Following a dreary summer in the UK, autumn cruise holidays are riding a wave of increased popularity. This year was even set to be 'The Year of the Cruise' according to industry experts at World of Cruising, who said that a range of new and ground-breaking itineraries, plus voyages to lesser-known ports in lesser-explored parts of the world, would attract more cruisers old and new. But voyagers are being urged to pay attention before setting sail.
Iglu Cruise's chief commercial officer and cruise aficionado, Dave Mills, has sounded the alarm on package deals. Dave explained: "Most cruise lines offer all-you-can-eat food included in the price of your ticket, especially when eating in the main buffet area." He cautioned, however, that "some cruises will charge extra for certain restaurants or a la carte menus".
While the cruise buffet is typically part of the holiday package, specialty dining, such as Royal Caribbean's Giovanni's Italian Kitchen or Chop's Grille, will incur additional charges. The cruise expert continued: "Drink packages are also something to think about. Many cruise companies sell drink packages at a fixed daily price, meaning guests can enjoy an unlimited selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks without running up an enormous bar bill.
" He added a caveat for the less thirsty travellers and those who prefer to spend most of their time on-shore, that pre-paid drinks packages may not be a worthy investment. These beverage deals can range from alcohol-.