Cruise Vacations For Dummies^® 2007

by Heidi Sarna; Matt Hannafin

• ISBN13: 9780471788638
• ISBN10: 0471788635
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-11-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Ride the waves the fun and easy way® Choose relaxation or adventure, a luxury liner or rustic schooner, an exotic port or a popular vacation spot. Whatever floats your boat, you'll find the perfect cruise for you in this friendly guide that clues you in on cruise lines, destinations, shore attractions, and more. Bon voyage! Discover Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What you shouldn't miss _ and what you can skip The best cruise ships for every budget Handy Post-it® Flags to mark your favorite pages

Author Biography

Matt Hannafin is a freelance writer, editor, and musician based in Brooklyn, New York. Coauthor of the upcoming 1,000 Places in the U.S.A. & Canada to See Before You Die (a sequel to the 2004 bestseller) and Frommer’s Cruises & Ports of Call, he also writes regular travel columns for Frommers.com, the Boston Herald, and Porthole cruise magazine. His work has appeared in dozens of other books, magazines, and websites, including Gourmet, Modern Bride, Avid Cruiser, and Travel Weekly.

Heidi Sarna is a freelance writer who has sailed the oceans blue for more than a decade, often with her young twin sons and lucky husband in tow. Coauthor of Frommer’s Cruises & Ports of Call and a contributor to several other guidebooks, she also writes regular travel columns for Frommers.com and Porthole cruise magazine. She’s written for many magazines and newspapers, including Gourmet, Condé Nast Traveler, Parenting, Bridal Guide, the Boston Herald, and Travel Weekly.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(2)
About This Book	3	(1)
Conventions Used in This Book	4	(1)
Foolish Assumptions	4	(1)
How This Book Is Organized	5	(1)
Part I: Getting Started	5	(1)
Part II: Planning Your Cruise	5	(1)
Part III: All Aboard: The Cruise Experience	5	(1)
Part IV: Ship Shapes: The Cruise Lines and Their Ships	5	(1)
Part V: Calling All Ports: Where to Go, and Why	5	(1)
Part VI: The Part of Tens	6	(1)
Appendix: Quick Concierge	6	(1)
Icons Used in This Book	6	(1)
Where to Go from Here	6	(1)
Part I: Getting Started	7	(32)
Choosing Cruising: The Best of the Best	9	(6)
The Best of the Mainstream Lines	9	(1)
The Best Ships for Luxury	10	(1)
The Best Ships for Families	10	(1)
The Best Romantic Cruises	11	(1)
The Best Party Cruises	12	(1)
The Best Small-Ship Cruises	13	(1)
The Best Ships for Uncompromising Gourmands	13	(2)
Is a Cruise for Youse? The Whats, Wheres, and Whys	15	(9)
Cruising: What's In It for You?	15	(2)
A resort by day	16	(1)
. . . A place to keep your stuff while in port	16	(1)
. . . And an urban playground by night	16	(1)
Keepin' It Fresh: What Keeps 'em Coming Back	17	(3)
Seeing the world	18	(1)
Sailing from everywhere	18	(1)
Appealing to all types of travelers	19	(1)
Appealing to all wallet sizes	19	(1)
Answering the Cruise Naysayers	20	(4)
I'll be bored!	20	(1)
I'll get fat!	20	(1)
I'll get seasick!	20	(1)
Cruise ships are too crowded!	21	(1)
