Important Things To Know About Cruising

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Cruising is a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations, indulge in world-class dining, and experience luxurious accommodations all in one journey. With so much to do and see aboard a cruise ship, it can be overwhelming to plan your vacation.

Over our years of cruising, we have learned so many things to make a cruise go more smoothly and enjoyably. In this post, we will highlight the most important things to know about cruising, so you can set sail with confidence and make the most of your cruise vacation.

Planning For Your Cruise

A lot of planning and time should go into planning your cruise. After all, it is a big expense, one for which you want to get your money’s worth. The following are things to consider before you book your cruise and as you manage it in the months leading up to it.

Book early: To get the best deals and availability, book your cruise at least six months in advance.

Ensure your passports are up-to-date: Be sure each passenger has a passport that is valid through at least six months after the cruise ends.

Budget for additional expenses: Although dining and some activities are included in your cruise fare, budget for extras like shore excursions, spa treatments, premium onboard activities such as go-karts and surfing simulators, and drinks.

Choosing the right cruise line: Research and select a cruise line that aligns with your preferences and interests. Different cruise lines cater to various demographics and offer distinct onboard experiences.

Cruise loyalty programs: Join the cruise line’s loyalty program to enjoy perks and discounts on future cruises – it’s a great way to enhance your cruising experience. If you stay with one cruise line and plan to go on multiple cruises, you will advance in the loyalty tiers quicker. Celebrity and Norwegian, for example, both have wonderful loyalty programs.

Itinerary matters: Pay attention to the cruise itinerary. Choose a route that covers destinations you’re eager to explore and allows for a balanced mix of sea days and port visits. Too many sea days and you might get antsy; too many port days and you might be too tired to enjoy them.

Cabin selection: Cabin location matters. Consider factors such as proximity to elevators, noise levels, and views when selecting your cabin. Get a balcony room if it’s within your budget: it’s worth the extra expense to have a larger room and be able to enjoy the views. Choose a stateroom that has passenger cabins both above and below it for maximum quiet.

Cruise length: Decide on the duration of your cruise based on your availability and preferences. Short cruises are great for a quick getaway, while longer ones offer a more immersive experience.

Beverage package: Unless you enjoy several pricey cocktails and bottled water and spiked coffees a day, you may not realize any savings from purchasing a beverage package. Check to see what your cruise line’s beverage package covers and do the math yourself to be sure it’s a bargain for you before purchasing. Also, if your itinerary is port-heavy, you may not have the chance to enjoy your beverage package to its fullest. Check out our beverage package calculator for Norwegian to get an idea.

Shore excursions: Research and book shore excursions in advance or explore independently. Some cruise ports have limited time, so plan activities that align with your interests, and be sure to return to the ship on time.

Travel insurance: Invest in travel insurance to cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. It provides peace of mind during your vacation. You can purchase insurance through the cruise line for your trip. Or, if you are cruising more than twice in a year, you might want to look into an annual travel policy through a third party instead…which should save you money.

Traveling to and from the port: Always plan to travel to the port at least a day before the ship departs, especially if your cruise is leaving from a foreign port. Make your flight reservations home for the afternoon, not the morning, because delays can happen and you need plenty of travel time to the airport. We have had customs delays of ninety minutes before that threw many passengers in a tizzy. Also, plan to dress comfortably for travel.

For more tips on what to consider before booking your cruise, check out our post.

Pack light: Cruise ship cabins are small, so you want to pack light for your cruise. For example, bring outfit components that mix and match, and don’t bring eight pairs of shoes.

Pack a carry-on bag: Pack a carry-on bag with your most important items, those that would ruin your cruise if you lost or forgot, and keep that bag with you on embarkation day.

Prepare for the dress code: Familiarize yourself with the ship’s dress codes, such as these for Celebrity and Norwegian. You will especially want to know what is expected for dress-up nights, and for main and specialty restaurants. Pack appropriate attire to enjoy all aspects of the onboard experience.

Bring travel-sized toiletries: Cruise ships typically have limited space in bathrooms, so bringing travel-sized toiletries is a smart way to save space.

