Friday, April 19, 2024

57 Important Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers

cruise ship tips

Perks can come in the form of onboard credits, unlimited beverage packages, and Wi-Fi plans. If the fares go up, you can smile knowing that you got in at the right time. If they go down, the fares can be adjusted and you get to do a happy dance. If you’re looking to save money while on a family cruise I suggest taking advantage of free activities on board. News stories always hype up the biggest, newest cruise ships, and the cruise lines charge a pretty penny for sailings on these ships. If you’re looking to save money, look for trips that sail on older vessels.

Be flexible, especially during hurricane season

On longer itineraries, you’ll have the time to truly unwind and explore both the ship and its destinations. Follow these cruise tips for first-timers to ensure that your first cruise vacation is everything you hope it to be and so much more. When preparing for your first cruise, one of the most important tools is communication–with your travel partners as well as with the cruise line. The magnetic strip on your cruise card might fade, or you could have an issue with your onboard account. With a couple thousand people moving throughout the ship, the elevators can get crowded, especially during meal times or port days.

Research ports in advance

Or things like Royal Caribbean’s North Star observation pod are free when done while the ship is in port, but sees a charge if sailing. Most cruise ships now automatically add a gratuity to bar bills, often in the amount of 18% to 20% of the total. Such automatic gratuities also are becoming more common in ship spas. But many first-time cruisers don't know this and write in a hefty tip at the "additional tip" line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. Be sure to ask if a gratuity already has been included before adding another 15% or 20% to the total.

Photos from Carnival Conquest on a Cruise to the Bahamas

cruise ship tips

The trick is to do the research in advance, so you have a plan for the best way to spend your day. With so much to do on board, you'll have a better shot at sampling all the top Royal Caribbean cruise ship attractions if you get started early. There's nothing more jammed than a Royal Caribbean ship buffet on embarkation day. Many Royal Caribbean cruises depart in the afternoon, so it might seem fine to fly to a port on the morning of departure.

Creepy? Larger ships will have a morgue

However, you must remember to put your phone on airplane mode as soon as the ship sets sail. Otherwise, your phone will switch to satellite roaming, and you'll be charged an expensive fee for data and phone use while at sea. Lanyards are ideal, especially for little kids, to keep your cruise card close when your clothes don't have pockets. Pack towel clips to keep your pool towel from blowing off your lounge chair. Pick fun designs to readily identify your chair in the sea of sunbathers.

Among the lines that will allow you to be your own bartender is Disney Cruise Line. Adults can bring up to two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne or six beers onto Disney ships at the start of a cruise and at every port of call. At Royal Caribbean, the bring-your-own allowance is two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks. However, Carnival does allow each guest to bring 12 cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks (like soda, juice or seltzer), as well as one bottle of wine. You will be charged a $15 corkage fee if you wish to drink your own wine in an onboard restaurant or bar. Like many cruise lines these days, Carnival attempts to make the boarding process less chaotic and crowded by assigning cruisers boarding time slots – usually half-hour windows.

You can head down to the restaurant and see if there is any room available. Sometimes people make reservations and then forget about them, freeing up space. Your chances are best if you go early or late — instead of during peak hours.

cruise ship tips

Bring a Few Magnetic Hooks for the Cabin

In this case, you shouldn’t waste your money on the cheapest service. Even at is best, the wi-fi on a cruise ship will be slower than you’re used to seeing at home. This is one place where you don’t want to skimp if you’re buying. Typically, cruise lines offer a low “headline” fare that is enticing. Anything extra on the ship — including drinks, wi-fi, gratuities, and more — costs extra.

When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. While we're on the topic of signing up for activities, note that it's OK if you miss a few things. Sit on your balcony, if you have one, and just stare out at the ocean for a couple of hours.

If you’re not sure whether to spend more and get the balcony or suite, or to spend less and go with an interior room, we have a suggestion. Alternatively, there are some third-party lots that offer cheaper parking options. It pays to do your research ahead of time, so you don't have to spend a lot of money just to keep your car safe.

This is because everyone is busy settling in to their cabins and exploring the cruise ship, planning to enjoy that gourmet dinner later on in the cruise. So some people bring their own hairdryers on board our cruise ships, only to discover that hairdryers are amply provided in cabins, spas, salons, and bathrooms on board. Along with online check in, it’s a good idea to pre-plan cruise excursions by booking them in advance.

Once you're on board a Royal Caribbean ship, you'll find that packages for dining, drinks and internet will be higher than what you could have paid in advance. For example, your teens might want to visit the Teen Club, while grandparents may head out on a tour while you work out in the gym or relax in the privacy of your veranda. Maybe agree to meet for lunch, or take a couple of fantastic family-friendly excursions.

First-Time Cruisers Plan Your First Cruise - Cruise Critic

First-Time Cruisers Plan Your First Cruise.

Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:54:10 GMT [source]

But it also means you might not have access to your luggage for many hours on your first day on board. When sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships, you also can use the line's online portal or app to pre-book shows in advance. We're talking about the Broadway musicals and ice shows found on these vessels. You'll get the best price on dining and beverage packages if you book them in advance of your cruise. This is because Royal Caribbean often runs online sales on these packages in the months leading up to a voyage.

And if you’re looking to avoid younger folks and have a quieter cruise, then try to sail when school is in session and people are heading back to work. Months of January and February, as well as September and October will see older crowds compared to summer. Think the most valuable thing you’re carrying is the money in your wallet or your purse? Potential thieves would love to get their hands on your passport.

Ordering as much as you'd like is one of the best ways to get the most value out of your cruise vacation-- Just be sure not to make yourself uncomfortable by eating too much. You should always, always, always plan to arrive at least one day before the ship is scheduled to depart. You'll also be able to spread the payments over a longer period of time.

This means throngs of hungry people make a mad dash to the cruise ship buffet. Travel logistics aside, though, cruise ship rooms (and even cruise ship bathrooms) aren't known for having tons of floor space or storage space. You'll want to think twice about overpacking, especially if you're maxing out the capacity of a standard room.

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