Krydstogtskibe - Cruise ships

Det øverste dæk på et typisk krydstogtskib
CautionCOVID-19 Information: Der var mange udbrud af COVID-19 (roman coronavirus) på krydstogtskibe i begyndelsen af ​​2020. Infektioner kan let sprede sig om bord, og lægehjælp om bord er begrænset. Midt i et udbrud er karantæner og docking udfordrende dels på grund af det store antal mennesker ombord. De amerikanske og canadiske regeringer anbefaler undgå rejser med krydstogtskibe indtil videre. Ældre rejsende og dem med underliggende sundhedsmæssige forhold er mest udsatte.

Se officiel rådgivning:

(Oplysninger sidst opdateret 17. august 2020)

Krydstogtskibe er et rejsemiddel med betydelige fordele og et par ulemper. Nogle mennesker elsker dem; andre er ligeglade med dem. De gør det let at besøge flere steder på en enkelt rejse uden behov for at pakke ejendele om og bruge en bil / tog / bus / fly til at rejse til hvert sted. På et krydstogt følger dit "hotel" med dig - hytte, måltider og transport og endda underholdning. Du pakker ud en gang og går muligvis i seng Cabo San Lucas og vågn op Puerto Vallarta, og så videre til andre destinationer, kun for at pakke om ved krydstogt. Dette kan gøre en god rejseoplevelse. Din fornemmelse af, hvor du er, kompromitteres kun ved ikke at tage din rejseplan og de daglige skibs nyhedsbreve, der leveres til din kahyt, til efterretning.

En sådan prøveudtagning af forskellige havne, byer, øer eller kyster i en region kan hjælpe dig med at beslutte, om og hvor du vil besøge senere i længere tid. Typiske krydstogtsruter begrænser den tid, du tilbringer hvert sted; normalt betyder det bare en dag med aktiviteter eller sightseeing. De kan også omfatte en eller flere dage til søs - paradis, hvis du nyder en afslappende dag ved poolen eller andre aktiviteter ombord, men mindre, hvis du foretrækker mere aktiv og åben udforskning i land. Ikke desto mindre opvejer fordelene ulemperne for nok mennesker til at støtte en voksende industri.

I dag kan du besøge ethvert kontinent på jorden, inklusive Antarktis, med krydstogtskib. Eksotiske destinationer som f.eks Galapagosøerne, er bedst besøgt af små ekspeditionsskibe. Mens disse krydstogter er dyre, rejser du med ekspertguider.

Denne artikel fokuserer på sejlads på havet og skibe. Krydstogtskibe repræsenterer kun en af ​​flere muligheder for passagerrejser med havet; færger nå isolerede kystudgange uden vej og øer, hvor afstand eller begrænsede mængder trafik gør motorvejsbroopførelse upraktisk flodbåd og pramkanal cruising tilbyder mere dybtgående, nærbillede ser på mange lande i deres interiør, mens de få tilbage havforinger blev designet ikke som flydende hoteller til underholdning, men som praktiske transportfartøjer bygget til hastighed. For rejse på mindre skibe, se Krydstogt på mindre fartøjer.

Forstå

Den gyldne tidsalder for transoceaniske passagerrejser er falmet meget. De få overlevende skibe fra den store æra havforinger er for det meste blevet omdannet til krydstogt, bevaret som museer og / eller hoteller, eller er lagt op. Det betyder ikke, at rejser over havet med skib også er væk. I virkeligheden moderne passagerskibe er undertiden hurtigere end de tidligere linjefart og på nogle måder mere luksuriøse - og du behøver ikke købe førsteklasses billetter for at nyde det meste. Cunard "Queens" Dronning Mary 2, Dronning Victoria og Dronning Elizabeth stadig foretage traditionelle hurtige atlantiske krydsninger sæsonmæssigt og modtage brug som krydstogtskibe på andre tidspunkter. Dronning Mary 2, lanceret i 2004, løber fra Southampton til New York City, tidligere en godt slået vej for flere rivaliserende transatlantiske passagerlinjer. I disse dage blev passagererne fysisk adskilt af den passageklasse, de havde reserveret (eksemplificeret i filmen "Titanic"). I dag deles næsten alle offentlige faciliteter og områder af alle passagerer.

Billedet af krydstogtskibsrejser malet af tv-serien Kærlighedsbåden (udsendt 1977-87) er ikke særlig misvisende (undtagen om den uundgåelige lyksalighed før afbarkning og det allamerikanske besætning), men det er snarere ufuldstændig. På grund af stordriftsfordele har de fleste moderne krydstogtskibe masser af passagerer. Mens luksussegmentet i krydstogtsindustrien kan prale med små skibe - endda "boutique" -skibe eller "mega-lystbåde" - danner de fleste skibe flydende byer. Rejser spænder fra et par dage til fulde jordomsejlinger, der varer tre måneder eller mere, mens billetpriserne spænder fra nogle få hundrede dollars til US $ 100.000 eller mere.

Luksus krydstogtskibe kan have skibe med kun 100–800 passagerer. Større skibe transporterer 2.000–3.500 passagerer, mens megaskibe kan transportere over 5.000. Det største krydstogtskib i verden, Symphony of the Seas kan transportere 6.700 passagerer (5.500 ved dobbelt belægning) og har en bruttotonnage næsten fem gange så stor som antallet af passagerer Titanic! Hver størrelse har sine fordele; for eksempel:

  • Mindre skibe kan besøge mindre havne i meget ønskelige, robuste kystlinjer eller usædvanlige steder, f.eks. Rivieraen, Galapagos, Fjordene.
  • Større skibe kan tilbyde nogle få flere faciliteter som beskrevet i "On-board" nedenfor, men skal bruge havne i store størrelser (eller anker / fortøjning off-shore) og kræver transport- og touring-infrastrukturer til at håndtere så mange mennesker.
  • Megaskibe tilbyder enorme offentlige rum og omfattende aktiviteter, men er begrænset til større havne med endnu større turistinfrastrukturer.

Krydstogtskibe tilbyder meget forskellige rejseplaner. Eksempler spænder fra:

  • Et par dage til søs eller til en nærliggende anløbshavn. Disse kan tilbydes som en introduktion til krydstogt eller bare som en mulighed for at feste.
  • En eller to uger at besøge havne og seværdigheder i en bestemt region pr. "Krydstogttyper" nedenfor.
  • En måned eller mere at se en region i verden, eller tre eller flere måneder at gå rundt i verden; en livstidserfaring.

Hvert krydstogt består af en eller flere krydstogtsegmenter, f.eks. kan en 1-2 uges "rund-tripper" være et segment, mens besøg i to eller flere regioner undertiden kan involvere 2-3 segmenter af et krydstogt rundt om i verden. På den måde kan krydstogtskibe sælge overkommelige "stykker" af lange krydstogter, som ellers kun få kan overveje. Ikke sjældent vil krydstogter købe to eller tre back-to-back / sekventielle segmenter for at opbygge et længere krydstogt, f.eks. 7-10 dage fra Florida til det vestlige Caribien, tilbage, derefter 7-10 dage for det østlige eller to eller to flere verdensregioner, når de er langt væk.

Prisen på et økonomikrydstogt kan sammenlignes med at bo på et hotel med små værelser, men gode faciliteter, måltider osv. Standardhytter kan koste $ 80-150 pr. Dag pr. Person, mens prisen for et luksuskrydstogt eller ekspeditionskrydstogt til polarområder kan koste $ 1.000 pr. dag - ja pr. person. Som en tommelfingerregel, hvis du kun fokuserer på økonomi, kan du få et noget ældre, mindre velindrettet og udstyret skib; du kan skal betale for måltider (sjældent) eller din kahyt kan have støj fra skibets motorer eller andre kilder. Hvis du betaler lidt mere for stort set det samme krydstogt, men på et skib af højere kvalitet eller nyere, dig skulle gerne få bedre faciliteter, komfort osv.

Valg af krydstogt - tidlige spørgsmål

Især for første gangs krydstogter, bør denne overordnede artikel hjælpe dig med at forstå, hvad der foregår på et krydstogt handler om, og hvad der kan passe, hvad du gerne vil. Før det kan du stille dig selv nøglespørgsmål:

  • Hvem vil være i din gruppe, fx bare venner, et par, en familie af forældre og børn, en familie med flere generationer (inklusive bedsteforældre)? Og har nogen medlemmer særlige behov, f.eks. For at komme rundt?
  • Hvilken "kaliber" af krydstogt interesserer dig? - økonomi, mainstream, premium, luksus, ekspedition?
  • Hvad er dit budget? I lommen nu og for kontanter, der er nødvendige under / efter rejsen, f.eks. Betalinger, du foretager mindst som et krydstogndepositum og (sandsynligvis) for at købe en rejseforsikring kort efter, at du har bestilt rejsen, da du betaler resten af ​​krydstogtet koste et par måneder før afrejse efter behov, når du køber flybilletter til / fra krydstogthavnen, og at dække midler til, hvad der kan være ikke-trivielle omkostninger under rejsen?
    • Passer dit budget til et typisk krydstogt med mange fordele inkluderet (diskuteret nedenfor)? Eller måske en "altomfattende" hvor (til væsentligt højere omkostninger) næsten alt er forudbetalt af og for alle, f.eks. Ture, spa-tjenester, ubegrænset alkoholholdige drikkevarer?
  • Hvor meget tid har alle i din gruppe til at tage turen sammen og hvornår? Og hvor godt passer "når" til det sted, hvor I alle måske vil hen, fx Alaska i januar kan have visse komplikationer.
  • Hvor meget tid vil du bruge på hver krydstogtdestination? Hvert krydstogt har en tendens til at variere i den tid, de bruger på deres destinationer. Dette er en særlig vigtig overvejelse for krydstogter i Caribien og Middelhavet, som kan stoppe i flere øer og byer, selv i løbet af få dage. Nogle krydstogter vil tilbringe et par timer på hver destination, mens nogle krydstogter vil tilbringe en hel dag eller mere. Se på rejseplanen og spørg dig selv, om du vil bruge det meste af din tid på at slappe af på skibet, eller om du foretrækker at udforske hver destination.

Med grundlæggende svar på disse spørgsmål og brug af denne artikel (håber vi) kan du generere et billede af, hvilken slags krydstogt der passer dig bedst. Mange er overraskede over, at omkostningerne ved et krydstogt (ved hjælp af rådgivning om omkostningsundgåelse, der er nævnt nedenfor) kan koste omtrent det samme som en biltur eller fly / ophold-ferie af sammenlignelig længde, tjenester og overnatningssteder.

Virksomheder

Krydstogtskibe i Key West havn

"Big Three" krydstogtskibe

De "store tre" i havkrydstogtsindustrien er (fra største til mindste) Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruisesog Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Sammen har de 80 procent af alle krydstogtpassagerer.

Carnival Corporation er den største af de tre store. Det ejer ni krydstogtskibe:

Royal Caribbean Cruises er den næststørste af de store tre. Det ejer fuldt ud tre krydstogtskibe og ejer størstedelen af ​​en fjerde (Silversea).

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings er den mindste af de tre store. Det ejer tre krydstogtskibe:

Uafhængige krydstogtskibe

Muligheder for krydstogt for små skibe

For mindre traditionel cruising,

Se også: Østersøfærger, Hurtigruten

Krydstogttyper

Din oplevelse vil blive væsentligt påvirket af den krydstogttype, du vælger. Du vil se diskussion af andre spørgsmål om timing (høj- / lavsæson- og "skulder" -sæsoner) og afstande og hvordan man krydser dem senere.

På en havnekrævende rejseplan undtagen et par sødage:

  • Du kan spise en aften og derefter nyde underholdning, dans osv., Gå i seng og vågne op ved din næste anløbshavn.
  • Under et typisk heldags havnebesøg kan du ofte starte i land kl. 7–8 og forventes tilbage ca. 30 minutter før skibets afgang kl. 17-18.
    • Du kan spise morgenmad ombord på dit valgte sted og være ombord på vej til en organiseret tur, selv arrangeret tur eller aktiviteter eller bare en gåtur.
    • En "heldags" tur kan omfatte frokost; se rejsebeskrivelsen. En halvdags formiddagstur kan få dig tilbage til skibet til frokost, hvorefter du kan vælge at shoppe eller gå rundt om eftermiddagen. Halvdags ture, der begynder kort efter frokost om bord, giver dig mulighed for at gå omkring på land eller shoppe om morgenen.
    • Se diskussionen om touring i "Ashore" nedenfor

Hvis du foretrækker et sådant krydstogt:

  • Se efter rejseplaner i regioner, der tilbyder mange nærliggende havne, såsom Middelhavet, Østersøen, Fjordene, Det Forenede Kongerige, Caribien, Alaska, Australien, det sydlige Stillehav og den mexicanske riviera.
  • Kig efter afgangshavne i regionen for at minimere sødage: for eksempel Caribiske ture, der starter i San Juan for Caribien, Amsterdam eller København for Østersøen eller Fjordene.
  • I modsætning hertil kan skibe fra Miami, Fort Lauderdale eller Tampa tage 1-2 dage at nå Caribien og det samme at vende tilbage. Men du har flere krydstogts- og skibsmuligheder der, og du kan vælge at køre til begge havne, hvis du bor tæt nok (se "Kom ind" nedenfor).

Hvis du foretrækker det havdage, kan du kigge efter:

  • Omplacering af krydstogter (krydser ofte oceaner) eller krydsninger i sig selv. Førstnævnte fører skibet til en ny region i mange segmenter, der drager fordel af en nærliggende højsæson, fx fra Alaska til "vinter" i Caribien. Sidstnævnte involverer et segment af et større krydstogt til en anden region. Begge tager normalt to uger eller mere og involverer ofte envejs internationale flyvninger for at nå afgangs- eller sluthavne. (Se "Flyvende" under "Kom ind" nedenfor.)
  • Besøg på fjerne øer eller regioner, fx en rejse til / omkring Hawaii fra Los Angeles.
  • Segmenter af krydstogter rundt om i verden, som regel "krydser" større regioner over en periode på 3-6 uger. Også de involverer normalt envejs internationale flyvninger.
  • Rundt om i verden krydstogter, der tager 90 dage eller mere - overvejes bedst, når du ved, du er fortrolig med mange dage til søs.

Når du finder en rejse, der appellerer til dig, skal du se på "Gør" nedenfor og skibets beskrivelse (online eller i brochure) for at sætte pris på aktiviteter om bord.

Der er også forskellige krydstogter for særlige interesser, f.eks. til bridgespillere (måske med et par mestre om bord), berømthedsunderholdere, foredrag om kultur, statskundskab eller historie eller LGBT-livsstil. Der har endda været krydstogter med Linux, "nørd", big band, rock and roll og hjemmebiograf, hvoraf nogle er årlige begivenheder. Et par krydstogtsider hjælper dig med at finde dem. Deres rejseplaner fokuserer måske mere på aktiviteter om bord end destinationer.

