Most cruises that have suitable itineraries for birders will be longer and visit more remote areas. This means more sea days as you cruise from one port to another. Since this isn’t a specialist cruise blog, I’ll just offer a few ideas if you are trying to convince your spouse/partner/family/friend to join you on a cruise. First I’ll remind you of what birders should look for in a cruise itinerary if you haven’t seen the first post already.
Cruises can be very cost-effective because your food and entertainment are all included. Ships do have alternative restaurants that you have to pay for but the main dining room with full service and a self-service buffet are always included in your rate. There’s a wide variety of entertainment including full on production shows, headliners, comedians and more!
Most Princess ships have a huge movie screen called MUTS where they screen recent feature films by the pool. Popcorn is served by waiters and they have blankets if you get chilly. On our cruise, they screened the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton live! I had to get up at 4am but what a way to watch the royal wedding!
Passengers are often invited to join special occasions such as this anniversary celebrating the different brands of Carnival Corporation. I don’t remember what they were celebrating exactly but I do remember that cake!
If you are a member of the cruise line’s loyalty program you will be invited to a captain’s cocktail party. You can take photos with the captain and have a drink or 2 on the house!
Penny slots used to be a great way to manufacture spend. Load money at the casino onto your cruise card and put it in the slot machine and play a few spins. Then cash out – I mean for actual cash. You pay for the cash at the end of the cruise with your miles/points earning credit card. This was good back in 2011, I hear that some cruise lines now charge a fee to do this so you’ll have to check on this.
The crew talent show is always fun!
How old are these people trying to catch the balloons? Feel like a kid again!
Choose whether you want a table for 2 or to join others for dinner. It’s up to you!
Traditional Baked Alaska parade!
Towel animal demonstration – you will probably find one in your room each night as you get back after dinner and the evening show.
Overview of the Coral Princess pool, we spent a lot of sea day time in the jacuzzi.
Champagne fountain and formal nights!
Another production show.
Balcony cabin – nice if you can afford one, even nicer if you get upgraded to one!
What I didn’t photograph but really enjoyed were the port lectures. We had a really good lecturer, Dr Thomas Ryan who gave informative, educational and thoughtful lectures………….and not one mention of Diamonds International! Cruises with more exotic ports do tend to have better port lecturers – authors, naturalists, historians. Caribbean cruises just have shills for jewelry shops so don’t bother!
Other things to do on a ship include trivia, karaoke competitions, bingo, ballroom dance lessons, tours of the bridge and exercise classes. There really is something for everyone!