Why Cruise?
Stateroom Selection
Always check pricing for higher stateroom categories and compare the difference in price can be surprisingly small, but moving up can have a huge impact on your vacation experience. - When selecting your stateroom, you should think about more than just deck level consider its proximity to elevators, restaurants, pools, and the spa.
- How important is the view? If you wouldn't stay in a room without a view at an island resort, then make an oceanview the minimum stateroom category you consider on your cruise.
- Considering a balcony stateroom? No matter where you cruise, benefits include private sunbathing, room service dining under the stars, breathtaking views, and convenient photo opportunities both in port and at sea.
- Balcony staterooms the ideal choice for viewing the rugged Alaskan coastline, lush Caribbean Islands, and the beauty of Europe. Roll out of bed, smell the ocean air, sit back, and watch the world unfold!
Life Onboard
Planning to enjoy the spa while you cruise? Once onboard, make the spa your first stop to get the best selection of appointment times and treatments. - Looking for spa discounts? Select treatments are often discounted on the days the ship is in port.
- Write down your stateroom number in a few places and keep it with you, especially on the first day or two of your cruise.
- Many ships have very flexible dining options make sure you know the available choices and visit the maitre d' early to inquire about recommendations and reservations.
- Cash is not accepted onboard, except in the casino. Plan ahead choose the credit card you'll use, or set aside an adequate amount of cash to set up your onboard account.
- Every evening, a newsletter detailing the next day's special activities will be delivered to you. Join in the fun, make your own adventures, or just relax by the pool!
- Most ships offer a captain's cocktail party on formal night. Photos with the captain and free champagne often make for a memorable evening!
Adventures Ashore
Before you travel, do a little reading about the destinations you'll visit to get an idea of the local activities you might want to try. - Planning on booking any shore excursions? If you know exactly what you want, save time and money by reserving them in advance with CruisesOnly. Or, make the shore tours desk your first stop once you get onboard so you can ask for recommendations and make sure your favorite options don't sell out without your name reserved.
- If you dine early, try to book the earliest excursion times so there's no need to rush to dinner later. Remember room service is always an option, too!
- If your tour gets back early, consider returning to the ship to enjoy all the onboard amenities while most of your fellow passengers are still ashore.
- Be sure to bring proper shoes and clothing for the various types of excursions youre interested in. Sneakers, water shoes, hats and visors, a water bottle with carry strap ...
Planning & Packing
The photographers onboard offer a very affordable way to get a family portrait taken. Make the portrait more personal pack a special outfit or any fun family "props" you might want included in the photo, such as a picture of the family dog or your son's soccer ball. - The little things we often forget can be harder to come by onboard and more expensive than at home. Make a packing list, and check things off as you go.
- Why wait for luggage delivery? If you bring a well-packed carry-on bag, then the fun can start the moment you step aboard. With a bathing suit, sandals, and sunscreen handy, you can head straight to the pool!
- Planning lots of excursions and sports activities? Be sure to pack the right shoes and sportswear for your adventures! And remember most ships have fitness centers, so you keep your workout routine at sea.
Incredible Value & Convenience
A cruise offers unmatched variety, convenience, and fun. Plus, it's more affordable than many land-based vacations. Cruises enable you to visit multiple locations for one low price, without the hassle of coordinating travel details. Your vacation begins the moment you step onboard. And now, many cruises are just a short drive or flight away.
What's Included:
- Stateroom or suite accommodations
- Ocean transportation
- Gourmet dining
- Supervised kids' programs
- Vegas- or Broadway-style shows
- Entry to nightclubs, piano bars & more
- Activities like yoga & basketball
- Gym, pool & hot tubs
- Non-commissionable fares & taxes
What's Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Spa treatments
- Alcoholic beverages
- Casino gaming
- Shopping
- Organized tours & activities onshore
- Babysitting
- Nominal fees at some restaurants
Something For Everyone
Cruising is so much more than just shuffleboard and all-you-can-eat buffets. Today's ships offer activities and entertainment for vacationers of all ages, from toddlers to seniors.
Family-friendly ships may feature everything from kids' clubs to teen coffeehouses. Want to unwind? Activities are as diverse as spa treatments, basketball, and casino gambling. At night, you might catch a comedy show, relax in a piano bar, or feast on five-star cuisine. From luxury to adventure, there's a ship to suit your vacation needs.
Unique ship features may include:
- Rock-climbing wall
- All-oceanview or all-suite accommodations
- Martini & champagne bars
- Teen discos
- Thalassotherapy pool
- Spiral waterslide
- Planetarium
- Boutiques by Harrods & Bvlgari
- Butler service
- Miniature golf & golf simulators
- Bungee trampolines
- Poolside movies under the stars
- Ice-skating rink
Cruise Lingo & Glossary
Destinations:
- Port: a destination or city visited by a ship.
- Shore Excursion: an activity or tour in a port.
- Cruisetour: a cruise combined with a land vacation. The land portion may consist of anything from a hotel stay before or after the cruise to a fully escorted tour and airfare.
Bonus Offers:
- Upgrade: when you receive a better stateroom category than you paid for.
- Shipboard Credit: a credit that is posted to your account upon embarkation. It's yours to spend at the spa, in the boutiques, or almost anywhere onboard.
Accommodations:
- Category: a group of staterooms (formerly referred to as cabins) that are assigned the same rank because of their size, amenities, deck level, and location. Prices vary according to category.
- Interior: staterooms that do not have windows.
- Oceanview: staterooms that feature portholes or a picture window.
- Balcony: staterooms that feature private balconies.
- Suite: the most spacious, luxurious accommodations onboard.