cruises

Why All-Inclusive Weddings are the Best!

September 11, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Why All-Inclusive Wedding are the Best

Having an all-inclusive destination wedding will benefit not only the guests but also the groom and bride. Aside from the money that will be saved compared to having a traditional wedding, you can also enjoy a lot of perks such as a picturesque venue, customizable room rates, and different activities and adventures.

Your guests will have an extraordinary experience.

All-inclusive destination weddings will help you spend more time with your family and friends. Aside from the wedding ceremony, guests will also have the chance to enjoy the different activities and adventures in the area and the sea breeze and the delicious food. Guests spent their money to attend your wedding, therefore giving them this accommodation and vacation would be fair.

Less money problems

Not all all-inclusive wedding destinations are a pain in your pocket. You can choose from luxury to economical all-inclusive resorts depending on your budget. The best thing about having this kind of wedding is that you can leave the decorations to mother nature.

If you don’t want the resort to host your wedding, you can find a beach with a magnificent view and affordable room rates.

There are several all-inclusive wedding packages that you can choose from

Usually, packages are presented in a tiered-pricing structure. Therefore, you can choose which amenities and package inclusions are best for your wedding. If you’re not happy with the list of packages, you can always opt for a customized one.

It will save you from pre-wedding preparation stress

Some weddings can be so stressful and hectic. It can consume all your time and energy while planning and organizing. Most of the resorts have wedding planners and departments waiting for you.

You just have to convey to the coordinators how you picture out your wedding to be. Planning can be done over the phone or through email. After this, you can schedule a site tour with your wedding team to ensure that the place truly matches your expectations.

All-inclusive destination weddings can make your fairy-tale dream come true.

Do you want to be like Juliet waiting for your Romeo on a terrace? Or have your ceremony surrounded by greens and blooming flowers in the garden? No problem, venues for your all-inclusive wedding are limitless.

You can also have your wedding on a rooftop while looking over the mountains or have it at the seaside. It’s up to you. An all-inclusive destination wedding is also open for a post-wedding venue in a ballroom, wine cellar, or restaurants.

These are the reasons why an all-inclusive destination wedding is the best. Have you already made up your mind? Let Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda help your dream wedding come to life.

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5 Amazing All-Inclusive Resorts for Your Destination Wedding

August 14, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

5 Amazing All-Inclusive Resorts for Your Destination Wedding

Most of us want to achieve that solemn and intimate destination wedding, just like what we see in the movies, free from interruption and any nuisances. Children can indeed be the life of the party. However, when tantrums start to kick in, they are sometimes uncontrollable. Adults-only resorts will help you achieve the destination wedding you have dreamed of.

Blue Bay Villas Doradas- Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Billowy blue curtains, tall ceilings, and copper-colored hanging lanterns will greet you the moment you enter the resort. The cold towels and free welcome drinks make an excellent first impression to guests.

However, the best thing about this resort is its proximity to the Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP) and public facilities. From their spa to the fitness center, tennis courts, beach bar, and sauna, Blue Bay has complete facilities that will surely cater to your needs.

Check Out Sandals Weddings

Sandals Royal Caribbean- Montego Bay, Jamaica

Imagining your dream wedding will take you to cloud nine. However, you can not avoid thinking about the unknowns and unforeseen events. Sandals Royal’s signature is their professionalism in planning and organizing destination weddings.

They take over in almost everything from pre to post-wedding. You will also get to enjoy the water activities and zip line adventure. Enjoy continental breakfast in bed and afternoon tea as you surround yourself by the Montego bay and tropical gardens.

Riu Palace- Baja California, Mexico

Riu Palace Baja California sits in front of the stunning El Medano beach on the south of the Baja California peninsula. Upon entering the lobby, you will notice the greyish earth-tone and wood finish of walls and furniture which go well with the yellow lights.

Enjoy the view of the sun, sand, and the whales enjoying the Pacific ocean from your room terrace. Also, you will get to enjoy their four-themed restaurant, which includes Indian, Japanese, Italian, and Steakhouse cuisine.

