Tips for Your First Cruise
Taking your first cruise is a big deal & opens up a whole new way to travel! It is honestly one of the easiest ways to see new places without all the travel days! No need to repack your bags every few days, schlep through airports or arrange new accommodations. All you have to do is board the ship, settle into your cabin & enjoy yourself! Everything else is taken care of for you!!
Though before we can get to the enjoying, first we have to book the trip! There are lots of different cruise liners and destinations, so the challenge becomes picking the right one for you. Between choosing the right ship, figuring out what to pack and understanding how port days will work, there’s a lot of details to sort out and tips to remember. I remember standing in the cruise terminal for my first sailing, wondering if I’d packed what I’d need & booked the right excursions, cabin, drink package etc. Even with all my research & planning, there were things I’d forgotten or didn’t know. Your first time out at sea can be overwhelming! If you’re about to embark on your first sailing, let me help you avoid the beginner mistakes and show you how to board with confidence!
The first thing you must do is decide what ship is the right fit for you! Are you looking for family fun? Or a luxurious experience? Is cost the biggest factor for you? Or maybe the port locations? Whatever is most important to you, there’s a cruise tailored to you! If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, Carnival is known for being a party at sea at an excellent price point. For the adventure-traveler, Royal Caribbean has routes all over the world! If an upscale, more relaxing experience is what you want, look at the Princess Cruises! Once you settle on the cruise liner that matches your vacation personality & goals, select the itinerary & number of sea days that work best for you!
Here’s a few tips to make your experience the best it can be!
1) Sail in the Off-Season
Cruising in the fall & early spring avoids the higher costs of peak season. Mid-September to November & January to March are lower-demand times and means less crowded vacations (win-win!).
2) Book 6-12 Months Ahead
Get the best deals 6-12 months early! Avoid surge prices on remaining rooms by keeping an eye out for fare sales. Make sure to book your excursions early as well!
3) Arrive a Day Before You Embark
This is a non-negotiable!! Airline delays can make you miss your departure aboard the ship and that kinda stress just isn’t worth it! Book a flight into the port city the day before your ship leaves!
4) Book an Exterior Room
I’ll always recommend getting a balcony room for the views & fresh sea air! Though honestly if you’re doing it right, you won’t spent much time in your room so interior rooms are just fine!
5) What to Pack
A few things to not forget at home!
a) First aid kit (aloe, dramamine, motion sickness bands, bandaids, sunscreen, antibacterial wipes, bug spray etc.)
b) Magnetic hooks for hanging wet swimsuits/towels
c) Small beach bag or backpack for port days
d) Formal dinnerware / Fancy clothes
*Certain nights have a dress code for dinner in the dining room.
e) Portable charger and a multi-outlet adapter
g) Lanyard & Luggage Tags
h) Reusable water bottle
6) How to Pack
Make sure you have everything you’ll need for the first day in your carry-on, your bigger luggage will be valeted to your room and you’ll likely be without it for several hours. Meaning if you want to get in the pool right away, make sure you have a bathing suit & sunscreen in your carry-on or backpack!
7) Get the Wifi Package & Keep Your Phone on Airplane Mode
Don’t fall victim to mega roaming charges! Make sure to check your phone plan for international data costs, keep it on airplane mode while onboard & use the ship’s wifi!
8) Bring Your Own Drinks
Drink prices & packages can be expensive, BUT most cruises allow you to bring a limited amount of drinks. Check your cruise liners rules as you may be able to bring unopened bottles of wine or cases of soda & beer.
9)Don’t Accidentally Double Tip
Most cruise liners have an automatic 20% gratuity on bar tabs & spa services. Don’t tip twice! Unless you want to!
10) Explore the Ship
The ships are huge & a part of the destination!! The first hour or so feels a bit like being lost in a maze. Getting up top, out on deck, helps get you orientated. During the at-sea days, there is so much to do aboard the ship. Make sure you check out the live entertainment (bands, comedy shows), sing karaoke, visit the casino & the different lounges!
Your first cruise might feel like a bit of a learning curve but once you’re onboard & unpacked, it will all click! Keep these tips in mind, skip the stress and enjoy sailing the high seas!