All about cruise travel + travel expenses

Travel by cruise ship It may seem like an unattainable dream, a memorable and dreamy trip around the world that will remind you of Marco Polo and his adventures! But this trip is not too far from the mind and if you have a little planning, you can experience a trip with a cruise ship tour, maybe not around the world, but it is fun for a day. In this article from Fly Today tourism magazine You will get answers to all your questions about the cost of traveling by cruise ship, travel guide, dos and don’ts. Stay with us.

What ships are called cruise ships?

Cruise ships are very luxurious ships that, unlike other ships, do not only take passengers from one point of the world to another point, on seas and oceans; In fact, the boat tour is the main program and the most enjoyable part of the trip. Usually, according to a predetermined plan, they also visit several coastal cities at this time.

The very diverse facilities of these ships and different day and night programs sometimes make even passengers reluctant to leave the ship during stopovers and staying on the ship is their first priority. The duration of the trip with a cruise ship is completely different and it ranges from one-night trips to several weeks. Some cruise ships also depart without any stops and plan a two-three-day trip in the calm of the ocean for passengers.

Cruise ships are generally used for pleasure trips. Multi-day and even multi-year cruises that have their own fans. Types of ships that as Cruise ship Used may be sail, single cabinet or multi cabinet. On average, the length of a cruise ship is between 33 and 50 feet, although this value can be smaller or larger.

But what is similar in all cruise ships is the luxurious and exciting facilities and services that you can experience on these ships and on the sea. If you plan to travel to Istanbul, you can treat yourself to a fun cruise experience.

Types of cruise ships

There are two types of cruise ships in the world. Open sea cruise ship and coastal cruise ship. The first type of cruise ship is more dangerous than the coastal cruise ship. Because the open sea cruise ship is special for deep seas; That is, where no help is available in an emergency. Whereas, a coastal cruise ship only travels up to 14 miles from the coastline and in case of emergency, shore assistance can be relied upon.

Of course, this does not mean that traveling by cruise ship is dangerous, but necessary and necessary measures are taken before any trip. In order for passengers to have a safe voyage, weather conditions and related warnings, reading charts, navigation books and many other things are considered for sea voyages.

Also, before major voyages, the ship is inspected by qualified technicians, and resources such as water, food, and fuel are adequately supplied. Another point regarding the insurance of these ships is that if a problem occurs, the insurance company will pay for the ship’s damages.

Cruise ship facilities and the pleasure of a full-fledged trip

Most of the cruise ship tour passengers choose these ships because of their diverse and luxurious facilities; A variety of restaurants, water features, spas, cinemas and even theaters similar to Broadway are among the facilities that can be seen on these ships. The more luxurious the ship, the more comfortable the amenities are at a higher and different level to create a unique and unique experience for the passengers.

Cruise ship entertainment

In some cruise ships, entertainment is still seen in the old and classic style, but in contrast to some of these ships, they try to have attractive entertainment for all groups of passengers, of any age or with any taste; From holding rock concerts to speeches by big personalities or games for children, there are some of these ships.

Various shows on these ships, along with meals, with live music or comedy are fun for many passengers. In general, it should be said that whatever your taste, you will definitely find your favorite entertainment in these ships. Water sports are attractive to passengers in almost all conditions, especially if they are in the highest part of the ship, facing the sky and in the heart of the ocean.

Various swimming pools, water slides, massage and hydrotherapy are usually favorite entertainments of people. Even if you are not into any of these activities, you should not worry because sports fields, various games, green space for walking, concerts and night programs will definitely satisfy you. Almost everything you can think of is provided on a cruise ship to make the relatively long time of travel with them fun and not boring for the passengers.

Cruise ship restaurants and cafes

Undoubtedly, restaurants and cafes are one of the main tourist attractions Cruise ship tour are; There are even 25 restaurants on today’s cruise ships. Cruise ship restaurants are sometimes located on the ship’s deck and in the open air, and sometimes inside the ship, with windows facing the endless blue sea and eye-catching interior design.

Depending on the cruise ship you choose, you can choose restaurants with different food varieties; From seafood to food from different countries or fast food, these ships serve. In these ships, due to the high variety of food, you don’t have to worry about your meals because one of the main entertainments of the cruise ship is tasting the food of their different restaurants and the various drinks of the cafes.

Cruise ship rooms

When you enter a cruise ship, it is as if you have entered a very luxurious hotel; You will not see any difference between the hotel and this ship, only the cruise ship moves on the water and the hotels are fixed on land. Some of the ship’s rooms are next to the window and face the sea and the ocean, and some are in the middle of the ship without windows, but there is no need to worry because even the middle rooms have enough light for the passengers to relax.

In addition to the fact that passengers do not spend a lot of time in the room and are mostly busy with various round-the-clock entertainment provided on these ships. When traveling by cruise ship, choosing the type of room affects the cost of the cruise ship and you can choose cheaper rooms to reduce your costs.

