Going Places

TRAVEL SMARTS N ot so long ago, cruises were limited to the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Alaska. ese days though, you will find sailings offered around the world. You can now cross the Transatlantic in a classic Cunard liner, sail around Cape Horn or see Asia in an entirely different way on a river cruise. You can choose from three-day getaways to world voy- ages of 100-plus days, with many first-time cruisers leaning towards a seven-to-10-day sailing to a warm destination. Cruise ships have also changed and are big- ger than ever before. Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas carries up to 6,000 guests – nearly twice the capacity as 10 years ago. Larger ships also bring more options, from cabin categories and dining venues to entertainment and on- board activities. To help you navigate cruis- ing's changing seascape, here are tips for first-time and seasoned sailors. Pick the Right Cruise Cabin Your stateroom can make or break your vaca- tion; if you're not happy with your cabin, you may not be happy with your cruise. When booking, keep in mind the lowest prices are often for the smaller, inside cabins without a window-view of the sea. You'll pay more for a larger, outside cabin with a private balcony. ough oceanview staterooms have large pic- ture windows that don't open, they do let sun- light in. e best value for your money usually falls somewhere between the two extremes of inside and premium suites. Your cabin's location is also important. If you're a light sleeper, avoid choosing a cabin near the ship's anchor, a show lounge, dining room or nightclub. If you're prone to seasick- ness, you'll want to stay midship and on a lower deck. What is the Best Cruise Line For You? Some cruise lines focus more on families than others. Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival all offer extensive children's areas, family pools and children's and teen clubs with organized activities and amenities, such as ziplines, rock climbing and water slides. e majority of ocean cruises are not all- inclusive. Your base cost covers your accom- modations, meals in the main dining room and most on-board entertainment and activi- ties. Expect additional costs for: • Bar drinks, wine and sodas. Many cruise lines offer beverage packages and multiple- bottle wine packages, which can be pur- chased on board or prior to boarding. • Gratuities. A charge of U.S.$12 to $17 per per- son per day may be added to your account to cover the tipping for all crew, including your cabin steward, dining room waiter and assis- tant and galley staff. • Internet facilities. e connection is often slow and expensive. The best option is to purchase a package of minutes to use on the ship's computers or your own. Ship-to- shore calls from the comfor t of your stateroom often range from U.S.$12-$15 per minute. • Shore excursions. Optional shore tours can range from three hours of sightseeing to full-day excursions. If you go off on your own, be back at the ship at least 45 minutes prior to the last boarding call so you are not left behind. • Alternative dining venues are available on many lines and carry an additional fee, rang- ing from U.S.$20-$75 per person. • Spa treatments. A wonderful way to relax but can be more expensive than at home. Consider a free spa seminar, covering weight loss, teeth whitening and more. • Medical treatment. Ships staff doctors and nurses, but there is a fee to visit them. Prior to travel, purchase out-of-province medical coverage. (Visit www.caamanitoba. com/covered to buy online.) On-board Requests Cruise lines will do their best to accommodate special requests. Notify your travel consultant at the time of booking if you require a wheel- chair-accessible stateroom, need an insulin container or have special dietary needs. Follow these tips, and you will be ship- shape and ready to sail! GP 10 G O I N G P L A C E S | F A L L 2 0 1 5 shannon may Happy Sails How to ride the new wave of cruising by Shelley Samycia Get your feet wet on Royal Caribbean's five-day cruise through the Western Caribbean. Book with a CAA cruise travel specialist (see page 33).

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