Krydstogttilstande / temaer

Havkrydstogter

Krydstogter til Grønland er normalt af typen "Expedition"
  • Klassiske krydstogter stadig findes, krydstogterne hvor du klæder dig til middag. De eksklusive skibe er nedladet af en velhavende kundekreds, og skibene er mere havbåde med større hytter end moderne havgiganter. En særlig underkategori er de store sejlskibe.
  • Sightseeing krydstogter er designet til at omfatte så mange seværdigheder som muligt, rejseplaner inklusive Middelhavet og havnebyer i Nord- og Vesteuropa. En underklasse, der minder mere om ekspeditioner, er krydstogter omkring Kap Horn, til Antarktis eller ind i Milford Sound. På sådanne krydstogter rejser du generelt om bord på specialbyggede skibe.
  • Klubkrydstogter er populære i dag. Disse inkluderer næsten altid landudflugter, wellness, fitness og solbadning om bord. Atmosfæren og påklædningskoden om bord er afslappet. Disse krydstogter er almindelige over hele verden.
  • Sjove krydstogter er rettet mod at underholde gæsterne og inkluderer et professionelt underholdningsprogram samt diskoteker og biografer. Denne "Las Vegas-version" af klubcruise tilbydes primært af amerikanske krydstogtselskaber i Caribien.
  • Mini-krydstogter af en eller et par dage tages normalt om bord på store færger, disse er almindelige for eksempel i Østersøen.
  • Tema krydstogter - som navnet antyder, er de centreret omkring et tema som musik, sport, wellness eller god mad. Ofte er der berømte mennesker om bord som olympiske medaljer, stjernekokke, sangere eller orkestre. Disse krydstogter kan være ret dyre og er normalt kun værd at overveje, hvis du er meget interesseret i temaet.
  • Ekspeditioner betyder et begrænset antal gæster og høje priser om bord på skibe, der er små nok til at komme til steder, hvor normale krydstogtskibe ikke ville være i stand til at gå. Populære er destinationer som Amazonas eller polakkerne. Især de isbrydere, der kræves for at komme til de polære dele af verden, tilbyder kun et par dusin hytter. Sådanne krydstogter er rettet mod folk, der ønsker at opleve og lære mere om destinationerne og ofte ledes af akademikere og andre eksperter, der holder foredrag om bord.
  • Rundt om verdens krydstogter på luksuscruisere tager mindst tre måneder, og priserne starter fra USD 15.000. Disse er i praksis en række kortere krydstogtsegmenter, der hver eller en uges varighed, der kan bookes separat.
  • Fragtkrydstogter lyder eksotisk, men overraskende mange fragtskibe du kan rejse som betalende passager. Over lange afstande er disse ofte billigere end almindelige krydstogter, og de adskiller sig bestemt fra andre former for rejse. Der er dog nogle ulemper: der er generelt ingen underholdning om bord, og hytterne er ret spartanske. Havnene og køreplanerne er planlagt i henhold til fragt og ikke efter parret af ekstra passagerers ønsker.
  • Jomfrurejser - at rejse på den allerførste rejse fra værftet (eller fra en anden afgangshavn) til kunden kan være forbløffende billigt, hvis billetter er tilgængelige. Dette er "testdrev" på nye skibe og kan være rigtige eventyr. Afslutningsarbejde udføres ofte stadig i det indre under jomfrurejsen, desuden er besætningen ofte uerfarne eller kender ikke hinanden godt. Der er mange ting, der kan gå galt på en sådan tur - i værste fald er motorfejl midt i havet, og rejseplaner ændres ofte under rejsen.

Flodkrydstogter

Flodkrydstogtsbåd på en biflod til Yangtze

Disse krydstogters karakter afhænger af byer og regioner ved siden af ​​floden. Disse er almindelige i større floder som f.eks Donau (Europa), Volga (Asien) eller Nilen (Afrika). Mange pakkerejser til Kina inkluderer en flerdages krydstogt langs Yangtze-floden inklusive passage gennem skibslåsene i Three Gorges Dam.

Disse skibe og både er meget mindre end havkrydstogter, og underholdningen om bord er meget mere begrænset.

Krydstogtssæsoner

Mange cruising regioner har "høj", "lav" og "skulder" sæson. Disse sporer normalt med de mest og mindst ønskelige tider for at besøge regionen, og tider imellem, fx vinter for fjordene og sensommeren og efteråret for Caribien (tropiske storme) anses for uønskede. Forvent at betale præmiepriser i højsæsonen, væsentligt mindre i "lav", og måske finder du nogle gode tilbud i "skulder", f.eks. Til "omplaceringer".

Under omplacering af krydstogter, mange skibe overføres mellem fjerne regioner, der har modsatte højsæsoner, fx mellem Middelhavet, Østersøen eller Alaska og Caribien, Sydamerika, Australien, eller New Zealand. De lange afstande kræver mange sødage, ofte til attraktive priser pr. Dag for dem, der kan lide havdage. På ulempen kan du ikke se meget andet end havet under krydstogt.

Her er nogle af de mest populære cruising regioner i verden:

  • Middelhavet - ofte opdelt i en vestlig og østlig del, kan krydstogter i sidstnævnte afsnit omfatte havne i Sortehavet eller Det Røde Hav
  • Vesteuropa - nogle krydstogter udvides hele vejen til De Kanariske Øer og Azorerne
  • Nordeuropa - inklusive Nordsøen og Østersøen, hvis du leder efter en kortere krydstogt, kan dette være et godt område
  • Caribien - muligvis den mest populære krydstogt destination, nogle ture fortsætter hele vejen til den sydamerikanske kyst
  • Oceanien - ofte i farvande i Australien og New Zealand, men undertiden også øer i det sydlige Stillehav
  • Kolde områder i verden, ligesom Grønland, Svalbard og Antarktis besøges normalt af specielle skibe, der har evnen til at rejse gennem is

Vær forberedt på dårligt vejr eller is, der ændrer rejseplanen for krydstogtet. Normalt har krydstogtselskabet planlagt på alternative destinationer, hvis det er umuligt at følge den oprindelige tidsplan.

Krydstogtdemografi

Mens krydstogtsbranchen engang primært henvendte sig til seniorer, har passagerernes alder spredt sig markant. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) rapporterede i 2018, at gennemsnitsalderen for krydstogtskibspassagerer var 46,7 år, hvilket er lidt yngre end befolkningen i Japan og Tyskland (henholdsvis 47,3 år og 47,1 år). Mange linjer appellerer til 20 til 40-årige par, "fest" krydstogter tiltrækker unge voksne, og Disney og andre fokuserer på familier med børn og teenagere. Krydstogt er blevet en enorm populær familieferie på grund af veldesignede børneprogrammer, endda specielle kabinkonfigurationer.

Nogle rejseplaner og krydstogtskibe kan tiltrække flere seniorer, f.eks. Krydstogter over Atlanterhavet og Stillehavsområdet, Holland – Amerika (det understøtter meget effektivt, men markedsfører ikke kun seniorer). Årsagerne inkluderer omkostninger, krydstogtlængde, antal dage til søs og datoer, der er i konflikt med skolen.

Hvis krydstogtdemografi er vigtig for dig, skal du læse krydstogtbeskrivelsen omhyggeligt, undersøge websteder om krydstogt (se "Andre ressourcer" nedenfor) og arbejde igennem din rejse / krydstogtagent for at lære den sandsynlige demografi for enhver rejse, du overvejer. Du vil være glad for at du gjorde det, eller du risikerer at gå ombord på et skib fyldt med larmende unge voksne eller seniorer med begrænsede aktiviteter.

Hvis handicappet eller gravid

Hvis nogen i dit parti har en fysisk begrænsningkan krydstogtskibet normalt hjælpe - især hvis det underrettes på forhånd. Uden at gå på kompromis med privatlivets fred skal du bruge din agent (eller direkte hvis ingen agent er involveret) for at fortælle dem om dine behov, og når de gælder, f.eks.

  • Hvis du har brug for adgang til specielle kabinefaciliteter, kan du tildeles en kabine, der er specielt udstyret til dine generelle behov, f.eks. ADA-kvalificeret. Disse kan omfatte dørtærskler med ringe eller ingen stigning, praktiske gelændere til at komme omkring i kabinen og badeværelset og specielt badeudstyr.
  • Hjælp med de betydelige gåafstand til at gå i gang og gå af (proces beskrevet nedenfor) eller at tage på havnebesøg. I nogle havne er skibet forankret offshore, og deltagere fra landudflugter transporteres i land med små både, hvilket kan udgøre udfordringer, hvis du ikke har forudbestemt besætningens hjælp.
  • Hvis du køber en pakke med fly / krydstogt eller udvidelse af krydstogt (også diskuteret nedenfor), skal du nævne enhver anden hjælp, du har brug for.
  • Nogle virksomheder kan også kræve, at du medbringer en assistent, der hjælper dig i mulige nødsituationer.

Et krydstogt kan placere dig et stykke fra korrekt prænatale pleje- og fødselsfaciliteter, især avanceret lægehjælp, da sygepladser ikke er udstyret eller bemandet til at håndtere fødsel eller for tidligt fødte børn. Hvis du har nogen komplikationer eller måske er godt inde i din tredje trimester under et krydstogt, der overvejes, skal du kontakte din læge. Underret derefter krydstogtskibet gennem din agent, hvis det bruges. En note om egnethed til at rejse fra ham / hende kan dæmpe frygt for linjen og personalet, når du gennemgår indskibningsprocessen.

Mange krydstogtskibe tillader faktisk ikke dig at krydse, når du når et bestemt punkt i din graviditet - ofte 24 uger. Manglende kontrol med dette kan betyde, at du nægtes boarding ved ankomsten til molen for at gå ombord, hvis du er for langt væk. Fødsel til søs har også nogle interessante men ikke uløselige statsborgerskabskomplikationer.

Reservation af et krydstogt

Queen Mary 2 i Wellington, New Zealand

Du kan booke et krydstogt gennem flere typer udbydere, f.eks. Direkte med en krydstogtslinje (telefonisk eller online), via et online rejsewebsted (der muligvis også tilbyder (endda bundt) flyrejser, hoteller, ture, et al.) via et websted, der kun sælger krydstogter, og gennem rejsebureauer eller krydstogtagenter, der tilbyder deres personlige rådgivning og tjenester. De fleste agenter opkræver lidt for deres tjenester, medmindre du har specielle ønsker / behov. Ud over onlinekilder kan du spørge naboer, der rejser, eller se i nærheden af ​​hjemmet efter et bureau. Vær selektiv, og du finder ofte nogen, der kan hjælpe - for komplekse ture kan gode råd og rejsearrangementer være meget nyttige eller endda afgørende.

  • Foretag alle indbetalinger og endelige betalinger med kreditkort. Du får den bedst mulige beskyttelse af den udstedende bank, hvis noget går galt. Debitkort giver sjældent sådan.
  • Når du er online, skal du sikre dig, at du ser på en velrenommeret online sælger, dvs. kig efter legitimationsoplysninger. Krydstogtsspecialister er certificeret af Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) og viser et segl godkendt af CLIA. Mange af deres medarbejdere er uddannede agenter; nogle er specialiserede i visse krydstogtskibe med detaljeret indsigt i, hvad ethvert skib eller krydstogt tilbyder.
  • Hvis du bliver en tilbagevendende kunde, kan sælgere tilbyde at tildele dig en agent, der kan lære dine præferencer, og (med flere krydstogter gennem årene) kan give rådgivning og tjenester, hjælpe med problemer, der opstår, når din rejse nærmer sig, endda tilbyde meddelelser om upubliceret tilbud, information, der ikke er tilgængelig bare online.

Når du har fundet en eller flere krydstogter, der passer dig, vil du gerne vide fulde omkostninger og vilkår, herunder havneafgifter og skatter, muligheder for, hvordan man kommer til og fra havnen let og til tiden, hvad krydstogtskontrakten kræver, og andre detaljer, der sjældent afspejles i brochurer eller webstedspriser eller sider. De viste priser er pr. Person for dobbeltværelse i en hytte, der normalt er designet til to voksne. Hvis du har en gruppe på 3-4 (f.eks. Familie), kan omkostningerne pr. Person for den tredje og fjerde i samme kabine (designet til 3-4) være lavere. De viste priser afspejler havneafgifter, men ikke skatter, fordi skatter varierer afhængigt af dit hjemland (undertiden stat / provins) og andre faktorer. Skatter vises i fakturerede tilbud på krydstogtsomkostninger specifikt for dig; hvis ikke, er fakturaen ufuldstændig, unøjagtig og muligvis falsk.

Du kan muligvis udvide det krydstogt, du ser på økonomisk hvis hytter er tilgængelige. Book enhver udvidelse meget gerne samtidig med, at du bestiller det første krydstogtsegment, i det mindste i god tid før krydstogtsstart. Du kan spørge om en udvidelse lige før eller efter indskibning, men det får du lidt håb i højsæsonen når krydstogter er ret fulde, og næsten intet håb om at besætte den samme kabine.

Hvis du ønsker at sejle alene (f.eks. I en kabine med to personer), vil du ofte stå over for et "enkelt tillægsgebyr", ofte svarende til prisen for en anden person. Forvent at blive citeret "dobbelt", fordi krydstogtskibe ikke kan lide enkeltcruise-gæster i hytter (selvom de betaler dobbeltprisen for kabinen); skibet kan ikke tjene andre indtægter fra dig i restauranter, barer og butikker om bord såvel som for andre tjenester. Hvis krydstogt alene forbliver afgørende for dig, skal du tillade et informeret krydstogt / rejsebureau at hjælpe dig med at vælge det og en kabine.

For bedre at forstå omkostningsoplysninger, hvordan de fungerer og betydningen af ​​grundlæggende krydstogtskontrakter, skal du i det mindste søge efter og fordøje relaterede artikler på rejse- / krydstogtswebsteder, før du beslutter dig for at booke. Mange af deres vilkår er baseret på international søret og lovgivningen i det land, hvor skibet er registreret, sjældent i en rejsendes hjemland. Og de vil favorisere krydstogtskibet - en anden grund til, at kvalitets rejseforsikring bliver vigtig.

Medmindre du har betydelig erfaring med at vælge og booke et krydstogt, skal du overveje at bruge en agent. Han / hun skal hjælpe dig betydeligt med at forstå kontrakten, alle faste omkostninger, alle tilgængelige muligheder, deres omkostninger og import. Inden du køber et krydstogt eller en pakke, skal han / hun give en fuld faktura, der afspejler alle omkostninger og den grundlæggende krydstogtskontrakt, og han vil forklare behov for ikke-krydstogtarrangementer (f.eks. Se "Kom til havn" nedenfor) til din omhyggelige undersøgelse. Dette giver dig mulighed for at stille spørgsmålstegn ved detaljer og anmode om ændringer.

Hvis du stadig ønsker at reservere alene (f.eks. Online eller telefon med krydstogtskibet), når du nærmer dig "købspunktet", bør du tilbydes en angivet fuld pris (inklusive alle skatter og afgifter) baseret på alle de parametre, du har valgt, og krydstogtskontrakten. Hvis du køber online, skal du undersøge (og udskrive) fakturaen og kontrakten for at undersøge dem. Når du er enig i vilkårene, skal du bruge de samme parametre til at vende tilbage til tilbuddet og gennemføre din reservation. (Mere end et par dages "undersøgelse" kan resultere i nogle ændringer i omkostningerne, så vær hurtig.) Når du bestiller et krydstogt alene, bliver du helt ansvarlig for de mange detaljer omkring det (mange forklares senere). Du bliver klogt at arrangere dem alene. Alle skal supplere hinanden, fx pr. "Flyvende til / fra havn" beskrevet nedenfor.