Visiting coastal cities One arrow and two badges

Depending on the duration of the cruise and the schedule you choose for your trip, how many coastal cities will be included in your itinerary; Cities that usually have a variety of tourist attractions and it is good to have a tour of them during the short time the ship stops; Taste their food, visit their markets and buy souvenirs of your choice.

Necessary items for traveling by cruise ship

When it comes to a cruise ship tour, the conditions for packing and packing are a little different. Many comforts are available and you don’t need a lot of equipment. But according to the type of travel, it is necessary to carry some items. It is better to keep all these things in mind before the trip so that you can carry the necessary travel supplies and travel more easily and without worry and anxiety.

1- Dictionary application

You may visit several foreign countries on a cruise and it is important to be able to communicate with the locals. If you have purchased a cruise around the world tour, you already know which cities in which countries you will travel to, so it is better to have travel dictionary applications that introduce you to the local terms of those countries.

Just install a few applications on your phone and learn some basic terms. A dictionary is one of the essential travel tools on a cruise ship tour.

2- Sleeping aids

Before arriving at the cruise ship, you will have a relatively long plane journey, so it is good to rest during the journey so that you are not tired when you arrive at the ship. Devices such as blindfolds, earplugs, travel pillows, noise-cancelling headphones or even sedatives are options that will come in handy when you travel.

3- Special adapter

Be sure to bring converters suitable for your devices so that you don’t have problems charging or using electrical devices. Of course, ships often have proper electrical outlets, but hotels you may stay in before or after your trip sometimes don’t have standard converters, and you may run into problems.

4- Lotion and shampoo

If you are used to using a certain lotion, shampoo or cream, it is better to bring it with you because it is sometimes difficult to find brands in different countries. By carrying your toiletries, you will not need to search for similar items and you will not have to break the habit and use other toiletries.

5- Suitable clothes and shoes

Be sure to bring suitable clothes for various activities on the trip. Visiting some historical places, especially churches, requires the use of long and appropriate clothes, and it is better for women to bring a shawl with them. Visiting some places requires wearing formal clothes, and visiting some natural attractions requires wearing warm clothes even in the heat of summer.

Also, many of your activities on the cruise ship tour require walking; From sightseeing in coastal cities to activities and entertainment on the ship. Therefore, by wearing shoes that are not comfortable, your feet may be hurt and you may miss some activities during the trip.

6- International credit card and local currency

Carrying an international credit card is a plus when traveling abroad, but it is recommended to carry some local currency as well. The best place to get local currency is from ATMs on the beaches, which will give you the best conversion rate.

Withdrawing money from international ATMs requires a 4-digit code. It is better to inform your bank or credit card company in advance to avoid any problems.

7- Passport

Of course, you can’t travel without a passport, but in order to ease your mind about losing it, it’s better to make two copies of it; Give one to the travel company and keep the other in your wallet. It is even better to have your passport photo on your phone. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to work hard on a cruise ship tour.

Tips for traveling by cruise ship

Traveling on a cruise ship, like any other trip, requires the use of guidance and advice from others; These tips and guides are helpful for both first-timers and those who are not familiar with the routine on a cruise ship.

It is good to learn from the beginning how to travel and what you can do to make your trip more enjoyable by reading some tips and guides. Usually, on the first day of the cruise ship tour, people are a little confused and don’t know what to do, and the last days are busy and they have missed a lot of fun. In the following, we will tell you some tips for the first day of the trip.

• Start your cruise with a tropical drink; A drink of tropical fruits in colored glasses, usually with an umbrella and fruit on it.
• Start exploring the cruise ship and see which dining options are your first choice. It is better to go down from the upper floors and check everything so that you don’t have to climb the stairs.
• Take lots of pictures of yourself and your family; Especially from your room before it gets messy and cluttered for the next few days. Photos that are taken in the first days and in good conditions at the beginning of the trip are a good option for sharing with friends and on social networks.
• On a cruise ship tour, if you plan to use a massage, it is better to make a reservation on the first day because the capacity of popular salons fills up very quickly. If you are not familiar with the salons, you can visit them; Sometimes they offer a short massage for example, or you might even win a free massage raffle.
• Use the swimming pools and hot tubs because they are usually empty on the first day. Most people go to these entertainments in the following days.
• Book your beach activities on a cruise ship in advance because tickets for some of these activities sell out very quickly and you may not be able to use them.
• The sunbathing area is usually limited and you can reserve it in advance by paying extra, if you intend to use it.
• Make your last calls and use the internet while you’re still close to the shore and the ship hasn’t left so you don’t have to pay extra for roaming or satellite internet.
• Relax on the balcony and take a nap even if the view in front of you is a not-so-pretty seaside building. You should avoid fatigue while traveling and be active in order to enjoy the trip the most.
• Go to the ship’s deck, there is usually music playing and a variety of drinks waiting for you.
• Watch the sunset over the ocean and enjoy the welcome shows at the beginning of the journey; Your journey actually starts at night and you have to prepare yourself.

