The Ss to Ws of Life Onboard

Here are some more interesting tips and pieces of life onboard a cruise ship. See what more you can learn from these:

Security. Due to recent terrorist activities and threats, security onboard (and getting onboard) have been heightened dramatically. Your stateroom will likely have a safe, but you can also use a safety deposit box at the purser's office if necessary. Each person must also carry his shipboard id card, which allows admission to the craft, as well as the stateroom.

Ship Etiquette. Some ships have designated areas for smoking, while others do not allow smoking anywhere onboard. You are not allowed to video any of the professional entertainment (for copyright reasons), or take photographs of most of the dancing and performance numbers (for safety reasons). Oh, and nobody wants to see you in shorts or a bathing suit in the dining room.

Ship Injuries. Hold on to railings as often as possible, especially on stairwells. Watch for raised thresholds into some areas too, especially your cabin's bathroom. Rubber sole shoes, not leather or high heels, are safest, although not always the most fashionable. NEVER throw your cigarette or ashes over your balcony. They may start a fire a floor or two below!

Shopping. Shopping lectures about the next port of call are basically sales pitches for specific stores which give commissions back to the person and cruise ship. Keep that in mind, because some of the information can still be quite valuable.

Spas. A relaxing massage may be just right before bed, but the spas close early, usually before suppertime. Exercise gear, saunas, steam rooms, and beauty salons all inhabit the same area of the ship. Granted, they are separated. Massages, body scrubs and wraps, and facials are only some of the services available there.

Sports facilities. Basketball, jogging, miniature golf, shuffleboard, volleyball, and ofter water and golf events are also available on many ships.

Television. You might not get many station options, but you will always have something to watch, including many recordings of recent shipboard games in the main theatre.

Wine and Liquor. Although you can buy your own bottles from ports, you cannot open them onboard, and they will be confiscated and tagged and returned to you before you leave. You can, however, take your ship-bought glasses of beer and wine wherever you want onboard.

When you're ready to experience the amazement that is a cruise, make sure to first book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !