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It's FREE to read and EXCLUSIVE online at Cruise.co.uk! So what are you waiting for - you'll have UNLIMITED access to 'everything you need to know to make planning your cruise holiday fun & easy!'   What's a cruise like? A TYPICAL DAY ON A CRUISE "You can start your morning with an early-bird breakfast or a walk or jog around deck..." Read more CRUISING MYTHS "Many people, particularly men and younger, active folks, believe cruising is dull and sedentary. They picture bulk loaders crowding buffets while active folks sit bored and unstimulated. Sorry, not so...." Read more   Which cruise? SO MANY CRUISES TO CHOOSE FROM "Cruises vary widely. To pinpoint your requirements and preferences in a cruise, you need to ask yourself dozens of questions. Once you settle on what you want, it?s easier to match your demands and budget with the appropriate line and ship..." Read more PLANNING YOUR CRUISE "MOST CRUISES ARE INCLUSIVE ? that is, their basic components are typically purchased together rather than a la carte. In general, a cruise - or what a travel agency or cruise line might describe as a 'cruise only' product includes..." Read more BIG VS SMALL "Hardly a week passes that some cruise line doesn?t announce plans for another ship?bigger and, of course, better than the last. But bigger isn?t necessarily better..." Read more OLD VS NEW "The debate rages. Classic ships still in service, as opposed to those merely old, offer ambience that no newer ship can duplicate. But the newest cruise vessels have advantages..." Read more LUXURY VS ECONOMY "Most midmarket and economy cruises have two seatings for each meal. When their seating is called, passengers stampede into the dining room like marines hitting the beach..." Read more   Getting the best deal... DISCOUNTS & INCENTIVES "Lines offer substantial discounts to travelers willing to book six months to a year ahead. The line has use of your money in advance and gets critical information on whether a particular cruise is filling" Read more   HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL "Travel agents act as sales representatives of the cruise lines. Unlike wholesalers and consolidators, they don?t buy cabins. Instead, they sell from the line?s inventory, on commission." Read more   HELPING YOUR TRAVEL AGENT TO HELP YOU "When you call a travel agent, ask whether he or she has cruised, how many times, and on what lines. Firsthand knowledge is invaluable. If the answer is no, find another agent" Read more   THE SALES COUNTDOWN "Persons travelling together can almost always negotiate a group rate. The larger the group, the better the rate." Read more   CABIN UPGRADES & FREEBIES "Four basic ways to get a cabin upgrade are..." Read more   BOOKING YOUR CRUISE "look at the types of cabins available. Many brochures include floor plans for several types of cabins showing their size, configuration" Read more   Special requirements... Cruising for...SINGLES "for one person to occupy a cabin alone, cruise lines impose an extra charge over the per-person double-occupancy rate. This ?single supplement?? varies from 10% to 100% (expressed as 110?200%), depending on the line, ship, itinerary, season, and cabin category. The most frequent charge is 150% except for suites, which usually go for 200%. Brochures always publish the rate. Your choices are to pay it, bring a friend, or take one of these options " Read more   Cruising for...SPECIAL NEEDS "If you power your own wheelchair, unaided by a companion, bring something to extend your reach. A rubber-tipped teacher?s pointer is good, a collapsible one is ideal. You need the pointer to reach elevator buttons, some light switches, and the closet rod and higher storage space in your cabin, even in some wheelchair-accessible rooms. " Read more   Cruising for...FAMILIES "look at the types of cabins available. Many brochures include floor plans for several types of cabins showing their size, configuration" Read more   I've already booked! What now? PREPARING FOR YOUR CRUISE "It?s a sound practice to have a small carry-on bag for your medications and cosmetics and to include a change of clothing for your first afternoon aboard your ship, in the event of a delay in the delivery of your luggage. Also, bring a foldaway bag to carry all those souvenirs, gifts, and duty-free bargains that probably won?t fit in your suitcase" Read more   Make the most of my cruise SETTLING IN "Most lines say they honor requests on a first-come, first-served basis, yet few confirm them in advance. Generally, dining reservations are confirmed only by the maître d?hôtel on board. You may receive confirmation of your dining arrangements on check-in, or it may be in your cabin. If not, check on it. " Read more   TIME ASHORE "Most mainstream lines with large ships do a lousy job with port talks. On the other hand, adventure and expedition cruises offer superb talks. Small ships generally have a better track record than large ones. Avoid being misled. If, during a port talk, the cruise director or anyone else recommends one store over another, shop around before buying. The store recommended may be the best place to buy ? or it may not." Read more AT THE END OF YOUR CRUISE "Follow guidelines or your inclinations. Ship officers and senior management are never tipped. For all service personnel, tips are their main source of compensation. Only a few deluxe ships include tipping in the cruise cost (noted in the cruise line profiles). " Read more I love cruising! Tell me more! CRUISE LINGO - Learn the language of cruise! From A-Z. Port Out Starboard Home! WHO'S WHO? - What do all those stripes mean? THE GOLDEN AGE - A LOOK BACK - This history of cruising THE BIG THREE - Learn more about the giants in the industry What happens if...? When things go wrong "If your stateroom toilet backs up, the air conditioner conks out, or the showroom performers quit, don?t expect a refund. If it?s not resolved on board when it happens, the best you are likely to get is a discount on a subsequent cruise. Once again, it?s that pesky passage contract that purports to absolve the cruise line from all responsibility, anytime, anywhere. In point of law, however " Read more

Cruise Q's: do you know the answer?

Q: Just booked our first cruise - we have 4 children - any tips? By Paiton, Burnley on 9th Sep 2009 Subject: Princess Cruises/Star Princess We have just booked our first cruise and will be traveling with our four children , any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated, particularly on drinks packages. Answer Q: Here we go guys - a few questions on IOS! By Evans, Glasgow on 9th Sep 2009 Subject: Royal Caribbean Cruises/Independence Of The Seas/Mediterranean 1. Do ALL staterooms including inside cabins, have a fridge and tea making facilities. 2. Do you need to buy water at Dining.?? seen quotes of $4.50 a bottle..eeek 3.Can you buy a single soda package for 1 adult or is it by the cabin.? 4. Touchy subject on here..........but do they serve draft beer.!!!! sorry old fashioned and like a pint....it used to be a british tradition.!! 5. We have an early time for dinner but have RCI on IOS changed to a variable times for dinner with pagers...!!! rumour only Answer Q: Balcony on QM2 - vibration & shuddering? By Alltree, Saffron Walden on 9th Sep 2009 Subject: Cunard Cruises/Queen Mary 2 Having just booked a 10 day cruise on the QM2 for next April, a sheltered balcony on Deck 4 (no cabin number as yet), we are somewhat concerned to read in your reviews about 'tremendous vibration and shuddering at the rear of the ship'. Can anyone tell us where these cabins are placed - is it just the last one or two cabins, or is it the whole section from 4162 to 4225? Should we insist on being placed in a forward cabin? Thanks.... Answer Q: MSC: What's their smoking policy? And are they good for Brits? By Makin, Rochdale on 8th Sep 2009 Subject: MSC Cruises/MSC Opera/Norwegian Fjords When MSC ship Opera starts to operate from Dover in 2010. What will their smokimng policy be? Also just how good a company are they, and will they cater for the British cruise passenger? many thanks C&B Answer Are you going on a cruise? Do you have any questions? Ask your fellow cruisers! There's a wealth of cruising out there ready to be discovered - by you! Click here to ask a question

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