Author: Clive

How to Choose the Right Cruise

Posted on by Clive

Are you plotting and planning to spend a small part of next year on a cruise ship?

With an ocean of cruises now available worldwide, Cruise Express is here to help you navigate your way on how to choose the right cruise.

There are more than 70 ocean-going cruise lines in the world operating over 300 liners on the seven seas – so which cruise line and which ship is best for your dream holiday? Each and every one is subtly different, delivering a distinct experience to match a certain type of passenger.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a cruise, so let’s explore a few of them…

Size Matters
One of the biggest factors in choosing the best ship for you is the size of the vessel. Ships today range in size from small yacht-like vessels carrying less than 100 passengers to mega-liners five times larger than the Titanic, accommodating over 6,000 passengers.

Smaller ships – boast more exclusive and intimate atmospheres. You get to know the crew and fellow passengers very quickly and it’s easy to find your way around, and if you’ve forgotten your sunglasses as you hit the pool deck, it’s a quick stroll back to the cabin. Smaller ships can also dock in smaller ports near the center of town with embarkation/disembarkation usually being quick and crowd-free.

Keep in mind though that smaller ships are less stable than bigger ships – an important consideration if you are prone to seasickness. By economies of scale, cruises on smaller ships are typically more expensive than cruises aboard larger liners.

Larger ships – offer affordable fares and a bigger range of facilities and activities, with more choices for entertainment and dining.  However, they tend to be less personal with, for example, boarding and disembarkation being more regimented.

Just like the children’s story about ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, there are also mid-sized ships carrying between around 1,000 passengers that you might find are just right for you!

Classic versus Modern
Would you like to sail aboard the latest and greatest ship with all the mod cons or a classic liner built 30, 40 or 50 years ago? There are some beautiful older ships that offer a traditional cruise experience without the bells and whistles of today’s mega ships. But the latest liners offer lots of affordable balcony cabins, a vast array of gourmet dining venues and lots of activities and attractions to entertain including ice skating, flying foxes and rock climbing.

Sea or Port Days
This issue divides many cruise fans. Some love visiting lots of ports during a cruise while others prefer lots of long and leisurely days at sea. A mix of both is usually ideal. Some seven-day cruises in Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean offer just two days at sea so it’s best to pick a cruise itinerary wisely.

Port-intensive cruises take you to lots of destinations but you will be busy and you may end up spending more during your many trips ashore. Meanwhile, cruises with fewer ports tend to be more relaxing and ideal if you like nothing more than basking in a deck chair and staring at the boundless ocean.

Style of Ship
Just about everyone loves the idea of a luxury liner but it‘s important to consider how comfortable and relaxed you will be on a five-star ship with black tie balls, dress protocols and fine dining. It suits some discerning cruise fans but not others who may like to sail aboard a more relaxed, fun-focused ship with a broader range of passengers and late-night show lounges and discos.

Some ships and cruises are more suited to older passengers while others are geared to young couples or families with extensive kids clubs so it’s vital you know something about the ship you plan to spend your holiday on.

Typically, the longer the cruise, the older the average passenger. Cruises in peak seasons like Christmas and school holidays attract younger passengers. The style of Ship you cruise on is also influenced by the nationality of the cruise line operator. Many cruise lines are American which suits most Aussie cruisers but others are English, German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian or French.

Of course, there are locally based cruise lines here in Australia tailored just for Australians. If you like your spa treatments or gym workouts, there are some ships that have bigger and better health and beauty facilities than others.

Some ships have traditional, fixed dining times, which certainly have their appeal – while others allow you to dine anytime you like and other ships offer both systems. And then there are ships (mostly older vessels) with mostly twin beds instead of double beds. Some ships have no balcony cabins and a handful of suites while others have all balcony cabins or whole decks of suites. And there are cruise lines which offer enrichment and learning via numerous onboard lectures and workshops while on others bingo and belly flop contests are the go.

So you see there is a LOT to consider when choosing a cruise, especially for novice cruisers. The key is to let the experts help you select the right holiday and at Cruise Express, our experienced staff have collectively experienced hundreds of cruises right around the world. Our team is trained to match each client to the right ship so that you enjoy exactly the type of cruise holiday you want, expect and deserve. Cruising is our passion and we know our ships and all their different personalities and it’s our mission to ensure you end up on the ship and the cruise that provide memories you’ll always cherish.

So when you next choose to cruise, contact us at 1300 766 537 at Cruise Express and let us help you find the cruise just for you.

Top Tips for Prepare for your Cruise Holiday

Posted on by Clive

There are seasoned travellers and seasoned cruisers – from years of experience, we know this is not necessarily the same thing!

