Tag Archives: cruise

Luxury Travel, Travel Planning, Travel Tips

How to Cruise Like a Pro: Travel Tips You Should Know as a First-Time Cruiser

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Cruise vacation provides a unique experience. Since you are not limited to a single location, it is easy to feel disconnected from the world on a cruise. After all, that is the point. If you decide to embark on such a journey, it can be one of the greatest adventures of your lifetime. Everything is neatly wrapped up into a package of pure hedonism: comfortable accommodation, effortless transportation, various awe-inspiring locations, delicious meals and smashing entertainment.
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If these attributes are enough to convince you and you want to learn how to cruise like a pro, here are some travel tips you should know as a first-time cruiser.

Pack smartcruise

Let us discuss the first advantage of the cruise that has already been mentioned in the introduction – you get to travel to numerous locations, yet you will only unpack once. A cruise ship is your hub of entertainment and your home away from home. You will rarely stay in one location longer than a day and you should always have a trusty backpack prepped. Fill the backpack with things that are necessary for a daily excursion – one extra t-shirt, a bottle of water, and a tablet. Keep your wallet and your phone in your pockets. If you suffer from hearing loss, you can follow this guide which has some tips on how to travel with hearing loss. This is all you need – pack as light as you can and leave the rest of the stuff in your room on the ship.

As far as packing for your cruise goes, try not to pack more than one big suitcase. After all, you’ll get a chance to wash your clothes on the ship, so you do not have to bring along the entire wardrobe. Take a close look at the itinerary for your cruise before you pack and check if you will need at least one formal attire. Shoes are the most important thing – pack the most comfortable sneakers you have, two pairs at least, and one pair of formal shoes. Fitness clothes are a must – there are gyms and various sport venues on the cruise ship.

Choose a specific cruisecruise

There are many types of cruise programs you can choose for your perfect vacation. These programs are fashioned to follow a particular theme and focus on specific things, such as carnivals or historical locations or tropical islands or entertainment shows. This gives you an excellent opportunity to sift through reasonable deals for Carnival cruises and find the one that will give you everything a cruise can offer for less money, which you can use to spend on day trips and sea excursions on a power catamaran for example. Knowing where to find the best deals (and when) is another trait of a real cruise pro, but there is no specific instruction that can get you faster up the learning curve. Since various agencies offer different deals all the time, the best course of action is to just start scanning the internet for the best deals. Cruise Critic’s review website is a good place to start. Look for early-bird rates and last-minute deals.

As far as tech goes

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Check with the cruise agency how much using the internet and Wi-Fi costs. You’ll be surprised to learn that roaming charges and Wi-Fi can take a sizeable bite out of your travelling budget. However, remember you are on vacation. The point of the cruise is to disconnect from the world and enjoy yourself. Keep your “outer world” contacts to a minimum and use applications, such as magicApp or Viber to make phone calls by using wireless network – no matter what it costs, it surely beats the roaming price tag.

Alcohol is a touchy subjectcruise

Alcohol policies on cruise ships are a complicated subject. The regulations themselves can be mind-boggling, but they usually boil down to a simple thing – you can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine onboard with you. It’s best to nip that hope in the bud. Even though cruises are all-inclusive packages, your bill can really turn dizzyingly big if you drink alcohol onboard. That bottle you’ve brought along with you seems like a small thing, but it can mean a lot in the long run, and avoid drinking alcohol on a cruise in general – there are a plethora of other activities to enjoy that are bound to keep you busy.

In my opinion, all the advantages of a cruise vacation boil down to great organization. You do not have to bother with organizing your own adventure. Everything is prepared for you and there is a schedule so that you won’t have to worry about planning. The impression of your first cruise will hardly wear off for months after you have returned home. Soon enough, with these tips and a little bit of cruise experience, you will become a cruise pro who shares advice online.

Europe, Travel Tips

Dalmatia – The Mediterranean Paradise

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You’ve probably been gearing up for a visit to Europe and perhaps wondering what exotic destination to visit on your cruise. Well, the Dalmatian region in Croatia is a second-to-none target destination. Dalmatia’s popularity is exhibited by the large number of cruise liners and charter fleets that visit the region, especially during the peak tourist season that spans July to August. It also attests to the value that a visit to the region offers to tourists.

dalmatia 1

An ideal starting point on your cruise to Dalmatia is Split. Locals christen Split as Dalmatia’s capital. A look at the exciting attractions on offer in Split will quickly point out why it is so popular. A visit to Diocletian’s Palace will unearth Croatia’s historical past, a cultural heritage enlisted by UNESCO. Other historical gems like The Old City Centre comprise of architectural masterpieces that are worth visiting.

Ideally, the numerous magnificent structures in most of Dalmatia, especially its northern part each have a story to tell. For instance, Vodice in North Dalmatia remains one of the most popular cruise destinations in Croatia, accounting for numerous tourist visits yearly. In fact Vodice has previously been awarded the “Tourist Flower” an award offered to cities or places that are the most attractive to tourists. This is a testament to Dalmatia’s standout experiences.

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Hvar is Dalmatian island that makes for a unique offer. Hvar is arguably the longest Island in Croatia, featuring an expansive coastline that is very beautiful. The clear beaches are a great prospect for an evening walk or some sun-bathing. Talking of the sun, the Mediterranean climate in beautiful Hvar, and most of the Dalmatian region provides an inviting appeal to many tourists. You can also enjoy a nature walk in the unspoiled parks that make up Hvar, where you can sample the scented olives in the calming atmosphere. In fact, a visit to Hvar would be incomplete without a trip to the world-renowned Devil’s Islands. This collection of islands surrounded by narrow bays and shallow water offers a warm and tranquil experience. Even if you are merely coming into Hvar for a day’s visit on your cruise trip, the secluded beaches offer great and varying spots for your family to nest.

Anyone (young and old) visiting Dalmatia will find something exciting in the area. Kids can enjoy an amusing semi-submarine ride where they can view the rich coral life existing underwater without getting their feet wet. Adults can take a boat offshore and engage in various relaxing activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. For those who would rather stay on land, a visit to the many historical sites in Dalmatia is an eye-opening opportunity to learn about Croatia’s history. You can also have chat with the locals who are always eager to engage visitors. You will be amazed by the friendliness of Croatia’s people, and their pride in the resort cities that are always teeming with life.

A cruise to Dalmatia would be incomplete without sampling the food. The choice of high quality cuisine is very expansive and so is the variety. You can expect to come across Italian delicacies, Greek fare as well as most of the Eastern European favorites you can think of. In fact, visitors are often spoilt for choice in terms of expertly prepared food that whets everyone’s appetite. As such, you can enjoy a sundowner with your friends in many of the resorts available in the Dalmatian region while downing these great treats. The staffers in the resorts are also very hospitable, making every guest feel at home and thereby enjoy their experience.

dalmatia 4

The expansive coastlines, numerous beautiful Mediterranean islands, historical sites, loads of fun-filled activities, and great cuisine make Dalmatia a top pick for any tourist intending to cruise around the Adriatic Sea. Visit Dalmatia and learn more about these unique sites and the exciting prospects available.