Oceania Insignia Cruise Ship Review
We’ve just taken a cruise that we weren’t sure if we’d enjoy – and at our advanced ages it was for an unusual reason. For years we’ve wanted to incorporate a cruise into our regular visits to New York, and this cruise, combined with Michael’s love of photography during the autumn foliage seasons, seemed to fit the bill.
We loved the look of the port heavy itinerary, with six ports in Canada and four in the USA, ending in New York. And the time of year was perfect for us.
But we also knew that Oceania tends to have an older set of passengers, and while we aren’t spring chickens ourselves, we wondered if we would feel too young.
LEVEL UP Your Cruise – Things To Do FIRST
You just want to relax and enjoy your cruise, right? I’m going help you by giving you nine things to do first when you get to your cruise cabin, to make it your home from home while you’re cruising. I have cruise cabin hacks and organisation tips, so you can have your best cruise ever! I have plenty of cruise advice for first timers here, so you can have your best cruise right from the start.
Which Cruise Line is the Best?
Are you wondering which cruise line is the best for you? I’m going to tell you all about the different types of cruise line and compare them so you can decide which cruise line you should choose.
Never do these 20 things in your cruise ship cabin
Like anything in life, cruising has things you shouldn’t do – particularly in your cabin. I have 20 of these and I’ll also include some clever tricks to help you enjoy your cruise.
10 things NOT TO PACK for a cruise – what to bring instead
Did you know that many items are banned on cruise ships? And they might not be what you expected! Did you also know that the cruise ship will have some essentials, so you won’t need to bring them? I’m going to tell you about 10 items you should NOT bring on a cruise, but to make up for it, at the end I’ll give you six items that will become YOUR cruise essentials! Iron or clothes steamer What? I can’t take an iron or steamer onboard? But my clothes are wrinkled! Cruise lines don’t like things that heat up being taken onboard, for fire and safety reasons. So don’t pack that travel iron or steamer. Some ships have a passenger laundry with an iron you can use, some offer ironing services (at a cost!) or you can use a wrinkle release spray – I’ll link one in the description. But I reduce my travel load by not bringing a spray and just hanging clothes in the bathroom while we shower. The steam usually helps all the wrinkles drop out! Coffee maker or kettle I can’t imagine that anyone would do this but according to stories online, people do sometimes stash their Nespresso machine in their luggage! But like the irons and steamers, coffee machines and kettles are also forbidden! I know, I love my tea, so it’s a bit of a bummer but there are options. Sometimes the room steward can provide a kettle although a coffee machine is unlikely to be available. Or you can get tea and coffee from the buffet. And on some ships, you get complimentary breakfast room service so you can order your early morning hot drink, and have it brought to you – I can’t say this is my preferred option because the tea arrives too strong and stewed but I can always send Michael out to the buffet! Beach towels Hang on! What’s wrong with beach towels? Surely they aren’t banned? No, of course not but when it comes to beach towels it’s unnecessary to fill your luggage with them because the ship will provide them! Sometimes you need to check them out with your cruise card and if you don’t return them, you’ll be charged. Or sometimes you can just grab them from a pile for free. In beach ports you’re allowed to take them off the ship too – just make sure you return them! Clothes hangers Clothes hangers aren’t banned either but again you can save your luggage space by requesting them from your room steward. We don’t go overboard on the clothes we bring so I never have to do this, but maybe for a longer cruise you might find it necessary. Of course, you can buy folding travel hangers but why waste the space and lug extra weight? Spirits Most cruise lines permit passengers to bring wine and soft drinks onboard, subject to certain limits. But spirits, such as whiskey, gin, vodka and tequila, are a no no. There’s lots of information online about smuggling them aboard but why risk it? You can be fined, refused embarkation and even banned for life! Toiletries This is a bit of an iffy one. The ship will have toiletries onboard for you to use. However, depending on the cruise line and your cabin type they may not be the best quality. I don’t mind using liquid soap and body lotion from the cruise line, but I’d never use the shampoo! If there’s a separate conditioner, I’d use that but mostly they have a combination shampoo and conditioner that does a really poor job of both tasks! Make sure you read online reviews or even contact the cruise line directly to find out what they provide and only bring what you need. Candles or incense By now you can probably see that the cruise lines don’t like fire or safety risks, so I probably don’t need to tell you that candles and incense are also banned! Remember that your luggage will be scanned before it’s brought onboard, and anything banned will be