Experience life on cruise ships

Cruise ship passengers, especially large cruise ships, experience this journey as if they are in a new land. Everything is procured and organized for their convenience. In fact, on most cruise ships there are more crew than passengers, so the crew is constantly serving the passengers without getting tired.

Every traveler has access to basic facilities such as food and accommodation. Other facilities of the ship include fitness centers, open buffet restaurants, sports facilities, clinics, cold rooms and many other facilities.

Europe cruise ship tour

One of the purposes of a cruise ship is to move along European cities and visit some famous coastal cities of the Green Continent; Tours that are usually very popular with Iranians and because of familiarity with European culture and their language, it is easier to communicate with the people of these countries. Of course, the most difficult task in this tour is to limit yourself to the selected cities of the tour, which of course is not an option because each tour only stops in a few cities.

Cruise ships that have tours to the Western Mediterranean are often more popular and well-known, and usually stop in Barcelona, ​​Monaco, and a few Italian coastal cities; Cities with many historical buildings and attractive architectures that you must know before your trip which buildings you will visit. Even if you don’t go to the historical buildings, walking in the streets of the old and historical neighborhoods of these cities is not without pleasure.

Despite the attractiveness of western Mediterranean tours, eastern tours also have many fans. In Eastern Mediterranean European tours, they often visit the cities of Eastern Italy, Croatia, Greece, and sometimes even Turkey. In addition to beach activities, visiting ancient monuments, especially in Greece, should not be neglected.

The European cruise ship tour is not only limited to the mentioned parts, some ships also pass through Northern Europe and visit the countries of Norway, Finland and Denmark; The beautiful landscapes of the volcanic islands and the beaches of these islands distinguish Northern Europe tours from other parts of Europe.

Caribbean cruise ship tour

If you have visited European cities before and prefer to go to another destination for a cruise ship tour, the Caribbean islands are one of the right options; The best beaches that can be found for a few days of rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, coral islands, rainforests, and mountain trails rarely seen on other tours. The different and attractive nature of the Caribbean cruise ship tour will satisfy almost all people with different tastes.

Canada and New England cruise ship tour

The lesser-seen coastal towns in Canada and New England are different from European beaches and well-known places, and it is recommended to visit them on your second and third cruise trips. The beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and whale watching are among the attractions of this tour. Newport, Portland and Bar Harbor are slightly quaint towns whose lighthouses evoke the sea and seafaring stories.

Istanbul cruise ship tour

Istanbul cruise ship is very popular with its various entertainment programs and attractive routes. Istanbul cruise ships are the same cruise ships that pass through the Bosphorus, stop at different piers and make the traveler see a different aspect of the city. Music performance by Iranian or Turkish singers, Turkish folk dance performance and serving Mediterranean, Turkish and international food are part of the attractive and fun programs of the cruise tour in Istanbul.

The price of a cruise ship in Istanbul varies according to the type and dimensions of the ship as well as the type of services it provides. Tourists can choose a full-service luxury cruise tour or simply enjoy a short cruise on the Golden Horn by purchasing a cruise ship ticket.

You can buy a cruise ship ticket in Istanbul from various docks, which include:

• Eminonu Pier
• Uskudar Pier
• Ortakoy Pier
• Besiktas Wharf
• Kanlica Pier
• Sariyer Pier
• Rumeli Kavagi Pier
• Anadolu Kavagi Pier

Mediterranean cruise ship tour

This cruise tour stops in several countries on the shores of the Mediterranean. For example, one night in France, one night in Spain, one night in Greece and maybe Monaco. This cruise ship tour is done with large ships and passengers have the right to choose what class of accommodation and services they receive. The price of a Mediterranean cruise varies in each class. For example, interior cabins are cheaper than cabins with a sea view.

Cruise ship around the world

For those who are interested in travel and tourism, booking a round-the-world tour is like a dream come true. With a cruise around the world, you can visit the beautiful beaches of several countries in different parts of the world. For example: See Marseille, Barcelona, ​​Naples and the Canary Islands on a cruise tour. The cost of traveling around the world on a cruise ship varies depending on the type of cabin you stay in and the type of service you receive.

Persian Gulf cruise ship tour

With the Persian Gulf ship tour, you can board one of the most modern and largest ships in the world and see several countries on the shores of the blue Persian Gulf. This tour usually takes passengers to the beaches of UAE, Qatar and Oman and provides them with luxury services during the trip. The price of the Persian Gulf cruise ship will vary according to the type of cabin that the passenger chooses. But usually the price of a Persian Gulf cruise ship tour for one person starts from around 1290 euros.

