Tag Archives: time

Carnival Honeyboomers

New Research Shows ‘Honeyboomers’ Spend Quality Time Together On Cruise Holidays

Posted: July 12, 2022

Australia, Press Release, ,

Carnival Cruise Line revealed that nationally couples with older kids yearn to spice there life, and a live free spirited attitude. Research shows relationships are likely to endure when couples take time out from child rearing to build new memories together.

The research polled over 1,000 Australians (couples with children aged 13+), revealing over three quarters (76%) of couples miss having fun with their partner and over one third (35%) believe a child-free break will rekindle the flame they once had when they first fell in love.

Carnival has christened these couples ‘Honeyboomers’ – couples enjoying a second honeymoon now that their offspring are not as dependent on them. The cruise line has seen an 80% upsurge in Honeyboomers sailing over the past four years.

Relationship expert, John Aiken, says couples should prioritise spending time with each other having fun and enjoying new experiences to ensure a healthy and happy relationship.  

Aiken believes that many couples don’t prioritise time alone. Almost a quarter of Aussies (22%) revealed they haven’t been on a holiday alone for five years or longer and 90% said they wanted to share more travel experiences with their partner.

“There is nothing more important in a relationship than spending one-on-one time together. Fun experiences allow couples to form stronger bonds and create new conversation. It’s an important ingredient to relationship success.”  

Rob Nicholas, a regular cruiser and Honeyboomer, says “We really look forward to our time together on holiday, where can enjoy each other’s company and have fun with friends. We use the opportunity to try new things and be a bit outrageous without the kids around to get embarrassed by us. It’s also a real opportunity to get out there and experience new countries and cultures together. It’s so much fun!”  

John Aiken’s guide to the perfect Honeyboom:

Planning is key

The very first thing on the to do list is to ensure the children will be safe and well cared for at home. Making sure the kids are settled before you depart will ensure you can fully relax and have fun.  

On the same page 

Before booking a Honeyboom, agree on what you both want. Whether it’s relaxing by the pool with a cocktail or trying a new activity together, just make sure the time away brings back the spark with shared experiences you both enjoy.

Find the new

Don’t be afraid to try something different while on holiday – whether that’s embracing a new hobby or trying a new food.

Embrace the fun

Make sure you put time aside for fun, just for the sake of it. That day-to-day routine can be monotonous; work, bills, errands and commitments often take away from the frivolity of everyday life. 

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia, Jennifer Vandekreeke, says, “At Carnival we have seen an 80% increase in couples with older children sailing without the kids to experience new, fun adventures. It’s wonderful to see people enjoying their first holiday without the kids, rediscovering the free-spirited, fun-loving couple they were before school drop off and Saturday sport hijacked the romance.”  

Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend offer free-spirited fun for couples looking to reconnect.  With over 45 activities a day, multiple live entertainment venues accompanied by delicious cocktails and cuisine, there’s something for every style of Honeyboomer fun.

how-to-beat-jet-lag

Ways to Fight Jet Lag on Your Cruise

Posted: May 17, 2022

Health & Safety, Tips and Advice, ,

It’s been months in the making. You’ve spent hours comparing itineraries, stateroom and shore tours, and now, you’re set for the cruise of a lifetime.

Be that as it may, in case you’re cruising out of the country, you could lose valuable excursion time to jet lag. A horrific case of jet lag could create havoc on the initial couple of days of your cruise (also your initial couple of days back at work).

Here are some ways you can help defend against jet lag without sacrificing any piece of the cruising experience:

Adjust Your Body Clock In Advance

To help get in the right perspective, begin the move before you even set foot on the ship

Jet lag is a type of fatigue caused by travelling across different time zones, and psychology can have a huge impact in fighting side effects.

If our bodies are working on a longer-than-24-hour clock, how is it that we are not wildly out of sync with the day? The reason is that there are a couple of external cues that help our body clock adjust, and the big one is light. The bright light of day resets our circadian clock and tells us to get out and start hunting and harvesting, or sightseeing; darkness tells us it’s time for bed, and this is the reason that science says the blue light of a tablet device at bedtime could contribute to poor sleep.

To help get in the right perspective, begin the move before you even set foot on the ship. Before boarding the plane to your port, set your watch so it coordinates the local time — that way, you can start to conform to the timetable change before it happen.

Know The Direction Your Going

Plan on nodding off when the sun goes down, regardless of what time it might be back home

Altering in line with new time zones involves different steps depending on which direction you’re headed. In case you’re voyaging east, you’ll lose daylight — and at last time to rest — along the way. In case you’re flying east to board cruise around Europe or the Mediterranean, plan on nodding off when the sun goes down, regardless of what time it might be back home. In case you’re voyaging west for a cruise to Hawaii or Asia, you’ll pick up daytime hours, so you ought to attempt to stay conscious for the span of the trek (that is the place an in-flight movie proves handy).

