ASK THE EXPERTS Got a question about your next cruise holiday? Get advice from our experts by emailing info@cruise-international.com
We missed out on our silver wedding celebrations last summer so we’re making up for it by splashing out on a big holiday to Alaska next year. Would we be better oΩ upgrading our stateroom to a suite, or upgrading to a luxury line but with a more basic room category? James Cole, founder and managing director, Panache Cruises
When you’re booking a cruise for a special occasion such as a silver wedding anniversary, it’s important to get it right. I always advise customers to look at the total cost of the cruise, rather than the initial cost. Many mainstream cruise lines charge a lower ticket price – the cost to get on board – but have considerable extra charges for the likes of drinks, excursions, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and tips or gratuities when on 112
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the vessel. As a result, the costs can be a lot higher than originally thought. In contrast, most luxury and ultraluxury cruise lines have a higher cost to get on board but include most or all the extras as part of the initial price, so the overall cost to cruise on a luxury ship is not as much as you might initially think. Also, on many luxury and ultraluxury cruise ships, suites are the standard accommodation type so that’s included too, and with some you even get your very own personal butler! So our advice would be to consider a luxury or ultra-luxury line and compare the total cost of the cruise, not just the initial price.
What happens if there are Covid cases detected on our ship – will we be confined to our cabins or can we be tested and then get on with our holiday? Andy Harmer, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) UK & Ireland
In most instances, passengers will be able to continue their holiday thanks to the cruise lines’ multilayered approach. This includes additional testing, enhanced sanitisation, contact tracking and the use of isolation and quarantine for those who test positive. There are some differences based on the ship, itinerary and specific protocols, and passengers are advised to speak to their cruise line before departing if they would like further information.
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