Going on a cruise and seeking some cruise hacks and tips? Check out these cruise tips to help you prepare and make the most of your voyage.
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Cruise Tips
Cruises allow guests to enjoy the amenities of a floating resort while also visiting multiple destinations. In total, I have been on 7 cruises around the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera so I’ve gathered my top cruise tips that I normally apply when I go on cruises. These will help you prepare and enjoy every moment of your voyage.
Don’t forget to search and book your next cruise here, or in the widget below:
Before Your Cruise
Apply the below cruise tips in the planning and preparation phases before your cruise:
Choose the Right Cruise Line and Itinerary
Depending on the cruise line and itinerary you choose, your cruise experience can vary greatly. Try researching different cruise lines to find one that matches your personal preferences. Browse different cruise lines and sailings here. Some cruise line options are listed below:
- Young Adults Crowd: Carnival Cruise Lines
- Older & Wiser Adults Crowd: Princess Cruises
- Family-Friendly: Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean
- Luxury: Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Adventure: Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions (National Geographic)
After selecting a cruise line, check out their various sailings, destinations and ports of call, and trip duration. Choose a cruise sailing that visits destinations or docks at cities you’re interested in. That way, not only do you get to enjoy the cruise but you can visit places you want to see and explore as well.
Additionally, make sure to choose a location that best suits your interests as well. For example, cruises to the Caribbean are perfect for beach and snorkel lovers, while cruises to the Mediterranean can offer an awesome historical experience.
Of course, search within your budget as some cruises can be more pricey than others. It’s possible you might have to change the cruise line entirely to fit your budget.
Book Early Or Last Minute
To snag a great deal, either book your cruise early or last minute.
If you search and book your cruise early, then you can find great “early bird” discount sailings. Plus, the earlier you book, you’ll have more options to select a stateroom you like, such as one with a balcony or one centrally-located on the ship for the motion/seasickness-prone people.
Alternatively, you can save a lot of money by booking a last-minute deal. For the cheapest deals, you may have to be flexible on sailings dates and destinations. Clicking the below will bring you directly to browse Last Minute Cruise Deals:
Download The Cruise Line App
If available, download the cruise line’s phone app. It’s a great way to see your trip’s details and it can provide the cruise’s daily activities and their hours of operation, dining options, ship’s deck plan map, and can make reservations if needed.
Additionally, the app may also have all the photos taken by the onboard photographers throughout the cruise. For example, the Royal Caribbean app contained all the photos taken at Dinners and on Formal Nights, and you are able to purchase the photos via the App and download them directly to your phone. I found this useful when I didn’t have time to visit the Photo Gallery kiosks and was able to browse and purchase the pictures while in my stateroom.
Plan Your Shore Excursions Early
Research the various shore excursions and book them in advance. Cruise lines usually offer a variety of shore excursions that cater to different interests and activity levels. By booking your excursion(s) in advance, you will be ensured a spot on a tour you’re interested and will make your cruise more stress-free.
However, if there’s time at a port of call, try balancing excursions with some free time to explore the destination. This might not always be possible depending on the shore excursion (like full day tours), but definitely try if there’s time! Regardless of what you decide to do, planning ahead can really enhance your cruise experience.
Some Shore Excursions I booked (paid extra):
Budget For Gratuities
At booking, it’s possible to prepay gratuities as part of your ticket fare so you don’t have to worry about it later. However, if not, budget in daily cruise gratuities for the crew so that you’re not surprised by a larger bill at the end of the cruise trip. Additionally, take into consideration any appreciation tips for your cruise staff (wait staff and stewards) as well as tips for your shore excursion tour guides.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
If you plan to cruise more than once with a cruise line, or are a repeat guest on a single cruise line, then be sure to sign up for that cruise line’s loyalty program. Doing so can open up special perks such as priority boarding or discount sailings.
Consider Travel Insurance
With any trip, being protected with Travel Insurance provides peace of mind for any unexpected circumstances. Check out Safety Wing insurance here, or search in the Widget below:
Explore Cruise Packages
Cruises are often all-inclusive, but additional costs can add up. Explore Cruise Packages and determine if they provide savings and/or convenience on your cruise. Popular packages include Dining, Drink, and Internet access.
