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\nThat\u2019s it, you\u2019ve made up your mind! You\u2019re going on your very first cruise this year. And like all first times, the unknown generates excitement and questions in equal measure. Where should you go on a cruise? Is it all-inclusive aboard? How do you avoid sea sickness? These are just some of the many questions that you\u2019ll have before setting sail, and Escales has the answers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_5_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d header_6_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_orientation=\u201djustified\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||10px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
Choosing where to go<\/h3>\n
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of life on board, the first question to ask yourself is: where?\u00a0<\/span>Where should you go on your first cruise?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>As a first-timer, you don\u2019t necessarily have to play the explorer. Dip your toes in by setting course for the Caribbean or Asia. But wherever you go, keep in mind that you should always choose a company that offers an\u00a0<\/span>All Inclusive package<\/b>, because you can easily end up paying the earth as \u201cextras\u201d quickly add up. Drinks in particular tend to be rather expensive on\u00a0<\/span>cruise ships<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>without an open bar drinks option. Once you\u2019ve chosen where to go, it\u2019s time to organise your trip.<\/p>\n
Making the arrangements<\/h3>\n
During your cruise, you\u2019re bound to want to share your experience with your loved ones back home, so you\u2019ll need a\u00a0<\/span>phone plan<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>that allows you to do so. Check with your operator before setting sail whether\u00a0<\/span>you can use your phone\u00a0<\/span><\/b>and how much it costs. You\u2019ll avoid the sea of problems caused by a bill that makes waves larger than those of the ocean you just crossed!<\/p>\n
A little tip to avoid unpleasant surprises before you even set foot on board: if you have to fly to the departure port, arrange to\u00a0<\/span>arrive the day before<\/b>. Last-minute hitches (late flight, lost luggage, etc.) are always a possibility and having a few hours before you board will surely help you get this kind of problem sorted out. Either way, never get on board your plane without a\u00a0<\/span>change of clothes<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>in your hand luggage.<\/p>\n
What are we eating? Where are we sleeping?<\/h3>\n
Like at a hotel, the questions that are foremost in people\u2019s minds when it comes to onboard services are about the food and the cabin. Although the food generally tends to be good or even excellent on\u00a0<\/span>luxury cruises<\/b>, don\u2019t set the bar too high for the cabins. A cabin is a functional place where you will sleep and wash. Most of the cruise takes place elsewhere. However, if you want to optimise this aspect of the trip, choose a\u00a0<\/span>cabin with a balcony<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>and wake up to a different view each morning. As for the rest, most\u00a0<\/span>cruise companies<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>offer similar services to hotels with room service, a mini bar and interactive TV.<\/p>\n
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Next to nothing to wear<\/h3>\n
What do you need to\u00a0<\/span>pack<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>before boarding your cruise ship? To be honest, if you strip a traveller\u2019s needs back to the bare bones then the list is pretty short:<\/p>\n
\u2013 \u00a0\u00a0A copy of all your documents (passport, ID card, credit cards, driver\u2019s licence, health record, vaccination record, dive log book, etc.)<\/p>\n
\u2013 \u00a0\u00a0Comfortable clothing for daytime excursions.<\/p>\n
\u2013 \u00a0\u00a0A more formal outfit for the evenings.<\/p>\n
\u2013 \u00a0\u00a0A light jumper as evenings outside on deck can be a little chilly.<\/p>\n
\u2013 \u00a0\u00a0A swimsuit, not for diving into the ocean, but for enjoying the pool, hamman or sauna.<\/p>\n
\u2013 \u00a0\u00a0Sportswear for the gym so you can exercise with sea views .<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve packed all that, you should be covered, and for everything else, there will be a\u00a0<\/span>shop on board<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>that will be able to satisfy most of your needs. Of course, remember to bring a means of payment.<\/p>\n
What activities are available during the cruise?<\/h3>\n
On a cruise, you are free to take part in all the\u00a0<\/span>activities<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>offered (refer to the\u00a0<\/span>daily programme<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>available in the cabins) or to spend your time in the library or playing cards\u2026 Boredom isn\u2019t really an issue on board. With\u00a0<\/span>presentations, talks and shows<\/b>, you\u2019ll always be able to find something to entertain you to suit your tastes.<\/p>\n
An unmissable part of a cruise,\u00a0<\/span>stopovers<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>are an opportunity to set your feet back on dry land and find out more about the towns and cities along the way. They\u2019re the chance to visit\u00a0<\/span>sites steeped in history\u00a0<\/span><\/b>and culture: that\u2019s why we cannot recommend\u00a0<\/span>private excursions<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>with a guide enough. As time is limited, they\u2019re the best way to enjoy the stopover in a short space of time. And, as everything is simple during a cruise, you book them on board.<\/p>\n
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And then\u2026<\/h3>\n
And then there\u00a0<\/span>are all the things that are priceless, all the things that are not planned<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>during a cruise. The dolphins that come and dance beside the ship,\u00a0<\/span>the tail of a whale<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>on the horizon, the sun rising from the water or setting into it, and the starry nights when you can fill your lungs with sea air before closing your eyes and drifting off to sleep.\u00a0<\/span>Nature, powerful and spectacular,\u00a0<\/span><\/b>is always just around the corner on a cruise. Maybe it\u2019s this that is the essence of the voyage.<\/p>\n
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