Tips For First Time Cruisers

• 

  These tips for first time cruisers are sure to help your first sail go smoothly!

• Get to the embarkation port one day early:

First time cruisers may not know this tip. Unless it is an easy and short drive to the port, you should absolutely get there a day ahead of time. Bad weather, flight delays, and unforeseen circumstances can get you there late. And guess what – that beautiful ship will not wait for you. Save yourself anxiety and plan on going a day ahead of time and book yourself a nice hotel room for the night before embarkation.  Besides – who doesn’t want to start their vacation a day early? In addition, some hotels offer free breakfast, shuttle from the airport, shuttle to the cruise port and reasonable parking if you are driving.

• Buy travel insurance:
  • Because stuff happens and it can cost a boat-load to be taken care of (pun intended;-). Hopefully, you will never need it, but unless you have lots of money squirreled away, it is a good idea to get travel insurance when cruising. This can be purchased either thru the cruise line or from an outside travel insurance company. Above all, use caution when comparing policies to make sure each one covers the same things.
• Research ports of call and book excursions ahead:
  • The cruise line will offer many excursions per port and will have detailed descriptions on your personal itinerary
  • You can Google excursions that are offered outside the cruise line but be sure you are using a reputable service and check to see that they promise to get you back to the ship in time for departure.

    

• Know what travel documents you will need:
  • Always check your cruise booking for a detailed list of identification documents you will need on your trip.
  • In an abundance of caution, my husband and I make photocopies of these and each carries a copy of each others documents – you just never know;-)
• Get to know your ship: 
  • Dress code
  • Prohibited items
  • Dining options
  • Gratuities
  • Find out what is included and what is not included
• Let your credit card company know where and when you will be traveling:
  • You would hate not to be able to purchase that perfect Chotchkie because your bank declined the purchase.
• Bring small bills:
  • We always bring small bills to tip the port luggage handlers, our room steward and others who go out of their way to make sure we have an awesome experience. To clarify, these tips are in addition to the auto-gratuity.
  • Cruising is pretty much cashless, most everything will go on your ship card. In other words, you need to have with you at all times.

    

• What to pack in your carry-on bag:
  • All travel documents, electronics, medicines, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
  • Your luggage may not arrive for a while so if you plan to swim or sunbathe be sure to pack your swim gear (swimsuit, sandals, or whatever).
  • You may not even get your luggage before dinner so pack something appropriate to wear to dinner (another reason to know the ships dress policy for eating in the dining room). Eating the buffet without changing is always an option.
  • Let me stress the importance of bringing sunscreen with you. The sun is intense and you will need protection. Yes, you can purchase it onboard but that cost will shock you so be prepared and bring it along with you.
• When you get on the ship be sure to turn your cell phone to airplane mode:
  • No one wants a surprise from their cell phone provider for roaming charges, which can be substantial. Switch to airplane mode and you will be fine. Many ships have an app that will allow you to receive information from the ship and even text friends and family that are on the ship while you are in airplane mode.
• Explore  the ship:
  • Pick up a map of the ship.
  • Find your cabin.
  • Inspect each deck and become familiar with the amenities.
• Attend the muster drill:
  • Everyone must attend, no matter how many cruises they have been on.
• Do not miss the Sail Away:
  • The Sail Away party is usually on the lido deck and it is fun, fun, fun!

    

• Stay healthy:
  • Bring antibacterial wipes and wipe down the surfaces in your cabin.
  • Wash your hands often and in addition use hand sanitizer frequently.
  • Be prepared for motion sickness even if you have never experienced it.
• Unpack:
  • This is your home for the duration of your trip and it is a very small home at that! Unpack and store your luggage under the bed or in the closet. You will feel better if your clothes and gear are stored in the drawers and closet.

    

• Read the daily newsletter
  • Bring a highlighter to highlight the events you are interested each day. This is important to do because there is so much offered each and every day. The newsletter is usually delivered to your cabin each evening.
• Ship time vs port time
  • Yes, this can vary and you do not want to be that person running to the ship at a port as it sails away because you are not on the ship’s time. It does happen – just Google it! 
  • We have an inexpensive analog watch fob that we keep on the backpack we always take with us when we are in a port. Therefore we have no excuse if we are late.

    

• If you like these Tips for First Time Cruisers then you should also read Embarkation Day Carry-On Essentials.