Related: How to Choose a Destination Wedding Planner

Secrets Papagayo-Costa Rica

This all-inclusive customizable adult-only resort stands in the heart of the Gulf of Papagayo. Spend the best days of your life in the glittering beach of Papagayo Peninsula with your loved one. The sea breeze blows through your hair, and the gulf shines as you walk down the aisle, feels like a dream come true. However, you can also opt for an intimate garden wedding if you want to!

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana-Montego Bay, Jamaica

Your stay in a resort couldn’t get better without palm trees, a captivating white sand beach, luxurious rooms and a sunset viewing infinity pool. If you’re opting for a luxurious experience and peaceful surroundings, then Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana perfectly suits your needs. Admittedly, this is a place that would efficiently cater to your dream destination wedding.

It is also ideal for couples who desire a grand wedding ceremony free from children. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana sits adjacent to Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana on the alluring shores of Juanillo beach. They

The resort only accepts three weddings per day to give their valued guests a more private ceremony. They also warmly welcome LGBT and same-sex marriages.

What’s excellent about Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is that you’re free to choose any day of the week to spend your wedding. And they share and provide great customizable wedding packages as well as comfortable accommodations for you and your guests.

Which resort would you like to make your adult-only destination wedding to happen? Have you made up your mind already? Feel free to plan your dream destination wedding with Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda.

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Australia Travel Guide

January 31, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Australia Travel Guide

I have had so many requests for information about Australia. Who am I to ignore those requests? Visiting the Land Down Under and experiencing all that it has to offer is hardly possible in one trip, yet overdoing the itinerary for your visit to this island nation is not advisable. Before you stack your list of “things to do” up too high, we’d like to provide some further insight on the highlights of Australia. That way, as you and your travel agent discuss your itinerary, you can fill it full of exploration without feeling pressed for time and causing more unnecessary stress. So, let’s dive into the world Down Under with this Australia Travel Guide.

Sydney

Sydney is one Australia’s largest and most beloved cities. It is a wonderful place to begin your first 4 to 5 days on the island, especially if you are traveling between June and August. With lots of natural beauty and invigorating city life, there’s so much to explore. Some places you should visit include the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains, Circular Quay and the Harbour, Royal Botanical Gardens, and last but not least, the beaches.

Related: Bali Travel Guide

Melbourne

It’s easy to feel captivated by the beauty of Melbourne so we suggest spending at least 4 to 5 days here, too. You could honestly get lost forever in all of its wonder. Although it’s nowhere near as busy as Sydney, Melbourne has a bustling scene of its own. In the city, you can dine at one of the many delightful restaurants or shop at any of the unique boutiques. However, the best way to get a feel for it all is by touring the entire city. Be sure to visit Federation Square, Flinders Street Train Station, the Yarra River, Chinatown, Bourke Street Pedestrian Mall, and the ever-so-popular Queen Victoria Market.

Great Ocean Road

Travel along Great Ocean Road for some of the most amazing sites in Australia. This coastal road stretches for 151 miles and makes the perfect 2-day trip. Take your time to soak in all the views and be sure to stop at the 12 Apostles, the London Bridge, and all of the beaches and forests situated alongside the road.

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Take 2 or 3 days to visit Ayers Rock if you can squeeze it into your itinerary. Unless you fly, it will take a few days to get to the famously massive sandstone but it’s well worth it. Some of the most magical moments can be experienced at Ayers Rock including a sunrise, sunset and stargazing.

Related: 30 Carnival Cruise Tips

Great Barrier Reef

One of Australia’s most quintessential tourist attractions is the Great Barrier Reef. Since the reef stretches from below the Tropic of Capricorn all the way up to the northern tip of Queensland, there is plenty of opportunity for scuba diving and snorkeling. Plan to spend 3 to 4 days here, visiting Cairns, The Whitsunday Islands, Lady Elliot Island, and Cape Tribulation.

Wrap Up

To come up with an itinerary that matches your budget and interests for a trip to Australia, send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We would love to discuss all of the possibilities and great things there are to explore on this gorgeous Oceania island.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Cruise Ship Drink Packages

January 24, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Are Cruise Ship Drink Packages Worth It?

