Le Lézard
Classified in: Tourism and vacations
Subject: TRAVEL
WASHINGTON, DC --(Marketwired - May 03, 2016) - This summer, there are more first-time cruisers ready to embark on the joys and possibilities of a cruise vacation than ever before. In fact, according to Cruise Critic®, the world's leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, a quarter of all visitors to CruiseCritic.com are new to cruising and searching for help in planning a cruise vacation, ranging from choosing the right ship to planning on-board and in-port activities.
"With seemingly limitless destination options and exciting new features on an array of ships, there has never been a better time to take a cruise, whether it is your first cruise, you haven't cruised in a decade or you cruise frequently," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. "The beauty of cruise travel is that each trip is customized to personal preferences, and CLIA, along with our community of expert cruise travel professionals are able to assist travelers with everything from planning to packing to matching travelers with the perfect cruise."
With questions ranging from what to pack to choosing from the many onshore excursions, CLIA asked cruise travel professionals for the top insider tips for both first-time and seasoned cruise travelers to make the most of a first cruise vacation.
Planning & Packing
Once On Board
Exploring Ports and Destinations
"Cruising opens travelers up to brand new experiences and allows them to visit storied corners of the world," D'Aoust continued. "With these tips in mind, CLIA hopes to encourage even more travelers to set sail on their maiden voyage for their next vacation."
To learn more tips, contact a CLIA Certified Travel Agent today by visiting http://cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/plan-a-cruise/clia-agent-finder.
An infographic on the Best Insider Tips For First Time Cruisers is available here, http://www.cruising.org/cruise-Vacationer/plan-a-cruise/insider-tips.
* CLIA 2014 North American Cruise Market Profile
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) -- One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promote the cruise travel experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization's mission is to be the unified global organization that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Sarah Kennedy
Manager, Public Relations & Marketing
202-759-9313
[email protected]
News published on and distributed by:
Subject: TRAVEL
New to Cruising? CLIA Travel Agents Reveal Best Tips for First-Time Cruisers
"With seemingly limitless destination options and exciting new features on an array of ships, there has never been a better time to take a cruise, whether it is your first cruise, you haven't cruised in a decade or you cruise frequently," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. "The beauty of cruise travel is that each trip is customized to personal preferences, and CLIA, along with our community of expert cruise travel professionals are able to assist travelers with everything from planning to packing to matching travelers with the perfect cruise."
With questions ranging from what to pack to choosing from the many onshore excursions, CLIA asked cruise travel professionals for the top insider tips for both first-time and seasoned cruise travelers to make the most of a first cruise vacation.
Planning & Packing
-- The 3R's of Planning: Research, Reviews and Recommendations -- There's
an abundance of information available when planning a cruise vacation
and experts agree that the "3R's" of planning are a must -- Research,
Reviews and Recommendations. Research cruise line websites, read reviews
from seasoned cruise travelers and get the best recommendations from
cruise travel professionals.
-- Tap Into the Experts -- It is a fact that 70 percent* of cruise
travelers use a travel agent to book a cruise and there's good reason.
CLIA-certified travel agents have access to the best deals and
promotions, have toured and traveled on cruise ships and can provide
incredible travel advice. Agents can also counsel travelers about
everything from travel insurance, transfers and flights to dining
options and cabin locations.
-- Browse the Blueprint -- Get a lay of the land (or ship in this case)
before boarding by previewing the ship layout on cruise line websites.
Getting familiar with the ship before boarding can make the first few
hours of exploring simple and even more exciting.
-- Consider Packing Some "Nice to Haves" -- While everyone can figure out
the basics of what to pack, there are some items that only the most
seasoned cruisers know to bring on a cruise vacation.
-- Power Strips -- Bring a power strip to make it easy to plug in
multiple electronics.
-- Dry Erase Board -- Cabin doors are metal so bring a magnet to mark
the outside of the door, making the cabin stand out and easy to
find. Also consider a magnetic dry erase board to use inside of the
cabin to write notes to cabin mates or post daily itineraries.
-- Alcohol - Check the cruise line's alcohol policy, some offer the
opportunity to bring a bottle of wine or two onboard.
-- Wrinkle Release Spray -- There are no irons available on most cruise
ships, so bring along some wrinkle release spray to freshen up
packed clothes.
Once On Board
-- Settle In -- One of the best benefits of cruise travel is the ability to
visit a variety of destinations while only having to unpack once. Take
the time to unpack, settle in and then stow away luggage. This will make
for a more stress-free travel experience.
-- Get with the Program -- When it comes to ship literature, be studious.
Read the ship's daily newsletter and activity program. There may be more
opportunities to explore or activities you want to try that are posted
in these materials.
-- Appealing Apps -- With cruise lines offering a plethora of ways to stay
connected while at sea, consider downloading an app like Whatsapp and
creating a way for every member of your party to stay connected while
onboard the ship or during land-based excursions. If possible, set
unique notification ringtones for specific alerts like shows, meal
times, etc.
Exploring Ports and Destinations
-- Time for Tours -- Cruise lines identify and negotiate the best land
tours and excursions. Check with guest services, or travel agent to book
tours and excursions that are guaranteed and sure to get passengers back
to the ship on time.
-- Divide Your Days -- Review the ports and destination itinerary in
advance and designate specific days for shopping, relaxing and
adventure. Don't try to do too much at each location.
-- Before Heading Out -- On most ships, room service is complimentary. Take
advantage of breakfast in the room on days in port.
"Cruising opens travelers up to brand new experiences and allows them to visit storied corners of the world," D'Aoust continued. "With these tips in mind, CLIA hopes to encourage even more travelers to set sail on their maiden voyage for their next vacation."
To learn more tips, contact a CLIA Certified Travel Agent today by visiting http://cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/plan-a-cruise/clia-agent-finder.
An infographic on the Best Insider Tips For First Time Cruisers is available here, http://www.cruising.org/cruise-Vacationer/plan-a-cruise/insider-tips.
* CLIA 2014 North American Cruise Market Profile
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) -- One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promote the cruise travel experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization's mission is to be the unified global organization that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.
Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Sarah Kennedy
Manager, Public Relations & Marketing
202-759-9313
[email protected]
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