Rejseforsikring

For en mere detaljeret diskussion, se Rejseforsikring

Hvis din rejse begynder at få kompleksitet eller betydelige omkostninger, når du planlægger den, eller hvis du er en første gangs krydstogter, bør du overveje rejseforsikring. Andre grunde inkluderer, hvis du har til hensigt at tage på "eventyr" eller højrisiko-ture eller aktiviteter (f.eks. Svæveflyvning), har en medicinsk tilstand, der kan blusse op og kræve behandling eller evakuering, vil være langt væk fra hjemmet mulighed for, at en udbyder af vigtige rejsetjenester kan gå konkurs, eller hvis du er blevet tvunget til at acceptere stramme flyforbindelser.

For at være berettiget til al tilgængelig dækning skal du normalt købe den kort efter, at du har reserveret din rejse, specifikt lige efter at du har foretaget et depositum, hvis det er godt inden rejsen, ellers betaler du det hele på én gang. Dens omkostninger bestemmes grundlæggende af dine samlede rejseomkostninger (undtagen omkostninger og forpligtelser, der kan annulleres uden omkostninger eller med delvis eller fuld refusion), rejsendes alder, der skal dækkes, dækningsniveauer og muligheder for dækning, der kræves for visse problemer, fx behandling af sygdom eller tilskadekomst (på og uden for skibet) eller medicinsk evakuering. God forsikring dækker allerede eksisterende medicinske tilstande, hvis de købes straks efter bestilling af din rejse, og ofte ikke hvis de købes senere.

Du kan få bedre forsikringssatser og / eller dækning ved at købe dækning gennem eller fra en forening, du tilhører, fx AAA, AA, AARP.

Rejsexperter anbefaler mod "forsikring" fra flyselskaber eller krydstogtskibe.

  • Den tilbudte dækning fokuserer ofte kun eller primært på linjens ansvar, mens en kvalitetspolitik dækker alle elementer og risici ved din end-to-end-tur med muligheder for mange risici, der gælder entydigt for dig.
  • Krydstogtsbeskyttelse (mod betaling) dækker udvalgte krydstogtsrisici og er faktisk ikke forsikring. Ingen lov eller myndighed har jurisdiktion over deres vilkår, og specifikke forsikringer om løfter om beskyttelse mangler muligvis. Gebyret for lovet beskyttelse kan beløbe sig til en stor del af den almindelige, velkøbte samlede rejseforsikring.

Andre ressourcer

Several websites provide objective information about various cruise lines, ships, cruising regions and ports, and how to choose, prepare for and go on a cruise. Many offer professional reviews, some offer passenger reviews. But because they often sell cruises through third parties, they cannot be listed here. To find them, use a good search engine, with "cruise" and "advice" or "review" as keywords among your search parameters.

Those sites and travel magazines discuss other valuable topics, e.g., "wave season" (when to book, not when to go) versus other times, understanding what's included (and not) in prices shown, industry trends that may cause prices to go down. A good travel/cruise agent will have those and other insights. Knowing exactly when and how to best book a cruise receives nearly constant attention in travel articles, and approaches being an art.

Cabins

Cabin on the Wilderness Discoverer

Your accommodations can range widely: they are usually determined by cost. Most cruise lines promote their ships as luxurious, and cabin (aka stateroom) furnishings can range from quite "nice" to "utterly elegant". The less expensive tend to be quite a bit smaller than ordinary hotel rooms—space you may only use for a few hours each day to sleep anyway. But every square inch is usable, e.g., luggage fits under the bed to allow you to unpack many/all items and hang them in closets or store on shelves/in drawers for easy access.

Cabin grades and categories

On large ships, you'll find a number of cabin grades or categories within each cabin type. They involve location, size, quality of view, features, etc. Good travel/cruise agents have access to the nuances of features and shortfalls for each. Cabin costs will vary not only by type but by those gradations/categories. For any cabin type, costs reflected in brochures and on web sites usually apply to the lowest grade. One useful site (among many) for information on ship layouts and features is CruiseDeckPlans.

Cabin types

The basic types include:

  • Inside cabins are the least expensive and located in the interior of the ship, hence the name. They lack any window, and ship's air is "piped-in". On some new ships, they may have live video displays "fed" by exterior cameras.
  • Ocean view have windows that don't open (the ship's air is "piped-in") and are slightly more expensive. The least expensive may have partially or substantially obstructed views.
  • Balcony/veranda at even higher prices, with outside chairs, perhaps a table, to watch sunsets, have a room-service meal or treat, and watch passing ships and land. On older ships, the least expensive may have partially or substantially obstructed views.
  • Mini-suites and full suites (the latter often multi-room) with private verandas, shower/bathtubs, sitting areas, perhaps hot tubs and other amenities, and at the highest prices.

Perhaps oddly, suites and the least expensive cabins tend to sell out first.

Cabins designed for the disabled will have many handrails, flat thresholds and wider doors to aid accessibility and safety. Some cruise lines cater to such clientele by offering greater numbers of prepared cabins. Many may have an ADA (American Disabilities Act) certification.

A few other cabins and all hallways have handrails for safety during occasional rough weather. On ships built in the late 1990s or later, few passengers will be:

  • Bothered by pitching and rolling of the ship; they're built with highly-effective stabilizers.
  • Disturbed by the ship's engines or screws (propellers); they're very quiet.
  • Disturbed by public announcements; these are heard in hallways and public areas. For key announcements, they are piped into cabins; all can be heard in cabin on a designated TV channel.

Features

  • Virtually all cabins have twin beds, usually joined to create a generous queen, with side tables/drawers or shelves. If you prefer them separated, let the cruise line know. Suites may have king-sized beds. (See also "Sleep" below.)
    • Cabins configured for families may also have a pull-down or wall-mounted bunk-bed, sleeper sofa or settee, or another twin/queen bed.
  • All come with a small safe. While on board, you should lock all valuables in it (e.g., fine jewelry, passports, charge cards, cash), and leave them there unless needed, e.g., for a port visit, shopping ashore or dressing for dinner.
  • Expect to find a large wall-mounted mirror or two. Handy for checking your appearance, they also make the cabin seem bigger.
  • Small private bathrooms with showers are the minimum, with better cabins offering more space, shower/baths or larger showers. Each type will offer at least minimal toiletries typical for a motel (if you need specific ones, bring them or buy them near the port), small cabinets and shelves for all toiletries, at least one counter and lavatory, a toilet that operates by power suction, and a portable or installed hairdryer. Operate the toilet exactly as instructed.
  • All will have a telefon with wake-up call capability (synchronized to the ship's time).
  • Virtually all will have a TV, some even an attached DVD player.
  • All will have at least a reach-in closet with a hanging rod, some hangars and a shelf often holding your life-vests. You'll also find storage drawers or shelves elsewhere. Suites may have walk-ins, with numerous shelves.
  • Better cabins resemble hotel rooms and may have a settee, desk with chair or more.
  • Better ships/cabins often offer a small refrigerator, holding chilled cans and bottles for sale. If you bring your own drinks, ask the cabin steward to empty it of items for sale, which can be very pricey. Then put your own it it.
  • Power outlets and wattage are minimized—this is essential to avoid fire risk.
    • The bathroom should have a low-wattage, usually 120 V 60 Hz outlet, adequate for such as a shaver, and a 220 V outlet for the ship's hair-dryer if it's not built-in.
      • If the dryer is not installed in the bathroom, a 220 V outlet may be near the bed or desk, likely with a portable hair-dryer stored nearby.
    • Near the bed or desk, you may find one or two low-wattage, usually 120 V 60 Hz outlets, adequate only for such as a laptop or to charge electronics.
    • Net result: Don't bring your own iron, or use your own hairdryer or anything that heats food or liquid. If found during embarkation, they may be seized. If used, they may trip a circuit breaker serving other uses and cabins.
  • Knowing these features and limits, experienced cruisers variously bring:
    • A short, well-made 120 V extension cord to use low-wattage items at convenient locations.
    • One or two nite-lites in case needed.
    • A small, plug-in surge arrester, to prevent electrical damage to personal electronics.
    • For warm climes, a small fan. Cabin air conditioners effectively but slowly change cabin temperature, but airflow is often modest. A fan can help cabin comfort substantially.
    • A power converter and adapter plugs if your electronics aren't compatible with available cabin power, or if you'll travel before or after your cruise where power is incompatible.
    • Some form of air deodorizer; balcony fresh air (if you have one) quickly helps but can also quickly compromise cabin air temperature and humidity.

Cabin location

Location can affect price somewhat because parts of a ship are more desirable for some passengers, e.g.,

  • To avoid the effects of ship's rolling or pitching, some opt for a cabin on a lower deck or closer to amidships.
  • To sunbathe on their balcony, many choose a deck well below any over-hanging upper deck.
  • Those who need quiet to sleep should choose locations away from lobbies and elevators, and with at least one deck between their cabin and any place with late-night revelers, e.g., nightclubs, showrooms.
  • Those with mobility challenges may prefer to be near elevators.

Andet

Cabin water is fully potable, usually obtained by reverse-osmosis, so efficient that some large ships visiting ports with water shortages may offload potable water. (It does not substantially soften the water.) Older ships may use distillation supplemented by fresh water on-loads. All ships carefully treat the water to ensure its safety. Taste in cabins may be somewhat bland or have a hint of chemicals. Elsewhere, water often receives additional filtration to assure excellent taste for use in bars, dining rooms, kitchens, and buffet self-serve drink dispensers.

As you get interested in any cruise, ship or cabin type, go to the cruise line's web site and others for more details. Again, a good travel/cruise agent can help you find the features you need or want.

Key ships officers

Bridge on the Norwegian Jade

The ship and your cruise depend on them. Just a few of them include:

  • The Captain: He or she is called the ship's master for a reason, with total operational command and responsibility of the vessel and when and where it goes. Depending on the ship's nation of registry, some may be able to officiate at weddings, as can accredited, "resident", or pre-certified clergy.
  • The Hotel Manager: In charge of all staff that deliver on-board services, e.g., Purser/Customer Services, food and bar service, cabin staff, tour office, shops and nearly countless behind-the-scenes support staff.
  • The Cruise Director: Responsible for all entertainment, special activities, key briefings and announcements, and any port or shopping advisers.
  • The Maitre d' for your dining room, the headwaiter, and (perhaps) most-especially your waiter for the area where your table is located if you have opted for traditional evening dining (see "Eat" below). They stand ready to make special arrangements for you on-request such as birthday or anniversary celebrations, table changes, and special or required dining needs, e.g., food allergies, special diets.

Hop ind

The best-known destinations for cruise ships are tropical ports in the Caribien eller den Mexican Riviera, det Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but cruises can be found almost anywhere there's enough water to float a ship and cities or sites to visit. Cruise ships of various sizes visit the coasts of Alaska, det Nordic countries, South-East Asia, East Asia, southern Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Oceania and New England; and various islands of the Pacific Ocean. Even the North Pole and Antarctica are now destinations, though the latter has emerging ecological questions.

In addition, specially designed river boats and barges ply navigable rivers and lakes of Europe, China, Brazil, Egypt, North America and numerous other places. However, as noted above, this article focuses on ocean cruising and ships.

What to pack

For more discussion, see Packing for a cruise and Recommended dinner dress under "Eat" below.

This can vary substantially according to the region you'll cruise, e.g., clothing for cool/cold areas versus warm, conservative colors for Europe, items to cover arms and legs as you enter many religious buildings worldwide.

If you'll fly to/from a cruise port, see Flying for other advice and suggestions. Many experienced cruisers find certain items necessities, e.g.,:

  • Polarized sunglasses with strong light filtration, including full UV protection.
  • Sanitizing wipes or solution. If you purchase any, look for active sanitizing ingredients beyond just alcohol. Most intended for hands have a glycerin base to prevent drying skin. Avoid using them on hard surfaces as they leave an undesirable residue.
  • Skin protection. Essential for all cruises, the sun not only strikes you from above, but is reflected off the water on boat excursions and at beaches. See the article on Sunburn and sun protection. Pack and use protection, e.g., adequate clothing, brimmed hats, "fresh" sunblock with high UV A/B protection ratings (yes, it has a finite shelf-life). Ship's stores have some such items but charge dearly for them. You'll also find them ashore, but usually at a premium over offerings at home.
  • Binoculars. Most passing views from ship are at a considerable distance.
  • Duct tape. Useful to make temporary repairs to luggage and other items.

Essential papers

Cruise ship leaving Miami

Any authority looking at airline tickets, boarding passes and passports will examine names carefully. TSA and other security authorities often require that key papers (e.g., airline tickets, passports, visas, ship boarding passes) precisely reflect your full name. This applies to all persons in your travel group, e.g., spouse, children (toddlers perhaps excepted). It starts by making sure that whoever books your cruise (and any associated airline tickets) accurately enters each full name on reservations and later-generated tickets.

Passports and visas

Unless your ship's itinerary is confined to your home country (not often), you must prepare for a cruise as you would for any other international trip, to include passports, perhaps visas. Many countries to be visited may levy few or no visa requirements on day-visitors via cruise ship. But, check with the cruise line (through your agent if used) well ahead of time. Some lines will arrange needed visas for scheduled port visits, but also check specifically for visa requirements if you have an international flight itinerary.

  • The cruise-line will often insist that your passport have more than six months before it expires as of the date your international travel ends. They are echoing requirements of countries the ship will visit and/or where you'll fly, e.g., many that require visas will not issue them for passports with less time.
  • Lacking a passport, or any required visa, you risk being denied boarding on your departing flight or ship at embarkation without refund or other compensation. Your resulting expenses may also not be covered by travel insurance (you have a duty to fully prepare for your entire trip).
  • If your passport is stolen during a visit ashore during an international cruise, you will be left stranded; the cruise line will not let you return to the ship.

Very occasionally, port officials in certain countries will require review of all passenger passports before clearing the ship for passengers to go ashore. If so, they may join the ship a few days in-advance, and the ship will announce a day or so before the port visit that the staff must gather all passports for inspection or passengers will be processed in-person.

Before you leave home, make machine or photo color copies of at least the primary, facing pages of each passport per details in the above linked article. Use the passports when instructed by authorities, e.g., going through airport, airline or customs and immigration processing, or processing for initial ship's embarkation. Take the originals with you ashore on the rare occasion needed per ship's daily news or announcements. Otherwise, once on board, leave them in your cabin's safe and take the copies ashore (with government-issued photo identification) instead.

On your request, the United States can issue special passport cards for possible use at land borders and on cruise ships. However, in the event something comes up and you need to fly home from an international port of call, they are not accepted for international air travel.

Boarding passes and tickets

Once booked and paid, you must promptly go to your cruise line's web site to register. Immigration authorities require that any ship leaving their jurisdiction have personal data of all passengers well in-advance of cruise embarkation. And your agent or the line may need to mail documents to you reflecting that registration data. On the cruise line's web site, using your booking number, complete all details about all people in your travel group for whom you are responsible. If to informally travel with others, ensure they understand this. Data needed will include full names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers (or the equivalent for other countries), passport details, emergency contact names and phone numbers, how you want your shipboard account established/paid (an indicator, not a final commitment.) (see "Embarkation" and "Buy" below).