Weather awareness: Keep an eye on weather forecasts leading into embarkation day for your cruise, especially if your itinerary takes you to different climates. Pack accordingly and be prepared for changes in weather conditions. Layering is key.

Packing essentials: Pack wisely. Consider the weather, theme nights, and shore excursions when deciding what to bring. Don’t forget to bring necessary items such as travel documents, passports, and visas if necessary. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a bathing suit.

Bring a camera: Whether you bring your DSLR camera and lenses or simply use your phone’s camera, you will want to be sure to make a record of memories of your cruise.

Cruising with CPAP: If you use a CPAP machine, check out our tips for using CPAP on a cruise ship.

Seasickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared with over-the-counter remedies or prescription medications. Modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers, but it’s better to be safe.

Prohibited items: Some items that are prohibited on cruise ships might surprise you. Be sure to check your cruise line’s website for their list before you pack.

First Day of Your Cruise

The first day of your cruise is exciting and hectic. If you’re prepared for embarkation day and have a plan, it will go much smoother.

Arrive on time: Be at the port at your designated time on embarkation day to avoid long lines. Be patient, and have all necessary documents ready for a smooth check-in process.

Cell phone: Put your phone in airplane mode as soon as you board the ship

Attend the muster drill: It’s mandatory, but it also teaches you how to use your life jacket and familiarize yourself with the evacuation procedures.

Unpack: Put away your belongings as soon as your luggage arrives, and ask your cabin steward for extra hangers if you need them.

Explore: Explore the ship fully on day one. Pro tip: take the elevator to the top deck and work your way down, taking the stairs to avoid the busy elevators.

Tips For Enjoying Your Cruise

There are so many things to see and do on a cruise ship. In fact, if your cruise is short, you may not have time to do them all. Here are some tips for enjoying your cruise to the max.

Stay active: Many cruise ships have fitness centers, jogging tracks, and other active pursuits available to help passengers stay active onboard.

Attend the shows: Cruise lines offer wonderful nightly shows with world-class Broadway-style performances, so be sure to go to see these. They also showcase comedians, magicians, and vocalists, so you are sure to find something you will enjoy.

Theme-night parties: Attend the theme night parties, whether it’s a White Party or Glow Party or 70s Night.

Kids’ clubs: Check if your cruise line has kids clubs to keep younger passengers entertained and allow parents to have some downtime.

Onboard activities: Participate in activities like trivia quizzes, game shows, tournaments, and more.

Daily newsletter: Read the daily newsletter front to back when you receive it in your cabin each evening. You may see something happening the next day that you would love to do.

Onboard activities: Cruise ships are equipped with a wide range of activities, from laser tag courses to rock-climbing walls. Familiarize yourself with the onboard offerings to make the most of your time at sea.

Internet access: Internet access on cruise ships can be expensive and service can be spotty. Consider disconnecting during your vacation or purchase a package for essential communication.

Cruise card usage: Your cruise card is your lifeline onboard. Link it to a credit card for easy transactions, but keep track of your expenses to avoid surprises at the end of the cruise. Your cabin TV should have a channel where you can see your charges as they arrive on your account. If there are any discrepancies, don’t wait until the last day to straighten them out with Guest Services.

Dining

Cruise-ship dining is varied and wonderful, so be sure to explore as much of it as you can. Don’t limit yourself to the buffet; check out the main dining room, and if it’s within your budget, try a specialty restaurant or two.

Dining options: Cruise ships offer a variety of dining choices, from formal dining rooms to casual buffets and specialty restaurants. Check your ship’s dining options and make reservations for specialty restaurants in advance since they are usually small venues that book up quickly.

Try new foods: Cruise ships offer a variety of dining options with many different cuisines. Be open to trying it all.

Stay hydrated: Carry a water bottle or order drinks to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially on hot destinations and on the pool deck.

Cruise Etiquette

Be mindful of cruise etiquette. Respect fellow passengers, adhere to rules, and follow safety guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. A cruise ship is like a small town where you keep bumping into the same people over and over, so remember that if tempers flare.

Adhere to the dress codes: Dress codes are enforced in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, so be sure to follow them. Also, cover up your bathing suit when not at the pool.

Don’t be a chair hog: Enjoy the pool, but don’t save your chair by leaving your belongings on it for more than a short while.

