First Time Cruising Tips - Everything You Need To Know!
Are you looking to book your honeymoon or dream vacation on a cruise ship? You are certainly excited about sailing on the open ocean. Cruising on a ship is an awesome and exciting experience but can be intimidating when embarking for your first time. Follow these first time cruising tips and you will be prepared with the knowledge of what to expect.
1) Do proper research and use a cruise travel agent.
This is very important. You can learn a ton by surfing the online message boards or the most popular cruise fan sites. Remember that not every cruise line is the same and most are increasingly beginning to target different kinds of customers. They are moving in this direction because each will offer different levels of service, and experiences. Make a careful decision, but also know that your travel agent is there to assist you in choosing as well. Your agent may be able to get you better packages and prices. They also may be in a position to provide better cabins and a chance of upgrades if they are available.
2) What to bring and how to pack.
Be sure to pack lightweight and wrinkle free clothing. Knits, cotton and wool blended fabrics are wrinkle resistant. Some ships have a dress code for meals in certain dining areas. A cocktail dress or dark suit will do just fine. Bring extras of things you can't do without such as contact lenses and eye glasses, and medications. You may also wish to bring very small currency denominations for tipping guides or cab drivers. When packing, be sure to leave extra room for any souvenirs or presents you wish to bring home. Lastly, attach all cruise tags to your luggage with information including the ship name, cabin number and dates of the excursion.
3) It's best to book a non-stop flight to your departure port.
If a traveller encounters delays en route, the ship will not be waiting for them. If the air and cruise tickets are purchased with the cruise line, and a flight is delayed, the cruise line will take care of the arrangements.
4) Plan to arrive and board the ship as early as you are allowed to.
If you are able to explore the ship and find your way around before it gets fully loaded with people and terribly busy, you will have a much easier time moving about when the cruise begins. Try to locate the areas that you will be spending a lot of time at like the dining areas and the gym, or pool.
5) Be aware of the cruise itinerary ahead of time.
Prepare a list of all the places you'd like to see and things you want to do while aboard the ship. There is always something going on like shows, parties, dancing, and other events. Plan ahead, arrive early and get good seats. When arriving to a new port if you decide to stay aboard, you will be able to enjoy the pool without the crowds, and find things much more quiet and easy going. If you do go to shore, you will have the option of enjoying a booked excursion which is fully guided, or you may decide to just explore the local area on your own. The booked trips can be more expensive, but you may find some companies online that run similar tours with smaller groups at much lower prices.
6) Other on board expenses and charges.
Be aware of the extras, as they will add up quickly if you don't pay attention. Today the cruises are less "all inclusive". Since the price of the cruise is discounted to attract customers, the companies will try to drive up the amounts the passengers will spend on special restaurants, events, boutiques, training and courses, excursions, internet access, on-board photos, and beverages, which is one of the largest expenses on any cruise. If you are not careful, you could end up spending more money than the cost of the cruise itself. Just make sure you know the price of something before you order it and keep your receipts to compare to the final bill.
Do your homework, shop around, be prepared and you will not be sorry. Follow these first time cruising tips and you will have the time of your life on your wedding honeymoon or the vacation of your dreams!
1) Do proper research and use a cruise travel agent.
This is very important. You can learn a ton by surfing the online message boards or the most popular cruise fan sites. Remember that not every cruise line is the same and most are increasingly beginning to target different kinds of customers. They are moving in this direction because each will offer different levels of service, and experiences. Make a careful decision, but also know that your travel agent is there to assist you in choosing as well. Your agent may be able to get you better packages and prices. They also may be in a position to provide better cabins and a chance of upgrades if they are available.
2) What to bring and how to pack.
Be sure to pack lightweight and wrinkle free clothing. Knits, cotton and wool blended fabrics are wrinkle resistant. Some ships have a dress code for meals in certain dining areas. A cocktail dress or dark suit will do just fine. Bring extras of things you can't do without such as contact lenses and eye glasses, and medications. You may also wish to bring very small currency denominations for tipping guides or cab drivers. When packing, be sure to leave extra room for any souvenirs or presents you wish to bring home. Lastly, attach all cruise tags to your luggage with information including the ship name, cabin number and dates of the excursion.
3) It's best to book a non-stop flight to your departure port.
If a traveller encounters delays en route, the ship will not be waiting for them. If the air and cruise tickets are purchased with the cruise line, and a flight is delayed, the cruise line will take care of the arrangements.
4) Plan to arrive and board the ship as early as you are allowed to.
If you are able to explore the ship and find your way around before it gets fully loaded with people and terribly busy, you will have a much easier time moving about when the cruise begins. Try to locate the areas that you will be spending a lot of time at like the dining areas and the gym, or pool.
5) Be aware of the cruise itinerary ahead of time.
Prepare a list of all the places you'd like to see and things you want to do while aboard the ship. There is always something going on like shows, parties, dancing, and other events. Plan ahead, arrive early and get good seats. When arriving to a new port if you decide to stay aboard, you will be able to enjoy the pool without the crowds, and find things much more quiet and easy going. If you do go to shore, you will have the option of enjoying a booked excursion which is fully guided, or you may decide to just explore the local area on your own. The booked trips can be more expensive, but you may find some companies online that run similar tours with smaller groups at much lower prices.
6) Other on board expenses and charges.
Be aware of the extras, as they will add up quickly if you don't pay attention. Today the cruises are less "all inclusive". Since the price of the cruise is discounted to attract customers, the companies will try to drive up the amounts the passengers will spend on special restaurants, events, boutiques, training and courses, excursions, internet access, on-board photos, and beverages, which is one of the largest expenses on any cruise. If you are not careful, you could end up spending more money than the cost of the cruise itself. Just make sure you know the price of something before you order it and keep your receipts to compare to the final bill.
Do your homework, shop around, be prepared and you will not be sorry. Follow these first time cruising tips and you will have the time of your life on your wedding honeymoon or the vacation of your dreams!