Four Worst Cruise Decisions

You’ve decided on an ocean cruise for vacation this year. Mediterranean? Alaskan? Caribbean? Australian? Big ship? Small ship? Luxury, main stream, specialty? A lot of the fun is in the planning – those slick websites and brochures are FUN to look at. Whatever you do, don’t make these mistakes:

Same Day Flight. I get it. You don’t want to waste a precious vacation day, so you book a flight to arrive on the same day as departure. Don’t do it. Airlines are flying at maximum capacity and if a flight is cancelled or you’re delayed and miss a connection there isn’t a lot of wiggle room to re-accommodate you.

Arriving a day or two early affords you the chance to recover from jet-lag, explore your departure city, or just enjoy some decompression as you transition to vacay mode. Wouldn’t you rather check out Seattle’s Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, spend a couple of days exploring Rome, or enjoy a relaxing day at the beach than trying to catch up with your cruise? Even if you catch up to the ship a day or two later, you’ve missed the beginning of your vacation and you’ve spent the first few days stressing instead of relaxing.

Wait until on-board to book shore excursions. Spontaneity is great, especially when traveling. Not with shore excursions. If there is an excursion you know you want to do, book it early. Don’t wait until you are on board. Otherwise, there’s an excellent chance it may be sold out. Some of the more popular excursions sell out months prior to sailing.

And, you don’t have to book your excursions through the cruise line. Many cruise ports of call have reputable, local guides and tours available and there are companies that specialize in shore excursions. Would you rather see the Acropolis with a numbered sticker on your chest while jostling for position with 60 of your “best” friends? Or explore it with a group of six, enjoying commentary from a licensed, passionate docent?

Pick the wrong ship. It’s not just big vs small. Are you traveling with kids and want them to be welcomed and entertained rather than frowned at disapprovingly? Or, do you think a ship that is shriek-free is more your cup of tea? Speaking of tea - do you expect high tea every day? Country-club ambience or more laid back? Do you favor a ship that rolls up the carpet by 11 every evening or do you plan on partying until dawn? With clothes or clothing optional? OK, that one is obvious. But, selecting the wrong ship for your personality or travel style can make a wonderful ship less than appealing.

Consider price only. There’s a reason Caribbean cruises are cheap in October and November. Harvey, Irma, or Maria ring any bells? Or Alaska in May, late August/September – rain anyone? Yes, it rains all summer in Alaska, but it can get downright torrential in the Spring and Fall. European cruises in the fall can be cold. What are your on-board expectations and utilizations? You might find that paying more for a cruise with more included is actually less expensive than one that is cheaper up front but only includes the proverbial “nickel and diming" amenities.

If you’re flexible and understand why a cruise is discounted, some bargains can be a great value. During hurricane season, ships are generally able to avoid the storms. Just, be okay with having the itinerary changed or having a shortened or lengthened cruise. A Mediterranean cruise in the fall, in my opinion, is the best. Fewer crowds and no stifling heat. It can get chilly, but if you’re prepared for it, not a problem. Remember, you want to get best value – not the lowest price.

Are you ready to find the perfect cruise for you? I’d love to help. Call 888-429-1929 or email travel@sevenwondersgrouptravel.com today to schedule a complimentary consultation and we’ll start the planning!

Why Group Travel Is the Best!

Some people have a misconception that group travel means getting on a bus and being herded from one stop to another. Technically, that is a group. In reality, it’s a bunch of individuals who happen to be on the same tour.

My definition of group travel is traveling with people we already have a connection with; friends, family, club members, alumni - you get the idea. Whether you go on a cruise, hang out at a resort, or take a customized trip – the bottom line is enjoying the experience with your favorite peeps.

Let’s be clear. There are occasions when non-group travel is the perfect choice – A reflective solo journey, a romantic getaway, or perhaps a visit to your ancestral home.

But, in most cases, group travel, in my opinion, is the best way to travel. Traveling with like-minded individuals is just plain fun. You share your experiences with your friends or family instead of telling them about it when you get home. I love traveling with a group. Ask my family – I’m always trying to get them to meet on a cruise or visit a destination together. And, I enjoy traveling with others so much, it’s my specialty.

