Are you going on a cruise? I’m sure you are super excited and maybe a little anxious too. But don’t stress, I’ve got you covered with these 50 top tips for cruising, which include just about everything you can think of, and more.
BE CRUISE READY
Once you’ve booked your cruise and made all the important arrangements, you can start to think about your time on board, how to ensure a comfortable and fun experience, what you need to bring, and do’s and don’ts of cruising the seas.
Be cruise ready with my top tips for cruising, based on the various cruises myself and my family have taken and our personal experiences, plus what I’ve learnt from many other veteran cruisers.
All cruise ships are different and have their rules and ways of operating, but these general cruise tips apply to most cruise lines, and will help you to ensure you enjoy your sea vacation to the max.
Before Your Cruise
1. You may wish to join Cruise Critic Roll Call to chat online with other cruisers who are on your upcoming cruise. You can introduce yourself, share some cruise tips, and plan to meet up.
2. It is preferable to allow at least an extra day before and after your cruise if you are flying, in case of delays. You don’t want to stress about not arriving in time for embarkation and literally miss the boat. Ships have been known to have delays also, so you don’t want to miss your flight home after the cruise.
3. Don’t be late on embarkation day. You are given a time range to adhere to, as they can’t have everyone turn up at the same time.
4. Pack a day’s worth of clothing and essentials for the first day, including bathers if you wish, as your suitcases may not be delivered to your room for several hours and you will want to start enjoying your time on board rather than waiting for your luggage.
5. Check whether your cruise has laundry facilities to use, free or paid, and if laundry detergent is supplied, so you can opt to wash clothes and pack less.
6. Gratuities are often included in the cost of a cruise, but be sure to check with your cruise line.
In Your Stateroom
7. Unpack everything and store suitcases under bed/s, so they don’t get in your way. The beds are designed to fit large items underneath. There are often hidden storage compartments in your room as well.
8. Ask your room steward/attendant for more coat hangers so you can hang all of your clothing.
9. As ship walls are metal, you may want to bring magnetic hooks (available online) to put on walls and hang jackets, bags, hats, robes, toiletry bag, etc., to keep your room organised. Heavy duty ones are preferable.
10. Use the room safe for your valuables.
11. Ships generally provide US and European electricity sockets.
12. Don’t bring travel irons or clothes steamers, as they are a fire hazard.
13. You are allowed to bring your own hair straightener or curler. Hair dryers are provided.
14. Bath robes and slippers are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.
15. Some cruise lines allow you to bring your own bottle of alcohol in your suite and an ice bucket is provided. But check with your cruise first, or it will be confiscated.
16. Don’t open your room’s main door and balcony door at the same time as it creates a wind tunnel affect.
17. Don’t leave items on your balcony, as there are often crew doing maintenance on the outside of the ship.
18. Your balcony is not private. People can see and hear you, so maintain a level of decency, don’t be too noisy or play loud music out there.
19. Lock your balcony door when leaving the room.
On The Ship
20. Be sure to explore the ship fully so as not to miss out on things that you will enjoy.
21. Download the ships App on your smart phone and keep up to date with daily information and activities happening on the cruise, tour times, special events, and messages.
22. Check your account regularly whilst onboard to make sure you’re not overspending on specialty drinks, tours, spa treatments and so on.
23. Cruise ships have beach towels for use. No need to bring your own.
24. You may experience a little seasickness. Be prepared with ginger tablets, wrist bands, or the like just in case.
25. Don’t throw anything overboard, as it is illegal.
26. Don’t skip the shows, they are usually included and pretty good.
27. There is free wi-fi, but don’t expect great coverage at sea. Download entertainment in advance and also use the time for a little digital detox.
28. You may be able to book a ship tour for a behind the scenes look at the bridge command post of the captain and ship’s officers.
29. Don’t venture into the crew’s areas unaccompanied, as it is prohibited.
Off The Ship
30. Don’t feel you have to go ashore everyday. There may be times you want to relax onboard. Ships are often quiet on cruise port days and you can enjoy pools, gyms and spas almost to yourself, particularly on smaller ships.
31. Don’t forget your cruise card each time you leave the ship. It’s your ID to get off and back on the ship, so crew can keep track of passengers. It is also your room key. Some people like to bring a lanyard for their card to wear around their neck.
32. If you want to book a tour last minute, there may still be places available so be sure to ask at the ship’s reception desk.
33. Umbrellas are provided, but they are often large, non-foldable ones. I brought a small one for excursions.
34. Take some cash on tours for tipping tour guides, either local currency or US dollars are always accepted.
35. Always use a small cross body bag for all your essentials on tours.
36. Don’t forget your voice box and earphones provided for the tours or you’ll miss out on the guide’s commentary and a wealth of information.
37. Don’t take fresh foods off the ship into ports.
38. Make sure to be back on board at the designated time for departing, otherwise the ship may leave without you and you’ll have to make your own way to the next cruise port.
39. If you are on a tour/excursion offered by your cruise, the ship will wait if the group is late.
40. Have your cruise ship’s contact information in your phone in case you have an emergency when out touring the port city.
Eating On The Ship
41. The food is phenomenal on cruises and there is an abundance of dishes to tempt you. Try not to overeat at the buffets, as most people generally put on weight during cruises.
42. For times that you want to avoid the buffet, have a quiet meal in one of the specialty restaurants instead and enjoy a freshly cooked meal.
43. Make reservations for restaurants in advance, as they do book out.
44. Washing hands before going into all restaurants is mandatory.
45. If you have any food requirements, be sure to talk to the restaurant staff.
More Cruise Tips
46. Don’t spend too much time in your room or you will miss out on making lots of wonderful memories.
47. Make sure to leave out a set of clothes for the final day, as you will need to put packed suitcases outside your door on the last night.
48. You may wish to book your next cruise with the same line before you leave the ship, as most will give you a couple hundred dollars credit.
49. Be aware if you take any room items home with you, such as robes, binoculars or desk items, you will be charged for the cost of the item.
50. Final tip for cruises, be prepared for any itinerary changes during the cruise, as ships sometimes can’t dock at scheduled ports for safety reasons, problems occurring at the destination, or issues with other ships at the port.
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4 Comments
I’ve only been on a cruise once, but I’ve been considering going on another one. Thanks for the tips!
This was a very interesting read. I have never been on a cruise before but always wanted to.
We haven’t done any cruises, so super helpful. I never would have thought that you have to leave a suitcase outside your door the night before.
Definitely will use these tips on my first cruise!