Take Advantage of Drink Packages
Cruise Lines will normally have various drink packages where costs are on a per day basis. A drink package essentially allows you to order unlimited beverages as part of that package. They can range from Soda-only packages to Alcohol-inclusive packages. However, premium top shelf alcohol usually still comes at an extra cost.
If you plan to enjoy a ton of soda, or juice, or alcohol regularly then a drink package may be worth it for you. Additionally, cruises normally want all guests in a stateroom to have a Drink Package since there is no sharing allowed with non-Drink Package purchasers.
Based on the Total Drink Package price, you can calculate the Drinks Per Day cost, estimate drink prices and determine how many beverages you need to drink per day to make the package worth it. Of course, the convenience of all-inclusivity and not having to worry about extra costs can be worth it itself.
An Example: $400 Alcohol Drink Package for a 4-night cruise will equate to $100 worth of beverages per day. Cocktails can cost an average of $15, so drinking 6-7 alcoholic beverages will make this Package worth it. If you’re able to drink that many or more every day then definitely consider it! Don’t forget that other non-alcoholic drinks can also be included in the Package as well.
Stay Connected with Wi-Fi Packages (or Disconnect)
If you need internet access while on your cruise then consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package. There’s usually various options that range from basic browsing to enable streaming. However, Wi-Fi service on cruise ships can be both expensive and slow, so decide if you need constant access or if you want to be disconnected for a few days.
Some cruise line WiFi packages might only allow a limited amount of users to be connected. If you have more people than the package includes, sometimes you are able to switch who in your party can be connected. For example, on Royal Caribbrean cruise lines, we had a package for only 4 connected users at a time but we had 5 people total. Whenever the 5th person wanted to use WiFi, another person would simply log out and the 5th person would be able to log on and connect to WiFi.
Pack Accordingly
Packing the right cruise items will ensure your cruise is more stress-free and enjoyable.
Pack Smart And Light
Pack smart by bringing clothing items that can mix and match to avoid overpacking. Also have the ship’s amenities and trip itinerary in mind as well:
- Clothing: Bring casual clothes for daytime activities, swimwear, and a mix of formal, semi-formal, and smart casual attire for dining and evening events. For shore excursions and exploring ports of call, be sure to bring comfortable shoes.
- Essentials: Don’t forget medications, sunscreen, multi-plug power adapters (cruise cabins often have limited outlets), and motion/seasickness medicines.
- Extras: A beach tote for pool or beach lounging, and a small backpack for shore excursions can be incredibly handy.
Be Prepared for Formal Nights
Some cruises may have one or more formal nights where guests are encouraged to dress to impress. Dressing formal can be optional, but if you want to participate and take nice pictures then bring formal attire. You can check your cruise itinerary to see if there is a formal night and pack accordingly. For women, a cocktail dress or a cute summer dress will do. For men, bring a button up shirt and slacks or a suit for an even more upscale look.
Waterproof Case Or Carrier
The cruise will likely have a pool, or you may stop at destinations with beaches and water activities like snorkeling. To prepare for these water adventures, bring a waterproof phone case or carrier to keep your belongings dry while you enjoy the waters.
Stateroom Space-Saving Organizers
Cruise staterooms can be small with limited space. To maximize your stateroom space, purchase packable organizers such as a behind-the-door shoe rack and in-closet portable hanging shelves. These will keep your room organized and clutter-free. This is one of the many cruise tips I wish I knew before!
Onboard Your Cruise
Once it’s the week of your cruise trip and you get onboard the ship, take these cruise tips into consideration:
Arrive a Day Early
To avoid the stress of flight delays or cancellations, plan to arrive at the departure port city at least a day before the start of your cruise. Giving yourself this extra time will allow you to explore the port city and relax pre-cruise. This will ensure you board your ship in good moods and full of excitement (rather than frustration and stress).
Make the Most of Embarakation Day
On embarkation day, arrive at the port early to start your vacation sooner. Once onboard, you may have to first go to your Muster Station for information of what to do in an emergency event. After that’s settled, take the time to explore the ship. Familiarize yourself with the various decks, deck plan layout, ship amenities, and maybe grab a bite to eat. This is also a great time to make any last-minute reservations or changes to your itinerary at Guest Services.
