Top Tips
With cruise holidays growing each year there are now so many different cruise option available from Cruise Lines that specialise in certain areas to the ships and itineraries worldwide. It is important you get the right advice before you make your booking, Cruise Nation is proud to work with only the best cruise lines in their field making your decision that little bit easier.
Our top tips are here to make sure you get the best from your cruise, if you have a recommended tip please share it with us so we can help benefit the thousands of other potential cruisers.
Food
Food is one of the major parts of any cruise, while more ships now offering alternative dining. If you have a favourite type of cuisine, make sure you check out the types of restaurant that are available, If you have a dietary request then please make sure that you inform a member of the Cruise Nation team at the time of booking, Cruise Lines are more than accommodating, but they do need to know prior to you sailing.
Entertainment
Cruise Lines cater for every taste of entertainment, apart from the big shows there are many other types of entertainment and activities onboard so youll usually find a range of different during your cruise, let us know what inspires you and we will let you know which ships are best for you. well are more than happy to contact the Cruise Line and check for you prior to booking to ensure that this is the right cruise for you.
Past Cruisers
Cruise Lines often have loyalty schemes for past cruisers, staying loyal to a single cruise line can pay benefits in the long term with a range of benefits that increase the more cruises you take with that cruise line.
If youre thinking of cruising with the same Cruise Line again, make sure you let us know at the time of booking We have many deals that are exclusive for past cruisers ensuring you get the best discounts.
The following cruise lines all offer Loyalty benefits, Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Celebrity, Princess, P&O, And Royal Caribbean.
Single Cruising
Cruising is an ideal choice for singles as everyone becomes part of the community whilst onboard the ship, Its easy to make friends as you dine or take in the activities both onboard and on land with the many excursions. Singles Occupancy prices vary between different Cruise Lines. Whilst some cruise lines have embraced the single traveller by offering single cabins, others charge a supplement for the sole occupancy of a twin cabin; these supplements can vary from 25% to a full 100% supplement of the cabin rate. If you are looking to travel solo then a member of the Cruise Nation team is always available to discuss your options and let you know who is offering the best value at the time of booking
Accessible Cruising
Today's ships all offer facilities for disabled passengers, generally the newer the ship the better the access they have and more amenities. It is paramount that you advise us of any disabilities before you book, Cruise Nation prides itself on service and it is important to us that we make sure the line and the ship are suitable to your needs. We want this to be the cruise that you have dreamed of so we will talk to the cruise line and make all arrangements prior to you booking to ensure that this is your hassle free dream holiday.
Ships visited
All the team at Cruise Nation have experienced sea life, so if you have any questions we usually have someone in the team that can give you the best advice as they have sampled these ships.
Shore Excursions
The big question that everyone asks is if its cheaper to book your shore excursions at the ports? Before you decide it is often worth visiting the cruise lines website to see what they have on offer alternatively a member of the Cruise Nation team is always on hand to check these out on your behalf and let you know.
We strongly recommend you think hard before you book tours from local suppliers at the ports of call, in some ports it can be a cheaper to hire a local taxi to give you a sightseeing tour, particularly if you can join up with group of people. However before you take this option makes sure you check that this person is insured and negotiate the best price as they are often use to a haggle.
Cruise Lines tours come with full guarantees and for the small price extra it is often better value for money all round knowing that you are fully covered.
Shopping
Shopping at sea offers amazing value for money as it is usually tax free! There is also lots of choice on board and most lines have exclusive sales everyday. On land you can have even more fun as money stores will allow you name your own price. If you do intend of shopping and you have purchased the items tax free than it's important to remember the allowance that you have, items that are over your allowance maybe subject to additional tax or even confiscation.