taken from you. There should be an opportunity to get it back when the cruise ends but don’t bet on it! Snacks Snacks are another one that’s in the “why bother” category. One thing you’ll never be on a cruise ship is hungry! And if you like to have some snacks in your room you can always take a zip lock bag or two to the buffet and save some for later! Expensive jewellery In my video on travel safety for women I said that flashy clothing and expensive jewellery shouldn’t be taken and that applies to cruising too. Not only do you run the risk of having items lost or stolen; by wearing them you can attract unwanted attention. Thieves or pickpockets in port may think you’re likely to be carrying lots of cash and target you. Or they may just go for the jewellery you’re wearing. And putting it in the cruise cabin safe isn’t necessarily going to work – there are heaps of videos online showing how to get into those safes without the passcode – how do you think hotels or cruise lines open them when travellers leave them locked? Too many clothes This isn’t something I’m guilty of – I have a fairly simple wardrobe – just a few dresses and layering pieces and accessories for different climates and situations. But some people think they need a different outfit for dinner every night, something different to wear each day, and a tonne of shoes to go with it all! Just remember, people don’t really notice what other people wear! And unless you’re in a particularly hot and sweaty climate you can re-wear your clothes. I don’t wash clothes (not including underwear of course!) unless they are dirty, or they smell. It’s actually hard on your clothes being washed so by not washing them you give them a longer life! I’ve seen stories of people
Cruise lines – things they don’t want you to know
I don’t know about you, but I love learning hidden secrets about cruise ships, airlines and the like. They’re fascinating! I bet there’ll be at least one thing here that you didn’t know before you read this. Let me know in the comments what you think is the most interesting secret. Get a better price Have you ever bought something only to discover later that it was on sale? Here’s some good news – sometimes, you can get a discounted price on your cruise even after you’ve booked! When you book a cruise, you pay a deposit, with the balance usually due 90 days before it sets sail. If you spot the same cruise at a lower price after paying that deposit, don’t hesitate to reach out to your travel agent or the cruise line. You might just get that discount applied to your booking, saving you a nice bit of cash. Even if you see a price drop after you’ve made your final payment, it’s still worth a shot to ask. Sometimes, you can score onboard credit. In fact, I did both of these for an upcoming trip and saved nearly $6,000 Aussie dollars! Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, frequently have sales on drink packages. If you see a price drop after you’ve booked a package, cancel and rebuy it to take advantage of those savings. Have you ever noticed how cruise lines almost always seem to be having a sale? Norwegian Cruise Line cycles between 35% off for two passengers and 70% off the second guest. That’s the same discount expressed in two different ways. So, don’t feel rushed to book your cruise before a sale ends; there’s almost always a comparable one right around the corner. Another way of saving money is to book the same cruise on an older ship. The newer ships typically have higher prices. Older ships might not have all the bells and whistles, but you can score the same itinerary and inclusions whilst paying less. Some cruisers prefer the older girls! Cruise Contract Let’s talk about that cruise contract you get when you book. Who actually reads those things? Let’s be honest; it’s hard to keep your eyes from glazing over. But when you buy a ticket, you’re agreeing to that contract. This contract is essential; but it includes clauses that might raise your eyebrows. For instance, it might allow the cruise line to search you and your cabin. It can state that the cruise line holds no liability for onboard contractors like retail shops and medical services. And their photographers can use your pictures for marketing, but you might find yourself restricted from sharing your own photos online! And don’t forget about the legal jurisdiction designated in the contract—it’s typically the one that benefits the cruise line the most. Maybe it’s time we all start reading those contracts a little more closely! They want your money! Cruise lines expect you to spend about 50% of the amount you paid for your fare while you’re onboard and they include this in their budgeting, so there are incentives for the crew to part you with your hard-earned dollars. Your cruise fare probably wasn’t cheap so how do you avoid breaking the bank while living it up at sea? You can definitely go on a cruise and not spend one cent extra, except for those sneaky cruise lines that hit your onboard account up with daily gratuities. But it’s always nice to have some delicious cocktails or a special dinner. Start by setting a daily budget. Think about how much you can afford to spend each day and stick to it! A beverage package might be a smart investment to help manage costs, too. And don’t forget to