Once registered, within 60 days or so of cruise start, the line's web site will often allow you to print your boarding passes (see "Embarkation"). Others may mail them (and other information) to you as noted above. You may get one set of papers listing all persons in your group, or a set for each person. Web site or mail, you should also have the cruise contract and boarding instructions and times. If you've paid the line for flights or airport-to-port transfers, you should also find vouchers or flight tickets (or Internet links to them for printing at home). If you don't have these key papers in-hand in usable form at least three weeks before your cruise, notify your agent/cruise line immediately.

Per "Embarkation", each person will need his/her boarding pass and passport to be processed on board.

Cruise-line luggage tags

Tags showing your name, cruise ship, cruise date/identity/number and cabin number are essential to ensure your large luggage reaches your cabin.

  • Some lines will send you durable tags in-advance, to attach at least to your large luggage. If so, they'll often come with your boarding passes and vouchers if you have prepaid transfers.
  • Others will offer tags for you on-line. If so, print them (in color if possible). Yes, they'll be on printer paper. Then fold each as indicated into a narrow strip, and reinforce it with transparent package sealing tape. When you're ready to attach one, wrap it around a fixed luggage handle, information showing, and then staple multiple times or apply strong tape at the overlapping ends. The results can be surprisingly durable.
  • If you make your own flight arrangements, you'll have to get yourself and all bags to the port/cruise terminal. You can wait to attach the cruise-line tags as you claim them at the end of your flight, but do so before your bags reach the port if possible. If you have no tags, porters at the terminal can create them using your boarding pass data.
  • If you have arranged services through the cruise-line to transfer your checked luggage from the end of your flight to the ship, you need to attach the cruise tags as you check the luggage to begin flying. Before you leave the terminal at the port city's airport, get confirmation from any welcoming cruise-line staff about transfers and any responsibilities you have, e.g., if flying internationally, you may have to first claim your bags to go through customs and immigration processing before re-checking them into the cruise line luggage system at the airport.

Other essential papers

If travel is international, take no more prescription medications than you'll need on your trip—with convincing documentation that they belong to you and are necessary, e.g., properly labeled bottles with your name, perhaps a copy of the doctor's prescription. Leave the medications in and pack their prescribed bottles; otherwise, the meds lose their link to the prescriptions, and may be summarily confiscated as you enter or transit some countries.

  • If any contain a controlled or narcotic ingredient, make absolutely sure you will not violate any law of any country you'll enter — even as a through cruise or flight passenger, e.g., as needed, have the country's written permission to carry the meds within its borders. Most countries with restrictions will have ways to apply in advance for permission. If so, apply well in-advance, especially if hard copy postings are involved, e.g., such can require 1-2 months, while e-mail perhaps 1-2 weeks, even if your initial efforts prove incomplete.
  • Some countries may have unexpected restrictions on entering/transiting with some basic medications, e.g., for Japan anything containing pseudoephedrine (‎Afrinol, Sudafed, Sinutab) or codeine (some cough and anti-diarrhea medicines). Always read the ingredients. Without prior permission to have them, they will be confiscated, and you may be arrested. You'll have to consult (and likely be examined by) a physician in the country to to obtain replacement/substitute medication if it's available.
  • Without action in-advance to comply with their laws, in a few countries for some medications the consequences can be severe, e.g., fine, arrest, possible prison.

Avoid paying duty on valuable items you take with you. You'll be exasperated as you return home if customs officials charge you duty for jewelry, a late model camera or electronics you took with you. Se Proof of What You Already Own

If you have purchased travel insurance, take at least a summary of the policy coverage and how to contact the insurer for help from wherever you will go on the trip. And leave a copy of that with someone at home who can help with any actions needed or may benefit from its terms.

Flying to/from port

Hurtigruten takes you along Norway's coast

Cruise ships sail from an increasing number of port cities. Most people must fly to get to them. If that applies to you, you have options. They include arranging your own flights (discussed later), choosing a cruise line fly/cruise package, choosing a cruise extension, or making a flight deviation request to suit your needs/desires to/from the cruise.

For all those options, if you miss your ship's departure (actually from any port), you are responsible for joining it at its next port of call or getting home on your own. (That can be very expensive unless covered by travel insurance and you acted diligently to not miss the ship.) Some sources imply that ships will delay departure for flights their line has arranged that arrive late. More accurately, they may delay, but only if it doesn't compromise the ship's ability to reach the next port on-schedule. Accordingly:

  • Fly to a departure port under the simplest possible flight arrangements (e.g., to avoid missed connections/lost luggage), scheduled to arrive in plenty of time for you to reach the ship's terminal at least two hours before sailing. Otherwise, fly to reach the port area the day before, even if it means you must pay there for an overnight stay, meals and transfers. (For return flights, see also "Disembarkation" discussion below.)
  • If flying to a distant overseas departure port, plan to get to the port city/area at least a day before cruise departure, again despite the overnight costs and transfers. Such "day early" arrivals at distant ports are good industry practice and so should be offered by your cruise line in any fly/cruise package. Your insistence about decent flight routes and timing should not be treated by any agent or cruise line as a flight deviation request (discussed below). If you'll have a long flight, you'll appreciate the chance to rest after arrival anyway.

EN fly/cruise package means the line makes all arrangements for you to fly to, go on and return from the cruise. This offers convenience and confidence for first-time cruisers or those going to/from unfamiliar ports. Those packages include air travel (economy, from/to select gateway airports), land transfers to/from ship, and may include lodging. Lines reserve seats well in-advance, anticipating demand by those liking the option (and for other uses). Those packages have trade-offs:

  • They usually cost more than arranging your own flights and transfers; "usually" because some offers may be a good deal — an effort to help cruise line business. The line may want to develop new, expanded or unusual passenger or destination "markets", or it may be trying to fill empty cabins. Others may regularly offer "free airfare" or reduced air rates. Take care with "free". If you see anything in the trip description or the total invoiced/quoted cruise cost that in-effect refunds/rebates for air support not used, the offer really isn't free, but it still may be desirable.
  • The line's choices of flights/routes are often made semi-automatically, emphasizing cruise-line cost-avoidance (e.g., using airline seats they've already blocked), then your cruise departure time.
  • You have little control over their initial choices. Results occasionally have inconvenient flight times, use busy air hubs, have short connections, require considerable walking between gates/terminals, choose seats for group/family members apart from each other, and/or have quite long total times en route.
  • If you have special needs that would affect transfers or seating need/preference, let your agent or the line know, preferably before the line makes initial flight choices. This may give you/your agent some leverage in later negotiations over cruise line choices. And some high-end cruise lines may offer premium flight seating at relatively modest cost, which is perhaps crucial for tall or "mature" passengers.
  • The line will notify you of proposed flight details 45-60 days ahead of the cruise. Promptly examine them. If any detail appears problematic, promptly question its wisdom (through your agent if used), and decline to accept until corrected or explained to your full satisfaction.

Most lines also offer cruise extensions. You can opt to spend 2-3 (perhaps more) nights at/near a port area/city immediately before and/or after your cruise. Extensions can be somewhat to decidedly pricey, are integrated into your overall trip, with flight arrangements, quality lodging and transfers usually included. Meals may not be included; some may be. They may include one or more tours. The line should not demand any flight deviation fee (see below). Cruise brochures, your travel agent and the cruise-line's website will variously describe the extensions available. If travel involves flying overseas, and if you can, choose the number of days of the extension with intent to use at least some of the first day at the port destination to rest, with the remainder for exploring.

Flight deviation requests. A "deviation" is used to arrange flight dates for early arrival at the cruise port city/area, en route stay-overs, specific flight dates/times, aircraft cabin class, airlines or specific flight numbers that suit your preferences. The request must be based on what's actually possible, so your prior research is essential, or your request may be fruitless. For a fee (e.g., US$75–150 per person), the cruise line will process (not book) your request for special flight arrangements. This request should preferably be placed through any agent that booked your cruise. You should formulate and submit it long before cruise start, and ensure it's understood by any agent used.

If your agent already knows of your needs/preferences, he/she may be able to negotiate minor changes to flight choices by the line with no deviation request needed or fee involved. If that fails, you may need/want a deviation. The line usually begins work to satisfy your deviation request after it has chosen/proposed initial flight arrangements, e.g., in a fly/cruise package. This may be a short time after you make full payment for the package.

  • The later your request, the more difficult it will be to arrange, and likely more costly. (Cruise lines block seats in-advance, and they may be quickly spoken for. A late deviation request can force the line to quote you added costs to "cold purchase" necessary air tickets, at substantial extra cost to you even using their mass/wholesale contacts.)
  • Your request may be one of hundreds being processed for that cruise, so make it simple, e.g., clear objectives with few alternatives/options; each requires some research by whomever works to help you.
  • The more specific, "exotic" or luxurious your request (e.g., first- or business-class seating), the more expensive your deviation (beyond the deviation processing fee) will tend to be. After any negotiations, you'll receive (through your agent if any) the line's final offer of arrangements and cost and itinerary details. As above, examine each detail for feasibility and whether it meets your objectives.
    • If the cruise cost includes airfare, the line's web site or your invoice for the total cruise cost will usually include a sum reflecting a flight "refund". If negotiations for the flight deviation fail, you will (usually) have that sum to use as you look for flights on your own or with travel agent help if you wish.
    • If you've booked a cruise with prices that say "airfare included", and then you make a deviation request, watch out for unusually high air charges for minor changes to time, seating, route or airline. They may be an effort by the cruise line to recoup under-calculated air costs in the original price.
  • If your initial request might be difficult to fill, you should first ask about the line's policy on deviation charges. If negotiations fail, many cruise lines won't charge the deviation fee.

Booking your own: If you're a seasoned traveler or have a good travel agent, you/your agent may do better by booking your own flights and lodging. This can mean better economy, flight dates and times, routes, seating and hotels you prefer. However, if your cruise starts at one distant port and ends at a different one, look at both self/agent-arranged flights and cruise-line fly/cruise packages.

  • On your own, you may face buying one-way air tickets for all in your party. On many airlines, one-way domestic tickets can cost more than round trips on the same dates. For international flights, one-way tickets can cost more than twice as much as round-trips on the same dates.
  • You/your agent may also be able to find "open jaw" tickets for less than one-way full-fare prices.
  • As a last resort, you/your agent may know of budget web sites, flight packagers or brokers, or unscheduled airline charters. They may offer quality arrangements or "econo" bookings. The latter may require that all in your party be "flexible" about dates, routes, times en route, and on-board niceties. It occasionally involves need to claim luggage from one carrier while en route, take it to another carrier or terminal (even airport) and recheck it. Unless you are clearly "booked through" (as reflected on your detailed itinerary, later on boarding passes), the two or more airlines involved have no responsibility for making your arranged flight connections, for you or your luggage.

If you arrange anything on your own, keep any affected agent informed of your intent, efforts and results. Regardless of how you've gotten airline tickets, once you're booked, check frequent-flier miles you may have and if they apply. If you have enough, and "your airline" or "alliance" gets chosen to transport you, you may be able to use your "miles"/points for seating upgrades. Contact the airline directly.

Regardless of how arranged, ensure you have completely adequate scheduled connection times to make flight check-ins and flight connections (including possibly going through customs/immigration at some airports) en route to reach the start of your cruise, and for return flights. Include extra time for unpredictable delays. Consider everything that might make you late, e.g., flight schedules, "tricky" connections, seasonal weather anywhere on your route, distance/time between the cruise ports and airports, ground transport dependability/availability, how far in advance you need to check-in for flights. If you don't have fully-adequate time, choose other arrangements.

Such complexity, risk and cost point to the usefulness of a travel or cruise agent and the importance of quality trip insurance.

Home to/from port by land

In contrast to flying, you might drive to your port city if practical without great effort and if the costs are right. With an adequate vehicle, you can take and bring home much more than allowed by air, which is quite useful for serious shoppers with family souvenirs, etc. It may allow you to visit the port area one or more days before or after the cruise. If it looks tempting, examine and compare:

  • Using a hotel/motel park-stay-cruise package near the port. Some let you park for 7–14 days at no or small charge (but without assurance of vehicle security) and offer shuttles to/from the port. Certain web sites specialize in finding such offers.
  • Driving and parking at a commercial parking lot near or at the port. They nearly always offer shuttles to and from the port. They can be pricey for multi-week cruises, but do offer some security for your vehicle. Lots in/on the port are often much more expensive than off-port.
  • Renting a car or van one-way each way. If your group is 3 or more adults or a family, you'll need a sizable vehicle for all, to assure comfort and room for luggage. Renting lets you "up-size" as needed and avoid parking costs for long cruises. However, watch out for large drop-off fees, especially if the drive crosses state lines. Major rental brands should have an office for vehicle drop-off and pick-up near the port, often offering shuttles to/from.

If you can obtain quality, convenient bus or train service (as in Europe), you might obtain similar benefits, with simplicity and savings possible over a car. Examine the carrier's costs, reputation for punctuality, schedules, locations of terminals, transfers needed and any parking costs near home, and plan your departures accordingly.

Embarkation

Elevator on the Carnival Fantasy

This all starts as you reach your ship's terminal. The walking distance from ground transport to on-board ship can vary from 100–300 meters or more depending on terminal design and ship size. If anyone in your party has mobility challenges, request help in-advance.

If you'll board a large ship, examine the cruise line's instructions on when to arrive. Consider that:

  • A large group will eagerly reach the terminal as early as they can—perhaps forgetting that the same staff (ship's, terminal and customs) that processes them will first have to help nearly all on-board passengers disembark. If you are also that early, you'll likely spend considerable time idle in line waiting to be processed, with no guarantee of seating, refreshments or shelter from the weather.
  • Many other embarking passengers will precisely follow the cruise line advice and arrive at the designated time. That can create another line.
  • Once all staff are ready to embark passengers, only very frequent customers of that line, or those who've booked suites, will receive any preferential processing.

So if you have a choice, consider reaching the terminal 30 minutes or so after the time mentioned by the cruise line. In any event, reach the cruise terminal at least two hours before the ship is scheduled to sail. As above, if your agent or cruise line has arranged a flight that could cause you to reach the port later, seriously question its wisdom well in-advance. If you're traveling in a group (e.g., family), don't begin embarkation processing without all members present.

At the cruise terminal, give your large baggage (virtually no limit on numbers, but don't pack that much), with cruise tags attached, to porters for mandatory, separate security screening, then loading on the ship. They deserve a modest tip. As above, if you have no tags to attach, the porters will help you to fill-in blank tags using details on your boarding pass.

You won't see those large bags until they arrive at your cabin door. Delivery may take 2–3 hours, perhaps more. If you've paid the cruise line for airport-to-terminal transfers, and you have no intermediate customs processing at the airport, you may not see your checked luggage after initial airport check-in until it reaches the terminal, perhaps even at your cabin. But learn the full process and understand your responsibilities.

