A Cruise Primer

By: Tony Boyd

  The cruise business is buoyant and booming. Each year, their industry is introducing new ships, new itineraries,
and new shipboard features. Confused by a sea of choices? Our cruise primer will get you shipshape on what to
expect on your next cruise holiday.

  "A cruise is one of the easiest vacations to book," says Sandy Willett, a cruise travel professional at Goliger's
TravelPlus, Waterloo. "It's easy, in that everything can be taken care of at one time at our travel agency –
the flight, the cruise, the shore excursions. And of course, a week or more of pure pleasure."

  Although most cruises receive favourable ratings, care should be given in planning one. She continues, "The
potentially high cost of cruising underscores the need for smart buying in an evolving economy. There has
never been a more important time than now, to establish a good travel relationship with a knowledgeable
and financially stable full service agency."

But before that stage, let's quickly recap some of the reasons for the growing population in cruising.

·           Easy to budget. You have a pretty good idea what your all-inclusive holiday will
   cost before you leave, because the one price includes return air, accommodation,
   nightly entertainment and all of your meals.

·          A safe environment for families. Grand-kids and parents often experience an
   unexpected freedom on board these floating resorts.

·          You can be as active or laid-back as you want. Either way, a new port of call
   and adventure awaits almost every day.

  In the end, choose a ship that fits your personality. This is one reason why theme cruises have become
so popular. Each year, you can sail under the stars (and rub shoulders with the stars) on select big band,
country and western or sporting departures, to name a few.

  Cruising, like almost every other type of travel activity is a constantly evolving proposition. Our task
today is to wade you through some of the questions you may have on cruising.

Where can I go?

Almost anywhere these days. Although the Caribbean is still the number one destination, there are cruises
to just about every port in the world.

Most one week Caribbean sailings depart from Florida, depending on the itinerary. Cruise Lines also
position their ships for seasonal Bermuda live-aboard departures from New York.

Alaska is one of the most popular summer destinations with a mighty armada of ships sailing up The
Inside Passage every week from Vancouver or Seattle.

The Mediterranean has also become very popular lately with cost-conscious Canadians seeking affordable
all-inclusive one and two week air-cruise holidays.

Will I be bored?

Hardly. There is something for everybody on a ship: nightly entertainment, dancing, shopping, health
clubs and spa, jogging and walking tracks, contests, shore excursions – and the list goes on. Or, do nothing.

For those seeking for some peace and quiet, there are lots of quiet areas for you to grab a deck chair, your
favourite novel, and literally watch the world quietly sail by.

Do I have to take along formal clothing?

Clothing requirements vary for each cruise, but most follow the same general pattern.

Dress during the day is very casual. The key here is to pack versatile, mix-and-match garments, with the
emphasis on clothes that are comfortable and wrinkle-resistant. Shorts are permitted for breakfast and
lunch. Not for dinner, unless you're dining casually outside while perhaps watching a current movie.

Casual slip-on shoes are handy while cruising, walking shoes are better for shore excursions, dress shoes for
evening events.

Don't let the word ‘formal' scare you, as cruises are much less stuffy today, than in the past. A suit or blazer
for men and a cocktail dress or nice pant suit for ladies is usually dressy enough.

Do gents need a tux? No. Although cruise lines feature at least one ‘formal' night on a typical seven-night
cruise, a business suit is perfectly acceptable. I usually, follow this rule of thumb: If the cruise is more than
10 days, I'll pack my tuxedo; if it's seven days or less, I'll leave it at home.

There's too much food!

Food aboard is sometimes the biggest attraction for passengers. So much so, you can eat up to eight meals
per day, if inclined.

For those of you who are watching your weight – and who isn't these days – all cruise lines offer certain
calorie, sodium or cholesterol-reduced choices on their daily menu.

What about eating times?

Breakfast, lunch and buffets aren't structured. There's a great selection of theme dining rooms now, with
varied levels of formality. In general, most cruise lines offer either a 6:30pm or 8:00pm seating, known
as the First or Second seating. Older people and families with children usually select the early seating.
People who regularly take shore excursions should pick the late seating, to permit a shower and a cocktail
before dinner.

Will I get seasick?

Probably not, unless you happen to hit some really bad weather. For this reason, try to avoid cruising the
Caribbean during hurricane season (August to early October). Cover your bet by reserving a mid-ship cabin
(middle of the deck, on the mid level). Medication is available onboard ship, but if you have concerns, see
your doctor for prescription medication.

What about grandkids?

Children will have a ball. Most lines these days have an active children's program and reach out to families
by offering quality kid's programs, children's menus and family activities. Kids are treated to everything
from scavenger hunts to storytelling, miniature golf to face-painting.

One word of caution: Query your cruise professional about these programs when selecting your ‘family'
cruise. Be sure it offers the types of programs your kids would want, for the hours you need.