One of the best part of a cruise (besides boarding the ship) is when you finish paying and start exploring add-ons and extras. You know things like shore excursions, specialty restaurants and of course drink packages. If you are a drinker, you may quickly decide to make a drink package a part of your budget. No worries if you don’t drink alcohol, they have drink packages for sodas and juices too. Yet, before you whip out that debit/credit card let’s examine some things and make sure that the drink package will be worth the money you are going to spend. Let’s dive deep into Cruise Ship Drink Packages!

What do Packages Include?

Most cruise lines have 2-3 package types available.

Sodas and/or Juice Only. These packages allow you to get unlimited sodas and juices anytime of day or night. It also includes ordering from bars, and in the dining room.
Sodas, Juice and Mocktails. These packages include unlimited soda, juice and non-alcoholic drinks (i.e daiquiris, etc.). Some packages also include coffees as well.
Alcohol package. This package includes all of the above plus alcoholic drinks. Most cruise lines limit the alcoholic drinks to between 12-15 drinks per day. Remember this number it becomes important later.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cruise lines all charge about the same amounts for their drink packages. The prices differ according to whether or not you are cruising on a mass-market, premium or luxury cruise line. The only cruise line that does not offer a drink package is Disney Cruise Line; they instead have a discount on wine and beer bundles.

In general, the prices for packages are charged by the day. You will simply take the cost of the drink package and multiply it by the amount of days your cruise lasts. Soda packages cost around $8-9 per day. If the cruise line offers a secondary package for sodas, juices and mocktails it will cost around $18-22 a day. Finally, alcoholic packages cost $50-90 a day. A few lines like Princess offer a coffee only package which gets you 15 specialty coffees (i.e Starbucks) for a flat fee of $35.

It’s an All or Nothing Deal?

You can not buy a drink package for part or some of your cruise. You will need to pay for everyday of your cruise. The only exception to this rule is if your ship leaves from New York or Galveston. These two cities do not allow the use of unlimited drink packages while in port. So, your package will start the second day of your cruise. You will also have to pay for any drinks you purchase on the first day of your cruise.

Related: Cruise Ship Drink Calculator

Do You Still Need to Pay Tips?

The price of the drink package does not include tips or gratuity. You will be charged an additional 15-18% gratuity when you purchase the package. This means when you buy the drink you won’t need to pay extra for a tip.

Is It Worth It?

In order for a cruise ship drink package to be worth the money you have to consider how much you will drink during your cruise.

For example, if you buy a soda/juice package you will need to consider the following:

Cost of Soda on Cruise $2-3 each

If you drink 3-4 sodas a day then you will break even quickly on the soda package. In order for it to be worth your money you will need to order at least 5-6 sodas per day.

If you purchase an alcoholic drink package you will need to consider the following:

Cost of a beer on a cruise $ 6-8 for 12-16oz.

In order to break even you will need to drink 8 beers a day. If you want to get your money’s worth you will need to drink around 10 beers a day.

If cocktails or shots are more your preference, then you will need to consider the following:

Cost of average cocktail or shot $8-12.

In order to break even you need to drink 5-6 cocktails/shots a day. In order to get your money’s worth, you need to drink 7+ drinks a day.

Also, don’t forget that every adult (21+) in the cabin must buy the cruise ship drink package (unless it’s the soda package). The only exception to this is pregnant/nursing women. So that means if you are a couple you must meet the above requirements times two!

Bottom line really think long and hard about your beverage intake. If you are not going to indulge to the max, you may want to skip the cruise ship drink packages and buy a la cart instead. There is nothing worse than knowing you paid for something you really didn’t use.

Related: 30 Carnival Cruise Tips

If you are interested in more tips, and destination info please sign up for my newsletter below.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.

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Cruising to Alaska

November 15, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Cruising to Alaska

Cruising is the fastest growing travel segment in the United States. Why? Mainly because of the enormous amount of bang you get for your buck and because you unpack once and see several destinations. Many travelers have Alaska on their bucket list whether it be by land or cruise. We are going to explore why cruising to Alaska may be the best way to explore the area.

