Alright, a little secret before we continue. I have been places, I have travelled, I have seen things… I, however, have never been on a cruise… Shocking! Horrifying! The scandal, I know! Haha… Anyways, seriously, I have never been on a cruise and have two planned that are coming up quickly.
In planning these, I have scoured the internet and interviewed friends and family and have compiled a list of what to be prepared for. I have decided that since I spent all this time compiling this list, I would share it here, for all my awesome readers.
So, let’s get into the do this, don’t do that of cruising!
This is seriously just a jot note type of list, nothing fancy. I am thinking of setting up an easily printable list on my blog. In the meantime, you can send me an email and I will send you the printable file!
General Tips
- Do pre-book your shows and specialty dining reservations
- Do complete your luggage tags and pre-cruise documents before leaving
- Do choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship if you tend to get seasick (or think you may get seasick)
- Do pack at least one sweater and jacket
- Do budget for onboard expenses such as drinks, excursions, and gratuities
- Do use a trave agent to book your cruise. You can save money and possibly get some extras that you wouldn’t receive booking yourself
- Do purchase travel insurance
- Do not neglect passport and visa requirements. You can be denied boarding
- Do pack a power strip with USB plugs to charge all of your electronics.
- Do not fly in the day your cruise sails. Talk to your travel agent about booking a hotel and flying in the day before.
- Don’t forget sunscreen
- Do take advantage of all of the amenities offered. The cruise lines deliver a newsletter each morning. Pack a highlighter, this way you can highlight the daily actvities you are interested in
- Pack a cruise carry-on. This seems to be one that I have found everywhere! You may not get your luggage, or even into your room, until after dinner time. Make sure your carry-on has identification, cruise documents, medications, money, electronics, bathing suits, a sweater, etc.. Anything that you feel you will need before being able to get into your luggage.
- Do be aware that gratuities are either paid for in advance of the cruise or charged to your onboard account. This is an additional expense
- Do not wait to settle your onboard account on the morning of departure. Take care of it the night before.
- Do arrive on time for the mandatory safety drill
- Don’t get a stuck with a massive cell phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode or check your carrier’s roaming charges
- Do talk to the crew, find out what places in the different ports offer free wi-fi.
- Pack a flashlight, cabins (especially inside cabins) can be very dark.
- Do not overpack. Everyone tells me that no one will care if you wear the same outfit a couple of days. Actually everyone tells me, no one will even notice.
- Don’t book your trip over a school holiday and not expect a cruise full of families. I’ve heard many people complaining about too many kids on a cruise – it was Spring break!
- Do make reservations for any specialty restaurants, spa services, or excursions on the first day of the cruise, if you did not pre-book these
- Do be prepared to have your photo taken. You don’t have to have it taken, but it is easier to just smile.
- Do be prepared for motion/sea sickness. Bring medication, ginger, sea bands, etc.
- Bring a reusable water bottle for everyone you are travelling with
Family Tips
- Do take advantage of the kid’s club.
- Don’t let your kids run and yell down the hallway of the stateroom areas.
- Do consider multigenerational travel. Cruises are great vacations for taking with grandparents, aunts, and uncles
- Do pack a stash of medications, especially for kids. The ship will have some medication in a pinch and available for purchase, but it’s best to save money, and bring your own
- Do purchase lanyards for everyones sea cards
- Don’t be afraid to meet new people
Eating and Drinking
- Do use hand sanitizer
- Don’t use your hands at the buffet
- Don’t stand around the buffet area – move out of the way and let people in so they can get their food
- Don’t be scared to ask for something that is not on the menu
- Do opt to eat breakfast and lunch in the dining room on occasion, instead of only eating at the buffet during these meals
- Don’t eat something if you don’t like it
- Do use a new plate each time you go back to the buffet
- Do try new foods and drinks
- Don’t skip room service. Many lines offer room service for free.
- Do budget for one specialty dining experience.
Recreation Tips
- Do research ports of call before sailing
- Do attend port talks if you haven’t researched the port of call in advance
- Do not assume cruise ship excursions are the only option. Talk to your travel agent, there are many excursions offered by indepent compaines as well.
- Don’t miss the shows
And, the final tip that I have.. Kind of parting words..
Do be fully prepared to book another cruise. I hear there is something special about being catered to, and visiting numerous destinations and only unpacking once.
I think I am more prepared now, then I was before I began this research. All February long we are going to be talking crusing, so there will be more to come!
Travelling with Nichole 