Calling all Junior Cruisers!

Carnival Imagination docked at the cruise port in Key West, Florida.
She was the first ship I ever sailed at eleven years old.
Photo Credit: http://www.shipparade.com/az/Carnival_Imagination/Carnival_Imagination_2.htm 

Can you remember when you first begin hitting the high-seas? My first cruise is a lasting memory, and I will never forget what a cruisetastic adventure I had with Carnival Cruise Line! I was eleven years old and my mother took me on Carnival Imagination in the peak of summer vacation before I went to sixth grade--we sailed to Belize City, Belize and Key West, Florida for 6 days and 5 nights! It was my mother's cruise on Carnival Victory, the year before, that got me interested in this vacation style. She wouldn't stop talking about all the amazing things on-board, I got a little jealous I have to admit. I begged her to take me on a cruise... and we know the rest to be history!

When did you start your kids cruising? I know some friends of mine started their youngsters practically out of the womb. @LetsCruiseNow began taking their kids onto cruise-liners at the age of only 18 months! They just added a new bundle of joy to their family and are anticipating another early introduction to the seven seas, with their new baby, as soon as possible! My Canadian friend, Renata Grant (@CruiseDivas), says, "My older daughter has been cruising for 10 years, since age 6, and the younger one started at age 2 and is going to be 10 this year!" As a family, they are getting ready to experience the sights and sounds of Alaska on the beautiful Disney Wonder this week!

You no longer have to ask grandma and grandpa to watch the kids when you're ready to hit the seven seas, because contemporary vessels come equipped with every toy, trinket, and tall water slide your children could only dream of! I remember when I cruised with my mother throughout my teens years, we became very close and our family bond grew to become even stronger! Use a cruise to bond as a family, it will make all the difference! To this day, when an opportunity opens, we will hit the high seas together in a heartbeat!

Do you want to know what ships would be perfect for your kids? Read this article which features and array of ships from Disney Dream, to Norwegian Epic, to Caribbean Princess, and even Celebrity Millennium! Do your research, find a ship that works best for your family, and get ready to set sail for the vacation of a lifetime! Your ship awaits, Bon Voyage!

A Few Cruising Tips for 'First Timers'



Royal Caribbean International is a good choice for 1st timers
Photo Credit: Kevin Sweigard, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web

 1. Beauty Salon
Make your appointment as soon as you get on the ship. Appointment times fill up extremely quick. Service prices are parallel to those on land, and an array of services can be chosen from to include, but not limited to, typical hair treatments, pedicures, and leg waxing(s).

2. Cashless Cruising
When on board you can set up an account linked to your stateroom and key card. You will have two options, cash or credit card. If you want to not be as tempted to spend money on the ship, go with cash, otherwise swipe the plastic! Every time you make a purchase at any location on the ship, your signature will be required. At the end of your cruise a bill will be prepared and sent to your stateroom stating all the charges that you made on your account. Be sure to take care of the bill prior to the last day on the ship. The line of guest trying to clear their bills can be very extensive. Be Proactive!

3. Casino
The Casino on board is for your enjoyment. Photography may or may not be allowed in the Casino. On most cruise ships it is banned. Any game that you can name can be played on board. If you are a novice or a little rusty at a certain game, casino floor workers are more than willing to help you sharpen your skills, at no additional charge! Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line abides by Nevada Gaming Control Board Regulations. Most table games have a $5.00 minimum and $200.00 maximum. If you play the slot machines, and win, just be aware that your winnings may be subject to WG-2 tax withholding.

4. Comment Cards
At the end of your cruise, you will be asked to fill out a comment card. You may or may not be offered some cool incentive to do it. Be 100%! Do not hold back, the only way the company can improve is if you share your truthfulness of your cruise vacation. You WILL be hassled by you stateroom steward, and dining room crew to rate Excellent or Superior for them, if that is what you feel they deserve, then give it to them. DO NOT let them pressure you into rating them as excellent, if your service was craptacular. Hopefully your cruise will be cruisetacular!

5. Daily Bulletin(s)
These are issued every day and can be accessed from the information desk, and in your stateroom. One should be delivered to your room every night. It will list all the activities going on around the ship at all hours of the night. When you return from dinner in the dining room, the next day’s bulletin should be in your stateroom. Be sure to read it especially on Sea Days! It will keep you from boredom (but let's face it, how can you be bored when you're on an innovative ocean-going vessel? If you are, something is wrong)!