As you start in-processing at the ship's terminal, officials will examine your boarding passes and passports. Then:

  • You and your hand-carried items will be scanned, much as at an airport — but without limits on numbers or non-alcoholic liquids. If you hope to bring beer, wine or liquor aboard (in checked or carried bags), understand and pack for the cruise line's policy about what you are allowed to bring aboard. Policy can range from no restrictions to confiscation of any "no no" found during embarkation.
  • You'll be instructed to fill-out and sign a simple current health statement, one for at least each person in your group. If anyone reports or exhibits symptoms of something that might be communicable, he/she may be interviewed. At worst, he/she may be denied boarding, at no liability to the cruise line. (Law requires ship's officers to minimize health risks to all the (perhaps) thousands of passengers and crew on board.) This event should be covered by good trip insurance.
  • You'll be shown to a processing counter to provide identification, set up a shipboard charge account and be issued a cabin key card for each person in your group. (See also "Ashore" and "Buy" below)
  • From there, you'll begin boarding. At the counter or on the way on-board, you'll each have an electronic identification photo taken, computer-linked to your cabin key/card. After that, you are free to board and walk about on-board. Later, as you disembark and re-board, you'll have to use your card, and the photos will electronically pop-up on a monitor used by ship's security staff.
    • On the way aboard, you'll often encounter a ship's commercial photographer. All pictures they take throughout the cruise have no cost unless you choose to buy one as you find it later in the ship's photo gallery. They tend to be rather pricey.

Once on board, a lounge or the buffet and casual food counters await, usually on upper decks. You'll often be instructed not to go to your cabin until their readiness is announced (your cabin steward is completely cleaning and sanitizing it, and changing all linens and towels in your cabin and many others). So, after food if any, it's a good time to walk about the ship to get oriented.

  • Top-side you'll probably see a swimming pool or more, other sports and exercise facilities, bars, perhaps the spa and a forward lounge.
  • Likely on lower, public decks, you'll find the Purser's Desk (aka Customer Service), often a concierge desk and shore tour ticket office, future cruise sales desk, perhaps shops (not open), and an Internet café somewhere.

Before sailing, there will be a safety at sea briefing that everyone must attend. Cruise lines and captains take this maritime law requirement seriously. You'll find instructions in your cabin, and papers and announcements will tell where and when to go. It includes learning the location of your emergency "muster station", ways to get there, emergency signals and procedures, and how to wear your life vest. You may or may not need to take or don your life-vest—stored in your cabin. All ship's services will be closed during this time. If anyone in your group has mobility problems, this is a good time to tell the staff for your muster station so they can prearrange special help for emergencies. Truants will be called to a separate, later briefing at staff's convenience. Continuing truancy can result in being ordered to disembark at the next port.

If time permits after the briefing and before sailing, go top-side for departure. It's always interesting, often scenic (take your camera if light will be adequate), with a bon voyage party likely.

Komme omkring

Nautical directions

Since you're on a ship, you'll want to learn at least a little bit of nautical lingo, especially for navigating the ship. The front of the ship is the bow and the back is the stern; all directions aboard the ship are relative to those two locations. If something is closer to the bow, it's fore or forward; if it's closer to the stern, it's aft. Starboard is to the right if you're facing the bow; port is to the left. And if something is in the middle of the ship (either fore-to-aft or starboard-to-port), it's amidships.

One of the long corridors on the Mariner of the Seas

The key advantage of a cruise ship is that it does most of the "getting around" for you. See "Understand" (above) and the following sections for details about ships and port visits. Basically, you unpack once, then visit the ports on your ship's itinerary and only repack at the end of the cruise. Careful consideration of the cruise itinerary and daily bulletins will eliminate confusion about where you are, what's happening, and where you'll go next.

As you explore the ship, you'll note that instead of numbers, decks may have fanciful names. You may find yourself referring frequently to the small pocket-map in your cabin and diagrams in elevators and stairwells to figure out where you are and whether the Lido Deck is above or below the Promenade Deck. The biggest ships can have 15 or more decks (counting bars and whatnot perched above the pools), making even the most conscientious stair-climbers resort to elevators from time to time. Thankfully, elevators will have an outside and inside list of facilities for each deck. But they often do not tell you if any is aft or forward, so again you'll need to look at the pocket-map.

Only rarely does a ship fail to visit a scheduled port. This most often stems from adverse weather, rarely by equipment failure or accident. If weather threatens, the captain will avoid the effects of the weather as much as possible, and will make announcements explaining what is happening and if alternate ports will be visited.

Se

Cruising southeastern Alaska's Inside Passage

Some ships have been outfitted with millions of dollars worth of art and elaborate interior decor, but generally after a few days there isn't that much to see on most cruise ships. The real sights are ashore. Some ships travel to geographically interesting areas such as Alaska or Scandinavia where they make efforts to view shorelines up-close, e.g., Fjords and glaciers. Generally speaking, the smaller the ship, the better proximity to scenery you can expect, because they won't need to stick to deep and open water. On large ships, other scenery may be too far off to really enjoy its details, though binoculars help. Afhængigt af region og årstid kan du se hvaler, delfiner eller flyvende fisk, der svømmer i nærheden eller endda følger ved siden af.

Mangler disse fordele, kommer de virkelige sightseeingmuligheder, når du nærmer dig og når havnen, og når du tager udflugter, der er beskrevet nedenfor.

Tager billeder

  • Kyster er sjældent lige linjer, men hvis du tager billeder af havet, skal du holde horisonten vandret.
  • Hvis du planlægger at tage billeder, der involverer havet eller fjerne objekter, skal du lære, hvilke situationer der anbefales et UV- eller cirkulært polarisationsfilter og forberede dig i overensstemmelse hermed.
  • Kikkert er afgørende, når man bare ser på skibe og kystlinjer, typisk i betydelige afstande. Hvis du planlægger at tage billeder af dem, skal du sørge for at have en linse med brændvidde, der skal forstørres betydeligt.

Gør

Når du planlægger hver dags aktiviteter, vil alt om bord være baseret på skibets tid. Afhængigt af dets rejseplan ændrer skibet normalt sin tid til at blive enige med enhver tidszone, det har indtastet. Dette sikrer, at du kan drage fordel af alle aktiviteter og ture, om bord og i land, med tillid til tiden. Din kabinetelefon synkroniseres til det tidspunkt, så du er velkommen til at bruge dens vågneop kapacitet til at sikre, at du ikke går glip af nogen begivenhed.

Ombord

Swimmingpoolområdet og poolbaren ombord på MS Independence of the Seas

Store skibe vil have de fleste eller alle de funktioner, der diskuteres nedenfor - megaskibe endnu mere. Mindre skibe (f.eks. 600-1200 passagerkapacitet) vil have mange af dem, men i færre antal eller mindre skala.

Du vil være omgivet af vand, du ikke kan svømme i (det passerer omkring 15-20 knob), men alle undtagen de mindste skibe har mindst en "svømmepøl" (måske overdækket, ellers kun anvendelig i varme klimaer) og liggestole. Puljerne er ikke gode til svømmeture, men nogle nye skibe bliver udstyret med små svømme mod den nuværende pool. De fleste er fyldt med forarbejdet havvand. Forældre til spædbørn og små børn (eller personale på nogle skibe. Fx Disney) skal sikre, at deres små ikke skaber noget sikkerheds- eller hygiejneproblem for nogen.

Uden de juridiske begrænsninger, der pålægges landbaserede faciliteter, har de fleste krydstogtskibe en kasino (ikke Disney). Forvent mere vægt på spil på skibe, der tager sig af amerikanere end europæere. Forvent ikke bordspil eller maskiner med udbyttesatser tæt på dem, der findes i bedre landbaserede kasinoer; koncessionshavere betaler dyrt for pladsen. Det vil kun være åbent til spil, mens du er på havet. Hvis du vinder et betydeligt beløb, skal du bede om at få din indtjening til dig i form af en check. Ellers er du muligvis nødt til at bære og beskytte kontanter. (Du kan muligvis få præmien konverteret til skibskreditter, men på mange skibe refunderes ikke ubrugte kreditter ved krydstogtsafslutning: du mister dem. Det er klogt at bruge et meget stort antal kreditter ved krydstogtafslutning.)

På større skibe er Las Vegas og Broadway modellerne for underholdning. De har forskellige sang- og danseshows, sangere, komikere, tryllekunstnere, jonglører og anden live underholdning. På store skibe præsenteres de i et stort teater; på små skibe bruger de en lounge med scene. Serier følger typisk middagen, men kan gå forud for dem, der vælger "sent" middagssæde. Under og efter shows tilbyder andre spillesteder små bands, klaverbarer og dans til live musik eller en disc jockey. Særlige krydstogter med fokus på bestemte typer musik eller kunstnere / bands bruger mange af de samme spillesteder.

Til kulturelt eller geografisk vigtige destinationer eller specielle begivenheder tilbyder skibe ofte kyndige undervisere. Nogle skibe leverer om bord kapellaner at gennemføre religiøse overholdelser, selvom dette bliver mindre almindeligt uden for spidsbelastningstider, fx jul, påske. For at styrke dette på andre tidspunkter kan de byde passagerer (med nødvendige tilbehør) velkommen som frivillige til at udføre tjenester.

Teater i MS Eurodam

EN biograf findes på de fleste skibe og afspiller film, der ligner dem, der findes i flyselskaber. Der er normalt en bibliotek om bord for din læsefornøjelse, men forvent ikke de nyeste romaner, medmindre de efterlades fra et tidligere krydstogt. Hvis hytter har DVD-afspillere, kan biblioteket have en beskeden samling titler. Det kan også tilbyde elektronisk eller kort spil at tjekke ud. Meget almindeligt finder du en Internet cafe (diskuteret senere), der tilbyder flere computere med en netværksprinter. På toppen skal du finde nogen, der udsteder udstyr til basketball, bordtennis, shuffle-board og andre anvendelser.

Skibet tilbyder ofte plads og siddepladser til at understøtte improviseret eller organiseret bro, endda turneringer. Og det har personalet meget ofte trivia og andre konkurrencer. Og på de fleste sødage vil du se mindst en stor Bingo session tilbudt.

Handle ind er let tilgængelig med butikker om bord. (Se "Køb" nedenfor.) De er toldfri, men forvent ikke store tilbud. De vil kun være åbne, når de er til søs.

Bryllupper til søs er mulige på nogle skibe, som f.eks Bermuda-registreret Princess-linje, men kræver avancerede anmodninger og planlægning for at være gennemførlig.

Du modtager en dagligt nyhedsbrev med en tidsplan for aktiviteter, apt til at nævne kunstauktioner (angiveligt det "farligste sted på et skib"), bingo, køkken ture, port- og shoppingforelæsninger, krydstogt forbedringsforedrag (af naturforskere, historikere, politiske forskere, et al.), kunst og håndværk lektioner, konkurrencer ved poolen, dansekurserosv. Familieorienterede krydstogter (især Disney) vil have mange aldersspecifikke aktiviteter og personale, beregnet til børn og teenagere.

De fleste skibe har en fitnesscenter eller sundhedscenter med træningsmaskiner. De tilbyder ofte instruktionsprogrammer i træningsregimer eller Tai Chi osv. Til beskedne omkostninger, som muligvis skal bookes på forhånd. Mange bruger "promenade" -dækket eller topsiden til at gå / jogge. Førstnævnte sløjfer normalt rundt om skibet på et midtdæk og ndash, men kan have trapper, der afbryder dig. I så fald kan et topside spor være bedre, hvis det er tilgængeligt (ofte er soldækket tilgængeligt for joggere på et bestemt tidspunkt, normalt om morgenen). Nogle skibe finder plads til at sætte greener, golfsimulator, en basketball- eller tennisbane (lukket af kuglefanger) ovenpå. Nogle meget store skibe har skøjtebaner, klatrevægge, "surfparker" og andre aktiviteter.

Spa-faciliteter er et hæfteklammer fra krydstogtskibe. Alt fra massage til frisør til eksotiske sundheds- og skønhedsbehandlinger fås til betydelige ekstra omkostninger.

Nogle europæisk baserede skibe kan have et dæk til naturist solbadning, dette er det øverste dæk for at forhindre andre mennesker i at se. Da det øverste dæk normalt har den bedste udsigt, sker det dog, at folk rejser sig på dette dæk med deres kamera. Dette er naturligvis forbudt.

I land

En redningsbåd fra "Pride of America", der bruges som et udbud på Hawaii.

Du skal bruge din kabine nøglekort hver gang du forlader og om bord på skibet. Det er sådan, de bestemmer, om du er ombord, og hvordan skibets sikkerhedspersonale genkender dig. Ellers efterlader de dig muligvis.

  • Du bliver regelmæssigt bedt om at vende tilbage til skibet mindst 30 minutter før dets planlagte afgang.
  • Nær afgangstid, baseret på sporing af, hvem der ikke er ombord, kan du høre meddelelser for bestemte passagerer om at kontakte Pursers skrivebord - de "mangler".

Undersøg på forhånd hvert sted, du besøger. Det kan forbedre din krydstogtoplevelse i høj grad uden eller uden omkostninger. Mange havne og nærliggende seværdigheder er dækket af Wikivoyage-destinationssider, rejsewebsteder (f.eks. WhatsInPortog bøger.

Skibet lægger normalt til ved en mole. Hvis der ikke er nogen, vil den ankre eller fortøje offshore, og skibets redningsbåde eller kommercielle både vil bud dig til et praktisk sted på land. Din detaljerede rejseplan viser, hvordan dit skib vil besøge hver havn.

  • Hvis du er på et meget stort skib, kan udbud tage lang tid. Skibets turbesøgere går normalt først, derefter "early-birds", der har fået først-til-mølle-præmie-billetter / numre. Medmindre du har købt en skibs tur, skal du planlægge din tid i land i overensstemmelse hermed.
  • Hvis vejret genererer ujævnt hav i en havn, hvor dit skib forankrer / heder, kan bud på land muligvis være ubrugelige og annulleres. Hvis skibet ikke kan få dig til land ved en havn, er linjen kan tilbyde refusion for skuffelsen, men vilje refunder udgifterne til skibsture købt men annulleret.
Havnen i Saint John's på Antigua. Når du sammenligner krydstogtskibenes størrelse med sine tusinder af passagerer med størrelsen på byen, er det let at forstå, hvor vigtig krydstogtturisme er for nogle ølande

Havnebesøgstider tillader normalt passagerer at gå i land kl. 7-8, med skibets afgang ofte kl. 17-18. Tidligere eller senere afgangstider kan påvirkes af tidevand, afstand til næste havn eller særlige turbehov i land; Ombordstigning kan forsinkes let ved skibets eller passagerernes toldklarering. Ved særlige stop kan nogle skibe blive senere, måske natten over eller flere nætter.

Det shore udflugter kontor vil tilbyde en række sightseeingture, kulturelle besøg og organiserede aktiviteter (fx scuba, snorkling, kajak, cykling) - tilbud dikteret af hver havns natur, dens klima, årstid og tid i havn.

  • I større havne bruger ture ofte store busser med aircondition til 30-50 personer. Populære havne vil også have et stort antal taxaer, sedans eller varevogne med aircondition med chauffører / guider til leje: biler, der kan transportere 3-4 voksne, varevogne til 6 eller flere.
  • Heldags ture fylder ofte stort set al din tid i havn. Du finder normalt også halvdags ture, morgen og eftermiddag - det er værd at overveje, hvis en gåtur eller shopping før eller efter frokost også appellerer.
  • Hvis du er en selvsikker rejsende, eller hvis du har besøgt havnen før og vil turne specielle steder, kan det være godt med at leje en bil med chauffør / guide til at tage en rundtur efter eget valg og design. Det kan kun involvere din familie / gruppe eller 2-4 medpassagerer eller deromkring. Igen kan avancerede ordninger være tilrådeligt.