Get Some Rays

Relaxing outside can help you feel more energised irrespective of the fact that your body clock is instructing you to slow down

On the off chance that you require all the more incentive to relax on the pool deck: Your body reacts naturally to daylight, so relaxing outside can help you feel more energised irrespective of the fact that your body clock is instructing you to slow down. As long as you apply sufficient sunscreen, you’ll feel better in the wake of soaking up some rays.

Water Is The Key

Stick to water and fresh natural juices

The unlimited drink bundles appear like a smart thought when you’re in the planning stages, yet refreshments loaded with refined sugars won’t make the time zone variations any easier. In the event that you’ve ever swayed to soft drinks or caffeinated beverages for an energy boost, you’ll realise that you will hit a brick wall shortly after. Rather, stick to water (lots of it!) and fresh natural juices.

Practice Good Eating Habits

Plan on an fixed eating régime of whole grains, fresh natural fruit, meats and fish

You may be seduced by the copious amounts of food — available on the Lido Deck. In any case, much the same as they do at home, oily food can bring about ‘Food Coma’. Plan on an fixed eating régime of whole grains, fresh natural fruit, meats and fish, as the supplements found in these foods will help you dodge afternoon fatigue.

Keep Away From Medicinal Sleep Tablets

Prescription medication may really make you feel groggier the following day

In case you’re tired of restless nights, taking a couple sleeping pills may seem like a simple fix. Be that as it may, prescription medication may really make you feel groggier the following day. In the event that you do require some help nodding off, take melatonin, which can be obtained over the counter. Melatonin is a hormone that helps direct rest cycles, and over-the-counter supplements can help your own natural production the support it needs.

Take A Couple Of Additional Days Off

Plan to slowly return to the everyday routine by taking an additional day or two off after your cruise

The utter thrill of your forthcoming cruise will help fight off jet lag toward the start of your cruise, yet the voyage home is another story.

Coming back to your routine may start an onset of post-cruise blues, increasing the effects of jet lag. Plan to slowly return to the everyday routine by taking an additional day or two off after your cruise. Allowing yourself time to wind down will help you straighten out to life at home and recover from your fun-filled days adrift.

When Should I look at Booking a Cruise?

Posted: April 5, 2022

Australia, Countries, Onboard Features, Tips and Advice, ,

The million dollar question, When should I look at booking a cruise?

STOP right there! Put your credit card back in your wallet!

Before you even contemplate paying your deposit for your cruise, there are aspects to ponder over—from the time of year to the region you wish to cruise.

Here are our tips to help you to get the best deal:

Book Early and Save

Book early and reap many rewards

Most cruise lines promote their itineraries 12 to 24 months in advance, which means you can book your cruise well in advance, and if you require an accessible cabin it’s definitely wise to book your cruise at least 12 months in advance as there are limited accessible cabins available.

Look for early bird rates, which can be up to half off the promoted price. And by booking early, you escape restrictions that cruise lines sanction closer to sailings, such as limiting cabins to just two passengers when the ship is at full capacity.

The wave season—the most common booking period.  

In Australia, wave season generally refers to the six months where cruise ships line just about every major port. It runs from about October to April.

The latter half of that, from January until March, is also known for being one of the best times to book a cruise with some of the lowest rates of the year available during this time.

In addition, the cruise lines often add incentives to book fast after itineraries are announced (a year and a half to two years in advance), so they can fill up their ships.

Different Lead Times According to Region

A general rule is the more secluded the destination, the further out you should book

Popular but remote destinations and regions with a restricted cruise season—such as Alaska, where ships don’t sail in winter - always fill up fast.

A general rule is the more secluded the destination, the further out you should book, because more preparation is vital, from airfare to hotel reservations.

When booking cruises to Alaska, colourful destinations such as the Galápagos Islands or Australia, and some European locations—especially in the Mediterranean and Baltic itineraries that include St. Petersburg—plan ahead so you can get your ideal itinerary and cabin position.

For example, the starboard (right side of the ship facing forward) cabins with views of the shoreline sailing north to Alaska can sell out 15 to 18 months before those on the port side (left side of the ship facing forward). However, location may not be as vital as getting an outside cabin.

Groups Should Think in Advance

Booking a group cruise guarantees large groups get onto a ship with dining rooms that can accommodate them

For groups, its sensible to book up to two years in advance, if the cruise line will allow it.

But bear in mind that you can only book your flights one year in advance, and departure ports are organised around 18 months before sail away.

Booking early will also guarantee large groups get onto a ship with dining rooms that can accommodate them.

