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2012 - 2013 Cruise Vacation Planner

Ultimate Cruise Guide

From The Editors of Cruise Traveler Magazine

© 2011 Cruise Traveler Magazine - A Travel Direct Company

Frequently Asked Questions - Tips To Make The Best Of Your Cruise - Friendly Reminders Of Things

To Do Before, During And After Your Cruise - Everything You Need To Know Before You Go.

Raye & Marty Trencher

Cruise Traveler Magazine

Publisher and Editors

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Consumer Guide:  FREE for you to read & enjoy. Table of Contents  Return to Front Cover
 

Chapter 3 -  Children's Programs. Family Travel Tips
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  Editor's Notes

So, your

thinking

about going on a cruise. Good. Now's a great time to go. Looking for a great deal?...who isn't.

Starting to search the Internet, visit some 3rd party sites, read the blogs for advice, do some social networking, or just visiting your neighborhood travel agent?

 

When it comes to advice, there's a ton of it out there. Some good, Some bad, some, not very accurate. Everyone these days has to put their two-cents of an opinion, out there for view.

 

What if, you could read detailed and comprehensive cruise reviews from professional travel writers and your fellow cruise travelers. Oh, not the sites that have tens of thousands or more articles or reviews to read.

 

You'll be there all night.  As a matter a fact several nights just to find

what you want, then who knows how long to filter out all the information and mis-information.

 

That's a daunting task you know you don't have time for.

Instead visit Cruise Reviews Online where you can read around 1500 of some of the best cruise line reviews and cruise ship reviews by travelers and cruise experts on today's most popular cruise ships.

 

You will find the information is unbiased and unedited, the writers sharing their cruise experience, good or bad with you.

 

Cruise Reviews Online, is one of the most recognized leading resources for fair and objective cruise reviews and a social networking site focused on information about cruise travel. You can read about all the major cruise line, cruise ship and destination port reviews, ratings and rankings. Read the cruise reviews, view deck plans, ship photos, review the ports of call and more. A lot more, than just two-cents worth! More like a ton of penny's.

         -The Editors

 

 

  

The Editors of Cruise Traveler Magazine present Raye and Marty Trencher's Ultimate Cruise Guide. Everything You Need To Know Before You Go On A Cruise.

From planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates, everything you need to know before you go.

From planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates, everything you need to know before you go.  Such as our Ultimate Packing List. The definitive guide to what to pack on your next cruise....read about exciting locales in Destinations Uncovered...or read about readers favorite cruise lines for taking the kids and teens. All the Tips and tricks to have a successful cruise vacation.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Tips To Make The Best Of Your Cruise

Friendly Reminders

Of Things To Do Before,

During And After Your Cruise
Whether this is your first cruise or you are a seasoned cruise traveler, Cruise Traveler Magazine is where "travelers come to cruise" Traveling is good for the soul and spirit. If you are ready for your next cruise travel experience, we are here to help make it happen.

Raye & Marty Trencher's

Ultimate Cruise Guide

Welcome to the ultimate source of information about your cruise.

 

This guide is intended for reference purposes only. It is generic in nature, the content is subject to change without notice and is not intended to replace or supersede the information provided you by the cruise line. You should consult the cruise line's most current brochure and your cruise documents for information specific to your particular cruise. What to pack for a cruise? - ultimate cruise packing list gives you everything you need to take on a cruise vacation, Add your own packing tip, share your expereince with others.

Navigation Note: At the bottom of each page is a link to the next page.

Or click on "Return to Front Cover" to return here.

Your Ultimate Cruise Guide Continues....

 Chapter 3 - Children's Programs. Family Travel Tips


. Children's Programs:
  • Not all cruise ships provide the same level of facilities or staff for children - be sure to investigate completely what activities and training the staff has before you book your cruise.
  • The newer ships tend to have the biggest, most elaborate children's programs, mainly because these ships were designed to accommodate families.
  • Most offer supervised activities by age group.
  • Activities usually include some kind of arts and crafts and games.
  • Some ships have special enclosed deck space (with wading pools, water slides and play equipment). Others have computers and video games.
  • Some of the best lines for Children's Programs are Carnival, Disney, NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean

To find the details for each cruise line's Children's Programs visit: Family Cruise Online

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Family Travel Tips

  • the longer the trip (10 days and up), the older the passengers, and the less likely you are to find many children.
  • a 7-day trip may be best: 3-4 day trips sometimes attract a "party" crowd.
  • many ships now offer pizza, hamburgers and hotdogs along with standard lunch buffets.
  • be sure that Kids' Programs are operating on your cruise.
  • check the size and location of the stateroom, and the guardrails on the bunk-beds.
  • some ships have cabins that can sleep five; some ships have adjoining cabins; some give special rates for a second cabin for teens.
  • check the medical services available. Some ships bar women in the third trimester of pregnancy.
  • check what documentation for children is required (ID, etc.) Be especially careful if your child is crossing borders and only one birth parent is on the trip.
  • Don't forget to budget for gratuities.
  Make sure you pack things for them to do during down times. Bring markers, coloring books, crayons, and a walkman or game boy with extra batteries, a diary or a log book and get them an address book to fill up with their new friends. Bring a set of walkie talkies with you so you can check on the kids wherever they are on the ship.

Babysitting available for a fee. Figure around $6.00-$8.00 per hour for groups or about $10.00 per hour for private sitting. Ask your travel agent if you have a need for a crib, so they can request one from the cruise line. Most lines will accommodate you if they have sufficient notice.

Is your child cruising with just one parent? Get permission from the other.

Divorced?

If you are divorced and traveling outside the country with your children, you should check your divorce documents for restrictions. You should have a letter from your ex-spouse, notarized, giving permission to leave with them and to take whatever action necessary to protect and insure the safety, health and well being of that child.

Are there others’ children who are guests of yours? 

For Minors (under the age of 21) traveling without parents,( say, going with a friend and his/her parents ) you should have a letter from their parents, notarized, giving permission to leave with them and to take whatever action necessary to protect and insure the safety, health and well being of that child.  For example, you should have a notarized letter of consent that includes the actual dates of travel and signatures signed by ANY parent not accompanying the minor.  If only one parent is going on the trip, the other parent must sign a release form.  If neither parent is going, then BOTH parents must sign.

Your letter should also include:

  • Dates of travel
  • Accompanying adult’s name
  • Airline and flight numbers, if applicable
  • Cruise line and/or resort information, if applicable
  • Contact information

    •  

    Are you pregnant?

    Pregnancy is regarded as a medical condition, and the cruise line will require a medical certificate establishing the due date and fitness to travel. Many cruise lines will not permit passengers who are more than 24 weeks into pregnancy to sail, so check with your cruise line about their policy.

    Packing For Your Cruise. Everything You Need to Take on a Cruise Vacation. The Ultimate Cruise Packing List.

     

      What to pack for a cruise? - ultimate cruise packing list gives you everything you need to take on a cruise vacation, Add your own packing tip, share your expereince with others.  

    Ready to move on to the next chapter?Chapter 4 -  When is the best time of year to cruise?

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