Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/53603
travel smarts Maiden Voyagers Tips for fi rst-time cruisers by Jeff Bateman T HREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION Canadians now take cruises annu- ally, triple the number from a decade ago. While many are fre- quent sailors, legions of newcomers con- tinue to get their metaphoric feet wet. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to plan, book and make the most of a debut cruise over the aquamarine horizon. When daydreaming about the possibili- ties, consider the following factors: destina- tion (cruise ships sail just about everywhere these days); trip length (as short as three days to months on end); cost (from budget to super-deluxe); fellow passengers (fami- lies, seniors, singles); and the size of the liner (intimate small ship or the latest gen- eration of mega-liners, such as Royal Carib- bean's 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas). Cruises nowadays also cater to special inter- est groups – quilters, foodies, card players and jazz fans, to name a few. And unique theme outings are all the rage. Want to party with Kid Rock or the Barenaked Ladies at sea? Watch Hollywood classics with in-person commentary from the stars? Talk baseball with Hall of Fame greats? First-timers are typically drawn to seven-to-10-day trips, says Shelley Samyica, AMA's manager of product development, cruise opera- tions. These itineraries allow time to unpack, do the lifeboat drill, explore the ship's amenities, eat to happy excess, enjoy sightseeing on dry land and spend plenty of downtime in a favourite deck chair. "Anything shorter," says Samyica, "and you're off the boat before you've even found your sea legs." Most newbies discover their tolerance for the cruise lifestyle by booking Vancouver departures to Alaska in summer, or winter getaways from L.A. or San Diego to the Mex- ican Riviera or Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Far removed from conventional shipping lanes, 8 WESTWORLD >> FEBRUARY 2012 Cruising newbies should try a seven- or 10-day sailing to start. When daydreaming about the possibilities, consider the destination, trip length, cost, fellow passen- gers and size of the liner. sleek vessels now also sail up the Danube and Yangtze rivers, visit the penguins in Antarctica and anchor near the blue lagoons of Vanuatu and Bora Bora. Name a major city worldwide with water frontage, in fact, and you can be sure one of the new generation of river cruisers or small ships will dock in the heart of town. Price is always an issue, of course. The tempting bargains are generally for smaller window- less cabins that are tucked away inside the ship. Costs rise for outside rooms (with or without balconies) equipped with picture windows and more comfortable layouts (though still cozy unless you splash out for a suite with a small sitting room). "All-inclu- sive" in cruise speak, notes Samyica, refers to accommodations, meals (in all facilities save specialty restaurants) and onboard activities and entertainment. Beyond that, charges are levied for alcohol, prepaid gratu- ities (upwards of $10 per day per passenger), shore excursions and Internet services. Expect to pay premium prices for onboard spa services and shopping. Booking early is essential for first- choice cabins. Salty dogs who relish the taste of wind-driven spray will enjoy for- ward cabins, while those prone to mal de mer should take midship quarters closer to the waterline. Midship balconies are less exposed to the elements. Light sleep- ers will fi nd peace by putting some dis- tance between themselves and the ship's anchor, show lounge, dining room, disco and engine room. Family groups and the mobility-impaired often like roosting near upper-deck pools and restaurants. Cruising can prove addictive, says Samyica, a veteran of 76 cruises and counting. The industry is turning out ever- fancier ships, such as Celebrity's Solstice series, which feature grass-covered cabana areas with private barbecues. And new routes continue to penetrate unchartered terrain (her latest trip was a memorable adventure through Vietnam's Mekong Delta). "I love getting onboard, unpacking once and set- tling in for the duration," she says. "There's always lots to do, along with the freedom to do nothing. Perfect!" AMA MEMBERS SAVE MORE Before you go: Cruise the southern Caribbean aboard the Emerald Princess November 7-17, 2012. This 10-day sailing, round trip from Fort Lauderdale, stops in Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Princess Cays, Bahamas. Inside cabins only, from $999. 1-866-989-6594; AMATravel.ca/Cruise While you're there: Earn CAA Dollars to use toward your next trip when you make eligible purchases with your CAA MasterCard. Apply today! AMARewards.ca/CAAMasterCard Fuse/Getty Images