Health

Why is Cruising so Confusing?

We recently attended a cruise line show.  There were several presentations, in which we won door prizes twice; a beautiful coffee table book and a gorgeous, plush robe.  IT was definitely a SIGN that we HAD to take a cruise this year. After attending we became more confused than ever.  Our goal is to cruise from Seattle to Alaska in August, 2011.

We’ve compiled detailed questions to help us choose the proper cruise line. If you think this is bad, you should see the long list of questions for prospective Realtors.  HA!

1. 1. First of all, what makes one cruise line better than another?
   2. We shoot and edit a lot of videos and take a great deal of pictures. We truly would love to see glaciers but heard that some cruise lines do not go into the best glacier areas because of the vessel size. Is it better to go on an enormous ship or a smaller one?
   3. Do the restaurants have HEALTHY FOOD choices? Might there be Greek yogurt or oatmeal available on board? Strange questions I know, but nevertheless BEING HEALTHY IS VERY IMPORTANT, EVEN ON A CRUISE. Also, what’s up with the Norwalk virus?
   4. It would be pretty awesome to enjoy an energizing WORKOUT EVERY MORNING. How crowded is the fitness center, how old is the equipment, and what is the temperature in the room in the morning or afternoon? Is there air conditioning in the fitness facility? Are there fans as well? We don’t like exercising in hot stuffy rooms with no airflow and prefer 65 degrees.  Picky picky!
   5. Balcony or window? Is the window tiny or floor to ceiling?  Is there a need for balcony in ALASKA?  Isn’t it too cold, even in summer?
   6. Is there smoking on board? We asthmatics do not want to be subjected to smoke. Are there any smoke free boats?
   7. Where is the best place to get a discount on a cruise? AAA gives large on-board credits. Are there any other companies that do this?  How do we choose a cruise company?
   8. Do all ships have Wi-Fi? If so, how much does it cost? Are there places that have free Wi-Fi each time we disembark?
   9. What is the dining schedule? Do all boats serve food at all hours or do some shut down early in the evening?  Will there still be healthy food available on the ship after excursions?
   10. What kind of entertainment is offered on each cruise line?  Entertainment is a MUST EVERY night! Are the shows comparable to Broadway shows or are they cheesy?  Can we find an entertainment schedule online or do we inquire when we board? Are there dance lessons such as line dancing or ballroom? Does it cost extra?
   11. How are the tips calculated and what services are being tipped? Will we be shocked when we receive our tipping bill at the END of the cruise? What are we responsible for paying for while on-board?
   12. Can we video tape and shoot pictures ANYWHERE on the SHIP?  We want to capture as much footage or our vacation as possible.

I know it’s a pretty thorough list, but we want to make an informed decision before we part with our hard-earned dollars. As we were leaving the cruise show, we met someone that had been on 58 cruises…WOW! Unfortunately the elevator door was closing between us and we couldn’t pick her brain!

We are first time cruisers and would appreciate any feedback from EXTREMELY EXPERIENCED cruisers. SEND COMMENTS PLEASE!