Is bigger really better? Mega Cruise Ships take over the Seas

After a cruise last year on what was the worlds largest cruise ship at the time, Royal Caribbeans Liberty of the Seas, I realized the good and bad of these beautiful mega ships.  Their newest Oasis class, holding 5,400 passengers (not including crew), dwarfs the passenger count of 3,600 on the Liberty and the typical cruise ship capacity of 2,500-3,000 passengers on major cruise lines.

The Good

These mega ships are up to date with the latest cruising technologies, including smoother sailing with a wider hull, as well as the ability to check your onboard cruise account from your TV in your cabin.  More deck space creates more activities; climbing walls, ice skating rinks, an onboard carousel, movie theatre's, more dining options and more dedicated youth and adult only areas.  I kept busy aboard the Liberty each day trying out activities I would not have had the chance to do on a smaller ship.

As with every other cruise ship I've gone on, even having over 3,600 people onboard, you'd hardly notice!  If you've never cruised this may seem impossible, but cruise ships are made to hold thousands of passengers without feeling crowded.  About the only time I could tell there were at least a few hundred other vacationers was when I attempted to find a lounge chair by the pool on a nice hot day at sea. 

Along with the sheer size of these ships comes the pressure for better entertainment and activities.  I've seen a few shows while cruising that thankfully didn't cost us extra to walk out and find something more entertaining.  Newer and larger ships are setting the standard with Broadway type shows, ice skating shows and bigger and better props.  On the smaller ships, staging is limited and therefore can sometimes reduce the quality of the entertainment.

Royal Caribbean recently announced the Allure will have a 3-D theatre, Dragon Ice Show and Madagascar Aqua Show, along with Chicago:The Musical Broadway show. 

The Bad 

Our third trip to one of our favorite Caribbean destinations, Cozumel.  We arrived to port and it was unlike any other time we had visited.  Cozumel was not yet equipped for a ship of this size and we had to tender into port.  Something typical for many cruise ports, but with 3,600 passengers and only two exits, can you imagine how long it took?  Much longer than a 2,000 passenger ship to tender.

The small island of Cozumel was instantly engulfed with 3,600 tourist from a single ship.  We decided to take a driving tour, looking back there were three other ships parked along side ours.  I asked our guide how many ships have been here at one time?  He chuckled a little and said, "This is nothing, last month we had 12 ships in Port at one time."  Quickly I calculated 12 x 2,800= 33,600 extra people on the island of Cozumel.  An island 29 miles long by 8 miles wide that occupies 60,000 permanent citizens.  Absolute craziness! 

Even on this mellow day of four ships in port, it was more crowded than we had ever seen the island before.  Tours were packed with people, while beaches didn't seem as private.  We still had a wonderful time in Cozumel, but it brought up the thought in my mind that these mega ships may be supplying more tourists than ports should be handling.  Certainly the Cities are loving profits from thousands of tourists a day, but when does that no longer become fun?  When tours are completely booked up, beaches are over crowded and just getting off the ship is an hour long process.

I love cruising and really want to see the industry adding more Port locations, rather than filling up the ones they currently are using with more tourists.  Bigger ships are bringing in more passengers, while our favorite travel destinations become over populated. 

Would I travel MEGA again?

Absolutely!  These ships are big, beautiful and provide a vacation like no other.  Plenty of activities, gourmet dining and in this case I do believe bigger is better.  In fact, I can't wait for the day I get to experience Royal Caribbeans Oasis class, and hopefully before they are no longer the worlds biggest.

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Make your Cruise Check-in, Smooth Sailing

You've picked your cruise line, itinerary and researched your ship from stern to stem!  You're packed and ready to head for the open seas.  Here is one little piece of cruising you may not have been ready for - the check-in process.

Boarding a cruise ship is unlike any other travel check-in process, thousands of passengers all getting on one gigantic ship. For the top major cruise lines, check-in is fairly similar.  From long lines to multiple security points and getting that wonderful little key card that becomes your ALL access pass to cruising freedom!

