How to Save Money When Travelling on a Cruise

Last March, my husband and I witnessed the wonderful union of his cousin and her long-term beau. When the ceremony ended, they packed their bags and went to a cruise that journeys from Singapore to Penang and Penang to Phuket. A ticket can cost as low as S$415 per person for a 4-night cruise.

I wondered how crucial it was for them to book this trip on time. As newly minted husband and wife, they need to save up money to build a life they dreamed of. What are the strategies that newlyweds, retirees, or young adults can use to save money when booking for a cruise?

#1: TIMING IS CRUCIAL

Tickets may be reduced at the last minute to fill up empty spaces in a ship. However, you could score the best prices when you book early. Booking a year in advance will help you snag the lowest rates and get you on the cruise you specifically desire. It is likely to get you the best prices on the most sought-after staterooms too. So, keep checking in or sign up for price notifications to weigh your options.

#2: SAVE MONEY ON BOOZE

You can save money on booze by researching the cruise ship’s alcoholic beverage policy. While some cruise lines let you bring your own alcohol on board, others forbid it. For cruise lines that allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverage, most put a limit of one bottle per person.

For instance, Royal Caribbean International allows each guest of drinking age to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Guests who bring more than one bottle at the beginning of the first sailing should have documentation to share with the security.

#3: CHARGE ALL YOUR GADGETS

When you are limited to one or two electrical outlets in your room, it can pose a problem to keep all your devices charged throughout the day. Solve this issue by keeping a compact travel adaptor to charge multiple devices at the same time. These adaptors are sold for as low as S$4 online.

#4: SIGN YOUR KIDS UP FOR COMPLIMENTARY ACTIVITIES

Several cruise lines offer kid-friendly activities at no cost. Apart from these kid-friendly activities, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean offer a youth club called Adventure Ocean program, which is essentially a day care for children whose ages range from 6 months to 12 years old. Multiple programs and games are planned out for your loved ones to enjoy. Programs such as these will allow you and your partner to enjoy quality time together.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#5: CONSIDER THE TIME OF YEAR

Supply and demand dominate the pricing strategy of cruise lines. Thus, it is more costly to book a cruise during Christmas or Summer break. If you have more flexibility to go with your children or your partner during off-peak season, you can save a lot of money.

#6: JOIN QUIZ NIGHTS

Skip on the souvenirs found in the gift shops and join quiz nights to win exclusive prizes instead. Quiz nights are one of the most underrated things on cruises. Spend your evening answering trivia questions to win prizes that you take home with you. Just secure a spot in advance.

#7: LOYALTY PAYS

Once you’ve experienced the luxuries of a cruise, it’s highly likely that you’ll be hooked. Fortunately for you, most cruise lines offer loyalty schemes, which reward returning guests with upgrades and special packages.

Regent calls its membership scheme the Seven Seas Society, which ranges from Bronze to Commodore. While Princess Cruises’ loyalty program is divided into four tiers namely Gold, Ruby, Platinum, and Elite members. Lastly, Star Cruises offer the Star Cruises Genting Rewards, which are split into five tiers. Join a loyalty program that suits you best.

#8: MAXIMIZE YOUR CREDIT CARD’S POTENTIAL

Some credit card reward programs can be used for booking trips on cruises. You can save using your points or cash out your reward points close to your cruise date. This will help you to reduce the cost of your cruise ticket or to help pay for items on your cruise.

#9: GET SEA SICKNESS REMEDIES FOR FREE

Natural seasickness remedies such as green apples and saltine crackers are typically free on a cruise ship. Many crew members strongly advocate these tried-and-trusted natural remedies. Alternatively, you can simply ask Guest Services or your stateroom attendant for some seasickness medication. Do not hesitate to ask!

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Source: 1,2, & 3

 

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Are you okay with your boss following you on social media?

social media apps

Aha.

A tricky question to tackle on 4.4.

While it’s not uncommon for bosses and employees to become “friends,” or rather, have a friendly relationship outside of working hours, being on social media can be a little…

Ehem.

Up to this point, some of you may be secretly laughing inside since it seems like a no-brainer.

“Aiyo, just don’t post anything you won’t say in front of your boss lah.”

But hey, isn’t that an invasion of privacy? It’s social media after all, and not connected to work. Isn’t it stressful to have to “censor” yourself because your boss is part of your friend/follower list?

Let’s delve deeper into this.

What are the downsides?

Numerous.

