Adventure Travel and Cruising’s Post

Are you gearing up for your first cruise? I’ve got you covered with these top tips to ensure your voyage is smooth sailing: 1. Plan Ahead: Book your excursions, dining reservations, and spa treatments early to secure your spot. Don't stress if you are having trouble you can always get help once onboard. 2. Pack Smart: Bring a mix of casual, formal, and beachwear. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. If you're sailing on Virgin Voyages be sure to bring something red for Scarlet Night. MSC has a white party. 3. Stay Connected: Download your cruise line’s app to keep track of daily activities, menus, and ship maps. You will upload your passport to your app and complete your health check prior to sailing. 4. Know Your Ship: Take time to explore the ship on the first day. Familiarize yourself with key locations like dining areas, pools, and entertainment venues. I'm a big fan of skipping the elevator. I take the stairs as much as possible to burn off all the calories I'm eating and drinking onboard. 5. Budget Wisely: Pre-pay for gratuities, beverage packages, and Wi-Fi to avoid surprise expenses. 6. Be Prepared for Sea Days: Pack activities like books, games, or download movies for those relaxing days at sea. 7. Health First: Bring a basic first aid kit and any medications you might need. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack some remedies just in case. 8. Stay Informed: Attend the muster drill and read the daily newsletters to stay updated on events and important information. Ready to embark on an unforgettable cruise adventure? Let me help you plan the perfect trip! Contact me today to start your journey: Colette@picturemeonvacation.com #FirstTimeCruiser #CruiseTips #TravelAgent #BonVoyage #CruisePlanner #PictureMeOnVacation

Here are a few helpful tips to follow for embarkation that help make the most of your cruise, or before! 🔌 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩: Cruise cabins often have limited power outlets, which can be a hassle if you have multiple electronic devices. Packing a compact, non-surge-protected power strip or multi-USB charger can help you keep all your gadgets powered up without the struggle to find multiple outlets. 🍽️ 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲: Many cruise ships offer specialty restaurants that provide unique dining experiences, from gourmet meals to themed dinners. These spots can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to make reservations as soon as you board, or even before your trip if the cruise line allows it. This ensures you don’t miss out on any culinary delights. 🎭 Book entertainment as soon as possible after you embark on your ship. 1. **Limited Availability**: Popular shows, events, or specialty dining experiences often fill up quickly, especially on large cruise ships. Booking early ensures you get a spot. 2. **Better Options**: Early booking allows you to choose the best times and seats, giving you more flexibility to plan the rest of your activities around your entertainment schedule. 3. **Peace of Mind**: Securing your entertainment plans early in the cruise helps you relax and enjoy the voyage, knowing you won't miss out on any must-see shows or activities. 4. **Maximized Experience**: By planning your entertainment early, you can make the most of the ship's offerings, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience throughout your trip. 🚢 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬: While exploring new destinations is exciting, port days also offer a perfect opportunity to enjoy the ship’s amenities with fewer crowds. Use this time to relax by the pool, visit the spa, or partake in activities that might normally be busier when everyone is on board. #traveltips #travel #travelagent #kimsprestigioustravel

Dreaming about that Michelin-starred dinner or sunset yoga on the beach during your next trip? There's good news—you can make it happen. The golden rule here is: Be an Early Bird! Booking early opens up a world of exclusive activities and experiences that would otherwise be tough to snag. Let's dive into the benefits of early reservations: 🎟️ Top-Notch Activities: On-site activities, especially popular ones, can fill up quickly. Early reservations guarantee your spot, ensuring you don't miss out on highly sought-after experiences. 🍽️ Specialty Dining: That world-class restaurant you've been eyeing? Reserve your table early and savor the taste of anticipated enjoyment, knowing you'll experience exquisite cuisine without the last-minute reservation scramble. 🕑 Best Time Slots: Early bookings often mean the freedom to secure ideal times, allowing you to perfectly orchestrate your vacation schedule. 🏖️ Peace of Mind: Once you've made your reservations, all that's left to do is relax and prepare for a seamless experience. As the saying goes—The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the most memorable experiences! Ready to reap the rewards of planning ahead? Share this post with your globetrotting friends and start planning your next adventures together. Get ahead with your bookings and let the excitement build! #earlybirdadvantages #travelsmart #vacation #travel

Be careful when travelling on Cruise ships. Don't always book through the ship, book directly with the Hotel and we can provide a better service for you. Get the boat ashore, pick up a taxi and visit than rather paying inflated cruise ship rates. It is not hard to do and quite simple. Think about it! #hotels #boutiquehotels #islandlife #valueformoney #simpleisbetter