Cruise ships aren't safe!	21	(1)
They let anybody on those things. There's no security!	22	(1)
What if I get sick!?	22	(1)
And what's with that Norwalk virus?	23	(1)
Choosing Your Ideal Cruise	24	(15)
Choosing Your Cruise	24	(3)
Mainstream cruises	25	(1)
Luxury cruises	25	(1)
Adventure and educational cruises	26	(1)
Gauging Your Time Away	27	(1)
Picking a Destination	27	(5)
Warming up to a Caribbean cruise	28	(1)
Acting Alaskan: Heading north to the 49th state	29	(2)
Meandering the Mediterranean	31	(1)
Doing the Romantic Cruise Thing	32	(2)
Getting married aboard ship	32	(1)
Honeymooning at sea	33	(1)
Renewing your vows	34	(1)
Going Solo	34	(1)
Booking Gay/Lesbian Cruises	35	(1)
Rolling Around on Deck: Cruises for Wheelchair Users	36	(3)
Part II: Planning Your Cruise	39	(36)
Booking and Paying Up	41	(23)
Poking Holes in the Cruise Price Mirage	42	(1)
Counting Extra Costs	42	(4)
Just say ``no'' . . . then again, you only live once. Splurge!	43	(1)
Tallying the tips	43	(1)
Budgeting for shore excursions	43	(1)
Paying taxes and port charges	44	(1)
Ka-ching ka-ching, adding up onboard costs	44	(2)
Paying up when the party's over	46	(1)
Saving Bucks on Your Booking	46	(4)
Booking early makes cents	46	(1)
Take a chance and reel in the deals	47	(1)
Choosing off-season cruising	47	(1)
Going on an introductory or repositioning cruise	48	(1)
Packing more people into your cabin	48	(1)
Going with a group	48	(1)
Shacking up with another single	49	(1)
Using your seniority	49	(1)
Paying in advance	49	(1)
Looking for free extras	49	(1)
Reaping repeater perks	49	(1)
Booking your next cruise while sailing your last one	50	(1)
Booking back-to-back cruises	50	(1)
Spotting the deals	50	(1)
Finding the Best Deals via Travel Agents and the Web	50	(3)
Pricing the differences	51	(1)
Doing your homework on the Web	51	(1)
Letting travel agents lead the way	51	(2)
Finding a good travel agent	53	(1)
Choosing Your Cabin	53	(5)
Evaluating cabin size	56	(1)
Getting the scoop on inside versus outside cabins	56	(2)
Considering other cabin matters	58	(1)
Booking Your Airfare	58	(1)
Making Dinner Reservations and Dealing with Special Diets	59	(1)
Extending the Trip	60	(1)
Considering Cancellations and Insurance	60	(3)
Cruise line policies versus third-party insurers	61	(1)
Third-party coverage	61	(1)
Cruise line coverage	62	(1)
Putting Down a Deposit	63	(1)
Reviewing Your Tickets	63	(1)
Ticking Off Your Pre-Cruise Checklist	64	(11)
Identifying Yourself	64	(2)
Reviewing Your Cruise Documents	66	(1)
Paying Up: Paper or Plastic?	67	(1)
Spending on board	67	(1)
Settling up on shore	67	(1)
Decking Yourself Out: What to Pack	68	(3)
Understanding shipboard dress codes (such as they are)	68	(1)
Planning for appliances and other odds and ends	69	(1)
Packing your carry-on	70	(1)
Keeping in Touch at Sea	71	(1)
Cellphone service	71	(1)
Satellite phones	71	(1)
Internet and e-mail at sea	72	(1)
Confirming Your Flight	72	(1)
Remembering Other Important Stuff	73	(2)
Part III: All Aboard: The Cruise Experience	75	(48)
Embarkation Day	77	(9)
Getting to Your Port of Embarkation	77	(2)
If you're flying	77	(2)
If you're driving	79	(1)