bring essentials like medications, which always carry a hefty markup onboard! When visiting private islands, keep in mind that some activities may be included in your packages, but many are priced at a premium. You can often find similar experiences for a lot less if you book with third-party vendors at other ports. And for the gamblers out there, set a budget for the casino! Michael likes to treat his gambling budget as entertainment money rather than a way to get rich quick. Remember, cruise casinos operate in international waters, often without the same regulations as land-based casinos, which can lead to less favourable odds. In port You might think the cruise ship will wait for you if you’re late coming back from an excursion but think again. The ship will not wait for you if you’re late, unless you’re on a ship-sponsored excursion. I’m always amazed by how many stories you hear about passengers getting left behind. And those pier runners? I’d be mortified to be in that situation! Speaking of excursions, remember that you don’t HAVE to take the ones offered by the cruise line. Many ports are fantastic for exploring on your own. Or you could opt for a third-party excursion, which is usually cheaper and often comes with smaller group sizes. Just make sure those third-party excursions offer a refund policy if the port ends up being missed, which can happen more often than you might think due to safety or weather issues. And if you’ve been to a particular port before or simply want to chill, you can always stay on the ship. You’ll likely find smaller crowds, and some activities that normally have a charge may be discounted or even free. Royal Caribbean has exciting options like iFLY and North Star that are sometimes free on port days. Logistics Here’s something I find fascinating—logistics. Maybe it’s because I used to be an accountant. Can you imagine how much food a cruise line has to stock for a single itinerary? It’s mind-blowing! They even use AI to help predict what to order based on the demographics of the passengers on that specific cruise. If a cruise is filled with kids, stock up on chicken nuggets and pizza! For those
Diamond Princess Sydney Harbour Sailaway – is this the world’s best sailaway?
Our YouTube video shows the Diamond Princess sailing away from Sydney Harbour – known as the world’s best sail away. See the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks and more. It was a cool drizzly day but the sights were still spectacular. Thursday morning in Sydney welcomed us with weather straight from a drizzly storybook—wet, windy, and cold. We braved the elements, jumping on the light rail headed to Circular Quay, where our next adventure awaited aboard the Diamond Princess. The Diamond Princess is an elegant cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, renowned for its luxurious design and array of amenities catering to diverse traveller preferences. Launched in 2004 and refurbished in 2019, the ship offers spacious accommodation, including luxurious suites and comfortable staterooms with stunning ocean views. Onboard, guests can indulge in various dining options featuring international cuisine, as well as multiple pools, hot tubs, and engaging entertainment such as Broadway-style shows and live music performances. https://youtu.be/GLYZEtCemI0 We had started planning this trip a few months prior, taking the Diamond Princess from Sydney to Melbourne, a short vacation bracketed by fantastic dinners in both cities. It felt like a long-overdue return to the cruising experience, especially since we have two more cruises planned for later this year. The pandemic had effectively paused our travel adventures for far too long, and we were eager to get our sea legs back. For us, ultra-short cruises like this one—lasting about 40 hours—offer a unique way to “suspend reality.” At one end is the bustling life of Sydney; at the other end is the vibrant atmosphere of Melbourne, which, ironically, was basking in glorious sunshine during our visit. The 40 hours in between felt like a refreshing escape, where time loses its strict hold on us; you can eat when you want, sleep when you like, and simply enjoy the feeling of being at sea. The transition from land to sea was swift and exhilarating as we moved through the passenger terminal, onto the gangplank, and aboard the ship. The boarding experience was flawless, allowing us to quickly familiarise ourselves with the Diamond Princess and settle down for a leisurely lunch. After our meal, we located our stateroom—a beautiful room with a balcony on the Lido deck – deck 14 – and headed to the stern of the ship to witness one of the most captivating moments in travel: the sail away from Sydney Harbour. The sight was nothing short of enchanting: the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge loomed overhead like a giant coathanger, while the sails of the Opera House seemed to wave goodbye to us. As Kirribilli House faded from view, we admired the multi-million-dollar properties lining the harbor, marvelling at the luxurious real estate. As the vessel made its way out through the heads, we observed the tugboats expertly manoeuvring the 290-meter-long ship into a safe passage out to open water. The swell of the ocean increased, causing us to rock gently as the