Use your earbuds or headphones: Don’t play your music or take phone calls on speaker in public.

Follow proper elevator etiquette: When an elevator arrives, stand aside and let people leave the elevator before stepping inside. Move to the back of the elevator to allow others to board too. If a person on a mobility scooter is waiting for the elevator, allow them to enter first so they can maneuver without injuring anyone, as they tend to back into the elevator.

Respect the lines: Don’t cut in line while waiting for an elevator, your turn at the buffet, or to enter the theater. Be considerate of others.

Be kind to the crew: Never shout at or curse at a crew member. The captain has the authority to drop you off at the next port for bad behavior, so don’t forget that.

Smoke only in designated areas: For safety reasons, only certain areas are cleared for smoking. Follow those rules, and definitely do not smoke on your cabin’s balcony.

Gratuities

Cruise staff work hard to make your vacation memorable. Show appreciation to the crew through kind gestures or participating in cruise-line-recommended gratuity programs.

Gratuities: Check your cruise line’s gratuity policy. Some automatically add gratuities to your bill, while others leave it to your discretion. Budget accordingly for tipping.

Carry small bills: Although you won’t need cash onboard for paying for anything, you will for optional tipping. Also, if you’re traveling outside the US or the Caribbean, you may want to order some local currency in small denominations from your bank before your trip.

Shore Excursions

Be sure to take advantage of shore excursions and immerse yourself in new destinations. You have three choices for exploring: on your own, with a cruise-line tour group, and with a third-party tour group.

Be on time: Don’t be a pier runner, one of those anxious people running back to the ship late as the gangway is about to be removed. To avoid this, be sure to set your watch to ship time and know what the all-aboard time is. Leave yourself plenty of time to return to the ship.

Cruise-line tour group: If your cruise-line tour group runs late, the ship will wait for you or make arrangements for your group to rejoin the ship. If, however, you are with a third-party tour group or are exploring on your own and you’re late returning to the ship, you may find that it has left without you. In that case, you will have to find your own transportation to the next port to meet up with the ship.

Stay with your tour group: Have fun on your excursion, but be sure to stick with your tour group. If you are late returning from free time on your excursion, the group may be forced to leave without you.

Miscellaneous Tips

Little things we’ve learned along the way include:

• Make friends with a good bartender and tip them well
• Ask for the most popular waiter and stick with them
• Be open to making new friends
• Don’t over-schedule yourself
• Avoid snacks and take the stairs
• If you’re really hungry, seconds are available if you ask
• Go easy on the beverage package
• Don’t sweat the small stuff
• When shopping, wait for the end-of-cruise sales
• Avoid sales-pitch talks and art auctions
• Watch your daily newsletter for spa treatment specials

The Last Night Of Your Cruise

Those passengers who participate in the luggage program must have their packed suitcases outside their cabin door with the proper tag attached by a set time in the evening, usually 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. While you sleep, your cabin steward will transfer your luggage to a staging area, where it will remain until it is taken to where you can pick it up in the morning as you leave the ship.

Don’t leave anything behind: As you pack that night, ensure you leave out the clothes you will be wearing the next morning, your travel documents, your medications, and any other important items you will need the next morning as you disembark. Make a couple of sweeps through your entire cabin, opening every drawer and closet (and checking underneath the bed) to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Luggage: If you are physically capable of it, plan to carry off your own luggage on the last day. This way you will have your belongings with you over the last evening, and you can pack early in the morning before you disembark.

Just be sure to get up early enough to be off the ship by the specified time for self-assist passengers, when all passengers need to be off so the ship needs to be cleared by the port authority.

The Last Day Of Your Cruise

The last day of your cruise is the saddest, and can also be the most stressful. Understand the disembarkation process and follow the guidelines provided by the cruise line. Have all necessary documents ready for a swift and stress-free departure.

Final Thoughts On Important Things To Know About Cruising

Cruising is an incredible way to see the world and have fun while doing it. It can be a bit overwhelming to plan your trip initially, but now you have a better idea of what to expect during your next cruise. Remember to plan ahead, stay active, try new foods, attend shows, and make the most out of your vacation.

Happy cruising!

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