A Once In A Lifetime Trip

Alaska is considered to be one of the last frontiers of the world and the 49^th state in the union is a gem of the world. It is a land of ice, bald eagles, mountains, grizzly bears, and the epitome of the American spirit. One of the best ways to see Alaska is by cruise and there are a couple of different ways to see this land. The variations include the type of ship and whether you want to tour the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska.

Related: Explore Alaska

Large Ship vs. Small Ship

Cruise ships are cashless societies. This means that you will need to apply a form of payment to your cabin (sometimes called staterooms). This will be in the form of a debit card/credit card or you can add cash when you board the ship. This will allow you to use your cabin key to make purchases all over the ship and have them charged to your room. Just make sure you keep track of your spending.

Gulf Of Alaska

These cruises go through south-central Alaska. There are 3 different start points for these cruises, Steward, Whittier (both are near Anchorage), or Vancouver. You will go through most of the same ports as you would if you were touring the Inside Passage, but these cruises are one way. They travel north or south depending on where you start your trip.

Some of the stops on these cruises include:

A few days before the cruise or after it in, either, Anchorage or the Kenai Peninsula
College Fjord- which is dotted with amazing glaciers
A few days in Denali National Park

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

Inside Passage

When a cruise is going along this path it will run from the narrow strip near the Canadian border all the way to the Panhandle (which is the beginning of the Gulf of Alaska). This option runs round trip out of either Vancouver or Seattle. This cruise option is the most popular and many of the sights that you will see on this cruise are going to be very similar to the ones that are included for the Gulf of Alaska option. Sights that may be seen include:

Juneau- the capital of Alaska
Ketchikan is a great location for fishing and a look into the life of Native Alaskans
Glacier Bay National Park
Skagway- a gold rush town with a lot of history

Alaska should be on your list of possible cruises. There are amazing sights, beautiful landscapes, and experiences that you will not see anywhere else in the world. It comes down to taking your time to figure out which one of these itineraries is right for you. Figure out what type of excursions you want and the experience you would like to have on the ship. These will be the factors that will help to determine which is best for you.

Don’t hestitate to call or email me if you have more questions. I would love to help.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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30 Carnival Cruise Tips

October 11, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

30 Carnival Cruise Tips

Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. I have been on several cruise lines but this post is all about Carnival Cruise tips.

If you planning a Carnival Cruise or if you are just a cruise addict looking for more tips this is the place for you! We have gathered 30 of the best Carnival Cruise tips and hacks for your next cruise.

Embarkation/De-embarkation Tips

Don’t Forget Your Documents

When you arrive at the port make sure your boarding passes, and Identification (passport or birth certificate and id) are on your person and ready to show to any employees who might ask.

Explore alternatives to Port parking

Port Parking is pricey. Some ports charge as much as $40 a day. Yikes. There is hope. Make sure you research off site parking for the port you are traveling to and save some money. Also, most offsite parking areas offer free shuttles to the port.

Tip the Porters. Yes, really!

The porters are a lot more connected than you may think. Obviously, they load your luggage onto the carts to be put onto the ship. Which is why you want to tip them so you can make sure you get your luggage early. Secondly, they also know the best doors to enter and which lines you should get in for best service. So, tip them at least $1 a bag.

Flight delays can cause you to miss your cruise.

Don’t cut it too close on your flight. If you end up with a delay you can miss your cruise entirely. If you are worried about this happening; fly in a day early.

Self-service your luggage.

When it’s time to exit the ship carry your own luggage. People who take their own luggage get off the ship earlier. This is especially important if you are pressed for time or have an early flight.

Beverage Tips

Leave the Bottle Water at Home

Bottled water is not allowed on cruise ships (cue terrible video of man demonstrating how to smuggle liquor via water bottles). You are allowed to bring on a 12 pack of can soda or juice boxes for the kids. Just limit it to one pack per person.

Wine, anyone?

You cannot bring beer and alcohol onboard a Carnival cruise ship with you, but you can bring one 750ml bottle of win person. If you choose to do this make sure you bring a cork screw to avoid the corkage fee.

Carnival’s Cheers Program

Carnival’s alcoholic beverage program is called Cheers. It includes alcohol, mock-tails, juices, sodas, and premium coffees. Currently, it is priced at $52 per person per day. The cost allows you to have up to 15 drinks per day. The only down side is that all adults in a stateroom have to purchase the plan.