Family travel. Most of us have fond (okay, maybe some not-so-fond) memories of traveling with our immediate families. The family vacation is always highly anticipated and fantastic fun. Now, multiply that by 2 or 3 or more families. Not just the immediate family, but aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. For the kids, there is immediate companionship. The adults can reconnect and enjoy some adult time with each other. And the whole family will have memories to share for a lifetime.

Friends. Unlike relatives, you get to pick your friends! So, who better to travel with? Whether it is a few couples who share a passion for wine, or a Santa Claus convention. And, yes, I was once on a Caribbean cruise with about 100 Santa and Mrs. Claus’s. Gave a new definition for “Christmas In July”. Seeing Santas in the tropics wearing holiday-themed shorts and tees was very surreal.

Solos. Find a travel group for solos. There are plenty out there. Of course, I’d love for you to travel with me, but maybe the destinations I pick aren’t your cup of tea. Someone out there has what you’re looking for. Not only do you not have to try and talk someone into going with you, you have anywhere from 6 – 20 new instant best friends to travel with. Bonus: all your vacay pictures won’t be selfies!

Value. Depending on where you are headed, there are definite savings in traveling as a group. Most hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators will offer a discount if enough people are traveling together.

Perks. Besides offering discounts, many suppliers will offer some extra amenities to groups such as wine, private entrances and showings, dedicated concierge, etc.

Is group travel harder to plan and execute? Yes. But, you have me to take care of all the details!

Seriously, whether you do it yourself or let me help, group travel is more fun, more memorable, and more value.

Have you experienced travel with a group? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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Four Reservations to Make BEFORE You Go On Your Cruise

You and your awesome travel consultant (me) have selected the perfect cruise ship and itinerary for your vacation. Booking is completed, air transportation, pre-cruise hotel arranged, and ground transportation set up. OK, maybe you DIY! Either way, here are four more reservations you should consider before departure.

Shore Excursions. Whether you are going with the cruise line’s excursions, utilizing a third-party, or hiring a private guide, book in advance! The most popular shore excursions sell out. There are only so many zip-lines, whale watching excursions, or Segway tours available. Not to mention, skipping the line at the Vatican, heading straight to the Acropolis, or being first inside the Hermitage of St. Petersburg.

So, if you have your heart set on a particular tour or experience, make sure you have it nailed down before you leave. Even if your specific activity isn’t capacity impacted, you don’t want to spend your limited shore time arranging or negotiating tours and transportation.

Specialty Dining. If you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion at a Specialty Dining venue and you want a specific date, reserve before departure. Some of the more popular venues fill up quickly – especially on scheduled sea days. If you aren’t picky about the date or which restaurant, you can probably wait until after sailing.

Salon Appointments. The busiest salon days coincide with formal nights. If you need your hair or nails done for a formal night, book the appointment in advance. There will be no availability by the time you board.

Spa Appointments. Does a relaxing massage or facial as the ship gently glides through the ocean sound like a great way to spend a sea day? So do half the ship’s passengers! Sea days are the most popular spa days. Conversely, shore days usually have discounted offerings from the spa.

Maybe you’re one of those who likes spontaneity while on vacation and this all sounds a little too Type A. I get it. But, if you have something that’s super important to make your vacation successful, go ahead and book it to avoid disappointment.

Do you have a special activity or experience that requires advance reservation? Let me know!

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How I Survived 7 Days Without My Luggage

Last week, I left you while sailing past the Statue of Liberty and wondering if my checked bag was aboard the ship. Here’s Part 2.

The last communication from the airline was that the bag was en route to the ship and would make it before sailing.

Even though the purser’s desk hadn’t located it on board, I did still hold out hope, because 1) I know from experience that it can take a long time to get all that luggage delivered to staterooms 2) it wasn’t going through the usual checked baggage process, so might be kept in the hold until after sailing, and 3) the ship was late departing due to a customs issue so that meant more likelihood of the airline getting it to the ship before sailing.

I’m such an optimist!

Late evening, the crew confirmed that the bag wasn’t on board.