Skibsture koster ofte mere end tilsvarende ture, der forhandles uafhængigt af lokalbefolkningen, f.eks. Kan du leje en taxa eller varevogn med chauffør / guide til $ 40-50 pr. Time for 4-6 personer. I modsætning hertil kan en halvdags skibstur variere fra $ 50-100 Per personmed hele dage $ 125-300. Men for de ekstra omkostninger giver skibsture:

  • Stor bekvemmelighed ved bestilling af en tur, selvom forskningsundersøgelser i høj grad kan hjælpe dine egne arrangementer.
  • Noget tillid til rejseplanen, hvis du vover langt fra havnen.
  • Noget forsikring på især "iværksætterpladser", at du ikke bliver snydt af en chauffør eller en "mægler" på en mole.
  • Større sikkerhed for, at skibet venter, hvis din tur ikke er tilbage til tiden. Igen vil det vente så længe som muligt på skibsture, og kan vent på dem alene, men kun hvis den kan nå den næste havn til tiden uden høje omkostninger (brændstof).

Meget populære skibsudflugter kan opfyldning mange dage før du sætter sejl (de kan købes online). Det kan være klogt at undersøge dem og forpligte sig til nogle eller lave avancerede, selvindrettede alternativer, som det er berettiget, fx hvis:

  • Du har dit hjerte indstillet på at svømme med delfiner eller stingrays eller klatre op på en gletscher.
  • Du er fokuseret på en heldagstur på et virkelig specielt sted et stykke fra havnen, f.eks. Normandiet strande fra Le Havre.

Tilgængeligheden af ​​ture afhænger i høj grad af placering / tour popularitet. For eksempel er der flere operatører og snesevis af busser, der tager rejsende fra Cancún til Chichen itza. Du kan ikke se dette på små og mindre besøgte Caribiske øer. Med flere krydstogtskibe i havn kan ture overalt blive udsolgt.

I nogle havne skal skibe anløbe blandt kommercielle godsoperationer. At gå fra / til skibet kan være gennem uforudsigelig farlig aktivitet, endda forbudt af havnemyndigheden. Se på skibets nyhedsbrev for havneforhold, og lyt efter meddelelser om krydstogtsdirektør eller havnerådgiver. Ved sådanne dokker vil de fleste skibe arrangere en shuttle fra skibet til en terminal med taxaer / busser, selv til et shoppingområde eller centrum. Hvis ja, skal du også kigge efter detaljer om en returflyvning. Mangler en shuttle, skal du anmode om transport, der undgår faren, og måske spørge Cruise Director på forhånd om sikkerhedsspørgsmål.

Som diskuteret i dybden nedenfor kan UV-indholdet i solen være meget højt på enhver tur, især på eller i nærheden af ​​vand på enhver breddegrad om sommeren. Beskyt dig selv. Se "Bliv sund" nedenfor.

Købe

Penge

Informer dig selv om eventuelle yderligere udgifter om bord Før din rejse - hvad er inkluderet i prisen, og hvad ikke. Prøv onlinespørgsmål til "krydstogt" og "rådgivning".

Kabine nøgle. For både bekvemmelighed og for at fremme en afslappet atmosfære, de fleste krydstogtskibe kører et "kontantfrit" system, hvor du bruger din kahytnøgle (kort) til at opkræve alle udgifter om bord, undertiden undtagen for spil. To eller flere kabine nøgler / kort kan referere til et kreditkort eller en kontantkonto (kontant depositum givet på forhånd), fx for par og familier. I slutningen af ​​hvert krydstogtsegment bruger skibet dit kreditkort eller kontant depositum til at afvikle den endelige saldo på din konto.

  • Du kan få den aktuelle saldo på din kontomed en liste over alle opladninger til enhver tid, undertiden endda på dit kabine-tv. Du bør gennemgå disse detaljer i det mindste nær slutningen af ​​krydstogtet for at give dig tid til at stille spørgsmålstegn ved ethvert gebyr.
  • Hvis det er knyttet til dit kreditkort, bliver din kontosaldo automatisk debiteret det; mange linjer opkræver dit kreditkort med andre udgifter (forklaret før krydstogt, f.eks. personalegodtgørelser) under krydstogt. Ved afslutning af krydstogt afregnes saldoen automatisk - tillader brug af din kahytnøgle den sidste aften.
  • Du skal personligt afvikle enhver kontantkonto. Dette risikerer lange køer ved Purser's Desk den sidste fulde dag af krydstogt, da mange andre også betaler deres konti. Når du er betalt, kan du muligvis ikke foretage flere afgifter, før du går af land.
  • Ved afbarking får enhver, der ikke har afregnet deres konto fuldt ud, ikke lov til at forlade.

Bedre udstyrede skibe kan tilbyde et eller flere Hæveautomater. De skal normalt gøre spil mere bekvemt. Derfor tilbyder de normalt kun den valuta, der bruges af kasinoet. Og deres gebyrer har tendens til at være ret høje i forhold til banker i land. Hvis du har brug for "udenlandsk" valuta til en udflugt på land, kan "Udflugt" -personalet muligvis have råd om, hvor du kan få den i land. Mulighed kan også omfatte at bruge skibets portefølje til at veksle din valuta til små mængder lokalt.

Kontostyring

Du bliver bedt om at begå kontanter eller en kredit- / betalingskortkonto for at betale dit skibs kontosaldo. Gebyrer på din konto kan omfatte udgifter til drikkevarer, ture, spisning i specialrestauranter, køb af varer, spa-tjenester osv. Af mange grunde kan din konto modtage kreditter, f.eks. Hvis betalte ture skal annulleres eller måske gives på forhånd til hyppige krydsere. Sørg for, at du bruger alle tildelte kreditter. Ingen vil blive refunderet som kontant eller opkræve kontokredit ved krydstogtafslutning, med mulig undtagelse af aflysning af ture ved handling fra skibets personale.

Tip

Tips om bord har to former - tillæg for specialdrikke, specialrestauranter og nogle tjenester (diskuteret nedenfor) og (i sidste ende valgfri) tip til skibets personale (ikke officerer) opkræves normalt i slutningen af ​​krydstogtet.

Lær krydstogtsrådets anbefalinger til deponering skibets personale. De foreslår "passende" valgfri beløb - en vigtig del af personalets indkomst. De anbefalede beløb kan variere noget efter din hytteklasse.

  • Mange krydstogtskibe tilføj disse beløb automatisk til passagerernes skibskonti - dette kan være 12-15 USD pr. dag pr. passager. Denne metode sikrer, at alle personale, der bidrager til din krydstogtoplevelse (f.eks. kokke, rengørings- og vedligeholdelsesarbejdere), ikke kun din tjener og kabinestyring, få lidt ekstra indkomst og anerkendelse.
    • Ingen automatiske drikkepenge kommer til skibets officerer.
  • Du kan vælge at afvise eller justere denne automatiske deponering efter ønske inden krydstogtsafslutning. Royal Caribbean og andre tilbyder denne mulighed på forhånd, men gør muligvis ikke muligheden eller hvordan man udøver den indlysende.
  • Som tilskyndelse til faste kunder kan nogle krydstogtskibe og rejse- / krydstogtbureauer betale for drikkepenge.
  • Uanset om det er automatisk eller personligt, fortjener ethvert besætningsmedlem, der specielt har forbedret din krydstogterfaring, noget - måske i tillæg til automatiske beløb.
  • Mange erfarne krydsere finder ud af, at et delvis tip til nøglebesætningsmedlemmer (fx kabinestyrer) ved krydstogtstart ofte har gode resultater.

Nogle krydstogtskibe eller krydstogter har en politik, der ikke "tipper", ofte rettet mod de europæiske eller andre markeder, hvor deponering er kulturelt fremmed og kan skræmme kunder væk, hvis de bliver opkrævet. I virkeligheden er drikkepenge indbygget i den højere pris for disse krydstogter, hvor passagerer også betaler skat.

Shopping om bord

Grand Lobby på Queen Mary 2

Krydstogtsskibe drager fordel af deres internationale / hav-status at tilbyde toldfri shopping (f.eks. til spiritus, smykker (kostume og dyrebare), kosmetik, parfume) til anstændige, hvis ikke udestående priser. Store skibe har normalt butikker, der sælger logo tøj / souvenirs, måske tilbyder afslappet og aften tøj (nogle få endda inkluderer tux / formelle huslejer). Andre butikker tilbyder grundlæggende diversevarer, slik og over-the-counter medicin. Alle vil kun være åbne til søs.

  • Du kan muligvis se "fortovssalg", tilbud på smykker og ure, og mod slutningen måske et godkendelsessalg på forældede logotøj og andre genstande.
  • Alle flaske spiritus købt om bord holdes indtil den sidste fulde dag af dit krydstogt og leveres derefter til din kahyt, sandsynligvis i boks, men har brug for mere polstring i kassen for at være klar til transport eller (med yderligere forberedelse) for at gå ind kontrolleret bagage til at flyve hjem.
  • Skibs merchandise har ingen told eller forudbetalt skat, da det er købt / leveret om bord, og det kan derfor være underlagt afgift, når du vender hjem hvis alle dine turkøb overstiger din toldfritagelse.
    • Hvis du overvejer at købe en dyr vare (f.eks. Smykker, one-of-a-kind varer), skal du kontrollere, om den er "toldfritaget", f.eks. Blev lavet i dit hjemland, allerede var importeret derhen og derefter sendt til skibet , eller virkelig er en-op, såsom et unikt kunstværk. Hvis det er tilfældet, med et korrekt certifikat fra skibets butikschef, behøver du muligvis ikke at tælle varen med din toldfradrag.
    • Hvis amerikanske statsborgere overstiger deres toldfradrag med køb om bord og vender tilbage til USA på skibet, skal skibet (ved lov) give havnens amerikanske toldkontor besked om disse køb. Disse passagerer kan forvente "særlig" toldopmærksomhed. Et par skibe kan arrangere toldbehandling om bord.

Advarselstømmer (lad køberen være opmærksom) er et godt råd overalt og gælder om bord. Krydstogtspassagerer er et "fangemarked".

  • Få varer i indbyggede butikker vil være gode tilbud. Krydstogtskibe i internationale farvande følger også lovgivningen i deres flagland, og købere kan blive behandlet i modsætning til virksomheder på land; anmoder om forbrugerbeskyttelse, som du normalt nyder hjemme kan svigte. Imidlertid har krydstogtskibe normalt overordnede politikker, der beskytter købere mod undtagen købers anger eller skødesløs skade på merchandise.
  • Personale, der arbejder i spa eller fitnesscenter kan udråbe meget dyre lotions / potions, services, tests eller behandlinger med hævdede sundhedsmæssige eller andre fordele. Før du siger "ja", skal du lære deres certificerede kvalifikationer og forstå realiteterne om, hvad de tilbyder.
  • Der har været tidligere tilfælde, hvor auktioner om bord (normalt af koncessionshavere, der tilbyder tæpper / tæpper, malerier osv.), Har gjort uberettigede påstande om vareværdien, tilbudt forfalskning af berømte værker eller har påvirket bud på måder, der ville være ulovlige i land i de fleste lande. Heldigvis er mange af disse fremgangsmåder blevet stærkt reduceret som følge af større, vellykkede gruppesager. Grundlæggende råd: Køb hvad du kan lide med disciplin (for at inkludere omkostninger til at få varen hjem), ikke som en investering.

Til krydstogter i Europa: Den Europæiske Union (EU) er begyndt at opkræve moms på alt salg og tjenester (inklusive serviceafgifter) på ethvert krydstogtssegment, der afgår og slutter i EU uden at besøge en havn uden for EU (eller EU-momsområdet). Fordi dette i væsentlig grad kan nedbryde salg om bord, designer linjerne (om) mange krydstogtssegmenter for at besøge "uden for" havne, f.eks. Gibraltar, Casablanca.

Shopping i land

Shopping er fortsat en meget populær aktivitet, hvor næsten alle havne mindst tilbyder håndværk og souvenirs, der afspejler destinationen, men ofte ikke er der. (En grov tommelfingerregel for "lokale" souvenirs: Jo længere du vover dig fra havneområdet, jo lavere kan priserne være for givne typer varer.) Andre tilbyder et bredt sortiment af varer til at omfatte kameraer / linser, tøj, elektronik , smykker og "gourmet" forbrugsvarer. Hvis der er en chance for, at du bruger dit kredit-, debet- eller pengeautomatkort til at købe dem:

  • Fortæl den udstedende bank på forhånd, hvor og hvornår du skal rejse - altid alligevel god praksis.
  • Følg god praksis for at sikre, at den ikke går tabt eller misbruges af andre. Se Penge for en fuld diskussion.

Visse destinationer kan tilbyde "seriøs shopping": toldfri og / eller meget konkurrencedygtig, f.eks. Saint Martin og Saint Thomas i Caribien (måske undtagen "designerbutikker") Hong Kong og Singapore hvis du forhandler med succes. For eksempel diskussion af toldfri shopping og toldforpligtelser, se Saint Thomas # Køb. Hvis du er tilbøjelig til alvorligt at handle et sted, som ikke er kendt for dig, bør online-forskning hjælpe dig med at forstå, hvad du kan forvente, f.eks. Butikker, skat / afgift, og hvad du skal passe på.

Skibet kan have en havne shopping rådgiver der kan give nyttige oplysninger og kan anbefale (endda udråbe) visse handlende og mærker / genstande. Disse rådgivere er ofte ansat af merchandising-firmaer, der modtager store gebyrer (endda provisioner) fra forhandlere og mærker, de anbefaler. Dette garanterer ikke (eller tilskynder) omdømmet til nogen handelsmand eller brand, og det bør heller ikke sætte spørgsmålstegn ved konkurrenternes værdighed - selvom "rådgiveren" måske nævner en særlig garanti for udråbte købmænd. Deres gebyrer kan muligvis øge de endelige priser, som "anbefalede forhandlere" kræver. På ønskelige shoppingsteder er de fleste købmænd ganske ansvarlige.

Andre steder skal du passe på sælgere, produktkrav, garantier, faste, mærkede og omsættelige priser og endelige omkostninger ud over aftalte priser, f.eks. skjult afgift eller skat. Selvom du er berettiget til refusion af skat / afgifter, kan du muligvis kun få dem på bestemte steder, når du forlader jurisdiktionen, f.eks. Lufthavne, og kun for hvert køb, der overstiger et betydeligt beløb. I den sidste havn for en beskatningsjurisdiktion kan havnen muligvis ikke have "status" eller et kontor, der tilbyder at yde eller behandle refusion. Det kan være problematisk at få refusion via mail, når du er hjemme.

Sådanne udfordringer får seriøse kunder til at søge krydstogter til virkelig afgiftsfrie og meget konkurrencedygtige lokaliteter. Uanset hvor du planlægger at shoppe, bør nogle undersøgelser hjælpe dig med at forstå hver havn og dens handlende, hvad du kan se, og hvad det koster andre steder.

Se også Handle ind og Forhandlinger.

Spise

Restaurant på den norske daggry

De fleste linjer investerer stærkt i fødevarekvalitet og kvantitet, og de skryter af det. Sjældent er måltider ikke inkluderet i prisen for et typisk krydstogt, med lejlighedsvis undtagelse af specialrestauranter og roomservice.

