Cruise lines - and even individual ships within a line - vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and facilities. Some have a party-all-the- time ambience and/or a great gym and spa; others are ideal for curling up on deck with a good book. So work with a travel agent who specializes in cruising.
Steps to Enjoying the Perfect Cruise
- Find your dream boat.
The biggest mistake cruising newbies make is booking the wrong ship. Most people focus on the destination (Caribbean, Mexico, etc.) and don't pay enough attention to the ship itself. Cruise lines - and even individual ships within a line - vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and facilities. Some have a party-all-the-time ambience and/or a great gym and spa; others are ideal for curling up on deck with a good book. So work with a travel agent who specializes in cruising. Discuss your budget and what you are looking for, or better yet, arrive at the agency with your personal wish list in hand. - Book early.
There are two ways to get the best price on a cruise: book early or book at the very last minute. Both will save you money, but early bookers get the best choice of cabins for roughly the same "sale" price as late bookers, and avoid being disappointed because their ship is sold out. "Early" usually means three to six months before the cruise; the savings generally are 25 to 50 percent off the published brochure price per person. - Get the best cabin you can afford.
Some people say that it doesn't matter what your cabin is like, since you'll only dress and sleep there. I say "balderdash". After all, this is your honeymoon. You'll want every detail to be perfect. Don't assume anything: queen-size and even double beds and bathtubs are not givens on a ship. While some cabins do have oversized beds, in others single beds are pushed together for couples. In some cases (mostly on older ships), the beds are nailed to the floor, not exactly a honeymoon dream come true. Most cabins have small (single-occupancy) showers, not bathtubs, so if you like to soak ask for a room with a tub. Most important, a nice cabin makes you more inclined to enjoy things like room service and sipping morning coffee in your PJs. The ultimate luxury: a private veranda so you can leave your sliding-glass doors open and fall asleep to the sounds of the sea.ROMANTIC HONEYMOON VACATION BOOKS
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Vacation rentals, Vacation packages, Family vacations, Inclusive vacations, Vacation insurance, Beach vacations, Cruise vacations, Golf vacations, Ski vacations, Luxury vacations, Coastal vacations, Vacation resorts. - Take care of business.
A bit of preparation pays off in a carefree trip. In the pre-wedding whirlwind, it's easy to forget that life will go on while you're away. Such as the mail (stop it.) And bills (pay them.) And your pets (kennel them.) Tape a "To Do" list to your fridge, and check things off as you go. Don't forget to shop for film, extra batteries, sunscreen and travel-size toiletries. These are more expensive to buy on the ship, and you may not find your favorite products. Consider filling small plastic containers with conditioner and shampoo from the big bottles, which you can leave at home. - Pack light, pack right.
Be prepared for the off chance your luggage will get misplaced. Even if your bag isn't lost, it often takes hours before it gets to your cabin. So pack for survival: Put a little of everything you'll want and need in a carry-on bag. This includes undies, shirts, socks, a bathing suit and something to wear to dinner. As added protection, buy travel insurance that covers you for lost, stolen, damaged or delayed luggage. - Beat the rush.
On most cruises, you'll want to schedule all kinds of things. So will everyone else, usually at the same time. Shore excursions are described in a brochure that comes with your cruise tickets; book any excursions you can't bear to miss early on (Increasingly, lines allow you to book them before you leave home). It's also a good idea to make your spa appointments and specialty restaurant reservations on the first day of the cruise so you don't lose out. - Be shore-savvy.
Some shore excursions are worth taking. Others are not. How do you know the difference? Take shore excursions when they offer a chance to do something really spectacular-like helicopter flightseeing. A car and driver can be a more personal (and less costly) way to sightsee. To make it more fun (and affordable), put your own group together and share the ride with newfound friends you've met on board. But note: if you go solo and miss the boat, you're on your own. - Get the royal treatment.
Ask your agent about cruise lines that pamper their passengers with in-room extras like terry cloth robes, fruit baskets and the like. Let the cruise director know you're newlyweds. Ask about honeymoon and anniversary parties, dinner at the captain's table and other special recognition. You can also buy packages that include things like a formal portrait in an engraved frame and a champagne breakfast in bed. Most lines also tailor packages for couples who want to kick off their honeymoon with a wedding. - Stuffing the envelope.