Additionally be sure to bring a carry-on or tote bag with a swimsuit if you want to enjoy the pool, as well as other basic essentials just in case it takes awhile for your luggage to arrive at your stateroom.
Then once it’s time to sail away, try to catch the views as you depart and leave the port.
Admiring the views of Miami Beach and Downtown Miami while leaving the Port
Maximize Stateroom Space
Cruise staterooms can be fairly small, so to maximize your stateroom’s space try the below:
- Store your luggage under the bed: You can either unpack your luggage and store it under and not need to access it until it’s time to pack up, or not unpack fully but keep it under the bed when it’s not actively being used. Either way, keeping your luggage under the bed will create so much floor space!
- Get a behind-the-door shoe rack to hold smaller belongings: To prevent your smaller items from taking up too much space on a limited-size desk/tabletop, utilize a door shoe rack! You can get small magnetic hooks to place on the door, and then hang the shoe rack right on them. You’ll be amazed with what you can fit in these; sunscreen bottles, sunglasses, and… shoes.
- Use Portable Hanging Shelves: Your Cruise stateroom might not have enough drawer space to fully unpack your luggage, so bring portable hanging shelves to hang in your stateroom’s closet. Having one will create extra shelving space and you can easily access your clothes.
Take Advantage of Onboard AMENITIES
Cruise ships are packed with things to do! The ship’s activities and entertainment options will vary by cruise line and ship, so be sure to check what your specific ship will have:
- Ship Amenities and Activities: Enjoy the pool, lounge in the sun, try your luck at the Casino, or partake in adrenaline-filled activities (if they’re offered).
- Shows and Performances: Get to the shows early to snag a good seat and order beverages to enjoy during the show. There can be broadway-style shows, game shows, or comedy shows, so check the cruise itinerary to catch one that interests you.
- Games and Workshops: Take advantage of Bingo, raffles, and trivia games for FREE prizes, or any workshops like towel origami folding lessons or wine tastings that may be offered.
- Spa and Fitness: Use the gym, join fitness classes, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment for ultimate relaxation.
Check your cruise ship’s onboard activities as they normally have a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. They can have pools and whirlpools, to more adrenaline-pumping activities like a FlowRider Surf Simulator and Rock Climbing Walls. Be sure to check the Cruise Line app or the Activity kiosks for operating hours since not all activities will be open the entire day.
For activities and entertainment options you really want to experience, try fitting their operating hours or showtimes into your cruise schedule to plan your days accordingly.
Some ship amenities I enjoyed:
Disembark Early for Shore Excursions and Know When to Return to the Ship
For popular ports of call, disembarking the ship early can give you a head start on your day. Doing so will help avoid the crowds and make the most of your time ashore.
If you booked a shore excursion, keep its start time and meetup location in mind. Some shore excursions will have a meet-up spot directly off the boat where a guide will pick you up and bring you to the excursion. After the excursion, guides can also drop you off back at the ship or at the port city where you can explore on your own.
If you decide to explore a port city on your own, just be sure to know what time you need to start making your way back to the ship. Some ports may also require you to take a smaller Duffy boat to get back to the ship too. For these, allocate a little more time to return.
Some port cities I explored:
Prepare for Debarkation
The end of your cruise can be chaotic. Pack your bags the night before and if you don’t want to lug it around on the day of debarkation, you can leave it outside your stateroom for the crew to take. If you choose to do this, you may have to pack it up and put it out by 10 PM the night before (but confirm this for your cruise).
On debarkation day, follow the ship’s instructions for your dedicated time to debark to ensure a smooth departure. Additionally, consider your post-cruise transportation options in advance to avoid last-minute stress. If you’re heading straight to the airport once ashore, it’s possible that shuttles or taxis are at the port ready to take passengers directly there.
Final Words
A cruise is an incredible way to explore the world while enjoying top-notch amenities and entertainment. By planning ahead and taking advantage of these cruise tips, you can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable cruise experience. Bon Voyage!
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