The ship’s staff were extremely helpful – especially considering it was not the cruiseline’s fault. One member of the purser’s staff, Reyna, was assigned to liaison with the airline and keep me informed. She offered an amenities kit (which I appreciated, but didn’t need) and free laundry/dry-cleaning until I was reunited with my clothes (this was a life-saver!).

I won’t go into a day-by-day, blow by blow of trying to connect me with my bag while we went island hopping. That’s a story unto itself. Let’s just say that Reyna and I became very close over the next few days! It finally showed up on the 6th day of an 8-day cruise!

Here’s how I survived. Some was good planning, some was just dumb luck:

1. My carry-on bag held two changes of clothes. I usually recommend one, but in this case, I had packed the outfit I planned to wear for the wedding plus some causal clothes for meeting up with friends my first evening in New York.
2. Therefore, I had three changes of clothes – jeans and shirt I wore on the plane, dressy wedding outfit, casual skirt and blouse.
3. All my underwear was in my carryon. This was just plain lucky. At the last minute of packing, I was “filling available space” and basically stuffed underwear in all remaining spots.
4. Swimsuit and toiletries were in carryon – this is part of the put everything in your land luggage that you may need in the first 24 hours rule!
5. Travel insurance. Yep. This was great. I went shopping in the ship’s boutique and picked up another skirt and blouse to round out my wardrobe. Of course, I could do this anyway, but it was much more fun shopping on someone else’s dime!

Here are a few things I didn’t have:

1. Formal wear – fortunately, there are always dining options that don’t require formal wear. But, for the record, Reyna told me I could eat anywhere I chose – that they would alert the maître d’s so I wouldn’t have any problem with the dress code.
2. Flip flops. I wore sandals or tennis shoes to the pool and beaches (on port days). Very stylish!
3. Dress shoes – I had some nice sandals that were OK for the pinch I was in, but I would have picked a different pair had I known.
4. Shorts. I was a little overdressed on a couple of occasions! I did check the gift shop, but they didn’t have anything I liked in my size.
5. Hat. Did I mention gift shop?

There you go - 1 night in New York and 6 of the 8 days of my cruise without my checked bag. Believe it or not, the experience was fun. Once I came to terms with my missing wardrobe, I relaxed. Never had to worry about what to wear! I learned I could make do with very little and what was important (underwear!!). Now, I have set myself a goal to deliberately take a traditional cruise with just a carryon. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Have you ever spent part or all your vacation without your luggage?

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Travel Style Part 1 - Mainstream Cruising

First of four parts, dedicated to identifying the best style for a travel group.

These ocean going ships carry from 600 to over 6000 passengers. They are frequently called floating resorts – for good reason. Most of the amenities expected at a resort hotel are available - and they move, giving you opportunity to visit more than one destination, but only unpacking once.

Full gyms, spa services, multiple dining venues, nightclubs, entertainment options, pools, water sports, golf, even ice-skating! You name it and there is probably a cruise ship (or many cruise ships) that have it.

Ocean/mainstream cruising is a great option for larger groups, especially if you want to have some private activities on board. Private parties, activities, seminars, workshops can be organized on board. I’ve arranged ballroom dance classes, craft seminars, and receptions for various groups to give a few examples. Fully equipped meeting space is available for more formal conferences and workshops.

They’re also a great option for multi-generational groups with broad age ranges. Many have clubs and activities for toddlers through teens, as well as dedicated staff to entertain them both on and off the ship. And, not for just a couple of hours a day. These clubs run all day and into the night with flexibility for picking up and dropping off children. They also have babysitting services available for the younger set. Parents and grandparents can enjoy adult time while the kids are supervised and entertained.

Within this cruising style, there are multiple destination and cultural choices. There are cruise ships that specialize in Antarctica sailings to South Sea Island cruising to navigating the fjords and glaciers of Alaska.  You can visit the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, the coast of Asia, and around Australia. Cruising has become so popular over the past few decades, that there are few destinations along the ocean shores that one of these ships doesn’t visit. You can literally sail around the world.

Mainstream cruising is an option I would definitely recommend for consideration if your group is large, multi-generational, or your group has a special request that these “floating resorts” can meet.

Let me know if you have any questions. I’m here to help.