Important tips for traveling by cruise ship that you must know!

Everywhere has its own rules and Cruise ship tour is no exception to this rule. When you step on a cruise ship and especially in your private cabin, you have to stop doing some things; Don’t do things on board that are often better for safety reasons. Next, know some of the things that are prohibited to do on a cruise ship or better not to do.

Smoking on a cruise ship

On most cruise ships, smoking is prohibited in cabins or even on private balconies because lighting a cigarette poses a fire risk. Of course, public rooms are intended for smoking and their only problem is that smokers have to walk a bit to reach the smoking room.

Using a hair dryer on a cruise ship

It is not clear why it is forbidden to turn on the hair dryer through the toilet outlet, but you should keep this in mind anyway. Of course, companies have installed hair dryers in the cabin to ease their mind. There is a socket in the bathroom, but it is for shaving and not for using a hair dryer.

Talking loudly on a cruise ship

The wall of the cruise cabins is not thick and the sound is transmitted easily. It is better to speak quietly even when your speech is not private so as not to disturb others.

Leaving the balcony open on a cruise ship

You may think that you can always leave the balcony door open during the trip or that you can fall asleep hearing the sound of water and wind, but this is not the case. Leaving the balcony open not only causes more pressure on the ventilation system, but also wastes energy, and on the other hand, it causes the fire sensor to not work properly in case of a fire.

Lighting a candle on a cruise ship

Lighting candles, ironing clothes, or anything that creates flames or heat in general is a fire hazard and is prohibited on a cruise ship. Almost all such services like ironing of clothes are provided by the ship and you don’t have to worry about it.

Hanging clothes on the balcony on a cruise ship

Of course, after swimming and washing clothes on a cruise ship, nothing dries them as well as the balcony and faster than the warm ocean breeze. But it is better not to leave your clothes there hoping to dry because even if it does not fall on the floor of the balcony in case of wind, it may become wetter than before when it rains or when washing the balcony.

Using perfumes and sprays on cruise ships

Using perfumes and sprays in the closed space of the cabin is annoying, especially in the cabins that have no way out. It is better to use mild perfumes so as not to cause problems for you or your roommate.

The cost of traveling by cruise ship

In general, the cost of a cruise starts at around $500 for a short domestic trip and can go up to over $10,000 for a long trip around the world. Here are some examples of cruise prices in 2023:

• A 7-night cruise from Miami to the Caribbean on Carnival Cruise Lines costs about $1,500 for an inside cabin.
• A 10-night trip from Athens to Italy and Spain on Royal Caribbean Cruises costs about $2,500 for an inside cabin.
• A 14-night trip from Singapore to Jakarta and Bali on Celebrity Cruises costs about $5,000 for an inside cabin.

This cost includes accommodation, food, entertainment and transportation from one port to another. Of course, these costs depend on the trip, destinations, number of days and other things.

Cruise travel problems

Like any other cruise, traveling on a cruise can be troublesome for some people. If you get seasick, you may be stuck until the end of the trip and the symptoms will not stop you. Of course, you can prevent seasickness by taking measures or if necessary, use existing medicines. Adhering to diets and avoiding certain foods and drinks are among the things that help prevent seasickness.

Cruise ship tour selection guide

Although many cruise ships offer basic amenities to all passengers, it’s best to learn about tours before choosing to get the most out of your trip.

cruise ship location

You usually have to choose a flight route to board the ship; Some cruise lines also offer charter flights or airport transfers. Some lines also pick up your luggage and cargo directly from the airport and take it to your cabin on the ship so that you don’t have to worry about carrying it. It is better to pay attention to all these things when booking a tour so that you can bear less money and choose the most convenient way to get to the ship.

Duration of the cruise ship

The normal duration of a cruise ship tour is usually one week. If you think this time is long for your first trip, choose shorter tours. Two-night and five-night cruise tours are also very popular. To choose these tours, you should act very soon because their capacity will be filled very soon.

Family trip by cruise ship

Large cruise ships provide you with a wide range of entertainment in a safe and carefree environment; Fun, many of which are also suitable for children. On the other hand, there are significant facilities in these ships for the care and maintenance of children, so that adults can use the various entertainments of the ship without worry.

Traveling alone by cruise ship

If you are used to traveling alone, a cruise ship is the right choice for you because you can meet other people in a safe and secure environment. Some cruise lines discount double room rates for solo travelers, and others offer roommates to share a room.

Traveling by cruise ship A dream cruise experience!

Traveling by cruise ship is one of the best experiences that you will enjoy for a long time. In this article, we have tried to remind you of all the points that are necessary for traveling by cruise ship, cruise ship price and important points. If you have cruise ship experience, share with us.

Frequently asked questions about cruise ship tours