11 Tips Cruise Lines Really Wish You Didn’t Know
Part 2 of 2
A little inside knowledge can make a cruise feel smoother, more comfortable, and often less expensive. Some tips simply help you avoid surprises, while others can help you make smarter choices before you book or board. None of these are tricks or rule-breaking ideas — they are practical things senior travelers deserve to know before setting sail.
Casino Programs
Cruise casinos reward play with points, and those points can lead to offers or perks. But for travelers watching their budget, it is important to remember that gambling is designed to favor the house. In many cases, you may be better off simply paying for the cruise you want.
Earlier this year I analyzed Royal Caribbean’s program. You earn different amounts depending on the game you play. For example, if you played slots and the house edge were 8%, I calculated that you would need to put about $125,000 through the machine, with an expected net loss of $10,000, before earning enough points for a balcony cabin. To me, that seems expensive for a balcony room.
Why Cruise Lines Love Private Destinations
One of the biggest changes in cruising over the past decade has been the rise of private islands and private destinations.
These stops have existed for years, but many have changed dramatically. Some still offer a quiet beach day, while others now feel more like full resort-style playgrounds with pools, water features, restaurants, cabanas, and paid activities.
Private destinations are cruise-line-owned or cruise-line-controlled stops, often built around beaches, pools, restaurants, cabanas, and paid activities. Cruise lines promote them as vacation destinations, but they also offer major business advantages that are not always mentioned in the marketing.
They are also often close to major ports such as Miami, which can reduce fuel costs and make scheduling easier. Just as important, private destinations help cruise lines avoid some overcrowding concerns at independent ports, where local communities may push for limits on cruise traffic. For passengers, that can mean a more controlled and predictable day ashore.
The Reason for Pre-Cruise Discounts
Cruising can be relaxing and fun, but it is still a business. That means discounts, packages, and onboard offers are usually designed with the cruise line’s bottom line in mind.
Many travelers know that drink packages, Wi-Fi, excursions, and other add-ons are often cheaper before the cruise begins. If you already know you want one of these packages, buying early can be a smart move.
Cruise lines often discount packages before the trip because of what is sometimes called a “fresh wallet.” If you wait until you are on the ship and then spend $1,000 on a drink package, you may be less willing to spend more during the rest of the cruise.
For example, if you buy an $800 drink package several months before sailing, that cost may feel less immediate by the time you board. Once onboard, you may be more open to spending on specialty dining, shopping, excursions, or other extras. So yes, pre-cruise discounts can be useful — just make sure the package truly fits your plans and needs.
Transfers to the Port Maybe are not a Good Deal for Most
Before the vacation can begin, you still have to get to the cruise port. Cruise-line transfers can be convenient, especially if you prefer a simple, familiar option, but they are not always the best value.
Cruise-line transfers are convenient, but they are usually best only if you are going straight from the airport to the cruise port, or from the port back to the airport. If you need to make another stop, they usually will not work for you. You may also have to wait until the bus is ready to leave. From the port, that wait is often short. From the airport, it can take longer because the transfer may wait for passengers arriving on other flights. Check Lyft or Uber too, but remember that rates can double or triple during busy times.
See Your Ship’s Latest Health Reports
Most cruise ships are kept very clean, with crew members working throughout the day and night to maintain public spaces, dining areas, cabins, and restrooms.
What many passengers do not realize is that cruise ships are also inspected by the government. Most ships score very well, often in the high 90s, and some earn scores of 98, 99, or even 100.
If you like doing a little homework before you travel, you can read the inspection reports online. They show the details inspectors found, from excellent scores to small issues that were noted during the visit. It is a helpful way to feel more informed before choosing a ship. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/InspectionQueryTool/InspectionSearch.aspx
Our best advice is to Call Senior Travel and get all the up to date information on your cruise or land package.
Acknowledgement to Travel & Leisure for some of the included information