It can be fun, frustrating and exciting all at the same time.  For many first time passengers, just waiting in the terminal through the lines is easily tolerated by their amazement of the enormous ship they're about to embark on. 

On the other hand, experienced cruisers may be more eager to get the process done and over with.  If your a prior cruise line passenger, you may find this process much easier with many cruise lines offering expedited check-in and services to loyal customers.

MAKING CHECK-IN EASIER

1. Cruise lines will mail you a cruising package or provide an online area to fill out forms.  Have this done as soon as possible and bring all paperwork with you to the terminal. Follow instructions carefully on what is needed and be sure you don't leave anything at home.  Place the bag tags on your luggage at the house.
2. When you arrive to the terminal, there will be attendants to take your bags onto the ship. KEEP ALL ITEMS you need in a seperate small carry on bag! You won't see your luggage for a few hours and sometimes later in the evening.  Medication, extra clothes, and any items for your children during a 2-6hr span; such as diapers, formula or special snacks - pack seperately.
3. PASSPORT and I.D Card - Just like at the airport, keep these two documents easily accessible at all times through the check-in process.
4. Get there Early or get there Late (just not too late)! Check-In is typically open for a 4hr period and if it's between 10-2pm, you don't want to find yourself there at noon.  Although we found ourselves once running for the ship and barely making the check-in process. The fastest, but most nerve wrecking check-in I've ever experienced!
5. Decide which credit card you'd like to use for your onboard account and have it ready, or on rare ocassion some people still apply cash.  This will pay for anything you purchase on the ship, including all tips applied at the end of the cruise.  All ship purchases are done using your cruise card.  If the kids are coming along, discuss before hand whether or not you want them to have the ability to make puchases with their key cards.  Other passengers in on your account can be managed for access type. But EVERYONE gets a card, children and babies alike! 
6. Adding to note #5: Keep your Cruise card safe! Don't allow smaller children to hold theirs.  This is your room key, credit card and now your families Identification to get on and off the ship. Without it you can not disembark at Port and you'll have to see Guest services for a new one if it's misplaced at any time.
7. LUNCH is waiting!  Arrive first thing for check-in and make it onto the ship around noon.  The buffett is always open for lunch/brunch and don't let the first buffett excitement get the best of your stomach. A gourmet dinner is soon to follow.  NOTE: The buffett will be packed for that first lunch. This is not how it will be the entire cruise. It's only because it's the only food on the entire ship for the first meal. 
8. Now that your ready to set sail there's one last "fun" tradition.  Man your Muster Station!  A drill will take place for all cruise passengers before the ship can leave port.  You will take your life vest out of your cabin for everyone in your party and must WEAR IT for the drill.  Not exactly my favorite part of the trip, but it's required.

Keep these tips in mind and rest assured that once you've gone through the lovely check-in process, it's all worth it!  Or at least, it should be!  Believe me, there have been times on vacation when I wonder why I left the house, but then I'm reminded of those unforgettable trips that make it all worth while. ShareThis

Zip Lining and Mayo Sandwiches - Alaska

Conversation over the two-way; "We've got a Mayonnaise Sandwich just below at your 2 o'clock!"  Our guide points below to the baby "Mayo sandwich"...ok, a baby bear that was walking through the bushes below.  A site seen almost daily during the zip lining excursions. Why on earth they call them a mayo sandwich is unknown to me.  I figure a "honey pot" or "honey stealer" would seem more appropriate, but either way, they use the term to not scare any tourist by shouting "there is a Bear in the woods"!  Apparently it's caught some people off guard.  But what a very cool site for me to see.  I've seen a bear or two at the zoo, but to see a cub in it's natural habitat is something different all in itself. 

