Butler Service

The newest thing in high end cruises luxury staterooms suits is Butler Service. Yep, one more way to make you never want to leave the ship. Services vary between cruise lines but most butler amenities include unpacking and packing your suitcases, making dinner and excursion reservations, stocking the mini bar with your favorite items, wake up coffee or tea in the morning just to name a few. Some services include pressing your clothes and shoe shine service.

Dining, traditional vs anytime

Traditional dining has long been the standard for cruises. This includes a set time to eat, at a specific table with the same people, and the same waiters. Open seating give passengers the option of when they prefer to eat, generally the choose between first and second seating the main dining room and are seated where there is availability at any table. The good and bad, passenger has control of time to eat, different table each night, different people and waiters. Of course the buffet and casual dining options are always available! ww.mycruiseoutlet.com

Formal Night

We have seen a recent trend toward a more relaxed dinner attire on cruises. I would not go as far as to call it casual attire at dinner, but more of a "country club" casual attire. Do people miss the formal gowns, sequins, and glitter? I guess some do but believe it or not, the more seasoned travelers and cruisers are the ones who are tired of dressing up and are leaning toward the more casual attire. Actually they may have a point. As the airlines become more weight conscience than ever before they are charging a baggage fee to check a piece of luggage. Image how much space you could save if you did not have to pack the extra dresses, suits, and shoes. Think about this, you only wear them for a couple of hours to take pictures and eat. Then by the time dinner is over you can't wait to get out of those clothes. Is it worth it? You decide!

Travel Tip #6

Pack lighter! Many essential travel items can be obtained free of charge in your hotel room or from the front desk — razors, tooth brush and toothpaste, hand soap, hair dryers and more. Instead of packing (and paying for) these items, MSNBC suggests simply requesting them at check-in.

Travel Tip # 14

If you are traveling out of the country, notify your credit card company and let them know where you are going and how long you will be gone. You don't have to give the specific hotel and room number but general locations are very helpful.

Cruising for free

Is it really possible to get a free cruise? The answer is yes but you still have to pay taxes. The next logical question is "how?". It is really very simple. Call your friends, family, people you have not seen in years, and have them call a few friends. Then get everyone excited about a cruise, choose a date and destination then book a cruise for your group. My Cruise Outlet's group department can help you get the most for your time and money on a cruise. The general rule is for every 8 cabins with double occupancy you get 1 free berth. "1 free Berth" means one free person in a double occupancy cabin only has to pay port fees, taxes and fuel charges. Want more information? Go to www.mycruiseoutlet.com and find a cruise, then give them a call and ask for a cruise group specialist.