Book Last Minute to Bag a Bargain

Booking last minute can often give you great savings

Booking 45 to 90 days before a sailing can get you overwhelmingly discounted fares (If you need an accessible cabin this might not be ideal) . Cruise lines will strive to occupy empty cabins. Though, even these fares may not be as low as the early booking price.

The drawback is that you may not be able to select your cabin class or location, as many rock-bottom fares are linked to so-called “guaranteed” cabins, which are not stated when you book

If you do choose to go on a cruise at the last minute, check for cancellations. From time to time it’s probable to get a considerable deal that way. But note that the money you save might be lost when you book your last-minute flight.

Embarking and Disembarking Your Cruise: What To Expect

Embarking and Disembarking Your Cruise: What To Expect

Posted: February 16, 2023

Onboard Features, Tips and Advice, ,

The procedure for embarkation and disembarkation on a cruise ship is quite unique and unlike what you might be used to if you’re a frequent flyer.

I have been cruising now for over 20 years, and have come across all situations good and bad, so here are some tips to begin and end your cruise holiday without any glitches.

Before departure you will get all the information on where and when you can embark your cruise ship. It generally begins late morning and lasts until late afternoon when the ship sails away.

Embarkation Day

It’s advisable to arrive a day early

If your departure is from a port outside your home town, it’s advisable to arrive a day early – it will be money well spent, and you will be glad you spent a night in a hotel when you awaken to notice fog has delayed your flight, or in the rare occasional there are strike actions in place.

By this time you or your cruise consultant will have checked you in online so you should have all your documents ready, including embarkation time, and luggage tags.

In almost any case your cruise ship has arrived early in the morning, all of the passengers have disembarked and staff are in a frenzy cleaning and preparing the ship for your sailing.

On the embarkation day, you will be full of excitement, and all you would want to do is get onboard as soon as you can to maximise time on board.

If the ship is boarding by time or colour codes and you have been advised to arrive at a certain time, but you arrive early, do some sightseeing around the terminal or you will be sitting around the terminal until your time (there is nothing worse than sitting around watching happy passengers disembark and make you more anxious to get onboard).

If in a loyalty program or have mobility issues and require wheelchair assistance you may bypass queues with a VIP check-in.

Normally, the check-in involves having your photo taken for ID, being issued your cruise card for ship and cabin access as well as purchases, if you will be paying with your credit card the details will be taken and, typically, handing over your passport if you are cruising overseas. You will receive your electronic cruise card. This card holds your ID and account information.

It is the key to your stateroom and also works as currency on board. Now you can board the ship. At the entrance is another small security and ID-check where your carry-on baggage is scanned (like in an airport). This procedure applies throughout your cruise holiday.

If you have mobility issues and have requested wheelchair assistance, you will be asked to wait in a designated area, fill out your details on a roll call.

If need medication, for example insulin, take what you need in the short term in a carry-on bag with you just in case there are any unforeseen delays.

Now Your Onboard

As soon as you get onboard send a Text, Facebook Post, Tweet and brag to your family and friends

Your luggage may takes a while to arrive in your stateroom this is an opportune time to check out your stateroom, if you will be paying your account with cash as you go, go to the reception deck and top up your account.

Depending on the time you embark and the amount of passengers onboard, it may be wise to avoid the buffet — it’s could be teeming with passengers wanting to fill their empty stomachs.

As an alternative, check out other dining options onboard. From time to time extra eateries are open for a first-day lunch, and they aren’t jam-packed with hungry passengers.

After lunch wonder around the ship to get oriented, start from the top deck and work your way down.

If you do not have mobility issues, do not take the elevator, and leave it for people that really need to take them. The reason being is lifts are on embark day and crowded with passengers and crew carrying luggage between decks.

If you are cruising with children, make sure you visit the kids club and sign them up. This is a good time for parents to meet the counsellors and get familiar with the facilities.

When your luggage arrives in your stateroom, don’t rush to get back out on the lido deck to have another cocktail, take the time to carefully unpack and store your suitcase under the bed to give you enough room to manoeuvre around your stateroom – your now ready to enjoy your cruise!

By this time you should have already met your steward, and have asked them any questions you may have (remember they are all too happy to assist you where they can).

If this is your first cruise, you need to be aware that a muster drill on the first afternoon will occur and is mandatory.

Do not try to miss the muster drill (or you may be embarrassed when your name is called out on the PA) and you will be accountable for the ship setting sail on the scheduled time.

Now is the perfect time to make your last phone calls, texts and Facebook posts, and tweets while your phone can access cell towers and you’re not paying sky-high Internet and roaming fees.