Once we all caught a glimpse, it was "Zip-set-Go"!  We were halfway through our zip line journey and all five of us were having a blast. Four men, one being my husband and then myself.  The other wives stayed back on the cruise ship and in town for some shopping. We started our trek at the tree house where we were geared up with helmets, gloves and the proper crotch grabbing gear to Zip with.  With a quick tutorial we chose our guide, who turned out be hilarious and entertaining, and we set off on the first smaller zip line.  The trail only got higher, faster and more fun as we went along, and even bounced along some wooden suspension bridges to break things up a little. The views were great and the zipping was even better!  Once we made it to the end of several zip lines it was the final Hoo Rah!  We got to be silly and we were encouraged to strike a pose for the cameraman taking our pictures.

At the end of our trip through the trees we received a special treat that not all groups get to do unless you get through the course in a good amount of time.  Instead of walking down stairs to get to the end, we got to repel down a tree, which was faster, funner and my first time repelling down anything.

TIPS: If your considering the zip-line excursion be sure your not afraid of heights.  I could just imagine someone like my mom freaking out at the top of the trees.  If you get through some of the course and can't continue on, you must repel straight off the zip line to the ground, which is probably more scary than doing the course itself.  The heights didn't bother me and I felt very safe with the double clipped lines they attached us to. It just felt a little odd standing in a huge tree that swayed a little as we stood waiting our turn. 
Bring your camera, be sure it has a Strap to attach to your body, otherwise you can't bring it along.  Leave most items behind, but if you must carry something you'll have a chance to put those items in a locked bin before your zipline tour begins. ShareThis

Stretching your Cruise dollar - Travel Tip Tuesday

Travel Tip Tuesday - May 18th, 2010

Many people who cruise choose this form of travel for several reasons. One usually being it's one of the most economical ways to travel for what you get.  Another way you can make your dollar stretch on a cruise is by eating free the entire trip.

If your planning your schedule for a day at port, think about meal times when booking excursions and tours. We try to have breakfast on the ship, schedule a tour or do our own thing in the morning and be near the ship to hop back on for lunch. And depending on how long the ship is in port, we head back to town for the evening and back in time for dinner. Now you can't always plan around meal time, but we have been able to do it on most of our cruises to at least save money on several meals off the ship. If your worried about getting hungry while your walking around port, grab a banana or snack from the buffet that will last in your pack during the day. It'll keep you from drowning your hunger in that delicious looking ice cream at the stand on the corner of "tourist have extra money to waste town"!

Secondly, limit your casual alcohol drinks to maybe "one fun night of drinking" and stick to the free juices, milk and water the ship provides. Or if you must have soda, buy the unlimited card they offer at the beginning of the cruise.  Alcoholic drinks can definitely add up if you don't pay attention to your shipboard account...just wait for that jaw drop when you see the bill at the end of your cruise!

Thirdly, don't waste your money on the paid dining.  More cruise lines are offering "extra special" paid restaurants or even a Johnny Rockets hamburger shop on Royal Caribbean cruise lines - but really people? There is so much gourmet food on a ship in the dining rooms and buffets that paying the extra money isn't worth it! 

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ALL ABOARD!! White Pass railway train ride - Skagway, Alaska

Step into the past as you board the White Pass Railway in Skagway, Alaska.  Learn how the people of the Gold Rush traveled this route by foot for many years before the railway was born.  You'll be amazed by the beautiful scenery as you pass by rivers, bridges, tunnels and steep grades climbing through the Alaskan mountains. 

We took this tour with a group of 8 and we all seemed to enjoy this relaxing time on the train.  If your looking for something very interactive, this is not the excursion for you.  I enjoyed finally taking a moment to be able to sit back and see more of Alaska than we had seen on most of our time on the cruise.  If you enjoy mountains, trees, history and trains, I think you'd enjoy this tour. 

The ride is a couple hours long, so be prepared to mostly sit for this amount of time.  If you have children, you may want to bring some activities for them to keep busy if they are unamused by the scenic route.  There is no food provided on the train so pack a few small snacks as well if needed (I usually grab a banana out of the buffet if I'm cruising), but they do provide water bottles if you get thirsty.  You can get up during the ride and walk around to the front or back of the cars and a couple people can stand on the outside landings between each car for a good photo shot without the window.

