Cruise to Relaxation

While many extras on a cruise will cost you, most lines, from fun Carnival to the ultraposh Cunard, offer breakfast in your room for free. That's a service some of the world's fanciest hotels don't give out gratis. So by all means, if your cabin steward will bring breakfast to you, take advantage of the perk. Another tip before you book: Conventional wisdom suggests you only use your stateroom to sleep, implying a fancy "outside" cabin is a waste of money. Perhaps. Yet a private balcony overlooking the water, which can often cost just a few more dollars per night, makes the perfect breakfast nook. There's nothing quite like toasting each new day of vacation with a cup of coffee and a crisp piece of bacon while looking out on the shimmering surface of the deep. Good luck out there. -MORGAN MURPHY

AVOIDING SEASICKNESS

No one is quite sure the exact cause of seasickness, but as a U.S. Navy officer I've learned a few tricks. The closest thing to land on the water is an aircraft carrier, most of which have been dwarfed in recent years by cruise ships-the new Queen Mary 2 weighs in at 151,400 tons. To avoid the onset of the queasies, keep your stomach full. In the same vein, avoid alcohol and greasy foods. Second, try to pick staterooms on lower floors near the center of the ship-they tend to have a more limited range of motion. Third, at the first sign of seasickness, get outside or to a window and focus on the horizon. Lastly, try a decongestant. Many sailors believe it helps relieve the triggers that start a bout of seasickness.

TRAVEL TIP STRIP

Tip 1: Hold your calls. While some ships offer cell towers that repeat your carrier's signal (Celebrity's Summit has a Cingular tower), if you are in international waters, you may be charged international rates. Check with your provider before assuming your local calling plan still applies.

Tip 2: Watch what you drink. Yes, beer, wine, and spirits will cost you money, but oftentimes so will soft drinks and juices. Consider this when coming up with your cruise budget.

Tip 3: Choose your cruise itineraries carefully. If you don't enjoy large crowds, think twice before cruising to the most popular destinations: the Bahamas, Cozumel, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Saint Bartheacute;lemy, Martinique, and Bermuda are our favorite, less frequented choices.

Tip 4: Many cruisers aren't sure who gets gratuity when on a trip. Check with the cruise line. Guidelines are usually clearly published in their information packets. One constant remains true across all cruise lines, however: Never tip the ship's captain or officers.

KNOW A SAVVY TIP?

Send it to me at Travel Editor, Southern Living, P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201, or e-mail travel tips to morgan_murphy@timeinc.com. Be sure to include your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address. For each item published, you will receive $25.

For More Info

Float away on a dream cruise: southernliving.com/november2006

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2006
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