New Zealand Cruise Expert Guide
A New Zealand cruise insures that you’ll get thebest out of your visit to these islands. Ten,twelve and fourteen-day cruises around New Zealandgenerally begin in Auckland on the North Islandor in Sydney, Australia. They take in many portsof call along the Eastern coast of the North andSouth Islands, as well as a few ‘bonus’ ports inAustralia and Tasmania - these generally beingMelbourne and Hobart.
At the North Island’s most southerly point isNew Zealand’s capital - Wellington. Here you canexperience the heart and soul of modern New Zealandlife and enjoy spectacular views of theSouth Island. If you time it right, you could evenwatch the Dragon Boat Festival that takes placein Wellington Harbor in March every year.
Tropical Cruise
A tropical cruise can be embarked upon from many portsaround the U.S. In Florida, the ports of Canaveral,Miami and Fort Lauderdale all offer excellent choicesof tropical cruises, with itineraries varying fromtwo and three night cruises to the Bahamas, to 14-daycruises around the more exotic parts of the Caribbean.
There are essentially four tropical cruise routesaround the Caribbean - the Western Caribbean route,Eastern Caribbean route, Southern Caribbean route andan exotic Caribbean route that is a combination ofports stops taken from the other three routes.
Alaska Cruise Guide
There are some 11 and 14 day cruises which include more ports of call and more glacier touring. There are 2 different kinds of cruises available: Inside Passage Cruise: roundtrip departure from Vancouver/ Seattle, usually 7 days long. You cruise the inside passage through the islands offshore from British Columbia and Alaska. Stops usually include Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Juneau. Gulf of Alaska Cruise (or Glacier Route Cruise): You cruise one-way northbound from Vancouver/ Seattle or one-way south from Seward, Alaska. You will see more glaciers on this route and an additional port or two.
Pick the right cruise ship for your style,- some ships are more traditional, other more stylish, elegant, some offer more choices for children, other are more seniors-oriented. The cruise comparison chart below should help you in making the correct choice. Check your cruise itinerary, almost every ship usually includes several formal dress code nights. Dark business suit or a tuxedo would do the thing.
Alaska cruises tend to be more casual than other destinatons but items such as cutoff t-shirts, halter tops and torn jeans are still not permitted in the dining area.Tipping is usually $10 per passenger per day. We recommend you to book a stateroom with a balcony. Theview on an Alaska cruise is always changing- mountains, shores, wildlife, marine animals, glaciers, or quaint waterfront communities. You can enjoy it from the privacy of your own balcony, escaping crowded decks.
First Time Cruisers
If you are flying or driving, I recommend getting to the city where you will board the ship the day before you sail. This will prevent you from running to the ship at the last minute, hoping it is still there, should you have any problems with flight delays, lost luggage, traffic back-ups, etc. This will allow you to rest from your travel and give you ample time to get to the ship on the day it departs. Avoid getting to the ship at the earliest time allowed or at the last minute. Getting there in the middle of the hours designated to check in sometimes reduces the time you have to stand in line to check in.
Tipping on cruise ships is expected and there should be some guidelines on suggested amounts in the material you receive from the cruise line. Generally, the people you tip are your cabin steward, your waiters/waitresses, and the maitre ‘d. After all, they do take good care of you.