Since bosses will be able to see what you “like” and your comments on posts, they may form an opinion of you that may not be part of your “professional reputation.”

And if you’re friends with your colleagues, that’s extra stuff to worry about. But but, we won’t get there for this post. Simply put, life is stressful enough to have to worry about what you post online.

Play around with privacy settings

Not all social media platforms allow you to play around with privacy settings. For example, TikTok and Instagram probably can’t (unless you go private).

But for Facebook, you can limit who sees your posts. I mean, if you have no choice but to accept that friend request from your boss, you’ve got to take some safety measures, isn’t it?

Though it would be a pain in the a** to have to constantly keep this at the back of your mind—being careful with what you share and whom you share it with.

What to do when things don’t go your way

Called in sick and took a day off on Monday but posted that photo of you drunk on Sunday night?

A cliche scenario, but it happens.

If you find that things don’t go away no matter how careful you’ve been on social media, take this chance to disconnect.

And when asked or questioned, just explain that you think it’s better to draw the line between personal and professional.

Is it really a no-no to connect with your boss?

Well, not really.

This is especially for people who don’t have much of a social life. Oops, I’m sorry to be blunt but it’s true.

Or for folks who tend to be on social media to “stalk” or get updates on events, friends, and loved ones.

In such cases, then it’s okay to connect. In fact, you might be on the “winning end” because you will be stalking your boss’ social life instead. Ha!

Jokes aside, I have a few friends who are on social media to showcase their work—designs, and drawings—so there are no danger zones there yeah.

As we close, just know that accepting a request without putting much thought into it may be disadvantageous to you. Ultimately, a boss is a boss and professionalism should come first in the majority of your interactions. Why sabo yourself?

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Strategies to ensure everyone on the team contributes equally

team meeting

Managing a team is never an easy task.

You can curse out your ex-manager for being this and that but truth be told, it’s a challenge. And now that you’re in a managerial position, are you in a dilemma?

How on earth do you ensure that your team members are contributing equally? Well, we will be delving deeper into this topic in this post. So buckle up, and let’s roll.

Invest in team building

Depending on companies, some management groups think that team building is necessary at least once a year.

For me, I guess you set your own rules—once every quarter isn’t that bad. If it’s too much, then go for once every 4 to 6 months.

Team building is a good investment if you want a cohesive team. Duh. How can anyone work together in harmony if they don’t know each other well, don’t have common topics to talk about, or don’t see eye to eye?

Have clear sub-goals

Anyone who has walked into a project managed by a manager who does not know how to create clear objectives knows how it feels.

GG.

No, not good game, but good grief.

If you want every member of your team to get a slice of the pie, then make sure you map out your overall objective(s) and concrete sub-tasks.

For example, if you’re a team working on launching the latest summer collection of a fashion brand, then make sure every headcount involved in the project knows what they are doing. From the most senior executive to the newest intern, everyone should have a defined (quality, not quantity) task to work on.

And yes, keep those deadlines in check too.

Create an evaluation system
sample peer evaluation form

Image Credits: jotform.com

I’m not going to lie, I’m not a huge fan of evaluations. Why? Because it keeps me on my toes.

Knowing that I’m being “watched” not just by my boss but also by my colleagues leads me to pull my weight a little more.

So if you’re a manager who wants to play around with some psychological motivational forces, focus your attention on these:

  • Step 1: Peer reviews

To ensure that peer reviews work and not harm, it has to be done right.

I suggest making peer reviews anonymous. Whatever means you use to evaluate—the old-school way of paper forms or online ones—the only person that should be able to view those feedback would be you, the manager.

There’s no need to, as the Chinese saying goes, 挑拨离间 (sow discord).

  • Step 2: Analyze feedback

Once you’ve gathered fellow responses from your team, it’s time to analyze them.

Anonymous peer feedback is the best feedback if a certain point raised is rather consistent across teammates.

For instance, you may get comments such as:

“Meixin is quite slow in the work assigned to her. She doesn’t keep to deadlines.”

If just one person raises this point, then maybe it wouldn’t be that credible. But if you have a team of 10 and more than half has somehow or rather given such feedback, it shows something.

But I understand no one has the time to do such detailed feedback like that all the time. Maybe twice a year or once at the end of the year may work. Or you can consider using automated tools to track project progression and workflow completion ratios. This is wiser for managers who have to take care of >1 team.