Inkluderede tilbud inkluderer poolside snackbarer hvor du kan bestille en burger, "hund", ryste, pizza eller noget, og gå væk uden at betale. Det er selvfølgelig ikke "gratis"; du betalte for det, da du købte din billet. På stort set alle krydstogtskibe finder du også en buffet, normalt på et af de øverste dæk, tilgængelig under alle måltider og tilbyder normalt noget fra tidlig morgen til sen aften. På bedre skibe kan buffeter næsten virke som ren ekstravagance. Room Service er normalt tilgængelig til enhver tid undtagen efter et bestemt sent tidspunkt natten før afstigning på de fleste krydstogtskibe. Nogle gange skal du muligvis betale et tillægsgebyr eller et tillæg for sent om aftenen for det.

Ved normale måltider finder du det siddende spisning med fuld tjener service, normalt med en multi-retters menu med varierende smarte retter. (Fugtigt badetøj kan skade spisestole; bær det ikke der, heller ikke under et omslag eller et betræk; selvom det er ret tørt, kan du muligvis alarmere spisestuen.Mindst en spisestue vil tilbyde siddende morgenmad og frokost (du har sjældent en tabel, der regelmæssigt tildeles). Det vil være åbent i 2-3 timer omkring det sædvanlige tidspunkt for ethvert måltid. Til morgenmad ændres menuen muligvis ikke meget hver dag. Til frokost og middag skifter menuen hver dag. Til middag har den normalt en sektion med varer, der altid er tilgængelige, og en til aftenens "specials".

Traditionel aftensmad tjenesten er på bestemte tidspunkter, musikligt tidligt / hoved- og sent møder. Hvis du vælger eller foretrækker en tids- og bordstørrelse (bedst når du bestiller dit krydstogt), vil du sidde ved det samme bord på det tidspunkt hver aften.

  • Hvis dine tabelindstillinger ikke er opfyldt (i det mindste angivet på dit hyttenøglekort), skal du kontakte maitre de for at få hjælp så hurtigt som muligt efter ombordstigning.
  • Undtagelser fra din normale tid og tabel kan forekomme, når skibet er i havn, og mange passagerer spiser i land. Det daglige nyhedsbrev vil nævne dette. I så fald kan du dele et andet bord med "fremmede", selv i en anden spisestue.

Bordstørrelsen kan variere fra 2 til 8-10 personer, lejlighedsvis flere. Runde borde til 6-8 synes at bidrage til nem samtale blandt alle. Medmindre du / din gruppe fuldt ud besætter et bord, møder du andre gæster som bordkammerater. Dette er normalt en interessant tid med omlægning ud over hvad der er muligt med et nyt sæt fremmede ved "åbent møde" (se nedenfor). Det også hjælper dine tjenere med at lære og forudse vigtige behov og præferencer, fx kosher, vegetar, fødevareallergi, drikkepræferencer og timing.

Restauranten på et mindre flodkrydstogtskib

For at sikre en tidsbestemt service, nå dit bord inden for 30 minutter efter, når spisestuen åbnes til dit møde. Store køkkener skal betjene flere hundrede (måske tusinder af) passagerer ved hvert møde, et kursus ad gangen med forventninger om friskhed og rette temperaturer.

Mange krydstogtskibe tilbyder freestyle, valg eller åben siddepladser spisestue, som tillader spisning når som helst i løbet af middagen. Dette kan tilbydes i separate spisestuer, men menuerne er de samme som ved planlagte møder. Når du kommer ind, skal du muligvis vente på et bord, ligesom du ville gjort uden reservationer af restauranter derhjemme. Hvis det er særligt travlt, har du kun et par i dit parti og er villige, fortæl Maitre de, at du "vil dele". Det hjælper ham / hende effektivt med at bruge borde / siddepladser, så det kan få dig til at sidde hurtigere.

De fleste skibe tilbyder også specialrestauranter, ofte med internationale temaer, normalt kun ved reservation. (Hvis du ikke har nogen reservation, kan du prøve "vil dele", men ikke stole på det; de fleste spisesteder, der har foretaget reservationer der, forventer ikke at dele.) Mange af disse restauranter har tillæg (f.eks. $ 20 pr. Person eller mere) til ekstraordinær service og retter, mest velfortjent. Hvis du normalt spiser på et fast møde, men planlægger at bruge en specialrestaurant enhver aften, skal du fortælle din faste tjener aftenen før.

Anbefalet middagskjole i spisestuer varierer noget på tværs af krydstogtskibe. For detaljer forklarer hver krydstogtslinje sin forventede påklædningskode på sit websted, og du bør finde detaljer på websteder til cruising.

  • Mange "hovedlinjeskibe" erklærer, at spisning de fleste aftener kun kræver "country club" eller "resort" fritidstøj: kraveformet skjorte og bukser til mænd, næsten alt andet end pooltøj til kvinder (vi spøg). De har også ofte en eller to "formelle" nætter om ugen: tux eller mørk dragt og slips til mænd, aftendragt til kvinder.
  • Nogle luksuslinjer erklærer muligvis hver aften som semi-formel - frakke og slips til mænd, aftenbeklædning til kvinder.
  • For enhver aften gælder de samme klædestandarder i specialrestauranter.

Du flammer dig selv, dine bordkammerater, din tjener og andre hvis du går til din spisestue til middag iført jeans, shorts, en tanktop eller lignende afslappet / pool-slidog utilstrækkelig kjole på formelle aftener. Du kan også blive nægtet siddepladser.

Hvis du ikke har nogen interesse i "siddende spisning" på formelle aftener (eller enhver aften), kan du i stedet bruge buffeten til middag. Madudbuddet vil være noget der ligner det i spisestuerne den aften, men mangler ofte ting, der kræver kompleks service. Kjole her inkluderer overdækket pooltøj. Buffeten tilbyder indirekte en anden fordel: Hvis du skal flyve til / fra havn og måske alt for let overskrider dine bagagegrænser (f.eks. Skal pakke til små børn eller seniorer og dig selv), overvej at forlade semi- og formelt tøj (og beslægtet sko / tilbehør) derhjemme. Du kan reducere pakkerum og vægt, der ellers er nødvendigt med måske 20-25 procent.

Drikke

Bar på MS Eurodam

Typiske hæfteklammer såsom kaffe, te / iste, limonade og juice (til morgenmad) er tilgængelige uden beregning. Andre drikkevarer er normalt ikke inkluderet i krydstogtprisen, selvom krydstogtets reklamebrochure siger eller antyder "altomfattende".

  • Disse "andre" (f.eks. læskedrikke, flaskevand, friskpresset juice, specialkaffe, øl, vin, blandede drikkevarer) kan være pebret. De angivne priser inkluderer ikke et servicegebyr / tillæg på 15-18 procent.
  • Forvent at finde en eller flere velassorterede barer på alle offentlige dæk, der passer godt til dine præferencer, mange åbner midt til sent om morgenen, og nogle holder åbent meget sent.
  • Alle spisestuer har en meget god vinkort med et par tilbud i glasset samt flaskevand, blandede drikkevarer og specialkaffe. Hvis du ikke er færdig med en flaske vin den aften, vil de gerne korkes igen og lægge dit kahytnummer på det til tilbagekaldelse på et andet tidspunkt uden beregning. Hvis du har bragt din egen vin (flaske) til middag, serverer de den, men opkræver et "korkgebyr"; hvis de ikke indtages ved dette måltid, vil de korke igen til senere brug på samme måde som en købt flaske.
  • Det lille køleskab i din hytte kan være fyldt med læskedrikke, chips eller slik. Bemærk omhyggeligt, hvis der opkræves betaling for dem, især hvis du har børn. Bekvemmeligheden kan overvælde modstanden på trods af omkostningerne.

Mange krydstogtskibe tilbyder drikkepakker til ubegrænset påfyldning af sodavand, nogle til specialkaffe, vin, endda et par til blandede drikkevarer. Mange inkluderer servicegebyret. Men forstå vilkårene tydeligt, inden du forpligter dig til nogen. Eksempler:

  • Et "pop / sodapass" løber ofte US $ 30-45 i en uge (pr. Person, deles ikke), som kan svare til 5-8 separat købte drikkevarer hver dag. (En betydelig gennemsnitlig daglig forbrugsrate.)
  • En pakke med blandet drikke starter ved US $ 50 per person per dag, mens du kan få en "øl og vin med dit måltid" -pakke på nogle linjer til US $ 25 (januar 2020). De fleste drikkevarer med separat pris koster USD 7-11 eller deromkring hver. Igen betyder det en betydelig daglig forbrugsrate for at gøre pakken umagen værd, især hvis du overvejer at svimle, øh, gå i land.
  • Hvis du udsætter køb af en pakke en dag eller mere, forbliver prisen ofte den samme.
  • Du har ingen forpligtelse til at købe nogen pakke for alle i din gruppe. Men pakkevilkårene forbyder at dele dine drinks med nogen.

Not counting the service fee, some mixed drinks may be cheaper than you might find at better watering holes ashore, but don't count on it. However, you'll usually find drink specials mentioned in the ship's daily newsletter.

These costs prompt some people to try to bring their own. But most lines forbid bringing liquor on board, and any found (at embarkation or as you board from later port visits) will be "held for you", and returned on the last full day of the cruise in the same packaging as received. A few lines confiscate contraband liquor. A few others will allow you to initially bring 1-2 bottles of wine per cabin; if opened/decanted outside your cabin, you'll be charged the "corkage fee" as above. Most lines will allow you to bring your own soft drinks. For details, consult the cruise line web site.

Some ships are primarily party vessels, full of young adults taking advantage of bargain duty-free drinks and (perhaps) lower drinking ages in international waters. You may identify them by their extremely uneventful itineraries: straight out to sea, stay there for much of the trip, then back to port. Their advertising is usually also not particularly subtle. If you want one, you'll recognize the signs; if you want to avoid one, likewise.

Responsible cruise lines avoid unbridled drinking by:

  • Requiring at least one occupant of each cabin to be a minimum age (with some exceptions for legitimate families) and by not serving alcohol to anyone under 21.
  • Training and directing wait staffs to control service to those who've had too much.

Søvn

Twin Cabin on P&O MV Azura

Let your travel agent or cruise line know your cabin needs in advance to ensure your cabin assignment and preparation meets them.

Shortly after arriving at your cabin, introduce yourself to your cabin steward as he/she stops by, and discuss any preferences or needs for service not already met, e.g., ice at certain times, softer or firmer pillows, emptying the refrigerator of unwanted items. He/she will often have an assistant, and will both work as a team. If you brought sanitizing wipes or solution, you might sanitize key surfaces like the lavatory counters, telephone handset, TV remote and desktop — the latter is often missed in their cabin preparation.

For families, in addition to the bedding noted earlier, some cabins will have a pull-down bunk-bed (not appropriate for small children due to safety, or for full-sized adults due to height and weight) and/or a pull-out sleeper-settee or sleeper-sofa. If you've booked as a family, your steward will "unlock" any "pull-down" or pull-out, for your use whenever desired. It will be made-up each morning and prepared for use each evening.

If there are more than 2 adults, your cabin steward will prepare the second bed or sleeper-sofa each morning and evening. For 3-4 adults, ensure your agent or the cruise line chooses a cabin with at least some visual privacy for sleepers. Suites usually have such privacy, and often more options. The cabin steward (or butler) will be ready to explain use of all and prepare them as needed.

If your cabin is not as described, desired or needed on arrival, resolve the issues through your cabin steward before you retire the first night.

Pas på dig selv

Lifeboat on the Queen Mary II

Because of the numerous advancements in modern shipbuilding and other technology, cruise travel is generally very safe. The crew of your ship are trained to calmly and efficiently handle emergencies that may arise. Occasionally, non-trivial problems may be discovered and addressed while going completely unnoticed by passengers.

Unlike the havforinger of yore, cruise ships are not built for great speed or unusual maneuvers. Whenever feasible, they avoid bad weather even if this means delays, in deference to security and passenger comfort.

The press often recounts public incidents/accidents — a few deservedly, that may induce unnecessary cruise-customer concern.

  • Cruise accidents resulting in serious passenger injuries or deaths are rare when one remembers that hundreds of ships are at sea at any moment nearly every day of the year. Cruise lines and every ship's captain and his/her crew regularly train for problems and inspect ship condition and sanitation to thoroughly minimize troubles.
  • Stories about the frequency of sickness outbreaks often get overblown. The same maladies affect all travel and group occasions. Only on a cruise does enough time lapse for symptoms to surface 2-4 days after infection.

Aboard

Follow what you learned at the Safety at Sea briefing. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, instructions will be given on where to report (not necessarily your lifeboat or muster station designated in the briefing) and what to bring with you (e.g., adequate clothing, crucial medications, your life vest and cruise ID card). You'll know what to do if you're distant from your cabin. Remain as orderly as you can and do not panic as you muster or are evacuated; acting out of place will only make matters more complicated and increase chances of injury to yourself or others.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night. Don't worry about going about on your own, just be vigilant around bars where late-night, intoxicated passengers are a possibility. Keep an eye on your belongings and don't flaunt nor take them with you everywhere; leaving your iPod on a pool chair unattended while you quickly order a drink is just asking for someone to snatch it. Lock expensive items and jewelry in your cabin safe, then use or wear it only when appropriate.

Families traveling with children should be cautious as well. While family-friendly lines like Disney are "age-proofed" for their safety, other lines and older ships may not be and there are many hazards that could put them in a dangerous situation; e.g. being left unsupervised on a balcony, falling down the stairs, swimming in a pool without a lifeguard, etc. Older teenagers should be given some freedom about what they'd like to do and where they want to relax during the cruise, but you should always know the whereabouts of younger children. Some ships even offer two-way, on-board "walkie talkies" for rent for your group to stay in-touch.

Very minor fires are not rare, especially in the many restaurant kitchens on board, e.g., in fryers. The crew is trained and equipped to deal with them. There is no reason to panic just because you see a crew member with extinguishing equipment.

Piracy incidents are virtually nonexistent in the regions of the world where most cruise lines sail (North og Sydamerika, Europe, etc.). It can be a legitimate concern to cruisers sailing some waters, e.g., near a few African countries and a few locations in Asia. However, no ship has ever been boarded by pirates if going more than 17 knots, a speed easily attained by cruise ships. Many ships plying those waters also have non-lethal means to "discourage" pirates.

Always report anything suspicious or concerning to a crew member; they will investigate or get someone who can to investigate the matter. Trust your instincts as well. If a situation or activity doesn't feel "right" to you, it may not be, e.g., substantial smell of smoke may be cause to activate the fire alarm.

Ashore

While you are safest while on-board the ship, this may not be the case ashore. It's useful to learn a bit about each destination you plan to visit beforehand and to act responsibly wherever you are.

When ashore, hold on to your boarding card as though it's your passport - without it you may not be allowed back on board without substantial delay. Actually, at many destinations, passengers won't need to present or carry their passport - the boarding card is enough. However, you should always carry at least a passport photocopy and government-issued photo identification as well as your ship's card.

Stay healthy

Typical pool area

Sunburn

Se også: Sunburn and sun protection

At sea, on beaches or small boats, bare skin can sunburn very rapidly between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. That ruins cruises for more people than any other cause. Sunburns (and their pain) can last until well after you return home. For a few, they may later induce permanent skin damage, and even cancer. So before you'll be exposed to sun for more than a short time, take effective precautions with clothing, a hat and highly-rated sunblock so that you can fully enjoy whatever recreation you choose.

Queasiness

No discussion here of any medication is authoritative. Consult your physician or pharmacist for any question or issue.

