Our Generation Florida

Our Generation Cruises (Part 2)

By Phyllis W. Zeno

You’re ready to buy your cruise ticket. Your head is full of happy anticipation. But, a word to the wise — in the same way that it never rains when you carry an umbrella, accidents seldom happen when you’re covered by travel insurance. If you want to get full coverage from the time you leave your home, including your air flight, you need to purchase that insurance at the same time you buy your cruise ticket.

In the rare instance where you become ill or have an accident prior to or during your cruise, travel insurance guarantees you that you’ll get your money back if you have to cancel your trip.

Travel insurance may sound expensive, but compared to losing the price of your cruise, it’s a worthwhile investment. Your travel agent can recommend a policy that covers pre-existing conditions, but be sure to read the fine print. We like BerkeleyTravelInsurance.com.

Selecting Your Cabin

The cabin of choice today is a verandah stateroom, and if you’re a sun worshipper, you’ll relish having breakfast on your balcony, or for that matter, any of your meals. In the Caribbean, you’re apt to spend many hours relaxing in the privacy of your own verandah; not so likely on an Alaska cruise when it is frequently too chilly or breezy and probably not on a transatlantic voyage for the same reason. Bear in mind that these cabins are at the top of the price list.

At the opposite extreme price-wise, is an inside cabin, so if you’re on a tight budget, that should be your choice. Many cruisers say, “How much time will I spend in my cabin anyway?” Of course, if you’re sleeping or napping, you’ll appreciate the total darkness of an inside cabin.

On the other hand, if you’re at all claustrophobic, you may be more comfortable in the next step up in the price range – an ocean view or even an “obstructed view.” The latter may have a lifeboat in front of your window, but at least you’ll see daylight. It’s nice to have some idea of what the weather is when you’re getting dressed in the morning. But if you’re on a Promenade Deck, remember that joggers can look in as well as you can look out.

Staterooms are priced according to deck with the lowest deck being the lowest price, and the highest considered the most desirable and the most expensive. However, if you place your pencil in a vertical position on your desk, then rock it from side to side, which part of the pencil has the least amount of sway? The bottom, of course … something to bear in mind if you’re apt to be in stormy seas.

At the Pier
When you arrive at the ticket desk, you will be expected to present your ticket, passport, immigration forms and any other papers that the cruise line may have sent you, properly filled out and signed.

You may be asked to show a credit card up front to cover drinks and shipboard purchases. Once you’re on board, all of your purchases will be charged to your stateroom … except casino charges, of course.

In the next column, we’ll talk about dining arrangements.