So many activities on board…so little time!
–How to maximize the fun
–How to dodge the crowds
–How to avoid scams and save money
How to maximize the fun –
Cruise line advertising makes it sound so simple…which strongly implies that the wisest choice is a ship with the best and most modern facilities for activities like rock climbing, bowling, board surfing, ice skating , billiards, water parks, etc. And the hype really excites some people. But stop panting for a moment and think. Your ship doesn’t have to be the one with the most “who knew they had that on a ship” activities to make your cruise a success. Other less glamorous events can be just as satisfying, of course, in relation to personal tastes and interests.
A good example– there are the old standbys like theIce carving demonstration– which has the potential to be a real heart stopper. For example, occasionally theice artistYou will inadvertently put your miniature chainsaw in the unsteady hands of an inebriated passenger. The show instantly becomes more exciting to watch and more self-serving for the performer. Large tips and full attendance are guaranteed.
Another Oldie but Goodie is theNapkin folding class– particularly popular with those willing to adjust their medication accordingly.
But a word of caution is in order. What he initially thought would be the thrill of a lifetime from him…Carnival Hairy Chest Contest– turned out to be a failure. (Unfortunately, I’m speaking figuratively.)
Let me set the scene. I rolled out of bed early on the big day, fully committed to witnessing this pivotal event from a front row seat. But words cannot express my disappointment when it was announced that participation was limited to men only. Unfortunately, I had to resign myself to feeding a different fetish for that day. Explorationcarnival capersfor the umpteenth time, looking for possibilities, I muttered to myself ‘surely there must be something’. After all, this is Carnival!
How to dodge the crowds
There are times of day and places, even on the largest and most modern ships, where large crowds will materialize and you may find yourself in the company of more passengers than you would like. At such times, competition can be intense for resources such asJacuzzi, the children’s pool or lounge chairs near the pool. Many ships have made a feeble attempt to solve this problem by creating a “Only for adults“pool and living room, likeroyal caribbeansignature Solarium indoor/outdoor pool area. But these areas tend to be a bit quiet and too removed from the actual action, from the visual appeal, if you know what I mean (wink, wink).
So when in extremis, let’s offer a few solutions, tried and true, one old, one new.
Crowded Pool Solution-
known as the“Cart Shack”strategy – this is a risky technique – frowned upon by cruise lines and should be used sparingly or it loses its effectiveness. You surreptitiously throw a baby ruth chocolate bar in the pool, preferably a “float”. So sit back and wait. The exodus will be “en masse” or gradual, depending on whether the alarm is shouted aloud by a panicked bather or circulates quietly through whispers and worried looks.
Crowded Deck Solution –
Current world events have opened up new possibilities to find a spare chair when you want to nap and/or sunbathe during rush hour. The most effective of the new techniques is to shout at the top of your lungs.”Somali pirates on the starboard bow”! The daredevils will run to the railing with their digital cameras in hand. The skittish will run for cover. Others will just sit there trying to figure out which side of the ship you are on.“star board”. But two out of three is not bad. Two thirds of the loungers should be immediately available.
Stay on board in port –
Why follow the pack ashore, especially if –
A. You have been there many times before
b. You owe money to someone who lives there.
against There has been an unprecedented outbreak of Chikungunya fever
d. It is a long and difficult journey to shore in a crowded boat, stuffy and without air conditioning.
By staying on board when most others are ashore, you can benefit from wide, quiet spaces on the pool deck, nearly deserted dining rooms, and no lines on theLido buffet. Occasionally, shops on board may also have “in-port” specials, if allowed to remain open by local port authorities.
good date– The ship’s spa will surely be open and offer special discounts while in port. You will also find it easier to get last minute appointments for port day treatments.
be late for dinner
Don’t be too late, only 10 minutes or so, anything else constitutes rudeness to the waiters and staff. This way you’ll avoid the crowd that seems to form outside the dining room about three days before each meal, as well as the stampede of tables when the doors first open. Plus, swaggering a little late makes the entrance more flashy: a chance to make sure your newest hometown scores in theShop with little useseen and appreciated.
How to avoid scams and save money –
Most of these activities are free and included in the cruise fare. However, there are some that are money makers for the cruise line. So here’s a littleactivities bookletto use when planning your daily schedule, not only for interest but also for budget.
Some activities with associated fees –
Yoga classes = $10 to $15 per session
Bowling (NCL) = $5 per game
Boxing (RCI) = $15 p/p for a group session; $95 for a private lesson or $120 for couples (that’s what I thought too, but it’s cheaper than marriage counseling).
Free activities –
The following are typically included in the cruise fare: Rock Climbing, Ice Skating, Ziplining (coming soon on theoasis of the seas), carousel (oasis of the seasagain), stabilized deep sea billiards (only on some boats), use of fitness equipment in the spa, as well as in the jacuzzi, plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms. With some, you’ll need to make reservations in advance; many of the most popular activities will be reserved for one or two days.
Beware of education classes in the gym –
In June 2008 we paid a lot of money to attend a ‘How to increase your metabolism“class in the gym and spa on Brand X Lines. The class turned out to be nothing less than an infomercial for overpriced vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements (but so fancy packaged), whose ingredients apparently have undocumented side effects, such as accelerating the growth of facial stretch marks and facials. chest hair Plus, there were hard sells for the guys, too: heavily marked-up shaving accessories; that ironically after six months they would be lending to the wives taking the supplements, which strengthens my argument for opening upCarnival’s Hairy Chest Contestto both sexes.
As a result of that experience, my policy on these matters is now quite straightforward. If the process requires going through an infomercial, especially one that concludes with a strong sales pitch, I’m going to get paid, not the other way around.
Internet use –
Most ships have on boardInternet cafeas well as Wi-Fi. If you’ve charged up your laptop, the most convenient way to connect is via Wi-Fi from the comfort of your cabin. But beware: connection time is metered and costs between 30 and 70 cents per minute. It’s much better to buy a block of minutes for the duration of the cruise: log in long enough to download your email, log out to read about your financial windfall in Nigeria, compose your responses, then log back in long enough to send them.
Hooked on sodas? –
if you are addicted toCherry Vanilla Diet Cokes with lime– consider that they will cost you between $2 and $4 each (plus an automatic 15% tip) if you buy them individually. So, do the math. If you normally drink two or more soft drinks per day, buy theunlimited soda package– usually priced at $30 to $40 for a seven-day cruise.
Onboard shopping on the last day of the cruise –
Browse the shops at your leisure for the duration of the cruise. But, if you can resist the urge to have it now, you can save a ton of money by waiting until the last day of your cruise to buy. Don’t be surprised to see, on the last day of your Caribbean cruise, hundreds of leftover goose down parkas from the Alaskan season, all piled on shelves and rolling into the aisles, 75% off. If you are sailing in the month of January and return to your hometown oficy fallswithin 24 hours, that could be a great buy.
Coming soon – Articles on how to get the best cabin, choose the best place for leisure, take out or not take out travel insurance, etc.