Alcohol Alternatives

If you aren’t an alcohol drinker there are plenty of options onboard. Some are free and others not. Free options include: filtered water, tea (iced and hot) and coffee. Paid options are: sodas, mocktails and premium coffee drinks. If you are big on sodas don’t miss Carnival’s Unlimited Bubbles program that allows you to get unlimited sodas and juices.

Drink of the Day

Every day there is a drink of the day on the ship. They usually come in some type of souvenir glass. That glass allows you to refill the drink at the various bars throughout the day at a lower cost. If you want to keep your drink tab low then check out this option.

Big Water Drinker?

If you are a big water drinker then consider pre-ordering bottle water from Carnival. Currently, a case of water can be ordered for $4.50 a person and they will be delivered to your stateroom the first day of your cruise.

Pack a Re-usable cup.

Bring a re-usable cup and fill it up with your free beverages and sip away throughout the day. It’s a great way to save some money.

Related: Things to NOT Take on Your Cruise

Dining Tips

Try specialty restaurants on day one.

The specialty restaurants (steakhouse etc.) offer specials for cruisers who chose to eat there are on the first night. So, if you are flexible for dinner try one of the specialty restaurants on the first night.

No Limits

If you are eating in the Main Dining Room (MDR) you can order food with no limits. If two entrees catch your eye…order both. Want two desserts? Order two. Just make sure you order everything at the same time so all your food will be piping hot.

Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly

If you are Vegan or Vegetarian this is a great cruise line for you. There are menu items, buffet items, and casual restaurant items for Vegans and Vegetarians. You can also go visit the Maître D and let him know you are Vegan and your servers will offer your alternatives. Carnival is also gluten free friendly as well.

Kid Faves

Kids and Big kids love the unlimited ice cream and pizza onboard all Carnival ships. Recently they have even added frozen yogurt to their ice cream machines.

Sea Day Brunch

If your cruise has a sea day (a day you are not at a port) then make sure you go and partake of the sea day brunch. During the sea day brunch there is a special menu in the dining room and there is everything from a mimosa bar to filet mignon and eggs. It’s worth the trip.

Cabin Tips

They are called staterooms.

Your room on the ship is not a cabin it’s a stateroom. Whenever you go to Guest Services, call room service etc. you will be asked what is your stateroom number? SO, remember it’s not a cabin it’s a stateroom.

Motion Sickness Worries

If you are concerned about motion sickness your stateroom location can help. If you are prone to seasickness then choose a room in the lower part of the ship and in the middle of the floor. The ship has less movement here.

Night Lights

If you choose an interior stateroom make sure to bring a night light as your room will be totally dark. You also may want to set an alarm on your phone so you don’t sleep the day away.

Need Extra Comfort?

If your bed is not quite soft enough ask your Room Steward for an egg crate mattress pad to make your bed softer.

Use the Safe

Use the safe for your valuables such as cash, jewelry and other items. You can even use a gift card with a stripe to open it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Are you diabetic?

If you are insulin-dependent diabetic, then be sure to request a sharps container for your room. Most carnival cruise ships have refrigerators to store your insulin.

Entertainment Tips

Movies

If your ship has the movie screen by the pool, then don’t miss the free movies that will be shown there most nights. We are not talking movies that came out 3 years ago these are current in theater blockbusters. So, grab some free popcorn and enjoy a free movie.

Arrive Early for Shows

Make sure you arrive early for shows. Seating on Carnival ships is first come first serve. This means the best seats go fast. Arrive especially early for comedy shows as they are in smaller venues with less seating.

Extra Tips

Carnival Hub App

Make sure you download the Carnival Hub app before your cruise. The app allows you to keep track of your bill, chat with other cruise passengers (for a $5 per person fee). The app also has a digital version of the Carnival Times so you can keep track of activities.

Power Strips Only

Make sure you bring a power strip with you to plug in additional electronics. Make sure it is a power strip and not a surge protector. Surge protectors are banned on Carnival cruise ships.

Oh, the Photos!

Carnival has amazing photographers and the resulting photos are amazing. Put aside money because there will be a photo you will want, and they are pricey.

