Cruise Radio» travel

Family Cruise on a Budget

admin — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:20:20 +0000

For many, the idea of a cruise and a budget family holiday do not traditionally go together, however there are ways of making a cruise into the perfect holiday for families without the need to break the bank.

Taking the family on a short cruise, visiting places that are not too far from home, is one such cost-effective option.

There are several things to consider before you depart. If you have never taken a cruise before then you will need to be aware that each trip invariably includes some days at sea, but also others when you are free to leave the ship and explore the local area.

To keep a reign on the budget, it is best to plan in advance those days when you want to leave the ship. This can be done by looking at the cruise line`s website in advance of departure and where possible, booking in advance for those excursions you wish to make. This has the benefit of ensuring that you don`t miss out, but also allows you to spread the cost of these additions to your holiday. You may find other companies offering similar excursions to those offered by your cruise line so it is worth comparing the costs to find the best deal.

On the day of departure make sure you arrive at the ship in plenty of time and once you are on board, familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship and ensure that your children are equally comfortable with their surroundings.

Obtain a copy of the itinerary for the cruise which will provide you with all the information you need about what will be happening during your trip. In addition, it is important to register your children for the organised children`s activities so they will be kept happy and occupied during your time at sea.

One benefit of taking a cruise, over some other types of holiday, is that most food is included in the price you pay. To take full advantage of this, once on board you should make sure that you are happy with the dining arrangements that have been made for you. This is particularly important if you have young children.

The main thing to remember in order to enjoy your family cruise to the full is to have a budget and try and stick to it as on board your cruise you will find many things which will test your budgeting skills.

There are several ways of booking your ideal family cruise, but the best deals to be had are online where special offer low cost holidays voucher codes could make your budget stretch even further.

Subscribe to our Cruise News Updates.

Tips for cruising in 2012

admin — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:20:08 +0000

Celebrity Eclipse. (photo: Celebrity)

For those who have never cruised – cruising abounds with myths and hearsay. Over 50’s travel and review site, Silver Travel Advisor, has come up with its top 10 tips to make the transition from shore to ship and easy one, and a further ten tips to dispel some of the myths surrounding cruising.

Top tips for newby cruisers:

1. Check out what is and what isn’t included in the cruise fare. If you’re a non-drinker, an all-inclusive cruise may mean you’re subsidising others, and if you’re a foodie, you won’t want to pay a supplement for speciality restaurants when some cruise lines include them in the cruise fare.

2. Packing for a cruise can result in weighty excess baggage charges from the airlines, so find out in advance the cruise line’s dress code and how many formal nights, if any you’ll need to pack for, so you don’t end up excess black tie, ball-gowns or tiaras – or a caseload of heavy duty fleeces.

3. Shore excursions help you make the most of your time while in port and can be pre-booked in advance online. Some cruise lines often offer packages or discounts for advance bookings and the cost can be added to your cabin account, so look out for these and plan ahead.

4. If you like a bottle of wine with dinner, don’t feel that you have to drink it all. Your bottle will be labelled with your cabin number at the end of the evening and it will follow you around the ship, even if you dine in different restaurants.

5. Specialty restaurants get very booked up, so book your dining requirements as early as you can. Experienced cruisers will know this so make sure you don’t miss out and make your table reservations as soon as you can, some cruise lines will allow you to do this from home.

6. Whether you’re on the ocean or river cruising, you’re on a `ship’, not a `boat’! You’ll quickly identify yourself as a new cruiser if you refer to your floating home as a `boat’.

7. U.S. guests are used to tipping and cruise lines will notify you of the policy regarding tipping on their ships. It’s usually on a discretionary basis but make sure you’re aware of the guidelines and whether cash is expected, or if they are added to the onboard account.

8. Use the safe in your room for cash and valuables and avoid using your birth date as the code.

9. Take some time to plan your cruise, day by day, making the most of the excursions, the dining, the daily activities and the enrichment programme that many cruise lines offer, from dancing lessons to cookery, learn a language or a new skill.

