Cruising is becoming more and more popular in the world of travel. If you have any question, just look at all the new cruise ships being built. However, if you are looking to cruise for the first time, or are a seasoned cruiser, here are the best cruise tips that can help you get the most from your cruise vacation.
If you’ve ever taken a cruise before you know that the list of cruise lines and the amount of ships they each have is huge. But, if you are new to cruising, here are a handful of the top cruise lines.
Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Disney Cruise Lines. These are the most popular and the ones you probably see the most ads for on social or TV.
Cruises can range from a simple 2 day cruise to cruises that are months long. They can also range from cheap to really really expensive. So many options and that means there is a cruise for everyone!
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It seems there are 2 kinds of cruise people. Those who love it and do it over and over, and those who either have never done it and have zero desire to or those who have done it once and once was enough.
Cruising isn’t for everyone, but if you are willing to give it a try make sure you read on for the best cruise tips so you can make the most of your cruising experience. I think those who cruise once and then don’t want to ever again, just didn’t have the best cruise tips to help them get the most from their vacation.
Why Cruise?
Cruises are great! You get to experience the luxury and all the amenities. But unlike your normal hotel this one is mobile. Your hotel on water will transport you from port to port enabling you to see several different cities/countries or islands. Plus, unlike most hotels, there are so many fun things to do on a cruise that a hotel doesn’t offer.
If you decide to take a cruise, there are several things to remember. First, check to see whether you need a passport, or if your birth certificate is enough. Most cruise lines require a passport these days. But, always good to double check before booking the cruise. Making sure you have the proper identification is necessary because if you do not have it the cruise ship can refuse to let you board.
A feeling of excitement and fear overtake you as you stare up at the ship. They are HUGE! So, you can’t wait to get aboard and start your vacation, but you have never done this before, and you don’t know what to expect. Or maybe you are a seasoned cruiser but the ship is a new one to you. Read on for all the best cruise tips.
Booking Your Cruise
With the huge selection of cruise ship, cruise ports, and places one can cruise to, it’s not always easy to pick the one that’s right for you. Doing your research and of course reading my Best Cruise Tips post (this post) is a great start.
A travel agent, like myself, can help you find the best cruise for your needs and wants and budget. Cruise prices can vary a great deal and there are a lot of things that are added to the price so having a travel agent book your cruise is a huge help.
Fees to keep in mind – when onboard be mindful of charges. Things like drinks, swag, bingo, etc., are added to your end of cruise charges because you can use your seapass card for all these things. Sometimes when you are having fun, you forget all you’ve used your seapass for. So, just be mindful of these charges.
Seapass is Royal Caribbeans name for their card, other cruise lines have similar things but called something else.
Boarding
Pack a light carry on bag with a change of clothing and shoes, any medications you might need, some toiletries and unopened snacks. I suggest a bathing suit and flip flops. Sometimes your bags aren’t delivered to your room for a few hours so this way you will have a suit so you can go swimming or lounge by the pool if it’s hot out. Most cruise lines also let you bring one bottle of unopened wine with you in your carry on bag.
When arriving at the docks a porter will meet you and take your bags. Depending on how your cruise line is set up there will be some sort of system to make sure that your bags will arrive at your room by the time that dinner is over. Locking your bags might result in your locks being cut. Bags are scanned, just like at an airport and if things look off, they have the right to search your bags.
For most cruise lines you will be sent a set of luggage tags either by mail or email for you to print out. Be sure that these tags are on your luggage before the porter takes them away. They have your room number on them which makes sure that you get the right bags in your room. The bags are delivered to your room within the first few hours of the ship debarking. (leaving port)
Tipping Rules
On the subject of tips, make sure that you have set aside enough money in your vacation budget for tips. Depending on how your ship is set up, you generally tip at the end of the week one large amount designated to the different people that waited on you throughout the week.
Some ships have it set up where your tip is auto included in your vacation cost. However, you can add more to what their required tip amount is. And, if you are at the pool or in a bar, tipping will get you better service.
Just like most All Inclusive vacations, where they say no tipping allowed, tipping is highly recommended and it’s greatly appreciated. Most who work on ships do not earn an American wage, so tips help greatly.
Safety Drill – Best Cruise Tips
This happens once everyone is on board, but before the ship leaves port and any activities or meals start. The purpose of the safety drill is so that you know where your life vests are in your room, how to put on your life vest and where you are to gather on the decks.
Make sure you do not miss this drill. There are important announcements that could just save your life, or someone else’s life. Just like on an airplane, it’s important to pay attention. There is plenty of time to enjoy your vacation, so please give the captain and ship staff your full attention during the drill.
Sea Sickness
If you get motion sickness at all, be prepared to have some seasickness. If you get car sick or motion sick at all, I highly suggest you either see your doctor for a motion sickness prescription or buy some over the counter stuff. Grab some less drowsy Dramamine or motion sickness patches. You can also get medicine from the ship’s doctor if you find yourself unexpectedly sick.
On my cruise I took my Dramamine the first couple days and just tapered off and was fine. I do get motion sick easily so I wanted to be sure I wasn’t sick.
No Internet
While some ships offer internet packages, or have areas where you can use free WiFi, most times you basically have no internet. But, you are on vacation, so just enjoy being off all those social networks while you relax and enjoy the ship.
You can always take pictures and video and upload when you get home.
Customize Your State Room – Best Cruise Tips
Every room comes with a bed that can be either one bed, or two beds. You can arrange it how you want, or as your room attendant to do it for you.
I shared my room with a friend, so we did have our bed split into two twins. This picture shows it as a king.
