Recently, my husband introduced me to watch Race Across the World season 4 where travellers have to find a route to go across the countries or places. This season, especially they were all travelling in Asian countries, have got me hook into the show and inspired me to try something different!
In the past, we have took the children flew across half of the world to visit the Asian countries, we have also went on a long car journey to Scotland and taking long journey coach to visit different places. There is one mode of transport we have not try it out as a family before is cruises! The closest they had experience was a quick visit to a docking cruise ship. We have not taken any family cruises type of trip till now.
If you are not familiarise with cruise, then allow me to tell you more about them! These days, cruise holidays offer you and your family more than just a floating hotel! Some cruise lines would fill you with a lot of fun adventure activities and entertainment for all ages, indulge in world-class dining, free WiFi to connect with your loved one, shore hopping or excursions, keep you fit in the gym, trying out their water sports and many more at a reasonable prices!.
Some cruise lines also offer multi destination cruises around the world, where you are whisked away to some of the world’s most unforgettable destinations. You don’t have to worry about missing flights, booking airport transfer, and booking hotel for each place you visit.
So what would you choose? Personally I would make a multi-stop destinations cruise to get the best of our vacation. Once and for all, you just have to step aboard the ship and unpack once!
My first tip is to research the cruise! Not all cruise lines have all types of facilities for all ages. If you want the best in onboard entertainment, spring for a newer, larger cruise.
Once you know which cruise to pick, next is to choose your destinations. Consider what is within your budget and allow expenses like tips for the crew, alcohol drinks, spa treatments, souvenirs etc. If you are able to stretch your budget, you can go for room with balcony view. If you think you might get seasick, you might want to book the middle deck, or best to speak to the agent before booking. Also if you have any allergies, inform the staffs.
The cruise lines always recommend their clients to book in advance to ensure they don’t miss out on anything, like a spa treatment, eating at your favourite restaurant! It is highly recommended to check for placement, especially if you are bring young children. They often offer baby sitting, fun activities and many more services. Before boarding, make sure you have inform your bank that you are going overseas. Just in case, the bank blocks your card for security reasons.
Just like taking a flight or riding in a coach, there is baggage weight limit, varies from cruise lines. It is best to check prior boarding. Try to pack smart! You would be surprise that a cruise can have many levels and there are a lot of walking! Beside bring your suitcase, I would recommend to bring a small bag filled your essentials when exploring the cruise on your first day. Do check the dress code, usually causal, and also not forgetting packing medical essentials. The cruise would sells all sort of essentials normally at a higher costs, just in case, you did not brought it.
Do consider to get travel insurance as not always smooth seas when it comes to travel. I hate to even bring it up, but you might need to cancel, or miss your flight or fall ill during your cruise.
When come to board your cruise, do arrive in early to skip the queue and enjoy the facilities while waiting for the cruise to departs.
Now I can’t wait to go on a cruise trip and see the world with my family!
Disclosure: This is a featured post.