A few hints to get your cruise holiday off to a good start:

  • Book your cruise at least 6 months ahead of the departure date to avoid the disappointment of not getting the cruise, cabin or deck that you want, especially if you are looking for a suite or family/interconnecting cabins
  • Cruising is becoming more popular any many cruises are booked out very quickly, particularly at peak times of the year such as Christmas and New Year
  • Check your passport is still relevant with 6 months validity from the date you return home
  • Check for visas or any other entry requirements needed via Visalink or ask your cruise consultant
  • Take out insurance when booking your cruise particularly to cover for cancellation and illness. Book pre and post flights and transfers
  • Book pre and post hotels and transfers
  • Print out all cruise e-documents and luggage tags keeping them all together with passports
  • Book pet accommodation (if required)

One to two weeks before you travel:

  • Arrange appointments for hair, waxing and nails!
  • Empty camera onto hard drive so you can start fresh with all the memory you require
  • Bring a few great books or upload your kindle
  • Find and test your most comfortable walking shoes
  • Consider reducing food in fridge and freezer
  • Check with your doctor that you have enough medication for the duration of your holiday
  • Let your bank and credit card company know of your travel plans
  • Research dress codes for the different countries you are visiting, also the weather conditions for the time you will be there so as appropriate clothing and sporting equipment can be purchased ready for packing
  • Check your luggage is in good order, clearly labeled top and side with your name, address, home and mobile phone numbers
  • Clearly identify your luggage with ribbons etc. for easy and fast recognition in a sea of luggage in a cruise terminal luggage hall
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport, insurance papers and any other relevant information with family or trusted friend
  • Arrange for appropriate legal documentation if travelling with a minor under your care and has a different surname to you, eg. your grandchild, foster-child etc
  • Cancel milk, bread and newspaper deliveries
  • Arrange for your mail to be collected.
  • Gardens and lawns attended to and don’t forget the indoor plants!!!

Don’t forget to turn off your global roaming on your mobile phone to avoid a massive phone account on your return.

Cruise Arrival Home Heads Up!

Remember a lot of guests at the end of their cruise choose to keep their luggage with them in their cabin and take it with them themselves when disembarking. This saves time waiting for your luggage to arrive from the ship into the cruise terminal.

Packing wisely at the beginning of your cruise can be critical at this point, especially if you have acquired an abundance of gifts and souvenirs during your travels.

Check the safe, drawers and wardrobe in your cabin before leaving your cabin for the final time.

Call us today on 1300 766 537 or visit our website for more great holiday ideas.

Tips for the Solo Cruiser

Posted on by Clive

An increasing number of cruise lovers are sailing on their own so Cruise Express has some handy tips on how to make solo cruising more enjoyable and affordable…

1. Avoid the Dreaded Double Solo Supplement – by keeping an eye out for low single surcharges or special deals that offer no supplements at all, allowing you to cruise for the twin-share price. These bargains often appear online “Your Solo Zone” or you can ask the Cruise Express team to keep an eye out for you.

2. Reduced or no Single Supplements– Solo friendly cruise lines include Crystal Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Compagnie du Ponant, Voyages of Discovery, Saga Holidays, Voyages to Antiquity and Silversea Cruises as well as river cruise lines such as Uniworld, TAUK and Viking. So focus your search when checking our 24/7 Cruise Express ‘look and book’ website.

3. Cabin for One Please – The good news is that it seems dedicated cabins for one are making a return to the seven seas. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010 with 128 studio cabins designated for single travellers and priced for single occupancy.

The ship also offers a special lounge for studio passengers where you can mingle with other solo cruisers and enjoy a bar, entertainment and a concierge for dinner bookings. P&O Cruises’ UK ship, Azura, also took to the water in 2010 with 18 cabins dedicated to singles and other cruise lines are certain to follow as demand for solo travel increases.

4. Willing to Share a Cabin? – Consider sharing a cabin with another solo traveller to split the cost. The idea may not appeal to everyone but you can save money and you may strike a new lifetime friendship.

5. Small Ships Ahoy! – If you’re alone, choose a smaller ship where the atmosphere is more relaxed and social and where it will be easier to meet other single travellers. You’re also more likely to run into familiar faces on a boutique-style vessel than a superliner with thousands of passengers.

6. Get Amongst it – A great way to meet other travellers is to join onboard activities such as craft classes, skill workshops, dance lessons and language courses. The ships’ shore tours also offer opportunities to have fun with fellow passengers.

7. Keep Cruise Staff Informed – Tell the cruise staff you are alone but keen to meet others and they will no doubt help you do that, assuming that is what you want from your holiday!

8. Get Mingling – Many ships offer singles parties but early in the cruise you can also visit bars and lounges to see who else is onboard and also looking for company.

9. Keeping  Your Holiday Flexible – If you’re not happy with your dining companions at a fixed dinner sitting, ask the maitre d’ for another table or request to sit with other solo passengers. And when offered a flexible dining plan, ask to be seated with others so you don’t end up eating alone.

