The travel secret that unlocks luxury resorts for a fraction of the cost
One simple trick can transform the beginning or end of your cruise.
One of the best-kept secrets in cruising is the resort day pass. Instead of spending the day at a crowded beach or on a tiring tour, you can buy access to luxury resorts in many ports around the world.
A pass typically includes use of the swimming pool, bar, restaurant and gym. Some packages cover meals, alcohol, water sports equipment or cabanas on a reserved section of the beach.
Others allow add-ons such as spa treatments and massages. Prices vary widely, depending on the destination and whether you book direct, through the cruise line, or a dedicated platform such as ResortPass, DayPass or Dayuse.
My best deal was at the Pullman Danang Beach Resort in Vietnam. For only VND 550,000 ($30), I could order 300,000 ($16) worth of food and drinks, and use the poolside or beachfront sun lounges until 9pm. Prices for kids are cheaper and under-5s are free.
In Tahiti, I paid XPF 7900 ($100) to go to the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana. Booked a week in advance, the pass included a two-course lunch and access to its private beach with a stunning backdrop of overwater bungalows.
Unfortunately, it poured non-stop, and my online prepayment was non-refundable. (I still swam in the rain and had the whole beach to myself.)
The Caribbean is well known for resort passes. Popular cities in Australia, Europe, Asia, South America, USA, Mexico and Canada increasingly welcome day visitors.
For cruise passengers, the appeal is a hassle-free base and a taste of luxury for less than the cost of an overnight stay.
In most cases, it's cheaper than a shore excursion. Families especially appreciate the pools and facilities, without the need to organise sightseeing. It's not something you would do every day, but ideal when you just want a relaxing break.
A resort pass can also transform the annoying end of a cruise, when you have to disembark the ship by 9am but your flight departs in the evening. Many properties offer daytime use of a hotel room or will store your luggage while you enjoy a mini-holiday in style.
Before booking, check the inclusions, location and transport options. As the day approaches, learn from my mistake: keep an eye on the weather and the cancellation deadline.
Pro Tip: Free chat app
Download your cruise line's app before you arrive at the port. It functions as your boarding pass (after checking in online) and messaging tool to keep in touch with your travel companions. The complimentary in-app chat connects passengers over the ship's Wi-Fi network without requiring a paid internet package. This free service is offered by major lines such as Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Disney and Holland America Line. Carnival charges an $8 activation fee. Most apps also contain your expense account, itinerary, menus and dinner reservations. Some can track your luggage and even open your cabin door!
My all-time favourite destination is … Antarctica, but three times is greedy.
Next on my bucket list is … Africa, Maldives, Philippines, Cuba, NZ subantarctic islands, Iceland, Greenland, and three months on a round-the-world cruise.
My top travel tip is … If you're turned off by the stereotype of big ships, start with your dream destination and book the smallest ship you can afford - preferably all-inclusive, so you can fully relax and enjoy.
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