It’s now time to grab another cocktail, enjoy the festivities of the sailaway party, but make sure you do not over indulge and miss out watching the sun set over the ocean, the welcome show, singing karaoke and shake your booty at the nightclub — your cruise starts now!..

until…

The Day Before Your Cruise Ends

Do not forget to settle your account

That evening, you must also settle any outstanding bills at the reception. If you gave your credit card details upon embarkation you don’t have to do anything. Just check your invoice for any discrepancies.

Disembarking On The Last Day Of Your Cruise

All good things comes to an end

As they say, all good things come to an end, and disembarkation is perhaps the most unpleasant part of your whole cruise.

You might have painted the cruise ship red all night but this is not the day to relax in bed– staff perform a military-style turnaround to get you off and prepare for the next journey and passengers that will arrive.

Before you disembark indulge in one last breakfast on the ship.

If your advised to be at a specific public area at a certain time, be there – you will be told to leave according to a colour code at a time instructed the previous day.

Make sure your luggage can be identified with no trouble in the terminal, or storage shed – a bright hi-vis band is usefully.

If you have a flight back home the same day be sure to book a flight with departure in the afternoon to safeguard yourself from any delays

Ways To Get Booted Off A Cruise Ship

Ways To Get Booted Off A Cruise Ship

Posted: February 10, 2023

Onboard Features, Tips and Advice, ,

When you’re onboard a cruise ship floating in the ocean, holiday mode sets in and before you know, you’re having the time of your life. You think to yourself: “This is great I can get away with anything.”

Wrong!  A cruise holiday doesn’t mean that there are no rules.  In actual fact, there are some strict restrictions passengers. Breaking these rules most certainly see you walking the plank.

Skipping The Muster Drill

It’s compulsory to attend the muster drill, it is not worth the risk skipping the muster drill

Veteran cruisers will tell you that it’s a pain-in-the-neck doing the muster drill.  However, don’t think you can get away with the attitude of: “been there done that.”

It is compulsory, and if you think you can get away with avoiding muster, just ask the couple who were booted off Seabourn Seajourn in 2012 after the wife decided to skip it.

Engaging In a Scuffle

No matter what age you are, throwing a blow, or an outright hissy fit – will get you booted off the ship

We have seen the shocking YouTube footage showing huge fights breaking out between passengers on cruise ships.

Some might even get a laugh watching them at the time, but fighting is no laughing matter! 

While on a cruise, no matter what age you are, throwing a blow, or an outright heated argument with a fellow guest of crew member – will get you booted off the ship.

Even exchanging verbal insults can get you kicked off a cruise. In 2010, an 82-year-old passenger and her 91-year-old husband (yes the ages are correct) were kicked off the Queen Mary 2 after cursing at a fellow passenger who apparently made a Jewish insult.

Throwing Items Overboard

Big or small, throwing anything overboard is grounds to be booted off the ship

It doesn’t matter how small the item is, throwing anything overboard is grounds to be kicked off the ship. Whether it’s a cigarette. or even a napkin from the bar you will be booted!

Here’s just one instance, a Perth couple were booted of a P&O cruise in 2016 after flicking a cigarette butt off the side of the ship.

If they were listening carefully, they would have heard at the mandatory passenger safety muster explicit warning about the dangers associated with disposing of cigarettes over the side, as the cigarette butt can blow into the engine and start a serious fire, which puts the guests and crew in danger.

Sneaking Illicit Contraband Onboard

Get caught sneaking illicit contraband onto the ship, and you might as well say “Adios” to your cruise holiday

Don’t be fooled, those friendly looking sniffer dogs will catch you as they have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans

Get caught sneaking drugs, weaponries or other illicit contraband onto the ship, and you might as well say “Adios” to your cruise holiday.  

On one cruise I went on a young man decided to wear a t-shirt with “A Friend With Weed Is A Friend Indeed”.  If that doesn’t set off alarm bells then what will? 

You guess know what happed next. His bags were searched, and a stash of cannabis was found. He never found a friend in the end!

Drinking Under The Legal Age Limit

Cruise lines will not accept anyone providing an underage guest alcohol

You might allow your 17-year-old to have a sip of wine at home, but on a cruise ship it don’t do it!  Cruise lines will not accept anyone providing an underage guest alcohol. If you’re busted, both you and the minor you provided alcohol to will be booted.

Getting Very Sick

If your illness is of a serious nature like a heart attack or stroke, then you’re immediately winched off the ship

The ship doctors on board are fantastic and can assist you through your normal illnesses. So if you are seasick, or have a stomach bug you wont be given your marching orders.  But if your illness is of a serious nature such as a heart attack or stroke, then you’ll be immediately winched off the ship, usually by helicopter to the nearest hospital.