Travel Cruise Review

Susan Bigmore asked:


Are you single and dreaming of taking a cruise, but unsure what to expect? Worried about sticking out like a sore thumb, being surrounded by smug singletons or everyone trying to be your friend and having to hide in your cabin to avoid them? Cruising is an ideal get way for solo cruisers; it offers the breathing space of a resort getaway, pampering service and the chance to visit a new place almost every day. Here are some of the top reasons and tips for going solo.

Booking your cruise

Like any holiday you need to ask yourself what appeals to you. Do you want something where you can relax, or that’s informal, or has plenty of entertainment on offer, etc? Your local travel agent should be able to pick the cruise line and ship that’s right for you. If you want to do some initial research yourself, the internet is a minefield of information whether you search on the cruise lines’ own pages or on a cruise community such as Inside Cruise where people post their own reviews.

Roll call

If you want to check out some of your fellow cruisers before you set sail, sign up on a cruise forum like Inside Cruise. On there is a section called “Roll Call” where you can meet others who are going on the same cruise. A lot of cruisers start a roll call a year or more before the cruise itself, giving them a chance to get to know other passengers beforehand and maybe arranging to share excursions and guides. For solo cruisers it’s a great way to find out if there will be other singles onboard. If you join a roll call before booking a cruise and find someone you seem to get along with you could end up sharing a cabin and saving on single supplements.

Plenty to keep you busy

The trouble with staying in a resort is that there aren’t always lots of activities you can take part in. All you end up doing is wondering around the local sites by yourself. Cruise ships, however, offer plenty of activities both aboard and on-shore. Onboard you could be learning how to cook, wine tasting, taking part in a keep-fit class or listening to a guest lecturer. If you choose to go ashore as well as visiting the local sites, you could go cycling, horse riding, abseiling, snorkelling to name a few! Getting involved in activities is a great way to meet people as you’ll have a common interest, which is good for breaking the ice.

Easy to meet people

Many cruise lines welcome singles onboard with receptions where they can meet other solo passengers. For example, Island Cruises hold a ‘Solos Lunch’ at the beginning of each cruise. Even if they don’t, getting involved in organised activities is ideal for meeting fellow passengers and making friends. Dining rooms mainly have seating for groups of 4, 6 or 8 people and can be an easy way to meet new friends. If you want to be seated with other solo cruisers, make sure you ask the Maitre’d and they will accommodate your needs. Passengers tend to be grouped together with others of a similar age and background, so you’ll never feel left out.

Dance the night away

If you like to dance but don’t want to be a wallflower, fear not. Some cruise lines, such as Fred.Olsen and Orient Lines offer male dance host that are selected on their dancing ability. If you’re a male travelling alone and love to dance, you’ll certainly have your pick of the ladies as they outnumber men travelling along by three to one.

Sense of community

As everyone is literally in the same boat (excuse the pun), there tends to be a lot of camaraderie. Unlike holidaying in hotels where you tend to see fellow holidaymakers at mealtimes only, you can (if you want to) see other passengers throughout the day, whether it be lounging by the pool or taking part in activities. Therefore, as a rule, cruisers tend to bond giving a sense of community where people look out for each other.

Safety

For starters, there are always plenty of people, including staff, around so you’re highly unlikely to get pestered. Also, you don’t have to worry about wandering around late at night to get back to your room as you won’t be walking along dark streets trying to find your hotel. If you take an organised excursion you will be in a group on land too, best in certain countries if you’re a solo female traveller. Although, of course if you want to you can go it alone and go at your own pace if you prefer.

Hopefully we’ve set your mind at ease about going on a cruise by yourself. The only downside we can think of is single supplements. Some cruise lines hit you harder than other, but if you don’t mind sharing a cabin some lines offer a share scheme and will partner you up with someone of the same sex and similar age. But don’t forget, your cruise agent should know which cruise lines are best for singles, whether it be age range, single supplements or special activities offered to introduce single cruisers to each other.

So go on, book that cruise. You don’t know what you’re missing out on.

