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February 1, 2022

What is life like on a cruise? Is it true that cruising is only for old people? Is cruising boring? How do you pay for your cruise? How many times have you heard or asked yourself these questions?! Cruising Journal is here to give you some insight into cruise life, habits, activities and more!

First of all, cruising is by no means boring or for old people, but it is a break suitable for all age groups as there are different areas, programs and activities to suit every taste and every age! It’s also the perfect holidays to discover new places while relaxing and having fun!

Once you arrive at the port your luggage will be collected, it will be delivered later to your cabin, your documents and tickets checked and you can finally start your holiday. When you go to your cabin you will find your Cruise Card. This is a personal magnetic card that allows you to open the cabin door, make payments on board and serves as your identification document when you leave and re-enter the ship. On the Cruise Card you will also find the name of the restaurant, the dinner shift, the table number and the Assembly Station (the meeting point in case of evacuation of the ship that will be shown during the first days of the cruise during the mandatory safety drill).

There is also no cash on board (except in the casino), but the credit is loaded onto your Cruise card, and you can top it up at the beginning of the cruise or during the cruise and pay it off at the end. The Cruise card can be recharged either in cash or by pairing it with your credit card.

On a cruise ship you can enjoy a relaxing holiday as well as an energetic holiday with an intensive program.

The activities on board start in the morning with fitness classes, dancing and games with the entertainment team where you can also win gadgets. The activities stop just before lunch and continue in the afternoon until the evening, when theme nights such as the White Party, Gala Night and many other evenings with music and games await you. The evening entertainment also includes great shows in the theatre, piano bars in the various bars/lounges on the ships, the casino and even a disco for the more energetic!

For those who don’t want to take part in these organised activities there is the option of hiring equipment for table tennis, table games, football and group sports during the day; or on the more high-tech ships there are water parks and adventure parks; for the more sporty there is always a place in the gym!

For those who prefer to enjoy their holiday in total relaxation, there are swimming pools, Jacuzzis and many sunbathing areas where you can lie in the sun while sipping a drink; there is also a spa where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage or one of the many treatments available. Remember that it is not necessary to bring beach towels from home as they are provided daily on board.

For adventurers there are excursions! Excursions can be done with the company or on your own (during the covid period this possibility was not available, but it will return soon!). How does it work with excursions? They can be paid for from home at the time of booking, but it is also possible to purchase them on board, where you will also find a dedicated desk with staff ready to give you any information! Be sure to keep an eye on your watch, because if you decide to go on your own, it is important to respect the return time of the ship as stated in the daily schedule or in the app, otherwise you risk being stranded!

For children and teenagers there are dedicated areas with groups of mini, junior and young clubs where games and activities are organised to keep them entertained, while their parents can enjoy a bit of relaxation!

Let’s move on to catering – you know how you can get a bit carried away with food on holiday! On the ships there is both a buffet with endless dishes, usually open from 6 a.m., and the classic restaurant that is assigned by the company and that you will find written on your Cruise card together with the dinner shift, as the main restaurant is organized in 2 shifts, approximately the first shift is at 18.30/19.00, the second at 20.30/21.00. In addition to these which are free of charge, you will find many themed restaurants which are pay-what-you-can, but which are worth a try!

As far as drinks are concerned, you can choose to go on consumption or you can buy one of the packages. The drinks packages are different and cater for every need, from the non-alcoholic package to the full package where you can order any drink/cocktail! Packages must be purchased by all members of the cabin!

For smokers, smoking is prohibited in the cabin, even on the balconies, but you will find dedicated areas on board.

On a cruise, once you set sail, the connection will become weaker and weaker until it disappears completely, but you can buy internet packages which are also available in various forms to suit all guests’ needs. The new ship’s apps, which allow you to communicate on board with the members of your cabin and consult the various daily activities, on the other hand, work by connecting to the ship’s free Wi-Fi.

What are these apps? On the most high-tech ships, companies have made apps available to guests that allow them to communicate with friends and family on board, check daily activities, restaurant schedules and more. In other words, you have everything at your fingertips!

There are also plenty of shops on board such as logo shops, clothing, handbags and accessories, jewellery and much more!

So do you fancy a cruise? I do!

You’ll find lots of updates, information, tips, reports and reviews on the world of cruising in Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer!

Giorgia Lombardo

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