Checking In at the Pier	79	(3)
Preparing to board	79	(1)
Checking in	80	(1)
Stepping aboard and checking out your digs	81	(1)
Exploring the Ship	82	(1)
Getting a jump on your fellow passengers	82	(1)
Sailing away	82	(1)
Attending the Safety Drill	82	(1)
Gearing Up for the Days Ahead	83	(3)
One if by land: Days ashore	83	(1)
Two if by sea: Days at sea	84	(2)
Wining and Dining	86	(6)
Never a Food-Free Moment	86	(1)
The Take on Traditional Dining	87	(1)
Dining course by course	88	(1)
Considering what to wear	88	(1)
A Sea of Other Dining Options	88	(2)
Making special dietary requests	89	(1)
Satisfying your beverage preferences	89	(1)
Digging into Breakfast and Lunch	90	(2)
Filling Your Days: Onboard Activities and Entertainment	92	(12)
Digging into the Daily Bulletin	92	(1)
Doing Absolutely Nothing at All	93	(1)
Lounging at the pool	93	(1)
Sleuthing out the cinema	94	(1)
Hiding out in your cabin	94	(1)
Learning as You Lounge	94	(2)
Feeling the Burn	96	(4)
Pumping iron	97	(1)
Getting a game going	97	(1)
Hitting the water	98	(1)
Hitting the links	98	(1)
Sitting down for sports	98	(1)
Getting rubbed up at the spa	99	(1)
Entertaining Yourself after Dark	100	(3)
Taking in a show	101	(1)
Hitting the vaudeville circuit	101	(1)
Lounging around	102	(1)
Channeling your inner diva	102	(1)
Keeping the Faith	103	(1)
Keeping the Kids Busy: Activities for Children and Teens	104	(19)
Kids Are People, Too --- And They Cruise	104	(2)
It's Kids' Stuff	106	(1)
Family Friendly? (Or Get Us off This Thing!)	107	(3)
Checking out program availability and hours	107	(1)
Keeping it real for teens	108	(1)
Keeping the kids close, if not in close quarters	108	(1)
Knowing who's watching your kids	109	(1)
Babysitting on board	109	(1)
Follow the Rules	110	(1)
Take Notes: The Best Family Cruises	110	(13)
Disney Cruise Line	110	(2)
Royal Caribbean International	112	(2)
Carnival Cruise Lines	114	(2)
Norwegian Cruise Line	116	(1)
Princess Cruises	117	(1)
Celebrity Cruises	118	(2)
Holland America Line	120	(1)
A couple surprise contenders	121	(2)
Part IV: Ship Shapes: The Cruise Lines and Their Ships	123	(146)
Vetting Your Vessel: The How-to of Comparative Cruise Shopping	125	(6)
Getting a Handle on the Big Picture	126	(3)
Type of cruise	126	(1)
Ship size/style	127	(2)
Grasping the Ins and Outs of Itineraries	129	(1)
Getting the Skinny on Specifications	129	(1)
Getting a Handle on Prices	129	(2)
Mainstream Ships	131	(63)
Why the Masses Flock to the Megaships	131	(1)
Where the Mainstream Ships Go	132	(1)
Carnival Cruise Lines	133	(6)
Dining	135	(1)
Activities and entertainment	136	(1)
For kids	136	(1)
Fleet facts	137	(2)
Celebrity Cruises	139	(6)
Dining	142	(1)
Activities and entertainment	142	(1)
For kids	143	(1)
Fleet facts	144	(1)
Costa Cruises	145	(5)
Dining	148	(1)
Activities and entertainment	148	(1)
For kids	149	(1)
Fleet facts	149	(1)
Disney Cruise Line	150	(4)
Dining	152	(1)
Activities and entertainment	152	(1)
For kids	153	(1)
Fleet facts	154	(1)
Holland America Line	154	(7)
Dining	157	(1)
Activities and entertainment	158	(1)
For kids	159	(1)
Fleet facts	159	(2)
MSC Cruises	161	(4)
Dining	163	(1)
Activities and entertainment	163	(1)
