[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When you are planning a cruise, there are a few things that you need to be aware of beforehand. Here are 5 things to know before cruising![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Ship size” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-ship” i_color=”turquoise” add_icon=”true”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”47370″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” ][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The cruise industry’s standard on vessel sizes is:
• Large resort – 1,751-6,500 passengers
• Mid-size – 751-1,750 passengers
• Small – 251-750 passengers
• Boutique – 50‑250 passengers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Cabin style” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-ship” i_color=”turquoise” add_icon=”true”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”47371″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Cabins (or staterooms) come in four broad categories: inside (no window or porthole); ocean‑view (with window or porthole); balcony (with small private balcony); and suites (separate sleeping and living area).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Fare – all inclusive or not?” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-ship” i_color=”turquoise” add_icon=”true”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”47372″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” ][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Drinks, tips, specialty restaurants, shore excursions and onboard activities cost extra on some ships, but are included on others. Make sure you know what is covered for your cruise.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Going ashore” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-ship” i_color=”turquoise” add_icon=”true”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”47373″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Some itineraries include several sea days, so if that doesn’t appeal choose one that calls at more ports. Ship-run excursions are offered – but you can always organise independent trips.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Visas” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-ship” i_color=”turquoise” add_icon=”true”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”47374″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Always check whether you are required to have a visa for the countries to be visited on you cruise and ask the cruise line if they organise visas. Often you are expected to do this yourself.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you now ready to start planning your first cruise? Head back to the First Time Cruisers page to find information on individual ships, destinations and deals![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