Helen Hecker asked:


If you have a disability, are disabled in any way or have some special needs or a special handicap you can still enjoy a great cruise experience and learn all about disable travel. The first step in planning a cruise ship adventure is to consult with a travel agent who specializes in cruise travel for people with disabilities to make sure you have an accessible trip.

Because the cruise lines are all different you need to compare the cruise lines and all they have to offer; this requires a little research on your part. However travel agents who specialize in cruise travel can really shorten your work and prevent a lot of problems and help you gain the best access. I encourage you to seek out their help and not try to go it alone.

There are many differences in the cruise lines. Some cannot accommodate wheelchairs easily. Most cabins are small and you’ll need to get the dimensions of the cabin to know if your wheelchair will fit.

Some of the larger cruise lines have cabins that have wider doorways. These cabins have bathrooms that will fit wheelchairs that can roll around inside. The closets are usually built so you can reach them from a lower vantage point. But make sure to double-check that the cruise line you’ve picked has these special accommodations. This is another reason a special needs travel agent or travel specialist can help.

Most of the cruise lines have elevators that have control panels within easy reach from a wheelchair.

The cruise lines have collapsible wheelchairs available but I would consider taking my own. It may be a concern if it is going to be uncomfortable in any way. Also there is a remote possibility that they might run out of them. If you bring a motorized or power wheelchair make sure to bring your charger along - one that is adaptable to 110 volts.

Make sure to discuss with your travel agent how your visit to the various harbors or ports of call on the cruise, will be handled. This can make or break your trip. Small boats, which are called tenders, are used to take travelers and disabled travelers from the cruise ship to the port of call. These tenders are not always accessible or even safe for people with disabilities, so make sure you travel agent has had experience with these tenders before you book any cruise travel. And it is just as important make sure to find out if once you reach the shore, that they’ll be able to handle your specific special needs.

In general some of the larger cruise lines will have ADA (American Disabilities Association) compliant rooms on their cruise ships. If you’re deaf or hearing impaired, you can request special accommodations, for example tele-typewriters (TTY) or telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD). Some of the cabins may have the ADA approved kits. These kits include visual smoke alarms and alarms that vibrate and door sensors so you know when someone is at the door.

For blind travelers who bring along their guide dogs or other service animals, they’ll have a difficult time finding the best cruise. Each of the ports of call has different rules and regulations regarding guide dogs and service animals. Service animals may not be allowed to leave the cruise ship.

It’s important to work with a travel agent who specializes in disability travel who knows how to do this and may be familiar with your chosen cruise already.

Special diets are usually easily accommodated on most of the cruise lines. Vegans and vegetarians have fresh fruit and vegetable options and special diets are available for those passengers who need a low fat, low salt or low cholesterol diets. People with celiac disease may need to discus this with the cruise lines to see if their chefs are familiar with how to prepare gluten-free foods. Cruise passengers with lung impairments who will need oxygen can cruise but make sure you arrange to have plenty of oxygen on board.

Make sure that you’re not traveling alone and have someone travel with you who knows your specific needs. Don’t take anything for granted. Check everything out and double check with your travel agent. You may want to call the cruise line yourself too. Make sure your travel agent is experienced and ask for references from someone they have arranged travel for with similar needs.

Don’t forget to check with your travel agent about any discounts, free add-ons, or good deals on cruise travel too. The cruise lines want your business whether you are disabled or not.

As soon as your travel agent books your cruise, make sure the cruise line is notified of your special needs and know of your disability. With help from your travel agent for the disabled or cruise line specialist you should be able to have a worry-free and carefree holiday, vacation or adventure and make you an expert on disabled travel.

wallers711 asked:


My wife and I are wanting to take a cruise to the bahamas and mexico. We weren’t sure if it was better to go through a travel agent or the actual cruise line. We found cheap tickets on expedia and other similar sites, but have never been on a cruise. Can someone please give me their experiences?

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popohat asked:


its my first time to reserve a cruise through a travel agent, and i want to know if are there any documents given to you after you reserve your cruise.

thanks!

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