10. The `Cruise Director’ is in charge of passenger enjoyment and is the person to consult when it comes to anything to do with the on-board activities and entertainment. Listen out for his announcements and make sure you read the daily newsletter that most cruise lines will leave in your room at early evening `turn down’.

Source: Silver Travel Advisor

Subscribe to our Cruise News Updates.

Episode 58 – Live From Key West

admin — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:15:10 +0000

This week Doug is down in Key West broadcasting from Pier B at Mallory Square.

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy talks about his rendezvous with Queen Elizabeth in Southampton, England.

The Carnival Freedom Cruise Director joins Doug chatting about all things Carnival Freedom.

A street performer from Mallory Squares talks with us about performing daily in Key West at the Sunset Celebration

Subscribe to our weekly show on iTunes.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957

Ping list

Episode 55 – European Vacation

admin — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:06:15 +0000

Doug chats with Sherry Laskin (aka @cruisemaven) about her trip to, and all around Europe…and did we mention she doesn’t fly. It’s nothing but ships, trains, and automobiles for Sherry.

Matt speaks with Mike Peluso about cruising with an infant. He and his wife Michele were aboard the Costa Atlantica with their baby boy, Aldo.

Stewart Chrion the Cruise Guy joins us for weekly commentary and cruise news

Subscribe to our weekly show on iTunes.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957

Ping list

Cruise Radio Premium Content

admin — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:24:30 +0000

We have been getting a lot of requests for our content that we don’t air on Cruise Radio. To tell you the truth, we just had it sitting on a server. Until now.

We introduce Cruise Radio Premium Content. Unlimited access to our behind the scenes content. Interviews with some of the top crew members on the ships. What really goes on when the mic is off?

We made this video to explain it a little more.

Be sure to check out Cruise Radio Premium content on CruiseRadio.net.

Subscribe to our weekly show on iTunes.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957

DreamHost uptime

Episode 54 – Polar Excursions

admin — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:24:17 +0000

Paul Motter, Editor of Cruise Mates and columist for Fox Business gives us the details of his latest article: Polar Opposites: Icy Expedition Cruises

Stewart Chrion the Cruise Guy joins us for weekly commentary and cruise news.

Subscribe to our weekly show on iTunes.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957

Ping list

Episode 50 – Cruise Line Industry Report

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:12:51 +0000

MS-NBC’s travel guru Chris Elliott explains his latest article Revenge of the hotel clerks: 5 things they’ll do to difficult guests.

Johnny Jet, the world traveler travels over 150,000 miles a year. Find out how he went being afraid to fly to making a living out of it. A dynamic guy.

Stewart Chiron The Cruise Guy® also joins us with his weekly Cruise News and commentary.

Subscribe to our weekly show on iTunes.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957

Ping list

Episode 49 – Family Travel

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:29:12 +0000

Managing Editor Nancy Schretter, from the Family Travel Network talks to us about family travel while cruising. This is a great show and she covers it all from start to finish.

Stewart Chiron the Cruise Guy also joins us with his weekly Cruise News and commentary.

Subscribe to our weekly show on iTunes.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957

Ping list

Episode 37 – Silversea Cruises

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 10:20:45 +0000

Game Show Host, Radio personality and Travel writer Geoff Edwards will be talking to us about the Silversea Spirit.

Find out what cruise line rated the top in Eco-friendliest in Cruise News.

Stewart Chiron (Cruise Guy) joins us with weekly commentary.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957

Episode 29- Alaska Cruise Tax

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:51:58 +0000

The Norovirus has been around for years and can pretty much ruin your vacation. Paul Motter, Editor in Chief of Cruise Mates.com tells us exactly what the virus is and ways to prevent it from destroying your vacation.

Alaska is a popular destination for many many cruisers. Did you know that there are excursions you can do off the ship too? Ralph Grizzle, Editor of AvidCruiser.com talks to us about Alaska hot spots.

But first, with lots going on in the cruise world, Alaska’s Governor recently met with some cruise lines executives. Stewart Chiron, The Cruise Guy goes into detail about what’s going on with Alaska and cruise taxes.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at CruiseRadio.

Show Questions or Comments? 1-866-874-7957