Choosing to holiday on a cruise gives you a one-stop entertainment and leisure environment. Cruises offer many different activities including live shows, lounging, fitness sessions and wonderful dining experiences. All of these different environments and activities require different outfits and planning your outfits before you go can always help. The more you plan the more comfortable you'll feel and the more enjoyable your break will be.
Dressing for On-Board Leisure
A cruise is a fantastic opportunity to relax and unwind. It obviously makes sense to check weather conditions and ensure you have items to suit all weathers along your voyage route. There are plenty ways of keeping warm and cool and it's also important to protect your skin with wide-brimmed hats, light pashminas and kaftans, especially at the hottest times. If you're hoping to build in a workout or two using the fantastic fitness facilities aboard most cruises then consider a basic workout outfit too. You'll need at least one long-sleeved jumper as well as a lightweight jacket in case of colder weather, especially if you hope to enjoy the night sky from the deep seas.
Dressing for Evening Dining and Leisure
Your cruise will offer a wide range of entertainment and dining options for the evenings during your trip. Your operator's catalogue or website should have a directory of all their facilities and alongside this should be a dress code. Many dining dress codes don't allow denim and your best option is probably to pack a few formal yet comfortable dresses. Easy to wear and easy to pack give yourself a couple of options. If you don't have much space opt for a classic black or neutral dress and pack your favourite statement jewellery instead.
Dressing for your Destination
Although the highlight of your trip may be the cruise you will be stopping at least one destination along the way. Remember to pack clothes to suit the destination and the activities planned when you get there. If you're involved in an active holiday and may be trying out scuba diving or snorkelling then ensure you've got appropriate swimwear and casual beach clothing. If you're cruising in a colder climate, such as the Baltic then ensure you pack enough woollies to keep you warm and likewise linen pants are essential for Caribbean cruises.
Keep our points in mind and you can guarantee you'll enjoy your cruise in comfort. It sounds like a lot but if you ensure you've got the right luggage you can guarantee you will need almost every item you pack. Make sure you leave a little space for souvenirs.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
How To Plan Your Galapagos Cruise!
So you've decided to visit the Galapagos Islands! Congratulations, you've made a great decision. However, things only get harder from here as you try to decide just which of the islands to visit, for how long and how to travel between each of the islands!
Having visited the Galapagos Islands ourselves, we know how hard it can be to make decisions. Key questions to ask yourself are:
How long do you want to go for?
Do you want to spend all your time on a cruise or have stay on the islands as well?
What service quality level are you looking for?
Which of the animals and fauna are you most interested in?
Should you book your tour in advance or when you arrive?
Getting to the Galapagos Islands is easy, with flights departing Quito and Guayaquil daily, but once you're there decisions must be made! Let's go through them one by one.
How long do you want to go for?
This is a key question, and many operators will offer you anything from 4 nights to 10 nights and more. We decided to go for 8 nights.
Cruise or land based?
It is possible to stay on land in hotels and do day trips to the islands, but this is a complicated way to see the islands, and not very time efficient. Our recommendation would be to take a 4 or 5 night cruise, followed by 4 nights on Isabella island. Isabella island is a great base for a number of half and full day excursions, and gives you a chance to relax a little after what will be a busy cruise.
Service level?
If you suffer from sea sickness, it may be worth looking at paying a little extra for a catamaran. Also, apparently the worst area for rough seas is around the west side of Isabella island, so you may want to avoid that area for your cruise. The cheaper you go, the more people will be on the boat, the more cramped it will and the food quality will diminish. Also check to see if wet suits and snorkelling excursions are included in the price.
Which animals and fauna do you want to see?
Each island has its own ecosystem and variants of flora, fauna and animals. Do you want to see giant tortoises? Iguanas? Birds? Sharks? Sea lions? All of these will not be in the same place, so do you research and pick your islands carefully!
Book in advance or when you arrive?
This is the big question. We booked in advance, as we wanted a good service level and we were on a schedule. If you are single, don't mind sharing with strangers and can take any service level, there are good deals to be had by waiting to the last minute! Many places will offer tours, depending on the time of the year you may get lucky!
So if you're thinking of visiting the Galapagos islands, do your research carefully! Check the different islands and wildlife, and find a cruise and/or land based option that fits with your aspirations!
Having visited the Galapagos Islands ourselves, we know how hard it can be to make decisions. Key questions to ask yourself are:
How long do you want to go for?
Do you want to spend all your time on a cruise or have stay on the islands as well?
What service quality level are you looking for?
Which of the animals and fauna are you most interested in?
Should you book your tour in advance or when you arrive?
Getting to the Galapagos Islands is easy, with flights departing Quito and Guayaquil daily, but once you're there decisions must be made! Let's go through them one by one.
How long do you want to go for?
This is a key question, and many operators will offer you anything from 4 nights to 10 nights and more. We decided to go for 8 nights.
Cruise or land based?
It is possible to stay on land in hotels and do day trips to the islands, but this is a complicated way to see the islands, and not very time efficient. Our recommendation would be to take a 4 or 5 night cruise, followed by 4 nights on Isabella island. Isabella island is a great base for a number of half and full day excursions, and gives you a chance to relax a little after what will be a busy cruise.
Service level?
If you suffer from sea sickness, it may be worth looking at paying a little extra for a catamaran. Also, apparently the worst area for rough seas is around the west side of Isabella island, so you may want to avoid that area for your cruise. The cheaper you go, the more people will be on the boat, the more cramped it will and the food quality will diminish. Also check to see if wet suits and snorkelling excursions are included in the price.
Which animals and fauna do you want to see?
Each island has its own ecosystem and variants of flora, fauna and animals. Do you want to see giant tortoises? Iguanas? Birds? Sharks? Sea lions? All of these will not be in the same place, so do you research and pick your islands carefully!
Book in advance or when you arrive?
This is the big question. We booked in advance, as we wanted a good service level and we were on a schedule. If you are single, don't mind sharing with strangers and can take any service level, there are good deals to be had by waiting to the last minute! Many places will offer tours, depending on the time of the year you may get lucky!
So if you're thinking of visiting the Galapagos islands, do your research carefully! Check the different islands and wildlife, and find a cruise and/or land based option that fits with your aspirations!
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