I don’t know how they do it, but every time you leave your room and come back, it’s magically clean and you have fun towel animals waiting for you. This is a cute rabbit that was left for us by our room attendant.
If you are trying to figure out what kind of state room to book, I highly suggest upgrade and do one with a window or balcony. Being able to see outside is so nice. I understand many times it’s a financial thing, but if you can, upgrade.
Here’s a view from my balcony.
Be Entertained
There are so many things to do on cruise ships that it can be a bit overwhelming. Before your vacation it’s a good idea to explore on your ships website and see what all they offer. Maybe write down things that are on the ship you want to see or do. This way you can set aside time each day to explore these options.
You should plan and purchase your excursions before your cruise. The most popular excursions sell out fast, and you may not get the one you want if you wait. I believe excursions are a vital part of the cruise experience. Excursions are done at each port, and you leave the ship to do them. Each port offers some amazing things.
On my cruise we stopped at Cozumel and I did a great excursion for the day. A bunch of us gals went to Mr. Sanchos Beach Club. It was an all inclusive club where you could eat and drink for one price. We spent the day in the pool, by the ocean, and also lounging on huge deck chairs. It was an amazing time. While it wasn’t one of the “adventure” type excursions, it was just what the Dr. ordered for me that day.
Below – Me just chilling out on a swing by the bar at Mr. Sancho’s.
On Ship Fun
There is so much to do on every ship. You can hit the casino, lounge by a pool, sit on the balcony in your room, eat at the many restaurants, and even go shopping. Some ships have movies, shows, dance parties, bars, and more.
I was on the Liberty of the Seas by Royal Caribbean, and we had a skating rink and one night went to an ice show. We also did a fun cupcake decorating class.
Meals – Best Cruise Tips
Meals are very different from one cruise line to another. Before you leave on your cruise do your research at home as to the dining style of you cruise line. Some cruise lines offer all buffet eating. While others have buffet meals and sit down meals. Just do your due diligence before you cruise so you know what your options are.
There is no limit to how many times you eat either. That is always a plus, especially if you are a light eater and eat multiple times a day normally.
Most ships also have places to eat that you do have to pay to eat at. Coffee shops, fast food restaurants and other dining options. When you decide on a cruise to book, all that info will be accessible to you so you can figure out what you want to do for dining options.
The ship I was on had a buffet but also had dining times for a more formal dining experience. They did have a dress code (no shorts or pool attire). I loved this kind of dining as it was fun to get to know all those seated at our table. Plus, the food is better than at the buffet. It’s fresh made to order, and you can have as many meals as you want. Again, this might vary ship to ship, so just do your research.
Beverages
When you book a cruise you can select beverage packages. There are usually ones that offer unlimited alcohol and ones just for pop/coffee/tea. A great thing about a cruise ship is that there is no rules about walking around with an open bottle. If you can’t finish your drink at dinner, grab it when you leave the dining room. Maybe you have a drink in hand and want to go from one place on the ship to another. Walk and enjoy your drink while you explore the ship.
Keep in mind that applicable state and local taxes are charged when any drinks are ordered within US waters. There are also some other countries that add tax when in their waters as well.
And, as mentioned in the beginning, most cruise ship allow you to bring one unopened bottle of wine with you on the ship in your carry on bag.
Some cruise lines offer daily happy hour deals on drinks. Some even served in souvenir cups you can refill at a discount! Keep an eye out for beer bucket specials. Buying in bulk saves you money, and with no open container rules, you can take your brews on the go!
Relax
The most common error that first time cruisers make is trying to do everything. From attending all the shows, concerts, bingo games, aerobics classes, art classes, ice sculpting demonstrations and on and on until they finally collapse the last day of the cruise from exhaustion. Don’t do this!
Tip – you are on vacation and there is just too much to do on a cruise ship and not enough time to do it all, so don’t try to. Read the schedule that is provided each day and pick one or two things. The main point of cruising is to relax. Take time to grab a deck chair and soak up the sun.
Debarking – Best Cruise Tips
Getting off the ship is an activity within itself (not joking here). And since this is your first time at it don’t be afraid to ask for help. The last night of the cruise is also when you will be packing to leave the ship. Since you will be docking the next morning, very early, everything must be ready for departure the night before. This gives the staff time to get the ship ready for the next batch of passengers that will be boarding later that same afternoon.
Once packed and ready to go your bags will need to be placed outside your door for the crew to collect overnight while you are sleeping. Keep out a change of clothes to change into the next day and your toiletries. PJs for that night should be light and be easy to pack into the carry-on that you will be leaving the ship with.
Having a nice carry on bag is a huge help. One that is not to big, but that fits exactly what you need. This bag is also used when you board the ship. You want one that isn’t to big or heavy, and comfortable to carry.
You will be waiting in a long line and your carry on bag will be checked upon debarking.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cruise Tips
Your first cruise will be the vacation of a lifetime and one that you will never forget. Expect to have a great time and enjoy activities and experiences that you have never been part of before. The most important things to remember on your first cruise is to enjoy it. Also, listen to the crew to keep yourself safe and sane.
Nobody wants to end up in the ship’s jail or morgue, so just be safe and aware. Just because drinks are flowing doesn’t mean you need to be overly intoxicated. And, when on a ship, in the heat, alcohol can hit hard.
The spectrum of excursion experiences ranges from relaxing to adventurous. You should expect that the ground feels a little bit wobbly when you disembark the ship, so do not feel alarmed if you feel like you are on a seesaw the first few minutes on land.
Cruising is a great experience. With a little bit of planning and preparation and the best cruise tips, even your first cruise can go smoothly.
If you want to plan your first, or 10th cruise, reach out to me. Don’t forget to grab all your cruise ship essentials.
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