If you’re going on your first cruise, not knowing these things before boarding can result in wasting money or missing out on some of the best parts of a cruise. In fact, there are some things that experienced cruisers know, that cruise lines don’t necessarily share.
To frequent cruisers, some of this will likely seem obvious. However, if you’re a beginner cruiser or you haven’t cruised in awhile, this “insider” cruise info will be helpful.
This cruise advice from experienced cruisers will help you to avoid mistakes, save money & have a better cruise! If you’re a first time cruiser, this is cruise information you must know.
From onboard activities, to included food, to things you can do in port, this cruise advice will help you have the best cruise possible.
1. A Balcony Isn’t Always “Worth it”
Balcony cabins are a luxurious choice and a great way to enhance your cruise vacation. After all, who doesn’t want to have the ocean waves right outside your door?
However, cruise ship balcony cabins aren’t always “worth it” or necessary for every cruiser. Of course, this is subjective, but these are times when you may want to skip the extra cost of a pricier cabin.
If your cruise is port-intensive, like a Mediterranean cruise with many ports of call, you might not use the balcony enough to justify the cost. Additionally, you may avoid the balcony if your itinerary includes cold or rainy weather destinations.
It’s important to consider your needs and preferences before splurging on a balcony or veranda cabin.
In my experience, there have been cruise itineraries (Alaska) on which I’ve used the balcony a lot and others (Mediterranean) on which I’ve used it less.
If you’re looking to save a little money on a cruise, it’s worth exploring your stateroom options. Before booking a balcony cabin, research the itinerary, onboard attractions, and lounges to make sure your balcony cabin is worth it for you.
2. Bring Cold or Cough Medicine
No one likes to think about getting sick on vacation, but it’s best to be prepared just in case. Whether on a plane or cruise ship, you’re in close proximity to others and catching a cold or virus can happen.
Bringing cold and other over the counter medication is a wise precaution. If you do get sick, it will save you from discomfort and ensure you can still enjoy your cruise if you catch a cold.
When creating your cruise packing list, be sure to add cold and flu medication, throat lozenges, antacids, motion sickness medication and anything else you might need for your well being.
Related: 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
3. Bring the Proper Documentation to Board Your Cruise
Having the proper documentation is crucial when boarding your cruise ship. Most cruise lines recommend sailing with a passport. However, there are some cruise itineraries where using a birth certificate and driver’s license is permitted.
This can be confusing, especially to newer cruisers. While many cruises leaving from a U.S. port allow passengers to board with a state-issued ID and a birth certificate, there are some requirements that won’t necessarily be obvious.
Be sure to ensure that you have the right form of government ID, and that it is valid. As well, cruising without a passport is not permitted for every port, even on “closed loop” cruises. In this case, arriving without a passport can result in being denied boarding.
4. Prepare for Tender Ports
When you book a cruise, pay special attention to your itinerary and whether there are tender ports. The reality of tender ports is that they require a bit of extra planning.
When your cruise ship anchors offshore, you must take a smaller boat (a tender) to reach your port of call.
This can add time to your plans, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or have a private excursion booked. It’s important to know that people with cruise-line excursions typically get priority, so plan accordingly.
5. Be Ready for Ship Movement
Even though modern cruise ships are quite stable and use stabilizers for the comfort of guests and crew, there are times when you might feel some movement. If you’re prone to seasickness or this is your first cruise, it’s a good idea to pack motion sickness medication or prevention.
Seasickness remedies are a great way to avoid feeling sick, especially when you’re sailing through rougher waters. When I begin feeling the boat swaying, I preemptively take a Bonine to avoid feeling nauseous and having my day ruined.
It’s important to remember that even slight vibrations or swaying can be noticeable, especially for first-time cruisers.
Related: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: 10 Effective Remedies
6. Be Aware of in Port Closures on Your Ship
Due to regulations, certain venues on your cruise ship, like the casino and duty free shops, are typically closed during port stops. Furthermore, some bars may also be unavailable.
If you plan to stay on board, be aware of these closures so you aren’t disappointed. If you plan to spend your day in the casino and at a bar, but it’s closed, this may change or ruin your plans.
7. Respect the Dress Code
While cruise lines have become less formal over the years, certain dress codes remain, especially in the main dining rooms. For instance, some cruise lines don’t allow shorts in the main dining room in the evening.