The last night of the cruise is abittersweet time. You've had fun. You're going home. And then there's that little business of tipping to take care of. Remember that tipping is always entirely up to you. Most cruise lines will recommend just how much to tip. (About $3.50 per passenger for the waiter and cabin steward and $2 a day for the busboy.) These are only guidelines; tip what you want. You should never feel pressured. The maitre d', for example, need not be tipped just for asking, "How was your dinner?" On the other hand, if he made your cruise extra special by finding that table for two, let him know with a monetary gesture that says, "Thank you". - Cruising for romance.
On most cruises, you'll be assigned a dinner table (usually with other passengers) and time (early or late) for the entire trip. See the maitre d' as soon as you board to specify which seating you prefer; also let him know if you prefer a table for two and be sure to advise him of your newlywed status. After dinner, remember that the hot tubs never close, and you'll probably find yourselves alone under the stars. For more alone time, stay on the ship when everyone else goes ashore; it's like having your own private yacht.
Romantic wedding honeymoon articles:
A look at destination weddings & honeymoon:
If you have always had an adventurous spirit, then perhaps the type of wedding to suit your style is a "destination wedding".
Planning a destination wedding: These are just a few of the many couples who decided to exchange their vows away from home.
Tips to plan destination weddings: Ask your travel agent or wedding coordinator about expected weather conditions for the selected ceremony date so that your wedding attire is appropriate and comfortable for the climate.
Plan the honeymoon of your romance: A honeymoon shouldn't be rushed and overly organized. Instead, plan a few enjoyable activities and leave lots of opportunity to just enjoy each other's company.
The basic kinds of honeymoon packages: All-inclusive resorts and clubs are perfect if you are looking for a true escape from the pressures of wedding planning.
Tips for the perfect romantic honeymoon: How best prepare such unforgetable moment for both of you? Here are tips to make sure your own honeymoon is perfect.
Favorite honeymoon vacation spots: Thinking about most favorite honeymoon vacation spots selected by couples from all around the world?
Luxury resort accommodations on your honeymoon: Here is more of the luxury you can expect from a state-of-the-art resort accommodation hotels.
Selecting your honeymoon suite: Most traditional hotels offer special honeymoon suites - these are usually larger than normal rooms, perhaps more elegantly furnished and with extra amenities like better views or a whirlpool bath.
Air travel for honeymoon: True, low-cost fares (the ones advertised) have declined over the years, but the price of "full fare" seats has increased dramatically.
Car rentals for honeymoon: Renting a car today is easier, more fun and less expensive than it's ever been; even more so if you plan ahead.
Honeymoon photography tips: Under tricky light conditions such as sunsets, try bracketing your shots, override your camera's light meter, and shoot a picture at both slower and faster speeds than the meter indicates, to guarantee one correct exposure.
Planning a destination wedding: These are just a few of the many couples who decided to exchange their vows away from home.
Tips to plan destination weddings: Ask your travel agent or wedding coordinator about expected weather conditions for the selected ceremony date so that your wedding attire is appropriate and comfortable for the climate.
Plan the honeymoon of your romance: A honeymoon shouldn't be rushed and overly organized. Instead, plan a few enjoyable activities and leave lots of opportunity to just enjoy each other's company.
The basic kinds of honeymoon packages: All-inclusive resorts and clubs are perfect if you are looking for a true escape from the pressures of wedding planning.
Tips for the perfect romantic honeymoon: How best prepare such unforgetable moment for both of you? Here are tips to make sure your own honeymoon is perfect.
Favorite honeymoon vacation spots: Thinking about most favorite honeymoon vacation spots selected by couples from all around the world?
Luxury resort accommodations on your honeymoon: Here is more of the luxury you can expect from a state-of-the-art resort accommodation hotels.
Selecting your honeymoon suite: Most traditional hotels offer special honeymoon suites - these are usually larger than normal rooms, perhaps more elegantly furnished and with extra amenities like better views or a whirlpool bath.
Air travel for honeymoon: True, low-cost fares (the ones advertised) have declined over the years, but the price of "full fare" seats has increased dramatically.
Car rentals for honeymoon: Renting a car today is easier, more fun and less expensive than it's ever been; even more so if you plan ahead.
Honeymoon photography tips: Under tricky light conditions such as sunsets, try bracketing your shots, override your camera's light meter, and shoot a picture at both slower and faster speeds than the meter indicates, to guarantee one correct exposure.
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