offshore southerly wind whipped rain across our faces; sometimes, it felt like icy razor blades! Yet, we couldn’t bear to take our eyes off the glorious sight of Sydney Harbour as it transitioned into the open ocean. Once we were out at sea, we retreated to our stateroom, watching the coastline slip away. Practicing what Michael likes to call “Mardi Magic,” within a few minutes, our room was perfectly organised, and everything had a designated place for easy access. As we continued our exploration of the ship, the weather began to clear, and we enjoyed visiting the various decks. Click here for a brief overview of the amenities we discovered. After exploring, we made a stop at the Explorer’s Lounge for drinks and participated in a Beatles trivia contest. The ship had a distinctly Beatles theme, and judging by the attire of many passengers, the AFL Grand Final wasn’t just a game; it felt like a festival, with many sporting the red and white of the Sydney Swans. We didn’t realise until later, but Princess Cruises is a sponsor of the Sydney Swans, who were playing in the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne the day we arrived. After a rest, we opted for a casual dinner at the Trident Grill. Being just down the hallway from our room made it a convenient choice, and we relished a selection of pizza, hot dogs, and burgers washed down with a couple of drinks. Later, we attended a performance by an Australian Beatles cover band, who truly brought the excitement with their renditions of classic hits. Following the show, Michael decided to try his luck at the casino. While he’s not a regular gambler, he enjoys the social aspect of shooting craps. Unfortunately, he found himself alone at the craps table on the Diamond Princess (apart from me but I don’t play), which took some of the fun out of it. With no fellow players to share in the excitement and banter, he quickly grew bored and decided to switch gears and try his hand at roulette instead. At the roulette table, we encountered a livelier atmosphere. Bets were low—only a dollar each—so it felt fun and casual as we watched the wheel spin and the white ball dance between the numbers. It was a quintessential cruise experience, firmly rooted in the thrill of chance. Eventually, we ended our night and returned to our stateroom, where the ocean had calmed a bit. We opened the door to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the ship, which quickly lulled us to sleep. Friday morning greeted us with bright sunshine and smooth sailing; a stark contrast to the tumultuous weather we had experienced just a day earlier. We decided to take it easy, finally coaxing ourselves out of our stateroom for breakfast in the buffet then a stroll around the promenade deck. We observed a couple of cargo ships pass in the nearby channel and spent some time admiring the ocean views. In the afternoon, we joined a
Cruise drinks packages – cruise tips you need to know for your next cruise ship holiday!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by cruise drink packages? You’re not alone! I was in the same boat until I started researching to ensure I was getting the best value for my cruise—and maximising my onboard experience! If you’re searching for low-cost cruises, understanding these packages is crucial to avoid any pitfalls! Recently, I discovered that there are 23 cruise lines catering to English-speaking travellers, each adopting a unique approach to their drink packages. Some of these packages include just beverages, while others offer additional perks like Wi-Fi, exercise classes, specialty dining, and even crew appreciation charges. I won’t dive into the details of all 23 cruise lines—this post would take days to read! Instead, I’ll focus on seven cruise lines across different categories from mass-market to ultra luxury, offering you examples of the types of packages you might encounter. All amounts are in US dollars and reflect packages as advertised for the US market; prices may vary slightly for Australian and other markets. It’s wise to conduct your own research before booking, but don’t worry—this information will set you on the right path to understanding how each cruise line operates. And after I go through the seven cruise lines’ drinks packages, I give an example of how I calculate if the package is worth it for us! Royal Caribbean Let’s start with Royal Caribbean, which offers three drinks packages—a method that’s fairly standard but unique because pricing varies by ship, itinerary, and even when you decide to purchase the package. Generally, it’s cheaper to buy before boarding, but not when booking. After you’ve made your reservation, Royal Caribbean often sends out promotional discounts that can lower package prices. They also offer fantastic deals for Black Friday. While their drinks packages focus solely on beverages, they do offer dining and Wi-Fi packages as well. A key point to remember: if anyone in your cabin wants to purchase an alcoholic beverage package, all guests of legal drinking age in the same cabin must purchase the package together. However, other beverage packages can be bought by just one person, and all packages are for individual use—no sharing allowed! Here’s a quick overview of Royal Caribbean’s drinks packages: The Royal Caribbean website doesn’t show the pricing, so I got that from this article by the Points Guy. Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian have recently announced that the current package – Free at Sea – is no longer being offered. While it continues to exist on cruises booked before the change that sail in 2024, any bookings since 1 October 2024 and all cruises sailing on or after 1 January 2025 will have the More at Sea included package. I’ll cover More at Sea, but firstly, for those sailing between now and the end of 2024 here is the information on Free at Sea. Free at See is included in the cruise fare and offers: You can upgrade to Free at Sea Plus, it’s $49 per adult, $29 per child, or $42 for a solo traveller per day, adding: If you upgrade to Free at Sea Plus, you can further upgrade the Wi-Fi to a streaming package for an additional $10 per person, per day. Remember, if upgrading to Free at Sea Plus, all adults in the cabin must upgrade as well. So what is More at Sea? It is also included in the cruise fare but there is no “More at Sea Plus” upgrade package. More at Sea offers: If you want to upgrade any aspect of More at Sea, there are individual upgrade packages for beverages and internet. Beverage packages include a water package ($20 for 12 16oz (473ml) bottles, $35 for 24, $50 for $48), unlimited Starbucks package ($16 pp pd) and an unlimited soda package ($12 pp pd). Princess Cruises Moving on to Princess Cruises, there are two packages available: Plus and Premier. Both come at an additional cost, allowing you to sail without them and pay as you go if you prefer. Princess Plus $60 per person per day Princess Premier $90 per person per day OceanNow delivery is a food and drink delivery service. You order on the Princess app, and it’s brought to you wherever you are on the ship. This is done by tracking the location of your cruise medallion on the MedallionNet system. All adults in the cabin must have the same package. Virgin Voyages Virgin Voyages takes an “almost all-inclusive” approach, where your cruise fare encompasses They don’t have drinks packages; instead, it’s a pay-as-you-go system. However, if you pre-load a “bar tab” with funds, you can receive a bonus. For example, if you add $200 to your bar tab, you’ll get $225 to spend on drinks. Viking Ocean Next, Viking Ocean also promotes an almost all-inclusive experience. They offer You can additionally purchase the Silver Spirits beverage package for $25 per person, per night, which includes: Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings group and has also announced that the current package – Simply More – is no longer being offered. While it continues to exist on cruises booked before the change that sail in 2024, any bookings since 1 October 2024 and all cruises sailing on or after 1 January 2025 will have the Your World Included package. I’ll cover Your World Included, but firstly, for those sailing between now and the end of 2024 here is the information on Simply More. The Simply More package is included in the cruise price and provides: You can upgrade to the Prestige Select package for an additional $30 per person per day, which adds unlimited premium spirits, champagne, beer, and wine whenever and wherever you desire. Importantly, this upgrade doesn’t have to be purchased for everyone in your cabin. The Your World Included package is included in the cruise price and provides: The Prestige Select beverage package is available from $59 per person per day. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the closest to an all-inclusive experience!
What to Pack for Your Next Cruise: Essential Packing List and Tips
Congratulations on booking your cruise! As you prepare for your adventure on the high seas, the big question is: what should you pack? In this blog, I’ll share a comprehensive packing list filled with cruise essentials and Amazon must-haves. Plus, stick around for two bonus tips—one about what you should never pack and another packing tip for embarkation day! Cruise Packing Essentials Let’s dive right in with five essential items you’ll want to include in your cruise packing list: 1. Magnetic Hooks If you’ve done any research on cruise essentials, you’ve likely heard about the wonder of magnetic hooks. These clever little devices are invaluable for keeping your cabin organised since most cruise cabins feature metal walls, ceilings, and doors beneath their decorative finishes. As someone who values organisation – as my regular readers will know – I can’t recommend them enough. Just be sure to select strong hooks! For example, the magnetic hooks I use have a capacity of 110 pounds (approximately 50 kg). However, bear in mind that their weight-holding ability decreases when attached to walls compared to ceilings. You can utilise these hooks in numerous ways—hang bags, caps, wet swimmers, and even backpacks. They also work well for drying clothes or hanging over the door organisers. Additionally, consider using them to manage electrical extension cords or even hang blackout curtains! The potential uses are nearly limitless. I also suggest packing magnetic clips, which can be lifesavers for organising important documents such as the daily cruise schedule. 