Are you planning a cruise vacation? Beware of overpriced products and services onboard. Cruise ships are known for their high prices, and some guests end up paying way more than others for simple things. For instance, coming ashore to a resort for a day pass, is sold for USD$50pp (which include 2 drinks, 2 course lunch and use of beach facilities), while cruise passengers pay USD$120pp for the same facilities. The regular price for this is USD$75pp. So quite Literally that USD$120pp you have spent for the onshore package you could have a far more valued experience than what is sold. So, I can understand now when a guest comes to a facility, and they get a little frustrated if certain things are not available! They are paying way above the levels what should be charged. The difference in price goes to the cruise line, which charges upward of 100% commission to guests. This means that other vendors, including tour operators and resort owners, are being ripped off by the cruise lines for a service which quite honestly the cruise is not really doing anything except stop at port. It's time for property owners to stand up against the cruise lines and demand fair prices for their services. They are undermining these properties to provide an equal service for equal revenue. It is not just the service, food, beverage and facilities to be accounted for, there are many more underlying costs to factor in! Also, for cruise ship guests to book directly with certain properties so they can get the true value when you come ashore and visit. So next time you go on a voyage think twice before you pay for overpriced items, Onshore facilities can provide better results for better prices! #cruiseindustry #fairness #valueformoney #equality #holidays #travel #operate #balance #tourism #hotels #packages #tourism #cleverthinking Check out this article for more tips on avoiding overpriced items on a cruise: https://lnkd.in/e9su54tE

Dreaming of a child-free escape? Where you can enjoy some much-needed ‘us-time’ without the sound of other people’s kids splashing in the pool or the need to dodge strollers? Adult-only cruising offers the perfect solution. These cruises provide an environment where you can fully unwind, whether you’re lounging by the pool, indulging in gourmet dining, or exploring new destinations. The adult-only cruising experience you choose depends on what you want to get out of it. Whether you seek fun and relaxation, cultural exploration, or a traditional and all-inclusive experience, there’s a cruise line designed to meet your needs. There are only three cruise lines dedicated entirely to adults (as well as a few adult only ships – more on that later.) Each one offers a unique experience: Virgin Voyages is perfect for those who love vibrant atmospheres and cutting-edge entertainment. Enjoy over 20 unique eateries, from gourmet steaks to Korean BBQ. Virgin Voyages features spectacular drag shows, immersive performances, and spontaneous pop-up entertainment. With a casual dress code and tech-savvy cabins, it’s all about fun and relaxation. Saga Cruises is tailored for the over-50s – although the average age is nearer 70 – and offers a traditional, all-inclusive experience with a focus on comfort and service. Expect a refined, intimate atmosphere, spacious staterooms with balconies, speciality restaurants, and live entertainment. Saga Cruises provide a well-organized, relaxing journey with everything taken care of, including door-to-door chauffeur service. Viking is ideal for those seeking cultural enrichment and refined luxury. Viking provides river, ocean, and expedition cruises with large suites, Scandinavian design, and enriching onboard activities like history and art lectures. Each journey includes unique shore excursions, offering deep dives into local cultures. In addition to these, as I mentioned, several other ships are set aside for adults, providing a range of experiences. From the luxurious Marella Explorer 2 with its Broadway Show Lounge and Champneys Spa, to the intimate and sophisticated P&O Cruises’ Arcadia and Aurora, perfect for those seeking a more traditional and elegant cruising experience. Curious to learn more about these options and find the perfect adult-only cruise for you? Check out my latest article, “Your Ultimate Guide to Adult-Only Cruising,” where I break down the best choices and what makes each one special. Comment below or DM me, and I’ll send you some more information. #AdultOnlyCruise #LuxuryCruise #CruiseLife #ChildFreeTravel

Dreaming of a child-free escape? 🛳️ Where you can enjoy some much-needed ‘us-time’ without the sound of other people’s kids splashing in the pool or the need to dodge strollers? Adult-only cruising offers the perfect solution. These cruises provide an environment where you can fully unwind, whether you’re lounging by the pool, indulging in gourmet dining, or exploring new destinations. The adult-only cruising experience you choose depends on what you want to get out of it. Whether you seek fun and relaxation, cultural exploration, or a traditional and all-inclusive experience, there’s a cruise line designed to meet your needs. There are only three cruise lines dedicated entirely to adults (as well as a few adult only ships – more on that later.) Each one offers a unique experience: Virgin Voyages is perfect for those who love vibrant atmospheres and cutting-edge entertainment. Enjoy over 20 unique eateries, from gourmet steaks to Korean BBQ. Virgin Voyages features spectacular drag shows, immersive performances, and spontaneous pop-up entertainment. With a casual dress code and tech-savvy cabins, it’s all about fun and relaxation. Saga Cruises is tailored for the over-50s – although the average age is nearer 70 – and offers a traditional, all-inclusive experience with a focus on comfort and service. Expect a refined, intimate atmosphere, spacious staterooms with balconies, speciality restaurants, and live entertainment. Saga Cruises provide a well-organized, relaxing journey with everything taken care of, including door-to-door chauffeur service. Viking is ideal for those seeking cultural enrichment and refined luxury. Viking provides river, ocean, and expedition cruises with large suites, Scandinavian design, and enriching onboard activities like history and art lectures. Each journey includes unique shore excursions, offering deep dives into local cultures. In addition to these, as I mentioned, several other ships are set aside for adults, providing a range of experiences. From the luxurious Marella Explorer 2 with its Broadway Show Lounge and Champneys Spa, to the intimate and sophisticated P&O Cruises’ Arcadia and Aurora, perfect for those seeking a more traditional and elegant cruising experience. Curious to learn more about these options and find the perfect adult-only cruise for you? Check out my latest article, “Your Ultimate Guide to Adult-Only Cruising,” where I break down the best choices and what makes each one special. Comment below or DM me, and I’ll send you some more information. #AdultOnlyCruise #LuxuryCruise #CruiseLife #ChildFreeTravel