Use the Hand Washing Units

Carnival has super cool handwashing units where you just insert your hands and the machine does the work. It’s especially fun for the kids and makes hand washing fun.

No cash needed.

Carnival like most cruise lines is a cashless society. No need to carry around cash as your card will do it all. If you do need cash avoid the high atm fees and go buy chips at the casino and then go cash them out.

Related: Tips for Choosing the best Cruise Ship Room

I hope you enjoyed these 30 carnival Cruise tips and tricks. Did you learn anything new? If so let me know in the comment below and look forward to the next blog in this series.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Cruise Ship Room

August 23, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Tips for Choosing the Best Cruise Ship Room

Have you ever started planning your cruise and clicked to choose your cruise ship room and instantly became overwhelmed? Whether you are a first-time cruiser of even if you have a few cruises under your belt room choice can be a huge hurdle to overcome. The average cruise line has anywhere between 20-30 room categories available. Yikes, talk about overwhelm.

There are so many types, levels and even perks to cruise ship rooms it can be difficult to understand which room is best for you. No worries travel addict I am here to help. We will explore the types of room categories, and how to choose the best one for your next cruise.

4 Basic Cabin Types

All cruise ship rooms include a private bathroom and basics such as televisions, phones, closets and lamps. After that things begin to change depending on cruise line and room category.

Interior Room

This is the lowest category and is simplistic and doesn’t have any windows.

Ocean View Room

The next category up is ocean view and this room has a bit more space than an interior. It will also have a window or a port hole depending on the cruise line.

Balcony Room

The balcony is usually a bit larger than the ocean view and has an actual balcony you can sit on and enjoy the view.

Suite Room

Suites are the largest rooms available. They are also the most varied. They can include private bedrooms, two bathrooms, butler service, and upstairs lofts. The options at suite level are endless.

Related: 10 First Time Cruise Questions

Other Factors to Consider

How do you view your room? Is it just a place to rest, sleep and change clothes? If so an interior or ocean view may work for you.
On the other hand, if your room is the center of your cruise experience and you see it as your private sanctuary then you may want a balcony or a suite.
Maybe you have a fear of heights but still want to see the scenery? Then an Oceanview may be the perfect fit for you.
Also, think about cruise length. If you are going on a short cruise you may want to chose a lower priced room because you really may not fully enjoy a balcony.

Where are you travelling to?

This becomes a huge factor when going on scenic cruises such as Alaska, Hawaii or Mediterranean cruises. These cruises are all about the view and a balcony will cost more but be worth it because of the view.

Location, Location, Location

There are things to think about before clicking that number for your room choice. I call these location factors.

Are you concerned about noise? Then you will want to avoid floors above or below the theaters, restaurants and pool. The best choice may be a room at the end of the hallway.
Worried about motion sickness? Then choose a cruise ship room on a low deck (3 or below) and is in the middle of the ship. You won’t feel the boat’s movement as much at this level.
Do you have mobility issues? You definitely want to choose a room close to the elevators. Remember to book early because those rooms go fast.

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

Learn Your Views

Lastly, in order to choose the best cruise ship room, you need to know about views. There are two types of basic views when it comes to cruise ships.

Obstructed view- This means the window or balcony’s view is blocked by something. In most cases it will be a wall, a life boat or part of another room.

Deck views- This means that instead of the view being of an area outside of the ship you will see an area inside the ship. These views are usually of the pool deck, the atrium or other areas in the center of the ship.

I hope you are completely prepared for choosing your best cruise ship room. Share with me in the comments when is your next cruise vacation.

Related: Cruise Ship Deck Plans

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. If you want more amazing travel tips and destination info sign up for my newsletter.

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10 First Time Cruise Questions

July 24, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

10 First Time Cruise Questions

Cruising is the fastest growing travel segment in the United States. Why? Mainly because of the enormous amount of bang you get for your buck and because you unpack once and see several destinations. Veteran cruisers will tell you there is a learning curve for cruising and sometimes it can take a while to go from newbie to savvy. But no worries; I am here to help. Today I will answer 10 First Time Cruise Questions.