In a nutshell, we have raised 3 main strategies in this article to ensure that everyone’s pulling their weight in the company. As a manager, the responsibility is on you to build a team that can work together. While you can’t guarantee everyone will like each other, teamwork can be built based on respect and regular conversations. And don’t forget to always pen down clear tasks for your teammates to work on. Lastly, have an evaluation system in place so there’s a proper outlet for peer reviews that can help you gauge the strengths and weaknesses of each team member.

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Discover the magic of solo traveling

man at the airport

Have you tried solo traveling before?

As someone who has been there and done that, I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly. But at various ages and life stages, I agree that it can be different for everyone. For those who’ve tried it once but didn’t enjoy it that much, I want to say:

Give it some time, and you will notice the magic.

Overcoming the fears of traveling alone

If you’re a foreigner in the world of solo travel, you will undoubtedly experience anxiety.

But rather than dwelling non-stop on the things that can go wrong, why not channel your energy into the things that can go right?

Just think about the new people you will meet and the stories you will hear. Those really excite me. And having traveled umpteen times, I assure you that traveling alone is not that bad.

How to make the most of your time alone

Being alone doesn’t mean you have to be “alone” all the time. I mean, there are opportunities to socialize.

You can start conversations with people you meet on the streets, join day tour groups, and be open to meeting new faces—locals and foreigners.

As an introvert, I’m okay with being alone but that doesn’t mean I’m not sociable. Over the years of solo traveling, I’ve met many new friends through day tours I’ve joined via Klook and Kkday.

I’ve also met nice folks (and some weird ones) on CouchSurfing.

 

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It’s really all about keeping an open mind.

Getting ready for a safe, enjoyable vacation

If you’re an absolute newbie or don’t have much experience with solo traveling, you’re probably in need of some advice. Lucky for you, here are some pointers to get you started:

  • Choose the right destination

I’m not trying to be biased here but certain destinations are flagged as a little more dangerous than others. Just do a search online and you will probably see a list of cities you should avoid in 2023.

  • Research thoroughly

Just as you (probably) won’t walk into an expensive restaurant for a first date without researching, the same goes for your first solo trip. Information online is abundant so make use of that and read up thoroughly before you go.

  • Plan your itinerary

I’m a planner and maybe you’re not. But having a big-picture plan helps to navigate precious days abroad and this works especially if you don’t have a whole month to “waste.” Since most of us have fixed annual leave and with only a week or two to spare for a holiday, let’s make full use of it.

Beginner tips for aspiring solo travelers
woman flagging a taxi

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you’ve never traveled by yourself, the first trip might surprise you a little. And that’s okay. Just…

Keep an open mind. Whenever things don’t exactly go as planned, take advantage of the opportunity to try something new or simply go with the flow. Rigidity gets us nowhere. Stranger things can be fun!

Also, take small steps to get used to traveling alone. Folks who do not dare to take the first step, why not start by making short trips to neighboring countries? This will help you get used to the idea of being alone gradually without having to deal with the nerves of traveling to a faraway land right from the get-go.

And please, when in doubt, take flight. Whether it’s an invitation to visit a lesser-known local pub or a dodgy alley that doesn’t scream “Explore me!”, walk away.

Advantages of solo travel that last beyond your trip

For peeps who’ve tried it once but are still uncertain, I urge you to give it another go. That’s because the beauty of solitary travel and the advantages it brings is priceless.

There is more room for self-reflection when your daily schedule is not determined by what someone else wants to do or by the feeling that you must tread along to avoid unnecessary conflict (even besties fight on trips!). 

Because there is no one else to lean on except for yourself, you build on your confidence to face challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem. Tip: While it’s cool to navigate unfamiliar areas by yourself, choose the safer ones.

Solo travel necessitates independence and the freedom to think for oneself, whether it’s spending hours studying a map before beginning a climb or becoming engrossed in conversation with a stranger from a completely different culture.

So, what say you?

As we close, I just want to remind us that we’re people of different personalities and what is enjoyable for me may not be for you. But still, if you’ve yet to try solo traveling, I encourage you to open your mind and try. My first solo experience was not so smooth, I’ll be honest, but it was an adventure I lived to tell (more on that when the time is right). So give your guts a chance to surprise you, and you might find that solo traveling is not as bad as it seems.

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Why we should engage in traditional hobbies in the era of technology

Analog Hobbies

We live in a highly developed era of technology and that’s not something bad.

Thanks to our devices, we are continually connected with our loved ones, and the internet makes it simple to find solutions within a few clicks.

