What To Think About ... Pre-Cruise

We talked a little about packing. Now let's talk about pre-cruise and what to think about. Where are you coming from and where is your embarkation point? These questions really are crucial. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend considering the following:

• How far do you have to travel to get to the port?
• What is the weather like at the time of year you will be leaving from home?
• What layover airports do you transition to get to your port?

The most important consideration is the time of year you are traveling. We usually recommend getting to your port one (1) day prior to the scheduled sailing date. Arriving with this “cushion” makes the travel much less stressful and gives you just a little bit of “slop” should weather or aircraft issues affect your ability to arrive at your port as expected.

Now, let’s talk about tipping. As a general rule of thumb most people tip between fifteen and twenty percent for services provided. Some people also consider tipping in other situations including cabs, bellmen, housekeeping and maître d’s. The same customs apply on a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean makes the following recommendations:

Waiter:	$3.75 USD	a day per guest
Assistant Waiter:	$2.15 USD	a day per guest
Head Waiter:	$.75 USD	a day per guest
Stateroom Attendant/ Other Housekeeping Services:	$5.00 USD	a day per guest
Suite Attendant/ Other Housekeeping Services:	$7.25 USD	a day per guest

Although generally most cruise lines are the same, you should check with us or the cruise line regarding their tipping recommendations before you leave. Your cruise staff works hard to ensure you have a wonderful vacation, don’t forget to take care of them too. Finally, don’t be surprised to see 15 percent added automatically to your drinks (including water) and other services.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at contact@ltdcruises.com. And look for our next Blog where we’ll discuss some things to consider regarding shore excursions.