The Retired Renegade

Is anything more luxurious than taking a cruise holiday?

Traveling to exotic locations on a luxury ship, taking in the sun, and breathing the salty breezes can renew and replenish anyone, no matter how long you’ve been retired and from the cares of work. However, a cruise requires planning in order to be the best it can be. Check out these tips and have a cruise experience you will remember.

So where do you start when planning a cruise holiday?  First, what is your budget like? Do you need to minimize expenses?

Here are a few tips for saving on your cruise holiday.

When scheduling your cruise holiday, you should be aware that there are off season and on season dates, and to get the best deal you want to schedule your trip in the off season . What you may not know, however, is that cruise lines actually change their prices a number of times throughout the year. Ask and find out when their absolute lowest season prices are.

Make sure, to keep your cruising plans somewhat flexible and yourself the option to change ship at the last minute. Sometimes ships are not filled to capacity, and the cruise line will sell the last few tickets for these cruises at a real bargain price. It’s always to their advantage to sail with a ship filled to capacity. Knowing this could make you save a bundle on your cruise.

Where you cruise to makes a difference

Where you cruise to on your holiday can make a big difference in your cost as well. Pick a popular spot, you will certainly travel cheaper than if you choose a less popular spot. If you don’t care about the destination or the ports the ship stops in, If you just want to stay on the ocean liner and enjoy the luxuries, Consider booking a cruise that doesn’t stop anywhere. These “cruises to nowhere” are just as luxurious as the others but cost less.

Safety on your cruise holiday.

To be safe on your cruise don’t take a lot of expensive equipment or jewelry with you. Make sure your passport, health insurance, and other papers are updated. Get information about the countries you will visite, their laws and custom, this way when you drop anchor you will protect yourself against  inadvertently breaking any laws on shores you are not accustomed to. Laws in ports and even in the waters can vary, and you sure don’t want a big hassle with a foreign law enforcement agency.

Travel light

To travel lighter, find out about equipment that will be available to you on the ship. For instance, if the cruise line provides irons or hair dryers, you won’t need to pack yours. Also pack your own sample size shampoo, toothpaste, and other toiletries because these items are more expensive in the gift shop. You should have access to laundry facilities on your ship, so you don’t have to take a huge amount of clothing. Pick a wrinkle proof lightweight outfit for every two or three days and in colors that coordinate well so you can make up different outfits through your cruise . Be sure to pack a formal and or semi-formal evening dress if you expect taking part in ship ball or other dressed up events on your cruise holiday.

There is no better way, in my opinion,  to see a large number of places in a short amount of time, in complete ease and comfort, with every need and whim indulged, than aboard a cruise ship. Enjoy your cruise