Monday, August 5, 2024 Many first-time cruisers are unaware of the complexities of fare structures and what is included. It’s crucial to advise them on the choices available to ensure they find a cruise that suits their budget and expectations. Specialty restaurants and drink packages often come as surprises at the end of the cruise when the bill arrives.
Byron Horne, Assistant Manager at Bicton Travel, emphasizes educating clients about the true value some cruise lines offer compared to seemingly “cheap” fares. “There’s nothing worse than booking and paying for a cruise only to find that your onboard account ends up being more than your cruise fare,” he says. Robyn Sinfield, co-founder of Home Travel Company and regional chair of Virtuoso’s Cruising Committee, warns against buying a cruise outside your country of residence, as you can be denied boarding if you can’t provide a residential address in another country.
Travel insurance with cruise cover is essential, even for young and fit clients. It covers scenarios like missing the ship due to a delayed flight, lost luggage, or sudden illness. Medical expenses onboard can be substantial, and evacuation costs can run into thousands of dollars.
Remember, treatment by a ship’s doctor when cruising in Australian waters is not covered by Medicare. First-time cruisers should ensure their passport is up to date with at least six months left before expiry. Also, check if visas are required for the countries they’ll visit.
Some cruise lines organize blanket visas for officers, crew, and guests. Advise clients to arrive at least a day before embarkation, or two days if flying to join the ship overseas. Flight delays and cancellations have become common since the pandemic, and extra travel time can prevent missing the boat.
Booking a hotel for an extra day allows clients to relax and explore the departure town or city. Storage space is limited in ship staterooms, so recommend packing light. Many ocean ships have self-service laundrettes and offer laundry services if needed.
Refer to Karryon’s essential packing guide for more information. Popular shore excursions fill up quickly, so it’s important to book early. Clients can explore independently if attractions are close by.
When booking independent tours, emphasize the importance of returning on time, as the ship won’t wait for latecomers unless they’re on a ship-organized excursion. If specialty dining is a priority, recommend making reservations online as soon as possible. Often, spaces become available last minute, so it’s worth checking with the maître d’ onboard.
Advise clients to keep their smartphones on flight mode to avoid hefty roaming charges. Check if the ship offers free Wi-Fi that meets their needs, or suggest a daily use-as-you-go package with their provider. An international adapter is essential, as most ships cruising around Australia are from overseas.
Power boards are not allowed onboard, so choose a universal model with USB ports. Most ships have libraries for avid readers who prefer physical books over Kindles. For wine enthusiasts, recommend befriending the sommelier.
If clients are enjoying their cruise, suggest talking to the onboard cruise consultant about booking another trip, which can often save money..