Sit on the LEFT side of the train if you can.  You will see both sides of the view no matter where you sit, but they provide you with better narration on the way up the mountain of what your seeing on left side of the train.  Also, if your taking the ride in the cold season, heating is limited on the trains, so dress very warm!

Activities and hotels kids in Alaska on Trekaroo

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Foto Fun Friday - May 7th, 2010

Which Cruise line is known for having this awesome surfing, knee boarding contraption called the "Flow Rider" on the back of their ships?

Yes -that's me making a fool of myself trying it out, but having a BLAST while doing it!

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Disney Cruise lines make voyage to the WEST Coast!

Soon Disney Cruises will be within reach for West Coast Families!  The thought of flying thousands of miles to the East Coast to cruise with Disney is no longer necessary.  On January 23rd, 2011 they will launch their first sailing from Los Angeles, California aboard the Disney Wonder headed to the Mexican Riviera.  The ship will make stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and back to Los Angeles. 

I have taken this route on Princess cruise lines and it is a wonderful cruise for sunshine and lots of activities!  With plenty to do and see in Mexico, your family will be entertained both on and off the Disney Wonder.  I am also glad to NOT see Acapulco on this list of stops.  One of my not so favorite places for a Port of call, especially if traveling with young children.  Although Acapulco at a Resort may be another story.

The Mexican Riviera will pause in May and cruises to Alaska will take place through August when the Disney Wonder will then resume it's Mexico route.  You can also hop aboard the ship as it takes it's maiden voyage from Florida to Los Angeles or during it's sailings to Alaska or back down to California during route changes.

You may find rates aboard Disney Cruise lines to be more expensive compared to other cruises taking similar routes, but you what you won't find on other cruise lines are Disney themed Broadway shows, Character experiences and the Mickey Pool water slide.  Disney is a cruise line geared towards family fun and even giving parents some time alone while the kids play in the happiest place on the ocean!

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Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas - Second cruise line with a nursery room

When it comes to cruising you may not see a large number of babies on board and there is a reason for that.  Cruising with a baby can make it difficult to enjoy your fine dining, live shows, lounging by the pool and other adult activites, especially when you don't have other means of babysitting.  But cruise lines are working towards making cruising more family friendly for parents with babies.

Royal Caribbean has launched their newest ship "Oasis of the Seas" (Worlds largest cruise ship) and along with their other wonderful grade school and teen programs they now have a Nursery for babies and toddlers ages 6-36months.  The Royal Babies and Royal Tots clubs are staffed with trained proffesionals and is sponsored with great activities by Fisher Price and Crayola.  Take a look at some great pictures of their playrooms here. The only thing to note is that there is an $8/hr charge, unlike their other school age programs which are FREE!  The first cruise line to have an onboard nursery was Disney Cruise Lines.

If your planning to take your baby on a cruise, remember to check with the cruise line first. All cruise lines have different age limits for allowing babies to cruise and some do not allow them until they are 9-12 months old. ShareThis

Want to "Sample" a cruise?

Who doesn't love walking through the store when it's sample time and getting just a little taste of a product to see if you like it or not?  My kids love Costco samples and I love that it keeps them entertained for the duration of each isle.  Ever wish you could do that with a vacation?

1-2-3 Day Cruises
Most cruise lines change their routes seasonally and in order to change routes they must move their ships to a new destination.  Kinda like flying South for the winter!  During these moves you can hop aboard for as short as a ONE night cruise and test out the waters!   My very first cruise was a sampler from Vancouver, B.C to Los Angeles for 3 days.  Just enough to get me hooked on cruising forever!  Now don't think that because the ships are being moved means that these are anything less than a real cruise.  You get the full royal treatment of fine dining, entertainment and everything that a typical 7 or 10 day cruise provides. 

The Cost
For a one day trip from Vancouver, B.C to Seattle cruises start as low as $69 per person with Princess Cruises.  Other cruise lines are probably offering a similar deal.  If you live near a Port of call it's easy to hop aboard these sample cruises and take a one-way flight back home. ShareThis