Some people experience queasiness on cruise ships. This is very unlikely on large or recently-built vessels, which consistently have highly effective stabilizers. Even so, some sensitive inner ears may react to even imperceptibly slow and gentle rocking of a calm sea. Localized intense storms may make the ocean rough for a day or so. And very-occasionally, major storms can't be avoided, but full-fledged tropical storms always are.

  • If you know or worry that it may be a problem, pick a cabin location that minimizes movement when the ship rolls and pitches; e.g., amidship and/or on a lower deck.
  • Over-the-counter motion sickness medications (e.g., Dramamine, Bonine) usually help. (Reportedly, Draminine has a tendency to cause drowsiness that can make it impractical to use for the duration of a cruise.)
  • Prescription trans-dermal Scopalomine patches can be very effective. But a few people have troubling side-effects. So, (with the permission/help of a doctor) test a patch before the cruise if you like the multi-day convenience they promise.
  • Some people find relief with special wristbands that claim to stimulate pressure points that are believed to counteract the nausea of motion sickness. Their effectiveness has not yet been clinically verified.

Staying well can be as simple as eating (and drinking) responsibly. Generous helpings of that beautiful, fresh pineapple for breakfast every morning can cause problems, as can the portions of wonderful and rich delights at dinner. Marine biologists know that the calf of a blue whale can gain up to 30 pounds per day. The next fastest weight-gaining mammal may be the cruise passenger - actually known to gain 6-7 pounds per week if he or she "over celebrates".

Care about exercise and choices of tours

If you exercise only occasionally or seldom, you may find the ship's gym tempting. "Exercise" some moderation in the same way you would with sunbathing to ensure it doesn't compromise enjoying your cruise. Similarly, available tours will demand different levels of physical effort. Whether privately arranged or offered by the ship, understand what each demands and choose wisely.

Outbreaks

Passengers and crew are susceptible to communicable diseases (e.g., the flu, colds, Norovirus), but thankfully this happens only very occasionally due to great effort and care by the ship's staff, and by passengers who cooperate with health protections. It occurs because large numbers of people from countless places have close proximity, share facilities, forget to be responsible, and stay aboard long enough for symptoms to appear.

Prevention

Most maladies spread much in the same ways as the common cold. Stifling coughs and sneezes into your sleeve helps greatly. And ships regularly provide hand disinfectant dispensers at entrances to dining areas; use them, but don't rely completely on them. You can help yourself if you:

  • Wash hands very frequently and thoroughly.
  • Substitute "elbow bumps" for handshakes with staff and fellow passengers; at the very least, wash up well after shaking someone's hand.
  • Use sanitizing wipes or solution on key parts of your cabin occasionally. This is no criticism of your cabin steward, whose efforts will also be thorough, but an added protection nonetheless.
  • Use your cabin bathroom rather than public restrooms whenever you can.

If you become ill

  • Report it as soon as possible, very preferably by cabin phone.
  • The medical staff can help considerably, may attend to you in your cabin, and may direct you to remain there and cancel any port visits until you recover (usually within a couple days) to avoid spreading the malady. Such direction is often reinforced by law in ports.
  • If the illness is deemed the ship's responsibility (e.g., several other passengers have or have had it), you may not be charged for medical services and may receive reimbursement for pre-paid but missed ship's tours.
  • Specially-equipped teams of ship's staff will thoroughly clean and sanitize any "accidents" in your cabin. So report them, and report public accidents as well.

Ships that see "possible signs" of an outbreak (even several passengers with sea-sickness) will set up extensive precautions and health/sanitation protocols to limit spread of any infectious agent. This can include hand sanitizer dispensers at entry to all public areas, barriers to self-help in buffets, nearly constant sanitizing of railings, door handles and public restrooms everywhere. Use and respect those measures.

Food and drink ashore

Although shipboard food and water will be sanitary, the usual precautions for overseas travel should be taken when eating and drinking ashore.

  • Advance research about your port visits should include looking for possible health risks.
  • In well-developed countries and touristy areas, food and water kan be safe. In addition to research, consult the ship's port descriptions and the port adviser. Even with assurances, take care with sidewalk food stands and road-side cafés. Crowds of locals only indicate popularity and low cost, not necessarily safety.
  • In less developed countries, ports and areas, take care to avoid local water and food-borne bacteria or parasites, including drinks made with ice a bar/restaurant may make using local tap water.
  • If in doubt about getting water ashore, buy it in sealed, labeled bottles.
  • Restrooms in "rustic" places in any country may have no tissues or napkins, so bring your own.
  • As with safety, there might also be health risks ashore that are not present on-board — especially in tropical countries. Before your cruise, check the situation in each of the destinations you'll visit.

Carrying bottled water

Few ports prohibit bringing bottles of water ashore. You'll see pricey offerings each time you leave the ship. Ask a ship's officer in-advance if sealed bottles are necessary; if not, you could refill your own, with buffet beverage/water dispensers perhaps offering better tasting water than that in your cabin.

Medical staff

Nearly all cruise ships have one, with an accredited doctor. Larger ships may also have two or more nurses or even a dentist. Most will offer open hours ("sick call") in the morning and late afternoon for routine ailments, with on-demand response (even in-cabin) for injuries or major illnesses. Most can effectively render first- and second-aid, perhaps more depending on the doctor's experience and on-board facilities, e.g., X-ray. They carry basic medications and supplies typically needed for cruises. Don't depend on them to replace special medications you use, even with near-equivalents.

  • If the ship's itinerary is quite repetitive during a season, the doctor kan have standing with pharmacies in some ports. He/she kan be able to issue usable scripts for your needs, but the ship's staff must pick up the medications at a fee to you. Again, don't expect the pharmacy on an island to be stocked with the medications you require - in some cases "pharmacy" might only be a shelf in the harbor's convenience store.
  • Unless your problem appears to have been caused by some condition or event that's the ship's responsibility, expect to be charged a fee for their services. Your regular health insurance may not cover such fees, but good trip insurance usually does.
  • Some ships have modest dialysis capability. If you need it, learn in advance if it's the type you need and you can reserve time slots. If available and as needed, reserve the service/times through your agent if you used one. Check with your health insurance agent to see if your regular health insurance covers any or all of what will be a substantial cost. Also check (before you commit to initial coverage) if your trip insurance covers this need.
  • Though the doctor and staff often wear ship's uniforms, many are concessionaires, not ship or cruise line officers. Nevertheless, for serious conditions, the doctor's decision about continuing your cruise under illness or injury will usually prevail. Medical evacuation can be unbelievably expensive, and so you should ensure it will be covered by your trip insurance.

Physical limitations

If you have physical limitations, have your agent arrange needed services in advance, e.g., wheelchair to embark/disembark, for port visits/during the cruise, perhaps even to rent a "power chair" motorized wheelchair (usually only available for round-trip cruises).

Opret forbindelse

Calling

Many cruise ships are now equipped with cell phone-to-satellite transponders, which take over automatically at sea to provide wireless phone service throughout the ship. Your cell phone works just like at home and bills its usage back to your regular cell phone bill.

  • As your phone switches over to that "Cellular at Sea", you are roaming at their pricey per minute rates — the allotment of minutes on your plan doesn't apply here. Data should work as well, but cost can add up fast if your phone automatically checks e-mail.
  • Once the ship docks at a port with available cell service compatible with your phone, and you then turn it on or disable flight mode, your phone will likely use shore signals instead, providing that your cell phone company has a roaming contract with a local cell-service provider. Keep in mind that international calling from island nations' networks can be rather expensive too.
  • Experienced cruisers (wanting to avoid ship's costs) simply ensure that their cell phones are turned off or in flight mode while on-board.

Most ships offer ship-to-shore phone service from your cabin, but again at rather expensive rates. They may also levy heavy tolls on people at home who call you by phone on the ship.

Internet on-board

On-board Internet cafés and Wi-Fi hotspots are increasingly common, but the rates also tend to be fairly steep and the speeds (usually relying on high-latency satellite links shared with ship's business) can be unimpressive, though that is improving on some lines.

  • All usage will involve a fee, unless it's been paid-for in-advance as a kind of perk. If not, you may well want to buy a block of minutes (also linked to megabytes of usage), at a lower per-minute rate, early in your cruise. You'll have two basic ways of using Internet: at the "Internet Café" on desktop PCs (that can print essential papers, e.g., flight boarding passes at a small fee per page), or through your laptop/tablet.
  • If offered in your cabin, WiFi signal strength should be decent and dependable, but check it first on your device. Coverage elsewhere may vary wildly: most of the ship is constructed of steel — an unfriendly material for dependable wireless connections.
  • As with "calling" above, you may be able to use the local, on-shore cell phone/WiFi network for logging-in when the ship is docked or anchored very near a populated coast. This will be cheaper and likely faster than what the ship provides, but probably much slower and definitely more expensive than at home.
  • 'Avoid depending on a ship's Internet service to download major files of any kind, e.g., video clips, security/software updates. Networked, real time gaming will be frustrating and expensive. On-board, consider limiting yourself to e-mail, unless cost is no object. If using faster services ashore (and promptly back home), you might turn your automatic updates back on.
  • If you can, avoid depending on the day before disembarkation to conduct essential business. It's usually the busiest day for on-board internet use, with unusually slow response because so many passengers are checking flight details/getting boarding passes, using up surplus pre-purchased time, and doing other tasks, all while ship's business is especially intense. PCs in the Internet Café will be equally busy.

Internet ashore

If you find these cautions worrisome, you can usually find Internet cafés and WiFi nets at or near many ports, often offering much better rates and speed. You'll often find nets in modern cruise terminals: look for ship's staff. Also look for them for objective advice — they use other port cafés as well.

Anytime you use any computer while traveling, ensure that all private or sensitive portions of your sessions and data are secure, e.g., avoid doing financial or highly-personal business, use your own laptop if possible, have pro-active security capabilities installed and running, use wired Ethernet instead of WiFi if possible, set up a unique and complex password just for the trip, look for the https in networked sessions any time privacy or security is needed. See more discussion at Internet access.

Cope

Bathing in hot springs on Deception Island as part of an Antarctic cruise

Look for laundry rooms in ship descriptions—not all ships have them. If laundry rooms are available, each will have two or more pairs of washers/dryers, detergent and softener dispensers (all usually taking coins/tokens, obtained at the Purser's desk, or perhaps from a coin machine in the laundry room), and irons and ironing boards. A large ship may have a laundry room on each deck where cabins are located.

If you'll be cruising for more than a week or so, on a ship without self-serve laundry facilities, you may have to pack substantially more clothes. All ships offer laundry services, but they're quite pricey. Some folks bring detergent (e.g., Woolite) to hand-wash select items in their cabin, though humidity creates extended drying times.

Gå videre

This is a recap of a typical disembarkation process. Near the end of each cruise segment (not necessarily when you'll finally disembark), the Cruise Director will give a briefing that covers specific details for that ship/cruise and debarkation port, to include likely local customs and immigration (C&I) processing. His/her comments will also cover those staying aboard for the next segment.

Final processing to leave the ship is called "debarkation" or "disembarkation". This involves getting perhaps a few thousand passengers off the ship as efficiently as possible. You can't all leave at once. So you'll likely receive a questionnaire several days before the cruise segment end, asking what travel arrangements (if any) you have made to return home. Your answers (e.g., staying aboard, end-of-cruise tour, scheduled flight departure date/time) will determine in what group you will disembark. ("Staying aboard" may still require some form of immigration processing on or off the ship. If so, that will also be arranged and announced.)

  • Two or so days before your final cruise end, you'll receive luggage tags indicating your debarkation group. Instructions that come with them will indicate the time your group is scheduled to be called to leave the ship.
    • If your group's scheduled debarkation provides too little time to comfortably reach a necessary place ashore in plenty of time (e.g., your airline's check-in counter), notify the Pursor's Office/customer service immediately.
  • On most ships, those tags will be colored and/or numbered. You can obtain more from the pursor/customer service desk if needed.
  • On the last night, place a tag on a fixed handle of each piece of your luggage and put at least your large, packed luggage outside your cabin door—usually by 10 or 11PM. It will be taken by stewards that night for you to claim ashore in the terminal the next morning.
    • Unlike airlines, you can put out two or more pieces per person. If you're flying home, you'll need a way to deal with all pieces somewhere ashore before check-in for your flight.
  • You can also put out carry-on bags, but:
    • Don't pack in them what you'll need in the morning, e.g., keep necessary toiletries/other liquids, something to wear to leave the ship. If you'll be flying home, you'll need to later transfer some items (e.g., liquids you've kept for morning use) into your to-be-checked luggage before you approach the airline counter for a flight.
    • Always keep with you any bags that have medications, valuables and valuable papers inside.
    • Do not re-lock the room safe after you take out belongings for the last time. If you do, the next occupants of your cabin will have to ask a very-busy technician to open it, often with a considerable wait.

Some ships offer a "walk off" or "express" disembarkation option. On the questionnaire, you can choose to leave the ship early as part of such a group receiving special, expedited C&I processing if you carry off all your possessions. If you opt for it, do not miss the call for your group to disembark, or you will be directed to leave in the very last group instead. Everyone in your party should opt for it; otherwise, you'll be processed and outside the terminal perhaps 2-3 hours before the rest reach you.

At some major ports, some ships offer special luggage handling services for flying home on certain airlines. For a fee, late the last night, they will take specially-tagged luggage to (perhaps through) your airline check-in at the airport. Before you opt for this, understand the process and your responsibilities, e.g., all belongings you have in-hand to go through pier-side customs, the others as designated elsewhere.

Typically, people opting for express walk-off, those having early flights or cruise-line shore excursions are given the earliest group debarkation times.

Your last morning, you may be instructed to leave your cabin somewhat early (yes, at least one dining room and the buffet will open quite early for breakfast), and proceed to a specific public area on the ship to wait to be called to disembark.

  • Consider having a hearty breakfast. You may face several hours before the next opportunity for decent food.
  • If anyone in your personal group has a physical limitation affecting debarkation, request help in-advance. He/she may be given permission (and baggage tags) to depart at any time to include members of the family. If he/she needs to be seated while waiting (perhaps 1–2 hours) to disembark, they should go to your assigned public area promptly after breakfast.
  • Your waiting area won't necessarily be on the same deck as for exiting the ship. If not, you may have to negotiate stairs with your belongings because elevators will be very busy; those with mobility challenges will have priority.
  • In that waiting area, you'll eventually be called by color/number to disembark — usually not before the scheduled time.
    • Many ships do not call groups using the public address system. You may be notified only by staff in your assigned public area.
    • If you're not part of the "express" group that leaves early, and you miss your "regular" group's call, you can usually leave any time later without complications.

As you walk off the ship into the terminal, you'll be ushered to a large area with masses of luggage, considerably less if you disembark in one of the last groups. Your luggage will be arranged according to your disembarkation group. You'll need to pick-out your pieces and proceed to C&I or other processing if any. Porters will likely be available to help. After any processing, many options begin, e.g.,

  • If you have an end-of-cruise tour, cruise extension or prepaid airport transfer arranged, you'll be ushered to a bus or other vehicle to transport you, often with your luggage placed on board.
  • Other transport can take many forms, e.g., self-arranged taxis, surries to paid parking lots or local hotels.

Once you leave the terminal to travel independently, or after any ship's tour or cruise extension, you basically have full responsibility to reach whatever destination or follow-on transport awaits.

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