6. Gift Shops
The gift shop has everything that you may have left at home. Toothbrushes, cameras, and all kinds of snacks can be found in the shops on board. The hours that the gift shop is open will be posted outside of the doors to the shop. Normally, they are not open when the ship is in Port, or during the time when initial embarkation and disembarkation occur.

7. Library
The library is a great place to retreat to whenever you have the urge for a moment of solitude on board. Small fees (that are refundable) may be required to check out books that are within the ship’s library. I recommend bringing your own books to save the hassle. Also, board games can be played in the library! They are free, but must remain in the library. Also great ocean views can be experienced in the library

8. Photographs
Professional photographers are all over the ship! From when you first embark on the vessel, to the deck parties, to the dining rooms every night. They do not charge you up front to take pictures, but if you want to purchase the picture then you must pay. They are on the higher end, with post card pictures beginning at over $10.00 a piece. So go get you picture taken, and if you do not like it keep sailing with the ocean! But take loads of pictures yourself, and ask the crew members to take your pictures with your digital. They are getting paid, and you are on vacation, so enjoy and capture every moment of it! Also, the cruise line will prohibit you from taking pictures with your personal camera of the photographs in the photo display(s) around the ship.

9. Reception/Information/Guest Relations Desk
Open 24 hours! Feel free to ask them any and all questions. If you lose something need information about anything just give them a shout!

10. Room Service
Normally Room Service is 24 hours and is free, but a tip may be suggested for the stateroom steward that will be delivering the food to your cabin. Tip at your personal discretion.

Hopes this helps you novice cruisers! Bon Voyage!
 

 *Some content used, was excerpted from the book, Cruising: All Questions Answered by Douglas Ward.

Ward, Douglas. Cruising: All Questions Answered. Long Island City, New york: Apa Publications Co., 2008.

Cruise Line Review: Norwegian Cruise Line

Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line

They have the youngest fleet afloat, and are changing the face of cruising every single day. Norwegian Cruise Line has truly become an innovative cruise line and has made a definite name for themselves over the past couple of years. Norwegian Cruise, founded in 1966, has been the forgotten cruise line, the dark horse if you will, but not any longer.

 A Norwegian Cruise ship can be spotted in any cruise port, whether crowded or not. Every ship is finished with a beautiful hull work design, normally surrounded by the vessel's name or itineraries, before issued into service (This trend was piloted on the Norwegian Dawn when she was issued into service in 2002).


The cruise line is also known for having the largest suites at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line gets a 4.45 out of 5 stars from me. I have sailed on 7 of their innovative vessels, and there have been no disappointments yet, and I don't plan on any either. Norwegian Cruise Line sails ships from New York City All Year Round, and travel to a variety of destinations. Alaska, The Mexican Riviera, The Caribbean (Now all year round on their newest vessel, the world's 3rd largest cruise ship, the Norwegian Epic), Europe, and Canada, just to name a few. They even offer all year round service to Hawaii on the colossal Pride of America Ship through, NCL America Line. As well as, all year round service to Europe on the Norwegian Jade.Norwegian Cruise Line was awarded, Best Cruise Line, In the Bahamas, by the Bahamas Tourism Ministry in 2009, and has been said to be the best value for your money. The Norwegian Gem even received the honor of being named one of the best large cruise ships in 2009. Most of Norwegian Cruise Ships have a contemporary feel when it comes to interior design and overall decor. Overall Norwegian Cruise Line is the best cruise line for those who just want to relax and not deal with the hassles that other cruise lines can put one under while on vacation. If you have taken a "Freestyle Cruise", then you know 1st hand how awesome NCL is! I highly recommend NCL for any first time cruisers, or single cruisers who want to relax and not party.

Their latest vessel, the Norwegian Epic, features Nickelodeon at Sea, An Aqua Park, performances by the Blue Man Group, and even cabins solely for single passengers (This is a plus because on any other major main stream cruise line, if you don't have another passenger traveling with you, they still charge you for the price of two). Other amenities that can be found throughout the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet include, Bowling Allies, Rock Climbing Walls, Golf Courses, and even more! (Note: All these amenities are not on all Norwegian Cruise Ships) . Take a dive into "Freestyle Cruising " today!


Unlike some of the other mainstream lines, Norwegian Cruise Line does not have an assigned dining time for their passengers. In fact, all of their innovative vessels come equipped with many restaurants that cater to an eclectic array of cuisines from all over the world. The attire on board is normally resort casual. Some cruise lines do not allow shorts to be worn past a certain hour in the evening, but NCL allows guest to dress, change clothes, and entertain themselves as they please.