Planning for your first cruise can feel a bit overwhelming! Here are a few tips and tricks to help.
Be mindful when choosing a cabin
There are always a ton of different cabin choices when booking your cruise. Be sure to consider your travel style. If you like to lounge in bed and watch the world go by, a balcony cabin is probably a good choice. But, if you’re an active traveller on the go, you may not spend enough time in the room to justify the extra expense.
If you’re prone to seasickness, consider a cabin that is on a lower deck mid-ship.
Do the math before buying a drink package
Unlimited drinks sounds great…but not everyone is likely to get the full benefit of a drink package. This calculator can help you decide if a drink package is a good deal for you.
Get travel insurance!
Stuff happens! Make sure you’re covered with travel insurance. And don’t just automatically take the policy the cruise line offers. Take the time to compare options to make sure you purchase a plan that best fits your needs. (Check out this blog post on the importance of travel insurance.)
Plan to arrive a day early
If at all possible, plan to arrive at to your departure port at least the day before embarkation. Travel delays happen and you don’t want the added stress of potentially missing your ship thanks to a delayed flight or a flat tire. Plus, this way, you have a little time to explore the departure port…or you can sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast in your hotel room to get your vacation started off right!
Connect with fellow travellers before your trip
Consider finding a social media group for your sailing so that you can connect with fellow cruisers before your trip. You can usually find these on Facebook or Cruise Critic by searching your cruise line, ship name, and dates.
Talk to your cellphone provider before you leave
Don’t assume you’ll be covered! Familiarize yourself with your cellphone provider’s international options before your vacation to avoid nasty surprises when you get your next bill. Consider leaving your phone in airplane mode while you’re on the ship. Or…consider your vacation a digital detox and turn your phone off for the duration!
Read the policy for permitted and prohibited items
Every cruise line is different. Some allow you to bring on a certain amount of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks per cabin…others have a ‘no outside food or drinks’ policy. Most cruises prohibit drones. Etc. Read your cruise line’s guidelines in advance so you won’t be surprised at port.
Pack light
You’ll need less stuff than you think! Cruise ship staterooms are usually relatively small, so the less luggage you have, the better. Consider taking half the amount of clothes and doing laundry mid cruise (some ships have washing machines available for passengers to use…others have paid laundry services available).
(Tip: Beds in the staterooms are usually raised high enough that you can fit most suitcases underneath!)
Pack a carry-on bag
When you arrive at the port, you’ll drop off your main luggage so that it can be loaded on to the ship and taken to your stateroom. However, given the massive amount of luggage they need to deal with, this can take a while! Often, you won’t get your bags until later in the afternoon/evening. So…make sure you pack everything you need for the day in a smaller carry-on bag. Consider including your swim suit (so you can hop right in the pool!), sunscreen, reading materials, nice clothes if you’ve booked a fancy dinner that night, etc. And don’t forget to include any necessary documents for boarding in your carry-on!
Download the cruise app
Most cruise lines are ditching paper and going digital! Which means you’ll need the cruise app to check schedules, sign up for activities, etc. Don’t worry…even if you don’t have a wi-fi plan, you are still able to access the app. Downloading this before your trip can help save you time and frustration later.
Research your ports in advance
Cruise ships are only docked for a short period of time. Researching your ports and deciding what you want to do in advance can help you maximize your time on shore. It also helps cut down on disappointments and frustrations!
Your cruise line will probably offer a selection of shore excursions to book through them. You can also book directly through tour operators or plan something on your own, independently–you’re not required to book through the cruise ship. BUT…do make sure to plan a little extra buffer time into your schedule. If you’re not back at the ship by ‘all aboard’ time, the ship will leave without you. The ship is only obligated to wait for those people on official cruise ship shore excursions.
Plan for seasickness
Even if you think you won’t get seasick, plan for it. Better to bring seasickness meds with you and not need them…then to be stuck in your cabin feeling awful while everyone else is out having a great time. Popular options include meclizine (Bonine) or scopolamine patches. Ginger candies can also be helpful. Also, make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of fresh air.
If you forget to pack meds and are starting to feel seasick, talk to Guest Services at the first sign of seasickness. They often have options available on board and can usually help out!
Bring a refillable cup/water bottle
Coffee cups and other cups can be quite small. Bringing your own insulated mug for coffee/tea, reusable cup for soda, or refillable water bottle can be helpful. Plus you can help cut down on waste!
Don’t be embarrassed to order extra food if you’re still hungry
At most sit down restaurants on cruise ships, you’re able to order whatever you want. Two appetizers look good? Great, order them! Don’t like your entree? Try another. Can’t decide between the desserts? Try them all! Don’t worry…plenty of other people are doing the same thing! Your server won’t judge you. Just be courteous and don’t order way more food than you can eat (consider that cruise ships have limited supplies on board…LOTS of supplies, but limited all the same).
Keep track of time while you’re on shore!
Just to reiterate…the cruise ship will not wait for you! Take a watch and keep an eye on time. Make sure to get back to the ship before the ‘all aboard’ time (which will be posted as you leave the ship!).
