50 TOP TIPS

from the 

World's Smartest Cruisers

The art of cruising, like chess and cricket,

takes time and expertise to master.

That's why we asked some of the most 

well-traveled, cruise-savvy folks we know

(hundreds of readers and a handful of pros)

for advice. Read on for their sea-setting strategies, 

culled from a decade of collective experience

marching up and down gangways.

TIP #1

Traveling with a large family or a group of Friends?

Bring along walkie-talkies (such as Motorola's Talkabouts)

to keep everyone connected without cellphone roaming charges.

said Sherry Brooks, Westlake Village, Calif.

TIP #2

You are almost always charges extra for softdrinks,

beer, wine and cocktails at meals. But if you

Stick to Juice, you can drink for free (on most ships).

Kathy Pagliei, Swarthmore,

TIP # 3

On every cruise we have been taken,

my wife tapes a balloon to our cabin door. That way, 

our stateroom stateroom stands out in the long hallway.

said Eli Rose, Tampa,Fla.

TIP #4

Many Major cruise lines 

provide free passage to guests qualified 

to lecture on board. Call the lines 

entertainment office to see if  you

have the necessary skills.

by: Uvonne Mcarty, Sparks Nev.

TIP #5

Nearly every cruise line will

toss in one free cabin if you travel

in a group of 15 or more.

by: Carolyn Spencer Brown,

Pennington,NJ

TIP #6

If  you book while you 

are aboard, some lines offer

a discount of $175 and up on the 

deposits for future trips.

More good news you can usually get

a refund on your deposit if you decide to cancel alter.

by: Jeff Pugel, New York

TIP #7

Before booking, check deck plans

online to confirm your cabin is not

beneath a well-traveled area.

Many ships have a lido deck buffet,

where dinners eat poolside. 

When they drag around chairs,

it can make quite the rukus in rooms

right below.

by: N.W Pope, Scottsdale, ariz

TIP #8

When cruising with our two toddlers,

we book a single cabin with twin beds. 

Pushing them together allows us to sleep sideways,

with one parent at the bottom as a guardrail.

This only works if you are not tall.

said Jimmy Kung, Brooklyn, N.Y.

TIP #9

To avoid the checkout bottleneck,

ask for a printout of your bill

the day before disembarking.

If there are any discrepancies,

you can resolve them early totally

relax on your last day at sea. 

By: Jack Sigano, Nutley,N.J

TIP #10

Spring for last minute deals. For those

with a flexible schedule, it is  hard to 

beat short-lead, online sales. Checkout 

consolidators as well as the

TIP #49

TIP #50