Aside from the fact that this level of technology has practically taken over every aspect of our lives, sometimes, it’s not necessarily a good thing. If we don’t do anything about our overreliance on technology, we run the risk of losing touch with the real world and ourselves.

What are some analog hobbies to try?

There are many analog hobbies out there, depending on your strengths and interests.

For instance, you can try your hand at woodworking or painting. I was online yesterday and came across an ad run by a graffiti warehouse in Singapore—Heaven Spot. 

 

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Each session is an hour long and packages start from S$45. I’ve yet to try them out but it does look intriguing.

Have you had a session with them before? Would you recommend it?

Whatever your interests are, there are a ton of activities that you can do to keep your mind active. You don’t need a ton of expensive materials to get started either. With a few basic tools and materials, anyone can practice any art, from calligraphy to pottery making.

Why is going analog necessary in the digital age?

You might be wondering why we should look to the past for hobbies like knitting or making model airplanes when we live in the era of digital technology with its seductive array of devices.

Well, the obvious answer is that it offers something that modern technology cannot. Yes, I know how much technology has enriched our daily lives. But, a crucial component—the bodily experience—is also being rapidly replaced by technology.

Tactile experiences, such as handling something small and delicate like a tiny brush tip, are ones that a fully digital world cannot offer. Other examples include feeling the weight and texture of clay while you sculpt with it. Also, working with your hands on something tangible can give you a sense of fulfillment that typing on a computer screen just can’t quite match.

The advantages of analog hobbies for the body and mind

Finding an analog hobby can be just what you need to concentrate on when you’re feeling drowned by all the digital noise.

The development of creativity as well as stress reduction and enhanced mental health, are just a few of the significant advantages that an analog hobby can provide.

  • Reducing stress

Gardening, drawing, or playing an instrument are examples of analog activities that focus you on the work at hand rather than being constantly barraged by notifications from email or social media accounts. By doing this, you can stay right in the moment.

  • Fostering creativity

By engaging in creative hobbies like painting, sculpture, or writing poetry (on paper), you can foster your creativity and improve your well-being. Moreover, self-expression and overall mental health can also be supported through artistic creations.

  • A sense of ownership

Arts and music-related analog activities can promote a sense of accomplishment and aid in the management of mental health issues including anxiety. Working on something tangible gives us a sense of accomplishment that is sometimes challenging to achieve through digital activities.

How to work a traditional hobby into your everyday life

So are you convinced to put down your devices, and set aside time for analog hobbies?

Lovely.

We have a few ideas to get you moving:

  • Start journaling

Journaling in a diary is a great way to reflect on your day’s highs and lows as well as any interesting occurrences. If you’re not sure where to start, why not try a guided journal?

Chai Sunrise has this 3 Questions a Day Journal to help you start penning.

 

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It’s pretty pricey for a logbook but I’ll give it credit because it’s not just a blank one; there are daily positive reminders for your soul!

  • Choose a long-term hobby you can sustain

There are lots of activities available that exclude screens. For instance, start experimenting with film cameras.

If it sounds too expensive, though, you can start with watercolor paintings or drawings. There are affordable options available on Shopee! For example, this Singapore-based shop called ArtFarm Singapore has a decent range of art supplies, including ‘Paint by Numbers Art Canvases’ for beginners. Click through the links to find out more.

Finding the right balance between digital and analog

Finding the right balance between analog and digital interactions can be difficult, but maintaining an analog way of life in the digital era is not impossible.

One way to achieve this is to set time limits for your digital devices, such as refraining from accessing social media after a specific time you set. Keeping track of how much time you spend in front of a screen is another option. If you set a goal to spend more time offline than online, you will be surprised at how much spare time you have.

So why not give some traditional pastimes a try in this digital age? Along with making you happier, more at peace, and less stressed, it may even help you reach peak levels of productivity as you train yourself on how to focus.

It’s easy to forget that conventional hobbies were once our forefathers’ pleasures in a world dominated by screens and media. Also, concentrating on an analog task can aid in the practice of mindfulness and keep us present at the moment. It doesn’t even have to be a big shift. Traditional hobbies can be quite beneficial, whether you decide to start painting, woodworking, or simply cuddling up in bed with a nice book. Disconnecting from technology can have a variety of benefits, from better mental health to strengthened relationships. So why not go analog and limit the cord on technology as we start the 2nd quarter of 2023?

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