The As to Ss of Life Onboard

Cruise Ships are such incredible vessels, and vacationing aboard one of them is such an incredibly opportunity. Here are only some of the facilities available onboard many of these massive vessels.

Air-conditioning. Often a little cooler than you're used to, but after a day in the hot sun it's really refreshing.

Art Auctions. It might be nice to pick up a souvenir, but watch out for the shipping rates. Besides, it's often reported that so many of the works of art are copies of others.

Baby-sitting. For an hourly fee, sitting may take place either in your room or in the kids' areas.

Beauty Salon and Barber Shop. Make your appointments as soon as possible.

Bridge Visits. Not often allowed anymore.

Cash-free. Everything gets set up into an account which is charged to your credit card on the last day of your cruise. Make sure to check the paperwork for accuracy.

Casino Games. Lessons are available.

Comment Cards. I think they should be mandatory. Cruise lines do want feedback, for both good and bad experiences and staff interactions.

Daily Program. Usually delivered the night before, the program tells about entertainment, social events, and hours of various departments and sections.

Disembarkation. The least favourite part of the cruise. Put your luggage outside your room the night before, and prepare yourself for an early breakfast before being corralled into a crowded room for an hour or more.

Gift Shops. Souvenirs, gifts, toiletries, logo-clad items, and jewelry.

Health/Fitness Facilities. Every ship has them, but sometimes they are a bit difficult to find. Spa services and specialty exercise classes such as pilates are extra.

Laundrette. Some ships have them. Others opt for doing your laundry for you. Most often it's for a fee, of course.

Library. Every ship has one, although some are open all day while others are open only a couple of hours.

Lido Deck. Buffet, pools, hot tubs, and many activities.

Lifeboat Drill. It's mandatory for everyone. You will probably have to wear your life preserver, which is not comfortable and does not look all that attractive. However, if you are the ONLY one not wearing it, then who will look bad?

Mail. You can get stamps and postcard from onboard your ship. They will be mailed out at the next port of call.

Medical Service. Although available on all ships, some have more and better-qualified people.

Movies. In room, on a large outdoor screen, or in a special movie theatre.

Photographs. They're often all over, or in a special very well-traveled area of the ship. Photographers are not allowed to take tips, but you might be able to give them a little gift, or perhaps a group gift for the photography department.

Religious Services. Some ships have chapels. Some ships have non-denominational services. Some even allow religious leader guests to host denominational services.

Room Service. It's so far free on most ships. And often available 24 hours a day.

Sailing Time. Although it's posted as to when the ship will depart a port, you really must be back at least a half hour before then.

As if that's not enough, wait for the next blog! While you're waiting, put some of this new found knowledge to work when you book your cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com!