general ideas of what you might pack, I want to share the best plan I have found to pack.

    When packing for the cruise, I strongly recommend using one or two "garment bags" of what you might use for packing suits and dresses.   Use one if it is just you as a solo cruiser, or share one or two garment bags if you are with a larger group such as a family.   Place your formal items in the garment bag and if there is any room left, you can also put a few items that you were originally going to place in other luggage.   Fill the garment bags as full as you reasonably can without them "bursting at the seams."

     Next, each traveler should pack the largest piece of luggage they reasonably can manage.  Be it a duffle bag, suitcase or whatever.   This is where you will pack the remainder of the clothing you might want.  Also leave room for your "personal care item" bag (i.e. toiletries) and other miscellaneous items you need.    One bag like this per traveler is the goal.    MAKE SURE TO LEAVE ROOM IN THIS BAG AS THIS IS ALSO THE BAG YOU WILL PACK ANY PURCHASES IN THAT YOU MADE ON THE CRUISE.

    Lastly, each person traveling should pack a backpack or some other smaller bag where you would keep your valuables (electronic items etc.), medications or anything else you can legally bring on the cruise ship that is considered valuable or cannot do without, especially if there is a case of "lost luggage" which rarely happens, but does happen.   Also, if room is available, you may wish to pack a bathing suit or a change of clothes to wear around the pool or bars while waiting for your room to become available when first getting on the ship.  Sometimes your room isn't immediately available if you are an "early boarder."

    Again, pack light if you are on a Caribbean cruise, the temperatures are very mild and comfortable and at best, a hoodie sweatshirt or a light Spring coat may be desirable just in case.   Remember, most all of the time in the Caribbean, it's like summer!



Ryan

Greetings!

This is my introductory posting for my new Cruise and Travel blog.

The premise of this blog is to assist travelers considering taking a vacation on cruise ships, and also interested in traveling.   I have taken many cruises in my life, and have done some extensive traveling in my life, with an emphasis on the state of Florida.

I plan to take the side or on the slant of the traveler, NOT the industry of travel.   Any postings will be for your benefit, the traveler in you!  I'll do my best to show you how to travel cheaper where possible or at least to make the trip more economical.

I will state this as a caveat.   Any and all statements posted within this blog are my personal opinions, and you, the reader are encouraged to do your own research before making any final decisions.   Consider this the guide, not the rule except where stated.

Thanks for reading and please share with others!

Ryan