Do I need a passport?

This is a yes and no question. There are two types of cruises: Open looped and closed looped. Let me briefly explain.

Open looped- When a cruise begins at one port and ends at a different port. For example a cruise starts in Seattle, Washington but ends in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Closed looped- When a cruise starts and ends at the same port.

If you are traveling on a closed looped cruise you DO NOT need a passport. You will need a copy of your birth certificate and a state issued id if you are over 16 years of age.

If you are traveling open looped you WILL be required to have a passport. In either case a passport is highly recommended.

What time should I arrive at the cruise port?

Most cruise lines require you to choose an arrival time so they can expedite their check in process. Most cruise lines close check-in anywhere from 1-2 hours before the cruise is scheduled to depart. SO, take your check in time seriously and don’t miss the boat!

Prefer Video: Click Here for the Video Version

What about paying for items on board?

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

This is another yes and no question. It is also one of the most common first time cruise questions I get asked. If you are speaking in terms of liquors and spirits such as rum, gin etc. the answer is no. If you are a wine drinker most cruise lines will allow you to bring at least one bottle of wine per person on board. If you want to open it on your own, then don’t forget your wine bottle opener. Most cruise lines charge a corkage fee of at least $25 if thy open it.

Do I have to pay extra to exit the ship?

I always chuckle when I am asked this question. So, for that reason alone it had to make my common cruise questions list.

You do not need to pay any fees to exit the ship at a port. You have already paid for that right when you paid for the cruise. Now if you chose to take a shore excursion then those have an additional cost. I think that may be where some of the confusion arises. Please note that shore excursions are optional.

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

Do I have to get off the ship at the port?

No, you do not. Many times, you may go on a cruise and one of the ports is a place you have visited many times before. For me that port is Nassau, Bahamas. If I am out of my fave facial products I may jump off and go to Tresor Rare and other times I just hang out on the ship. If you stay onboard it is a great tie to enjoy a spa treatment or hang out by the nearly empty pool.

Do I have to eat in the main dining room?

The main dining room is also called the MDR. It is the main hub for dinner. You are not required to eat in the main dining room because there are so may options around the ship. Mainly there is a buffet available on the pool deck. If you are a first-time cruiser, then check out the main dining room once because it is a unique experience.

Do I have to follow the dress code in the Main Dining Room?

If this was ten years ago, I would have said a resounding yes. Now, the times have changed, and we have new generations who are not big on dressing up. So, to say the least the rules for dress in the MDR are lax or just overlooked. As long as you don’t walk in with your bath suit or swim trunks you might pass muster. Yet, most guests stick with business casual as the standard.

What are gratuities?

Out of all my first-time cruise questions this is the most controversial. Gratuities are the tips that are given to the people who clean and service your cabin, who serve you food whether at the buffet or in the Main Dining Room. The gratuity charges are based on your room category and the length of your cruise. The longer the cruise the larger the gratuity naturally. Lower room categories (interior, ocean view, and balcony) have the same gratuity rate and suites have a higher rate. Each cruise lines charges a different amount, but they all start at 13.99 per day per person and go up from there.

Should I use a travel agent or travel advisor?

If you have been a part of any travel forum you can see that this is a first-time cruise question that really sparks hot conversation. As a travel professional I urge people to use travel agents. Why? Because travel agents spend a lot of time, energy, and money to learn about travel and specific destination to be of service to their clients. We know the best resorts in an area. We know the best cruise ships for kids, we know the best cruise destination for honeymooners. We also know the best prices and the best ties to travel. We are like google but for travel. We go above and beyond to give our clients the best value for their money. Of course, you can book your own travel but if you have never cruised before or never visited the Bahamas; why not call a professional to help guide the way. I do not charge fees to my clients so there is no additional cost to you. #travelagentsrock

Wrap Up

I hope that by now you are well prepared to embark on the process of your first cruise or maybe the first cruise in a long time. If you are a first timer tell when your cruise is leaving and what cruise line you chose in the comments below. If you are a veteran cruiser tell me the first ship you ever cruised on. I can’t wait to hear from you.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. If you want more amazing travel tips and destination info sign up for my newsletter.

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I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.