What to Know Before You Take Your First Cruise
Greetings from Croatia! We’re here on a European cruise, so today we’re going to share ten tips for anyone considering a first time cruise. These tips apply for European River Cruises, mega-Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise ships, or even the QEII across the Atlantic.
First Time Cruise Tip #1: Don’t Miss the Boat!
When you are out and about enjoying the port cities, make sure you get back to your cruise ship on time! The ships will not wait for you; they will leave you in the port. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship, or the tender that brings you back to the ship. A very small cruise may give you more flexibility, but the larger the cruise ship, the less likely they will wait for you. You will have to make your way to the next port city, at your own cost.
First Time Cruise Tip #2: Research, Research, Research!
Not all cruises are the same. There are hundreds of different kinds of cruises out there. Cruise ships can range from 50 passengers to 5000 passengers. We chose our current cruise based on the itinerary. Pay attention to the ports of call and make sure they are something that interests you. Cruise ships sometimes cater to specific demographics or nationalities. Be sure to look for this information in your cruise planning, too.
Also consider the entertainment available on board the cruise ship. Some of the bigger cruise ships have casinos and movie theaters, shows and lectures, in addition to excursions at your ports. Shore excursions can range from leisurely walking tours to extreme adrenaline adventures.
First Time Cruise Tip #3: Cruise Ship Cabins are small!
Space is typically limited in cruise ship rooms, and you won’t have a lot of storage space. This is a good reason to pack lightly. Electrical outlets are also at a premium. Many cruise ship rooms will only have one outlet for charging all of your electronics. Be sure to bring a power strip you can use to charge multiple devices in your cruise ship cabin.
Air freshener is also a good idea, since you are in close quarters with the bathroom, especially if you are sharing your cabin with other people.
Watch: What to Pack for a Cruise
When you choose your cabin location, avoid being near the restaurants, bars, clubs and the pool. These areas will be noisier than others. However, if you have limited mobility, you may choose to be near these areas. Some cruise ships are huge, and it can take a long time to get from one end to the other.
First Time Cruise Tip #4: Seasickness
Unless you are on a river cruise, you should be prepared for seasickness. There are many remedies for seasickness. There are sea bands, which use acupressure on your inner wrist. There are patches you can put behind your ear, and then there is Dramamine which you can buy over-the-counter. If you prefer a more natural approach, ginger is also supposed to help with seasickness.
Cabin location can also affect your experience with seasickness. A mid-ship cabin near the water line has the least amount of movement, which can lessen your chance of seasickness.
First Time Cruise Tip #5: Cruise Food
Be prepared to eat a lot of food on the cruise. Try to pace yourself if you can. Many cruises include a buffet in the cost of the cruise, but will also have nicer restaurants that you can upgrade to. These nice restaurants are usually worth the splurge at least one night on your cruise. On smaller ships, you might have a specific time to eat, or a specific table to sit at.
First Time Cruise Tip #6: Cruise Ship Packing
Pack everything you need for the first day in your carry-on bag. Especially on the larger ships, you may not get your luggage for several hours after boarding. Keep your swimsuit, electronics and medicine with you so you don’t have to wait to enjoy the facilities.
First Time Cruise Tip #7: Tipping on a Cruise
The tips and gratuities you give on a cruise ship make a huge difference in the lives of the staff of your cruise. Some cruises will automatically include gratuity in your bill, so make sure of this ahead of time. It never hurts to leave a little extra, though!
First Time Cruise Tip #8: Leave Flammables at Home
The number one danger on a cruise ship is fire. Don’t bring anything that can cause a fire. That goes for candles, hot plates or irons. Many cruise ships will scan your bags, just like the TSA, and will confiscate anything against the guidelines.
Similarly, cruise ships may limit the amount of alcohol you can bring on board. Some boats will allow a bottle of wine, but no beer or hard liquor, some ships have no limits and other don’t allow any outside alcohol. Make sure you know the rules ahead of time.
First Time Cruise Tip #9: There are Always Extra Costs
The cruise ship cost that you pay up front seems to be all-inclusive, but there are always extra costs. Any shore excursions you choose will cost extra. The drink package that includes unlimited alcohol will cost extra. However, if you choose to pay for drinks as you go, that can also add up quickly, resulting in sticker shock at the end of your cruise. Check out the drink packages ahead of time to decide which one makes more sense for you. You can also decide once you arrive if you want to upgrade your drink package, or even upgrade your room if the ship isn’t full.
Check out the excursions you want to do, and then also consider a private tour guide that is not arranged by the cruise ship. While some of the cruise ships have excellent guides for their excursions, you might want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a private experience.
First Time Cruise Tip #10: If You Need Anything, Ask the Ship’s Crew
Whether you have questions, concerns, or you need medicine, ice, a power strip or headphones, ask the people on the ship. The cruise ship crew are here to help you, and often will do whatever they can to make your vacation a success.