10. Care to Dance – Some cruise lines such as Cunard Line, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises may offer ‘gentlemen hosts’, usually aged over 55, whose job it is to provide social company in the public areas to single females, especially on the dance floor so you can dance the night away!

Our staff at Cruise Express have helped countless single travellers of all ages book cruise holidays.

Call today on 1300 766 537 or visit our website to find your next perfect holiday.

 

Top 10 Reasons Women Love Cruising More than Men

Posted on by Clive

Enjoy this fun but true compilation of why women love cruising!

1. No cooking.
2. No cleaning.
3. No grocery shopping to do – just shopping for jewellery and perfume in the ship’s shops!
4. You get served by waiters, barmen, butlers and cabin stewards.
5. Bingo every day.
6. It’s totally relaxing, with non-stop pampering and nothing to do but have fun.
7. There are lots of cocktails to try and no-one bats an eyelid if you start sampling before noon!
8. There’s lots onboard the ship for the male partner to do on his own and for the woman to do by herself and lots to do together so everyone’s happy.
9. Your adult children can’t turn up with their kids for you to look after!
10. There’s a spa sanctuary onboard that you can use every day.

The One Thing you Should Never Travel Without!

Posted on by Clive

 

Your cruise ship leaves tomorrow, your suitcase is packed and you check your list…passport, tickets, money and credit cards, camera, phone and phone card, sunscreen, clothes and travel insurance?

You’d be shocked at how many Australians travel overseas without travel insurance but at Cruise Express we believe it’s just as important as your passport. Let’s be honest…no matter how prepared, organised or healthy you may be, sometimes things in life just don’t go to plan and that can include when you’re on holidays.

Of course, the vast majority of travellers enjoy incident-free vacations but just in case something goes wrong – you may get sick or have an accident, your flight or cruise could be cancelled or delayed or you could lose your luggage, passport or purse – it makes good sense to be prepared and cover yourself if your plans do come undone.

Over the years, Cruise Express has seen many clients benefit from travel insurance while on holidays. It’s important to note that you are not covered by Medicare overseas and if you don’t have travel insurance, you could face hefty bills. Travel insurance is also vital on shorter cruises close to home to destinations such as New Zealand or the South Pacific. ‘

Even if you cruise to ‘nowhere’ on a weekend cruise from Sydney or Perth or sail on a ship on a domestic leg from Sydney to Melbourne, you need travel insurance to cover the cost of international doctors aboard the ship as Medicare does not cover you onboard.

Some credit cards have built-in travel insurance but it’s wise to check the conditions first to ensure the coverage is adequate for your trip and any pre-existing health issues you have. The coverage credit cards offer can sometimes be basic and could leave you short so alternative travel insurance will be necessary. And these days, many of us travel overseas with expensive smartphones, laptops and other electronic and digital devices so you need to ensure these are also adequately protected in your travel insurance. An extended cover may be required for these valuable items.

Cruise Express supports the Government’s motto that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. It’s that important. Of course, Cruise Express can organise travel insurance coverage for you. We can help organise the best policy for you, taking into account your age and pre-existing health conditions. In fact, we can help organise travel insurance that covers more than 3000 pre-existing health conditions. And if you book your travel insurance direct via our website – see the Cruise Tools tab (link) – you can enjoy a 10 percent discount.

We have compiled here a ‘Top 10’ list of tips for travel insurance which we hope helps you when deciding what coverage is best for you and your dream holiday.

Top 10 Travel Insurance Tips

1. Organise your travel insurance when you make the booking and pay a deposit on your trip to ensure you are protected right from the start in case plans change.

2. You should take out travel insurance on all cruises you do – long or short, overseas or around Australia, even weekend cruises to ‘nowhere’ as Medicare does not apply to medical centres onboard.

3. Read the conditions of your policy to ensure your coverage is adequate for the items (including expensive digital devices) and luggage you take with you and buy along the way and any pre-existing health conditions you may have.

4. Take photos and records of valuable items you will take on holiday, including your passport, and email them to a webmail address you can access if required. Also take the photos with you and keep them separate from the goods.

5. Report any stolen property to local police as soon as possible and obtain a police report to help with your insurance claim. The more paperwork you have, the easier it will be to make a claim.

6. Bring your insurance policy with you and also store copies of it on your phone, webmail or laptop.

7. If you need to make a claim, ring your insurer (be sure to carry the phone number with you) while you are still on holidays to see what action is required.

8. Check the Federal Government’s Smart Traveller website for helpful information on travel insurance.

9. Talk to a member of our Cruise Express team about travel insurance. We can help organise and book your travel insurance for you. And if you book your travel insurance direct via our website – you can enjoy a 10 per cent discount.

10. Enjoy your cruise, knowing you have travel insurance if you need it!

We’re here to help because we care about your holiday and we want to ensure you have the vital protection and invaluable peace of mind that travel insurance provides.

Call today on 1300 766 537 or visit our website to find out more!