Cruise Tips & Tricks

 

Ready for your first cruise, or are you a seasoned cruiser?  Either way these quick tips and tricks will help alleviate stress, save time and help you get the most out of your trip.  

- Arrive Early.  Most cruises set sail in the late afternoon.  Don't try to fly or drive to the port from your home the same day.  One accident on the highway can snarl traffic for hours and a slight delay in a flight can make you late enough that the ship will leave.  Ships will not wait for passengers, they have a schedule to keep and it's up to you to get there on time.

- Pack thinks you will need in your carry on bag.  Think swim suit (take advantage of the pool before the masses show up), medication, ID's, credit cards, phone chargers, sunscreen, etc.  It will be hours before your bags turn up at your room and you don't want to not have access to something that you will need to fill the time between boarding and the bag arriving.  

- Drinks.  Some lines offer unlimited drink packages, some don't.  In addition to that, some lines allow you to bring beverages on board at boarding, and some also allow you to bring beverages on board at ports.  Save money when possible by buying bottles on land when possible.  Check your cruise line's policy on tipping as most include tips in the prices you pay.

- Medicine.  You never know when a headache will hit, or if you will feel ill.  While basic medicine is available on board, you don't want to pay those prices.  Get a small bag and those some over the counter medicine you may need.  If you don't use it, no big deal, if you do, you'd have saved a nice amount of money.

- Magnets.  These are a good idea because most walls in the cabins are metal.  You can use them to hang up reminders, the event list, etc.  

- Time.  Don't feel like you have to jam pack every second of every day with an activity.  Of course book or schedule the stuff you really want to do, but leave time to just relax too.  There's nothing better than relaxing on deck, having a drink and just taking in the atmosphere.

- Cell Phone.  Make sure it's in airplane mode at all times.  Most companies automatically include international service for a fee and you don't realize it until after the fact.  You don't want a surprise bill when you get home, so leave it off or in airplane mode.

- Cruise App.  Going along with the airplane mode above.  Turn on your wi-fi on your phone and utilize it to access the cruise app which is free on the majority of the lines.  It will keep you updated on events, schedules, make reservations, book activities and some even let you order drinks and food.

- Booking your cruise.  Don't be afraid to use a travel agent.  You won't pay anything additional to go this route, the cruise line takes care of it in the ticket price whether you use one or not.  You may also get extra benefits by going through a travel agent even if you know what you're doing on the site yourself.