It was International Hospitality Day on 24th April, or "Atithi Devo Bhava" which is the Indian Tradition of treating our Guests with respect and the Cruise Industry takes it seriously.                                         A Cruise Ship also known as a floating hotel plays multiple roles in not only transporting passengers from one port to another but also provides unique experiences to its guests like Dining, Entertainment, Lifestyle and much more. The Cruise Lines do an incredible job to connect with their Guests and bond with them in different ways. From the Front Line Staff, Ship Security, Hotel and Cruise Directors, Housekeeping and the Bartenders, Entertainment Directors, F&B Crew everyone cares for their guests and know how to make their vacation more special. And that is the reason Cruise Lines enjoy a high repeat ratio of Guests Year on Year. The continuous interactions have led to Ships being able to improve the overall Guest experience onboard with the help of technology at various touch points. Cruise Lines offer a bouquet of experiences and activities on board like different dining concepts in F&B, different Entertainment  options like broadway shows, Karaoke nights, comedy nights, Sports activities, Adventurous activities, Pools, Wellness like the Spa, Gym and Salons, dedicated zones for Kids of different age groups. Today the Cruise Lines are catering to not only Families but also Solo travelers, MICE & Incentive Groups, Weddings and Religious Groups or Special Interest Groups and also serving as the perfect choice to celebrate different milestones in one’s life. Ships also provide Luxurious Cabins or Suites to pamper their guests and offer many inclusions or amenities. Example is the “Palace Suites” concept introduced by Resorts World Cruises. Travel to undiscovered locations and enjoy unique experiences with the help of the shore excursions And last but not the least, the Cruise Industry is always in a process of elevating the Customer Experience and therefore will always remain a core industry in the Hospitality Environment. #CLIA #Customerexperience #experentialtravel #cruisetourism

“I’m bored!” “Are we there yet?” “I don’t like this food!” Sound familiar? Taking the family away on holiday is exciting, but it can also be stressful if we don’t choose the right destination. If you’re thinking about where to book this year, don’t dismiss cruising, it’s an excellent option for families. Here’s why you should choose to cruise: “I’m bored!” – cruises offer diverse entertainment options for everyone, it’s not just about the shows and parties for adults, if you choose the right ship the kids can enjoy water flumes, video game arcades, kids’ clubs, play areas and even go Karts. “Are we there yet?” – Once you’re onboard the ship, you’re “there” for the duration of your holiday. Whether that’s enjoying all the facilities the ship has to offer or exploring the multiple destinations you will visit in a single trip. With many sailings departing from Southampton, you just have to get yourselves “there!”. “I don’t like this food” – Cruise ships offer a wide variety of restaurants, snack bars and cafes catering for all tastes and dietary preferences. Great for the picky eaters! And, with many cruise packages being all-inclusive, you won’t be constantly dipping into your pocket! While cruising may not be the perfect choice for every family, it offers a convenient and enjoyable option for those seeking a diverse and hassle-free holiday. The videos are from my own experiences, I strongly recommend giving it a go! For details on different cruise lines and to find the one that suits your requirements, just DM me or call 07500 785254. #Cruising #CruiseHoliday #FamilyCruise #CruiseAddict #PersonalTravelConsultant #HolidayInspiration

When is the cheapest time to cruise? DIY vs. working with a travel agent? How do you reduce costs without impacting the quality of the cruising experience? A new episode of The Thought Card Podcast just dropped, and it's all about saving big on cruises with the amazing Amanda Bauner! 🚢💰 Here are three key takeaways: 1️⃣ Start Early: Booking your cruise early can lead to better rates as the demand increases (so do rates) closer to the sailing date. When you book earlier there’s also more availability for the room types you want. 2️⃣ Research is Key: Whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, doing your research can help you maximize your cruise experience. From checking out YouTube videos to joining Facebook groups and reading honest cruise reviews, there's a wealth of information out there to help you make the most of any cruise. 3️⃣ Consider Specialty Add-Ons: While cruises can be all-inclusive, there are opportunities to enhance your experience with excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, and drink packages. Budgeting for the extras can elevate your cruise experience and make it even more memorable and affordable. For more money-saving insights and practical cruise planning tips, be sure to tune in to the full episode here 👇🏾 #CruiseTips https://lnkd.in/ete8Pvpk