Unpack once, and your destinations come to you. Cruising offers the prospect of journeying across rivers, oceans, seas, and lakes, and the convenience of having your hotel, restaurant, and entertainment all in one place at one price. However, if you're planning your first cruise, the options and details can seem overwhelming. To help you navigate these waters, here are a few tips to consider as you evaluate your options. The little bit of time you put into planning will be well worth the effort.
Find the Right Ship: A Personal Choice
Find the ship that is right for you. Every cruise line and every cruise ship has its own personality, and you want to be sure that your personality matches the ship. There are ocean ships of various sizes and capacity. Some cruise lines are family-friendly, and some are adults-only. Some ships are small and intimate and travel lakes or rivers. Some are excursion ships and put you in the middle of nature and exploration. This is where a travel advisor experienced in cruise bookings is vital. Picking the right ship is akin to choosing the right partner—it should suit your personality and lifestyle. Your travel advisor will ask lots of questions to present you with options based on your preferences—be it luxury, family-friendliness, intimacy, mixing with crowds, or adventure.
Budgeting and Managing Expectations
Your travel advisor will also help decode what's included in the cruise package, ensuring there are no financial surprises later on. Just so you know, the base fare is only part of your total investment. In addition to the base fare, there will likely be port charges, spa treatments, alcohol packages, internet access, gratuities, and shore excursions.
Exploring Your Ship
Explore the ship both before you get on and after you arrive at embarkation. Before your trip, study deck plans, videos, and reviews of your ship. Locate your cabin, dining venues, and entertainment spots. Knowing these details will help you optimize your time onboard, making it easier to find your way around once you embark. After you arrive, orient yourself, seek out the location of dining venues that appeal to you, and locate points of interest like the casino, and spa in advance. Speak with your travel consultant about all of the features of the ship and ask questions about the ship's facilities.
An Early Arrival
With airline flights being notoriously unreliable, don't chance missing your ship because a flight is delayed or canceled. Get to your embarkation city at least one day before your planned departure, and do a bit of sightseeing. Enjoy your visit, knowing you will be on time for your cruise adventure. Flight delays and cancellations can wreak havoc on your plans. The cushion of arriving early also offers you the chance to combat jet lag or explore another city, adding an extra layer of excitement to your trip.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions can fill up quickly, and you may not be able to find availability if you wait until boarding. Work with your travel consultant to book in advance, focusing on customized experiences that align with your interests, rather than generic offerings from the cruise line. Manage your own expectations for what you can see on land, and don't try to do everything available. Use your shore excursions as a way of introducing yourself to the destination. All of Rome cannot be seen in a single day!
The Art of Packing: Less is More
Don't overpack. Take what you need, remember any dressy clothing you want to take, and remember that cruise cabins and bathrooms can be smaller than you might imagine. Overpacking can lead to cramped quarters and additional stress. Plan your wardrobe carefully, including formal wear if needed, and adhere to your packing list. Also, remember to leave space for any purchases along the way!
Cabin Choices: Your Home at Sea
Choose a cruise cabin that meets your needs. Don't choose a cabin based strictly on price. Ask your cruise counselor about the best cabins to avoid ship motion and to stay away from elevators on each deck. Your travel consultant can help you select a cabin that's not just affordable but also comfortable and conveniently located.
The Unpredictable Itinerary: Ports Can Change
Remember, ports of call can be canceled by the cruise line. If one particular port of call is the reason you are choosing your particular cruise, you risk disappointment if the cruise line cancels the destination on your itinerary. Ports of call can be changed or canceled for various reasons, including weather conditions. Be willing to embrace the new itinerary as a surprise element of your journey.
Safety Measures: Know the Drill
Muster drills are mandatory safety exercises meant to familiarize guests with the location to assemble in the event of an emergency. Upon boarding, pay close attention to the safety briefing and participate in the mandatory drill requirements. The cruise lines take your safety seriously. Be certain you and your companions know the shortest route to your muster station and where life jackets are stored. Your safety is non-negotiable, so take these procedures seriously.
Digital Connectivity: Internet Access
Internet packages onboard are generally more expensive than regular rates. Determine whether you'll need consistent connectivity or if periodic check-ins during port stops are sufficient. Pre-purchase a package if needed, as onboard rates can be exorbitant.
Beverage Packages: Calculated Indulgence
Alcoholic and specialty beverages are an extra cost. Consider the economics of purchasing a beverage package versus paying a la carte. Do the math based on your consumption habits and check whether all adults in the cabin need to purchase the package, which is sometimes a requirement.
Tipping and Gratuities
Most cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities to your account, covering the service staff. In some instances, you can adjust these at the guest services desk if you feel it’s warranted. Remember this when budgeting, and consider additional tips for exceptional service.
Your first cruise will likely be the first of many if you choose well your first time. Please use our agency as a resource for planning your cruise adventure! We are here for you!