For kids	164	(1)
Fleet facts	164	(1)
Norwegian Cruise Line	165	(8)
Dining	169	(1)
Activities and entertainment	170	(1)
For kids	170	(1)
Fleet facts	171	(2)
Oceania Cruises	173	(4)
Dining	175	(1)
Activities and entertainment	175	(1)
For kids	176	(1)
Fleet facts	176	(1)
Princess Cruises	177	(8)
Dining	181	(1)
Activities and entertainment	182	(1)
For kids	182	(1)
Fleet facts	183	(2)
Royal Caribbean International	185	(9)
Dining	189	(1)
Activities and entertainment	190	(1)
For kids	190	(1)
Fleet facts	191	(3)
Luxury Ships	194	(31)
The Low Down on the High End	194	(1)
The Little Extras (Really Add Up)	195	(1)
Around the World	196	(1)
Crystal Cruises	196	(5)
Dining	198	(1)
Activities and entertainment	199	(1)
For kids	199	(1)
Fleet facts	200	(1)
Cunard Line	201	(4)
Dining	202	(1)
Activities and entertainment	203	(1)
For kids	204	(1)
Fleet facts	204	(1)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (formerly Radisson Seven Seas)	205	(5)
Dining	207	(1)
Activities and entertainment	208	(1)
For kids	208	(1)
Fleet facts	209	(1)
Seabourn Cruise Line	210	(5)
Dining	212	(1)
Activities and entertainment	213	(1)
For kids	213	(1)
Fleet facts	214	(1)
SeaDream Yacht Club	215	(4)
Dining	215	(1)
Activities and entertainment	216	(1)
For kids	217	(1)
Fleet facts	218	(1)
Silversea Cruises	219	(6)
Dining	222	(1)
Activities and entertainment	222	(1)
For kids	223	(1)
Fleet facts	223	(2)
Small and Sailing Ships	225	(44)
What Makes the Small Ships Tick	225	(2)
American Canadian Caribbean Line	227	(3)
Dining	228	(1)
Activities and entertainment	229	(1)
For kids	229	(1)
Fleet facts	229	(1)
American Safari Cruises	230	(3)
Dining	231	(1)
Activities and entertainment	231	(1)
For kids	232	(1)
Fleet facts	232	(1)
Cruise West	233	(5)
Dining	235	(1)
Activities and entertainment	235	(1)
For kids	236	(1)
Fleet facts	236	(2)
easyCruise	238	(3)
Dining	239	(1)
Activities and entertainment	239	(1)
For kids	239	(1)
Fleet facts	240	(1)
INTRAV/Clipper Cruise Line	241	(3)
Dining	242	(1)
Activities and entertainment	243	(1)
For kids	243	(1)
Fleet facts	243	(1)
Lindblad Expeditions	244	(4)
Dining	246	(1)
Activities and entertainment	246	(1)
For kids	247	(1)
Fleet facts	247	(1)
Maine Windjammer Association	248	(3)
Dining	249	(1)
Activities and entertainment	249	(1)
For kids	250	(1)
Fleet facts	250	(1)
Majestic America Line	251	(5)
Dining	254	(1)
Activities and entertainment	254	(1)
For kids	255	(1)
Fleet facts	255	(1)
Star Clippers	256	(4)
Dining	258	(1)
Activities and entertainment	258	(1)
For kids	259	(1)
Fleet facts	260	(1)
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises	260	(4)
Dining	261	(1)
Activities and entertainment	262	(1)
For kids	263	(1)
Fleet facts	263	(1)
Windstar Cruises	264	(5)
Dining	265	(1)
Activities and entertainment	266	(1)
For kids	267	(1)
Fleet facts	267	(2)
Part V: Calling All Ports: Where to Go and Why	269	(182)
Preparing for Ports of Call	271	(7)
Signing Up for Excursions --- or Not	271	(4)
Gimme the real story about excursions	271	(3)
Can I just sightsee on my own?	274	(1)
Getting from Ship to Shore: All about Debarking	275	(1)
Docking versus anchoring	275	(1)
Filling your daypack	276	(1)
