And why not shake a leg or sway to some soft tunes at the city's famous lounge? So, if you love your food as much as you love your games, Brisbane won't disappoint you. They're symbolic of the city's indulging in the finer things in life. A gaming paradise offering a unique mix of poker room and gaming machines. Comfortable footwear is essential and since I didn’t leave the boat on this trip, I wore my thongs the entire time. Also, some premium experiences, like spa treatments or fitness classes, The Blanc to Blanc Stage Show cost extra. Please also factor in that if you’re on a 4 day cruise, you’ll be purchasing the Package for the whole 4 days, which is close to $100. Finally, check for additional amenities offered by certain cabins, like connecting rooms for families, or accessible features for those with mobility needs. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a cosy space and plans to spend most of your time exploring the ship or onshore, an Interior Cabin might suit your budget. If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a cabin midship and on lower decks, as these areas experience less motion. The dry season is ideal, offering sunny skies, calm seas, and cooler temperatures and tends to be more visibility in the water for snorkelling the Great Barrier reef areas. For adventure seekers, The cruise may feature fun activities like waterslides, zip lines, cocktail making or wine tastings (for an extra charge). Stay in a hotel close to the Airport & the Cruise Terminal, giving you extra time to relax and explore the city before boarding. Just know that once you’re sick, it’s going to make you ill for a long time, so prevention is always better. Know that the price for these shores excursions are always MUCH dearer than booking them yourself. While the Cruise itself might seem like a cheap holiday, it’s the shore excursions that sting a bit with prices and you need to budget for the port days. I recommend looking into all of this before the day, through the Cruise check in Platform, I booked all our Dinners on the first day for the entire trip, but still had to wait until 730 to 8pm to get a table at the Free Restaurants. For example, booking early or during promotional periods often earns additional rewards. If costumes aren’t your thing, even small touches like a themed accessory or colour-coordinated outfit can help you blend in. Theme nights are announced ahead of time, with popular choices on the Encounter are like the Gatsby Night, Formal Night, the White Party, or Tropical Night. Even if you’re not leaving the country, your data service can connect to the ships satellite and you can still be charged for international Roaming for the service. Decide whether you need constant connectivity or there is always the option to use Data service on your Port Days ashore the local mainland cruises. There isn’t an option for half the time, or one day out of that period. I found the cocktails a nice change if you don’t have them too much and so many different flavours around the ship, but they range in price from $17 to 22 each. I’ve always taken plenty of hand sanitizer along on every trip I take. Plus, ensure you carry sufficient water when on excursions or port days. The Encounter Cruise provide water stations throughout the ship, so consider bringing a reusable water bottle to refill regularly. Cruising in this area of the world involves plenty of sun, sea, and fun, making it essential to stay hydrated and prioritize your health. With that said, If it’s a short tour and you can be flexible, then you can look into options yourself either on the day, or checking with the company direct beforehand. By leveraging loyalty rewards, you’ll save money and enhance your overall experience on future cruises, making each voyage even more enjoyable. Look for cruises offering bonus points or discounts for loyalty members. All cruises are known for their fun theme nights and occasional formal evenings, making them a fantastic opportunity to dress up and immerse yourself in the cruise culture. Plus, spending time on open decks up the top and focus on the horizon, & avoiding heavy meals will help your brain adjust to the ship’s motion. A reusable water bottle is also a must to stay hydrated during the trip or on excursions.
