Finding all inclusive cruises and deals is becoming more and more confusing for the average family or couple looking to go on a honeymoon or a weekend cruise. There are mom and pop businesses popping up all over the Internet claiming to have the best deals and cheapest prices on cruises across the Caribbean, Gulf, part of the Pacific, cruises to Hawaii and many more tropical paradises.
The biggest obstacle consumers have to deal with when purchasing all inclusive cruises is to understand the value of inclusions in the all-inclusive vacation you have purchased. This simply stated means, you need to understand every detail when you book your cruise online or choose an all inclusive cruise and land vacation with the travel agent. First time cruisers get confused many times and do not understand all of the accommodations that are and are not included in their so-called all-inclusive package they have bought.
Important All Inclusive Cruise Vacation Pointers and Reminders
If this is your first time booking a cruise, doing it online without any phone consultation from a cruise line representative is not going to be a good idea. You need to understand everything from A to Z when you book a cruise, especially if you are going for more than 4 days around the Caribbean or a Central American Cruise Ship. Cruise fares is many times not all inclusive as many cruise lines claim, so be careful when you book. A travel agent may be more expensive, but many cruisers believe its worth the extra money the first time you book a cruise.
Pointers And Reminders When Booking A Cruise That Is “All Inclusive”
1) Make sure to ask if there is any surcharge for other guests, including all family members and children. Many times there are surcharges for extra guests that are hidden fees many cruisers get taken for. Double occupancy and triple occupancy normally include extra surcharges.
2) Make sure to understand if a breakfast buffet, lunch buffet for dinner buffet is included in the price. Many times you sign up for all the you can eat buffet food for free, which is normally included in an all-inclusive cruise. It is no fun when you begin to indulge in the vacation of a lifetime and then find out the price they paid does not include what you thought it did.
3) Ask about alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Many times, they will give you food, but all the drinks, such as soda, bottled water in any kind of alcoholic beverages will cost extra. Many cruise lines will use what is called shipboard credit while you are on the cruise, allowing you to pay when you check out.
4) Understand if you will be staying on the ship or off the ship. Many cruise lines have partnerships with all-inclusive hotels and other all-inclusive beachfront property in the Caribbean and other destinations around crystal-clear waters off the North Pacific Coast. If you have purchased a land package, make sure of the travel destinations it includes and does not include. You also want to see if it includes dining options and buffets as well.
5) It is also possible to book a stay at a resort that is all-inclusive in combination with luxury cruise lines that offer luxurious accommodations. Many of these luxurious destinations include
- Hermosa Bay Beach Resort and Spa
- Papagayo All Inclusive Resort
- Punta Canta Luxury Adult Only All Inclusive Resorts
- Puerto Vallarta
- Riviera Maya
- Antigua
- Barbuda
- St. James
- St. Lucia
- St. Martin Islands
- St. Thomas Island
- Barbados
- Cancun
- Puerto Plata
- Santa Domingo
- Ocho Rios
6) Understand what type of onboard activities there are for entertainment and keeping you occupied. Many cruises and ships will have pleasures that await you on board their cruise lines. You can expect to find dozens of ship board activities such as;
- Off shore excursions, such as sailing and diving
- Various types of water sports
- Art auctions
- Horse Racing
- Casino’s
- Dance Classes
- Gourmet Dinners
- State of the art fitness facilities, centers and gyms
- Specialty restaurants that offer many ethnic dishes
- Bowling alley’s
- Bridge Games
- Various trivia games and other optional amenities, both private or public, to choose from.
7) Make sure to decide on what type of suites and pricing you can afford. Remember that you are still going to have many activities once you get off the boat you want to do. Many people enjoy renting a car to hop from place to place and sightseeing the tropical islands, many people want to play 18 holes of golf, while others want to stop and have lunch by the edge of the sea or ocean.
There are also many choices when it comes to different nightlife activities. During the evenings or late nights, you may want to visit the local clubs and do some disco dancing on the many beaches available.
Check out the local shopping watch it is situated and have some time to spare. Enjoy some nice meals and coffee in your leisure time.
Many cruise lines also have a mandatory cruise tip tax that you will have to pay before leaving the ship and checking out. No matter what cruise destination you may choose, you should remember this and possibly consider travel insurance in case something happens also. Many different types of travel insurance are available for low prices in today’s world.
9) Make sure to be earlier for your departure time. Many ships will not wait for you. Making sure you have your itineraries printed out and ready to go will insure you and all passengers to be on time and safe. Its better to be early for your travel packages that you have purchased for cruising on ships tend to be late. Also, remember that upon the various stops at different islands you go to, to make sure you are back on the ship at the designated time. There have been many unpleasant experiences from travelers getting left in different countries and nations located around the world.
10) Simply ask your travel agent or cruise representative, what is the total cost of the cruise? What is the bottom line number I have to pay to travel?
11) If you have the money, consider a luxurious spa Stateroom and suite to make your vacation even more special.
12) Finally, ask if you can purchase your cruise plus hotel plus flight costs all with the same cruise representative to make life easy for yourself and your family.
13) Enjoy and relax at your beachfront all-inclusive property you choose for your vacation getaway.