Rafael Diagonal Port Hotel Barcelona

Rafael Diagonal Port Hotel Barcelona

Rafael Diagonal Port Hotel Barcelona

Posted on: November 29, 2011 - 8:55 pm
by Admin

Cruising is among the best ways to see the highlights of Southern Europe without the hassle of driving, foreign languages or changing hotels. But veteran cruise passengers often get a lot more value from their experience than first-time cruisers, simply because they know the ropes and choose cruises carefully.

Look for the Real Value of a Cruise

Free airfare and shore excursions mean big savings, especially if the cruise line doesn’t ordinarily offer them. These bonuses are often added to attract passengers on less popular sailing dates, or fill empty cabins close to departure dates.

  • Ask if some sailing dates include free air or other perks not normally included that represent real savings.
  • Compare costs with and without airfare included, to be sure it’s a better deal than making separate air arrangements. But be sure that the cost of getting from the airport to the ship, normally included in airfare packages, doesn’t eat up any saving.
  • Consider whether all-inclusive ships that include alcoholic drinks are a real saving; for those who drink very little, the added cost of these cruises might not be.
  • Tipping adds significantly to the cost of a cruise. Know if tips are discretionary, added onto your bill automatically, or if the ship has a no-tips policy.

Read the Fine Print About Destinations

Not all ports-of-call are created equal. Some are blockbusters where travelers want plenty of time, others are little more than drop-off points for distant attractions. And not all ships spend enough time in port for passengers to experience the destination.