Getting from Shore to Ship: Don't Miss the Boat!	276	(2)
Landing in the Caribbean	278	(94)
Storming the Shore	278	(1)
Boarding Ship for the Caribbean	279	(20)
Miami	279	(7)
Fort Lauderdale	286	(3)
Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach	289	(2)
Tampa	291	(3)
Galveston	294	(2)
New Orleans	296	(3)
The Ports of Call	299	(70)
Antigua	299	(3)
Aruba	302	(4)
The Bahamas	306	(5)
Barbados	311	(3)
The British Virgin Islands	314	(4)
Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, Mexico	318	(4)
Curacao, Netherlands Antilles	322	(4)
Dominica	326	(3)
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands	329	(2)
Grand Turk	331	(4)
Grenada	335	(2)
Jamaica	337	(5)
Key West, Florida	342	(3)
Martinique	345	(4)
Puerto Rico	349	(3)
St. Barthelemy (St. Barts)	352	(3)
St. Kitts	355	(2)
St. Lucia	357	(3)
Sint Maarten & St. Martin	360	(3)
St. Thomas and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands	363	(6)
Enjoying the Cruise Lines' Private Islands	369	(3)
Doing Alaska in Style	372	(31)
Boarding Ship for Alaska	372	(1)
Storming the Shore	373	(3)
Watching Whales	376	(1)
Choosing a Cruisetour	377	(1)
The Ports of Embarkation	378	(8)
Anchorage	378	(3)
Vancouver, British Columbia	381	(3)
Seattle, Washington	384	(2)
The Ports of Call	386	(17)
Haines	386	(3)
Juneau	389	(3)
Ketchikan	392	(3)
Sitka	395	(3)
Skagway	398	(2)
Victoria, British Columbia	400	(3)
Meandering in the Mediterranean	403	(39)
Hitting the Town	404	(1)
Boarding Ship in Europe	404	(1)
Minding Your Money	405	(1)
The French Riviera & Monaco	405	(7)
Cruising into port	408	(1)
Scoring the best excursions	408	(1)
Exploring on your own	408	(4)
Greece	412	(10)
Athens	412	(4)
Mykonos	416	(1)
Rhodes	417	(4)
Santorini	421	(1)
Italy	422	(8)
Civitavecchia and Rome	423	(3)
Venice	426	(4)
Portugal	430	(3)
Cruising into port	432	(1)
Scoring the best excursions	432	(1)
Exploring on your own	432	(1)
Spain	433	(4)
Cruising into port	433	(1)
Scoring the best excursions	433	(3)
Exploring on your own	436	(1)
Turkey	437	(5)
Istanbul	437	(2)
Kusdadasi	439	(3)
Exploring Other Destinations	442	(9)
The American South and Midwest	442	(1)
The Columbia and Snake Rivers	443	(1)
New England and Canada	444	(1)
Bermuda	444	(1)
Costa Rica	445	(1)
The Panama Canal	445	(1)
The Mexican Riviera	446	(1)
Baja and the Sea of Cortez	446	(1)
The Hawaiian Islands	446	(1)
Tahiti and the South Pacific	447	(1)
Australia and New Zealand	448	(1)
The British Isles and Northern Capitals	448	(1)
The Baltic and Scandinavia	449	(1)
European River and Canal Cruises	449	(1)
Southeast Asia	449	(1)
Antarctica	450	(1)
Part VI: The Part of Tens	451	(8)
Ten Things to Do When Your Cruise Ends	453	(6)
Settling Your Bill	453	(1)
Leaving Your Tips	453	(1)
Packing Up	454	(1)
Debarking, Whether You Want to or Not	455	(1)
Understanding Immigration (We Wish)	455	(1)
Getting Through Customs	455	(2)
Knowing What's Prohibited or Restricted	457	(1)
Taking Back Value-Added Tax and Goods-and-Services Tax	457	(1)
Dealing with Departure Tax	458	(1)
Appendix: Quick Concierge	459	(6)
Cruise Lines	459	(2)
Cruise Agencies	461	(1)
Travel agency consortiums	462	(1)
Web Directory	462	(3)
Index	465