You trust us as your preferred Northeastern Ohio travel agents because we are experienced and certified professionals. We are completely honest when advising our guests that we have been on some amazing cruise experiences and some not-so-great ones.
At Starlight2Travel (S2T), we understand that a tropical cruise or a dream cruise is more than just a vacation; it's a unique journey filled with experiences that create lifelong memories. When the journey isn't smooth, things can get a bit frustrating.
Here are the things we look for when sampling cruise brands and itineraries...
Cruise Experience Must-Haves
1. A Good Cabin Steward: Your Cruise Companion
Your cabin steward is more than just a friendly face who tidies up your room. They are your cruise companion, ensuring your living space is always comfortable and inviting. From refreshing your cabin multiple times a day to leaving delightful towel animals and chocolates on your bed at night, they go above and beyond to make your stay exceptional. When we had bad cabin steward service, it really made us appreciate the good stewards we had before.
2. Properly Ventilated Room with Strong, Cold AC: A Cool Haven
There's nothing quite like returning to your cabin after a day of exciting activities to find it comfortably cool and well-ventilated. A powerful air conditioning system is a must, especially in tropical destinations. After all, a good night's sleep in a chilly room is the perfect recipe for recharging your energy for the next day's adventures.
3. Good Strong WIFI: Stay Connected at Sea
It's critical for us to stay connected to our business and family even while traveling on the high seas. Reliable and fast Wi-Fi allows you to share your cruise experiences with loved ones, keep up with work if needed, and access information about onboard activities.
While this is a huge requirement for us, sometimes based on weather, location and other contributing factors some connection issues are out of control. In these moments, we know to rely on in-destination wifi when we get in port to check in.
4. Early or Flexible Dining: Satisfy Your Appetite
Flexibility in dining arrangements is can be critical depending on the cruise you're on. It's truly important to mention your routine habits when planning a vacation. If you're an early bird, the 8:30 PM dining time frame will not be suitable. Planning around your needs is something we specialize in when planning your trip and making expert recommendations.
5. Specialty Dining Options: Culinary Delights
Another things we need in a cruise is a variety of options in the dining room. The main dining room's choices sometimes feel "just ok" while specialty dining typically offers exceptional cuisine. It's worth paying extra to indulge in gourmet meals, intimate settings, and unique menus that will tantalize your taste buds. From steakhouse classics to international flavors, there's something for every foodie to savor.
6. Easy Navigation: Seamless Exploration
Based on the cruise ship's design and where your room is will determine if navigating from your cabin to entertainment venues, lounges, pools, and dining rooms is effortless. We prefer it be convenient for you to hop from one activity to another, ensuring you don't miss a beat of the onboard excitement. Or if you need something, to only have it be a short stretch away. We do our best to select the best cabin location and ship for you based on your personal preferences.
7. Extra Space in a Cabin: Room to Breathe
For ultimate comfort, we like to consider cabins with extra space. Whether it's a suite with a separate living area, a spacious balcony, or even a luxurious penthouse, having room to spread out and relax enhances your cruise experience. It's your private oasis at sea.
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At S2T, we're dedicated to curating dream cruises that combine comfort, convenience, and memorable experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, these essentials will ensure your cruise with us is a journey of a lifetime.
Bon voyage!