Q. I’m worried about getting seasick. Do you have any tips on how to deal with seasickness, or avoid it?
Most modern cruise ships are fitted with stabilisers, which help ensure you feel as little rocking as possible while on board. To lessen the rocking even further, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship. Stay away from interior cabins and opt for one with a balcony to get some fresh air into your room, or an ocean-view cabin with lots of natural light.
If you are struggling to sleep, place one foot on the floor, which helps to stabilise your middle ear. There are also some natural remedies you can take for seasickness such as ginger tablets.
Lucy Wallace, Team Leader, Flight Centre Whitsunday, Qld
Q. I love the idea of a two- or three-night sampler cruise. Where do you recommend we start?
Sampler cruises are a fabulous way for people to experience cruising and see if they like it without the commitment of a longer itinerary. They are also great for those cruise enthusiasts looking for a quick getaway.
P&O offers some of the best sampler cruises from Australia and offers themes like food and wine, which include demonstrations and masterclasses with celebrity chefs, and comedy cruises with lots of laughs. Some of these options are priced from as little as $100 per person, per day.
During the summer months, there are a lot of international cruise lines that bring their ships to our waters and offer some short cruise itineraries.
Ellie Downs, Travel Consultant, Flight Centre Yarraville, Vic
Q. My partner and I have never cruised before. Where should we start?
For first-time cruisers, I recommend the Carnival Cruise Line trip from Sydney to Tasmania. The five-day itinerary is the perfect way to test the waters.
The cruise has a mix of days in port and those spent at sea so passengers can soak up the atmosphere on and off the ship. Be sure to visit Serenity on board – this adults-only retreat is decked out with day beds, hammocks, a pool and a bar.
Melissa Mcdonnell, Assistant Team Leader, Flight Centre Raymond Terrace, Nsw
Q. What’s better: the onboard food or local food?
Sampling the local food in any destination is one of my favourite things about travel as it gives you insight into the local culture. However, the quality of food on your cruise is exceptional, especially if you take advantage of the restaurants.
I have experienced the Chef’s Table on a number of ships and they have been among the best fine-dining experiences of my life.
Lisa Burge, Team Leader, Flight Centre Fremantle, Wa
Q. Are shore excursions included or do they cost a bomb?
River cruising offers a large number of included excursions. Passengers have a choice of at least two different shore excursions at each destination, but you can also arrange special-interest excursions for around $59 to $250.
However, shore excursions aren’t usually included in the fare on ocean cruises – prices vary depending on the region.
Nikki Bouveng, Travel Consultant, Flight Centre West Lakes, Sa
Do you have a travel question you need answered? Tweet it to @FlightCentreAu #AskTheExperts on Twitter.