Cruise holidays are the fastest growing sector in the holiday market and its easy to see why. It combines the possibility of lazing by a pool just like a normal resort holiday, with the opportunity to sample some great locations every day, basically its a moving resort.
Air travel is becoming a less and less attractive prospect every year, rising charges and security are putting paid to the romantic notion espoused by Frank Sinatra in 'Come fly with me'. Cruise holidays have picked up where the traditional holidays have left off, and its cheaper then you think.
All inclusive is a concept which may conjure up images of sun burned holiday makers shoveling plates of bad quality food into themselves. The experience on a cruise is somewhat different, you will have the opportunity to have your burger and chips should you wish but you can also sample a fine dining menu every day of the week, if wines are your thing then you will have the opportunity to work your way through a floating wine cellar.
Your food will generally be included, your entertainment is well catered for, all the while you will be treated like royalty. Depending on which cruise line you choose, the only things that you will pay for is alcohol, shore excursions, on board shopping (duty free is exceptional value) and some speciality restaurants which may have a cover charge.
You can avoid the expensive charge for the organised shore exclusions by simply doing some pre cruise research, find out what you want to see and take taxis or local buses. If your ship is stopping at anything more than a rural hamlet, there may be a tourist open top bus which will give you a guided tour at a fraction of the price.
Take your own wine: most lines will allow you bring some alcohol on board with you to drink in your cabin or to enjoy over dinner. You will likely have a fridge and ice in your stateroom. If you bring it to the dining room there may be a cover charge but will still be a lot cheaper than choosing from the wine list.
One aspect of cruising that has the ability to infuriate new cruisers is the idea of gratuities. In Ireland, never known for our love of the 'tip', you will likely pay a little extra if you are in receipt of exceptional service. The cruise culture seems to demand that you pay gratuities automatically, $10/$12 dollars per day per person. Despite what their literature says, the gratuities makes up 90%+ of their staffs salary. In effect the headline price of your cruise would increase dramatically if the lines began paying their staff a fixed and decent salary. This stealth charge can be easily removed. Simply opt out on your first day at the pursers desk and you will not be charged this automatic fee. This frees you up to give tips to your regular waiters/cabin staff at the end of the cruise. This really allows you to recognise the phenomenal quality of care you receive directly.
Last minute offers can provide incredible value to get away, as you can imagine if its two weeks until the ship sets sail and they have 200 cabins to fill you will get a deal. If the ship sails with empty cabins, that's wasted profits for the company.
Contact your tour operator or check online to find the right cruise to meet your attitude.
FS
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