2. Your Cruise Card Your cruise card is another vital item. It functions like a credit card: serving as your cabin key, identification, and your method of spending money or using your drinks package while onboard. It’s crucial to keep this item with you at all times! Many cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, have begun using medallions instead of traditional cards. However, for now, let’s focus on the classic cruise card. It fits conveniently in your pocket, but for those prone to misplacing it, a lanyard is a practical solution. You can easily find lanyards with clips or protective sleeves. Because lanyards irritate my neck (autism = sensory issues), I prefer a magnetic iPhone card holder that also works as a phone stand. This dual-purpose item means I always have my phone handy while keeping my cruise card secure. If you’re using a Princess medallion, there are various fun accessories available, including Air Tag holders that can help you keep track of your items. I use an Air Tag holder with a round carabiner, which I clip to my phone case – it has loops for a cross body strap, another travel essential! 3. Travel Medication Kit Next up is the all-important travel medication kit. While taking over-the-counter medicines is a wise decision for any trip, it’s especially crucial on a cruise. Two key reasons for this: When packing, consider including the following items: painkillers, antihistamines, antacid tablets, seasickness medication, Band-Aids, anti-diarrhoea pills, extra prescription medications, blister patches, antiseptic spray, and even hydration sachets. I store my travel pharmacy in a folding jewellery organiser to keep things neat and easy to access while taking up minimal luggage space. 4. Dress Code Considerations There’s often a misconception that formal attire is a must for cruise evenings. While some cruise lines maintain dress codes requiring tuxedos or evening gowns, this is not universal. Always check your cruise line’s website for specific dress codes as many casual venues still welcome guests in relaxed attire. If dressing up is part of your cruise experience, ensure you pack a nice outfit that you feel great in. Personally, I prefer not to lug around an evening gown—I dress up a nice outfit with accessories and appropriate shoes. Dressy flats or wedge heels are my go-to shoes for added stability on the ship, particularly when the ocean gets choppy. Depending on your cruise itinerary, there may be themed parties, such as “White Night” or “80s Night.” These events can often catch guests by surprise, so checking forums like Cruise Critic for insider information can be helpful. 5. Drinks Policy A delightful surprise for many first-time cruisers is that several cruise lines permit guests to bring their own wine and soft drinks onboard! Typically, this involves a restriction of one bottle of wine per adult. Make sure to check the specific policy of your cruise line to avoid issues. Always pack any drinks in your carry-on luggage since security will be inspecting all bags. Steer clear of trying to sneak spirits onboard; if caught, you risk confiscation and potential fines. Bonus Tip #1: Items You Should Never Pack Now for a critical piece of advice: one item you should absolutely avoid taking on a cruise is a power board with surge protection! These devices can interfere with a ship’s electrical systems and could potentially lead to fires in extreme cases. If you attempt to pack a surge-protected power board, it will likely be confiscated during security screening, and there’s a chance you won’t get it back. Instead, look for power adapters that allow multiple devices to plug in; these are typically permitted on board. Always double-check your cruise line’s list of prohibited items, as you may be surprised by what else might be included! Breaking news September 2024: Royal Caribbean have just banned multi-socket adapters. Having multiple USB A or C ports appears to be fine but not having multiple electrical sockets. Bonus Tip #2: Strategic Packing for Embarkation Day As for the second bonus tip, let’s discuss embarkation day packing. Just like when flying, you’ll have options for checking in luggage that will be taken to your cabin for you. However, if you choose to check your bags, ensure that you don’t pack anything you may need during the first few hours onboard the ship. Often, you won’t see your luggage until after dinner, and there might be times when you don’t have immediate access to your cabin upon boarding. Therefore, pack your carry-on strategically to
Avoid these cruise booking mistakes
Are you considering booking a cruise but feeling overwhelmed by the options available? You’re not alone! In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cruise lines for your next adventure and discuss how to avoid common booking mistakes. Choosing the Right Cruise Line If you’ve read my previous post on Unlocking the Secrets to Your Dream Cruise Vacation you might recall my brief overview of different cruise lines. Today, we’ll delve deeper, focusing specifically on ocean cruise lines catering to diverse travel styles, budgets, and preferences. Within the English-speaking market, I’ve identified 23 cruise lines! Yes, 23! And there’s probably more I don’t know about. These cruise lines fall into three main categories: These percentages are the number of cruise lines in each