Introduction

I’ve been on a lot of cruises, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced cruiser, these tips will help make your trip more enjoyable.

Research the ship.

Researching the ships you’re considering is an important part of planning your trip.

Before you book, find out as much as possible about each ship’s amenities and activities. How many pools does it have? Will my kids be entertained by their own activities? What kind of dining options are there? What kind of entertainment can I expect on board? How far from shore will we be at any given point in our itinerary? These questions can help steer your decision making when choosing which cruise to take, so take a look at reviews from previous passengers before booking!

Make reservation for specialty restaurants and shows.

To make a reservation, you can do so through the cruise line’s website, by calling the cruise line or by calling the specialty restaurant or show directly. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance of your trip.

We recommend making reservations for shows as soon as possible because they are often sold out by the time you’re ready to book your cruise vacation.

Pack wisely.

• Pack a carry-on bag. While it’s tempting to bring everything you own with you on your cruise, that’s not only unnecessary, it can also be a hassle when trying to navigate the crowds of passengers at embarkation and disembarkation. Instead, pack one bag that can fit into the overhead storage bins above your seat (or below if your cabin has under-seat storage). If you do need to bring more than what will fit in this bag and there are no checked baggage options available for purchase onboard, consider renting an extra suitcase from the concierge desk once on board and storing it in their safe until needed.
• Don’t overpack! This is important because even though you’ll be living out of a suitcase for up to two weeks (depending), all those random socks and t-shirts add up quickly—and with limited space in your cabin, every item counts! Plus, all those extra pairs of shoes will just make things cluttered when they don’t get used as often as expected anyway so keep them out of sight but at arm’s length if possible by packing them away neatly inside drawers or closets instead.

Be a water saver.

One of the easiest ways to save water is to bring a reusable water bottle. This way you can refill it throughout the day and not have to buy as many plastic bottles. If you do buy bottled water, ask for no ice and only request them when necessary (such as on a hot day). Instead of asking for bottled water at all, ask for tap water instead! You’ll be shocked how many places will serve it up free-of-charge—you may even get free refills!

Another great tip is to take a shower instead of taking a bath! A short shower uses less than half the amount of water that an average tub full does; plus there are so many fun shower activities (like singing karaoke or dancing) that make this quick cleaning session much more enjoyable than sitting in your bathtub staring at your toes.*

• See above footnote about my favorite shower activity: singing karaoke while dancing without getting any shampoo in my eyes or mouth because there’s no need for shampoo!

Budget for shore excursions.

If you’re going on a cruise, it’s likely that you want to explore the ports of call. There are so many things to do and see in each city, but how much should you budget for shore excursions?

First, consider how much money you are willing to spend on your shore excursions. Are you okay with spending up to $200? Or would that be too much? You could also look at what type of activities interest you when deciding how much money to set aside. Maybe an exotic spa treatment sounds amazing or maybe visiting local landmarks is more your speed!

Next, think about the type of destination and price range of hotels where we will stay during our trip. If I only want a budget hotel in New York City then it wouldn’t make sense for me to go on an expensive shopping spree around town (unless I actually wanted some fancy new clothes). On the other hand if my cruise ship docks at Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale then it might not hurt so bad if we splurged on dinner one night at Prime 112 Steakhouse because there are plenty more affordable options nearby like Pollo Tropical or Yard House Restaurant & Bar where prices start at just under $20 per person (or less!) depending upon what kind of meal plan we choose with our package deal from Expedia Travel Package Deals: Florida Vacations & Airfare Specials – Click here today!

Check the ports of call for onboard requirements that vary by country.

It’s important to know that the ports of call will vary depending on which country you’re visiting. Some countries require a passport, visa, vaccination records and birth certificates. Other countries only require your passport. You should also keep in mind that some countries may require you to have certain items with you while in port such as an ID card or tourist card. It’s best to check all of your documents before booking a cruise so that there are no surprises when it comes time for boarding!

Know where to find emergency procedures on board.

• The ship’s library is the place to find all of your information about emergency procedures, as well as the location of defibrillators and medical kits.
• The safe room, also known as a muster station or lifeboat station, is where you will be directed in the event that there is an onboard emergency. You should know the location of this area on the ship’s deck plan. If not, ask a crew member for directions when you arrive at your cabin so you don’t have to panic in an emergency situation if it arises.

Arrive early to avoid stress.

You know that moment when you’re trying to get on a plane or a train, and suddenly everyone is rushing at once? You’re all fighting for space, and you end up getting shoved into the corner.

That’s what happens when you show up late to the cruise ship. You’ll get crushed by other people who want their own spot on board and are willing to go through whatever it takes to get one.

It may sound counterintuitive, but arriving early will help keep your stress levels down during this stressful time of year (or any time of year). Here are some reasons why:

Prepare ahead so your trip to be fun and relaxing!

The first step to a great cruise vacation is to prepare in advance. There are several things you can do to get ready for your upcoming trip, and it will make all the difference in your experience.

• Book specialty restaurants and shows before you go: It’s never too early to book your specialty restaurant reservations, like Venetian or Chops Grille. The same goes for shows—book them online or over the phone as soon as they become available so you don’t miss out on any fun experiences onboard!
• Pack wisely: You want to be prepared with what you need but also carry light items that won’t weigh down your luggage too much (or cost extra at security). Be sure not to pack toiletries or food items unless they are permitted through TSA regulations.
• Be a water saver: It’s easy enough just not buying drinks onboard when there’s plenty of ice tea available instead! If there’s no other way around it though then use bottled water instead of tap water from sinks/bathroom faucets which could have been contaminated by passengers who didn’t wash their hands after using them earlier in the day; this could lead someone else getting sick if he/she uses these same taps later down stream from where those previous passengers touched them before washing up properly again afterwards.”

Conclusion

We hope these tips were helpful! If you have any questions about them, feel free to reach out. We’d love to hear from you and help make your trip even better than you could imagine.