Make sure to pack at least one pair of pants and check for any formal or themed nights in advance. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to check the specific dress code on the cruise line you’re sailing with to avoid any potential issues.
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8. Main Dining Room Isn’t Just for Dinner
The main dining room often offers meals beyond dinner, including breakfast, lunch, brunch, and afternoon tea. Many cruisers don’t realize that these meals are included in the cost of the cruise.
On embarkation day, one of my favorite things to do is enjoy a sit-down lunch in the main dining room. While the other cruise passengers head to the busy buffet, I enjoy a complimentary and relaxing lunch in the main dining room since many people don’t realize it’s open.
So, be sure to explore your dining options to enjoy a variety of delicious meals.
9. Your Can Request Certain Items from Your Cabin Attendant
Your cabin attendant is there to help. Whether it’s an extra chair for the balcony, more hangers, or a mattress topper, don’t hesitate to ask. Just keep in mind that there may be a limited quantity.
They’re there to make your stay as comfortable as possible and usually try to be as accommodating as possible. Some requests I typically ask for on a cruise are extra hangers, a mattress topper, and extra towels.
On a recent cruise, some of our clothing was wrinkled since we just unpacked. We called out cabin attendant and asked if we could borrow an iron and an ironing board, and he brought one to our cabin within 5 minutes!
Truthfully, we were quite surprised we could do this. However this was a Norwegian Cruise Line tip we recently learned about, and it worked!
10. Print Out Your Luggage Tags
Many first-time cruisers don’t realize that luggage tags should be printed in advance. Printing your luggage tags are the best way to make sure youryour bags get delivered to your stateroom.
To protect your luggage tags, consider buying reusable plastic luggage tag covers. These are inexpensive and will keep your tags safe and secure.
Related: 31 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
11. Learn How the Air Conditioning Works in Your Cabin
To avoid an uncomfortable night’s sleep, familiarize yourself with your cabin’s air conditioning system. On the first day of your cruise, test different temperatures to find what’s most comfortable for you.
The air conditioning won’t function properly in most balcony cabins unless the balcony door is closed and latched. So, be sure your balcony cabin door is closed properly so your AC can work properly.
Additionally, some cabins require you to insert your key card into a slot to activate the electricity, including the AC.
12. Download the Cruise Ship App Before Sailing
The cruise ship app is an essential tool for managing your trip, from booking activities and dining reservations to shore excursions and checking the daily schedule.
Download it before you set sail to avoid slow or spotty Wi-Fi. A cruise mistake some passengers make is waiting till the cruise port to download the app. However, the signal is often weak at the cruise terminal, making downloading the cruise line app hard.
Remember to put your phone in airplane mode before sailing to avoid roaming charges, and don’t worry—your app will still work without purchasing the ship’s Wi-Fi!
13. Boarding Times Are Often Flexible
This one is a bit controversial, but many cruisers report that boarding times aren’t strictly enforced at the cruise terminal. While this might vary by cruise line, it’s something to remember.
Regardless of your embarkation time, always arrive at the port a day before your cruise to avoid any last-minute issues. There are countless stories of cruise passengers flying in the day of their cruise and missing the ship.
14. Make Reservations ASAP
Make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on your preferred dining times, spa treatments, or shore excursions. Certain cruise lines sailing at full capacity require passengers to book their shows in advance, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
If you can’t book in advance, head to guest services or the box office immediately upon boarding to secure any remaining spots.
15. Monitor Your Cruise Fare for Price Drops
Keep an eye on your cruise fare even after booking. If the price drops before your final payment, you can often get the lower rate.
Even after the final payment, there might be opportunities to upgrade your cabin. It’s always worth checking with your travel agent or the cruise line to see if there are any ways to save money or get an upgrade.
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Final Thoughts On Cruise Advice Secrets Only Experienced Cruisers Know
These 15 tips will help you avoid common mistakes and enhance your cruise experience. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifteenth, being prepared guarantees you can focus on having fun and making the most of your cruise vacation.
Do you know any cruise tips or secrets? Please let me know your questions and tips in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising with his family since he was four years old and has been on more than 30 cruises. As a frequent traveler, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like from a young person’s perspective. Ethan also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.