category. However, if we looked at it by the number of ships, total passenger capacity, or gross tonnage, mass-market lines would dominate due to their massive ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. Generally, the higher you go on the luxury scale, the smaller the ships get. And more often than not, the higher the fare, the better the inclusions! So, don’t overlook luxury brands! By the time you add in the costs of meals, drinks, entertainment, wi-fi, and shore excursions, the differences may not be that significant—especially if you fancy a premium cabin or a ship-within-a-ship experience on a mass-market vessel! Mass-market ships are usually geared towards vibrant late-night entertainment, kids’ clubs, and activities for multi-generational families. They typically offer more restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, along with fun activities like water slides, go-karts, and laser tag! But just because these ships are vibrant doesn’t mean you have to be a kid or a party animal to enjoy them! There’s something for everyone on these ships. That’s why they’re often the larger vessels sailing the oceans—well, they need to be to accommodate all that fun onboard! Premium cruise lines also boast multiple dining options, bars, entertainment, and some activities, but they tend to have a more subdued atmosphere. Think singers and musicians rather than big Broadway-style productions. Evening venues close earlier, too, creating a more relaxed vibe. Luxury lines, on the other hand, have the smallest ships, meaning fewer restaurants and activities. Activities may include classic shuffleboard and table tennis, and you might find they attract an older demographic, leading to a quieter atmosphere. But don’t be fooled—this doesn’t mean younger travellers should shy away! A big bonus is that smaller ships can access more ports without the need for tendering, and a greater variety of ports, unlike larger vessels. For me, the choice between these lines often hinges on whether you’re keen on exploring ports or soaking up relaxation. Port-heavy itineraries can be tiring but rewarding, with walking tours and sightseeing galore. Alternatively, if you’re yearning for a chill getaway, consider a cruise with more sea days or one where you stay on the ship while in port. When everyone else is in port you can enjoy the peace of a quieter ship! Michael and I are heading to North America later this year, and we’ve planned two cruises. We’ve selected a higher end premium line in a smaller ship for our Canada and New England trip, focusing on the ports. For our Bermuda cruise, however, we chose a mass-market ship because it’s heavy on the sea days, and we want to experience the amazing variety of onboard activities. We’re particularly hoping that Michael will be allowed to drive the go-karts, since his vision impairment means he doesn’t drive in real life, and he loves driving! And if you’re a beach lover, many mass-market and some premium lines have their own islands in the Caribbean where you can spend a blissful day during your cruise! And the bonus? Most meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi are included if you have a package—just like on the ship! So think about who’s coming along, what everyone loves, and whether you’re all about exploring ports or just unwinding on the ship! Consider your needs—are you more inclined to explore ports or unwind on the ship? Knowing this will help determine the best cruise line for you. For instance, if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a more relaxed cruise might be ideal. However, if you’re keen on sightseeing, opt for a port-heavy itinerary. Avoiding Common Booking Mistakes Now, let’s discuss some pitfalls to avoid when booking your cruise! Overlooking travel insurance Planning a holiday is exciting and fun, and let’s be real: no one wants to think about negative scenarios. However, it’s crucial to prepare for contingencies! Overlooking travel insurance can be one of the biggest mistakes you’ll make. In 2013, Michael had a major retinal detachment while we were in New York. Michael is nearly blind in one eye, and his so-called good eye is extremely short-sighted, with about 5% vision. The detachment occurred in that good eye! Had it not been fixed he would have been completely blind. Luckily, we were in New York—home to one of the best retinal surgeons in the world. Even now, over a decade later, Michael’s specialist in Australia still praises the incredible job that surgeon did. But let me tell you, it didn’t come cheap. The hospital alone was going to cost us over $30,000 US dollars, and then there was the doctor’s fees and medication. Thankfully, we had travel insurance, so we ended up paying very little out of pocket. But if we hadn’t? We would’ve needed to find that money, and there was no alternative—Michael had to undergo surgery immediately to save his sight. Now, picture yourself onboard a ship in the middle of the ocean and needing urgent medical care. You might be having a heart attack, a stroke, or have sustained a serious injury. And this can happen to anyone, regardless of age! If you require emergency treatment, not only will you (or your family) need to cover the medical costs, but you may also need to be airlifted off the ship—and trust me, that
