4 Tips for Taking Your First Cruise

Last updated on May 16th, 2021 at 08:15 pm

photo credit: Paradise via photopin (license)

Cruises are great packaged vacations for those who want to see a few different places but who don’t want to have to worry about planning the travel between destinations. Vacationers’ needs are catered to, shore excursions allow you to experience attractions in each port stop, and you are able to stay in the same room for the duration of your vacation.

For a first timer, there can be a lot of misunderstanding and things that are forgotten when planning a cruise vacation. Here are some tips for the first time cruise-goer to make your vacation seamless and enjoyable.

Flights

When choosing a cruise that works for you, bear in mind that most cruises do not include airfare or even transportation from the airport to the port. When booking the airfare to get you to the cruise, be sure to plan to arrive no latter than noon on debarkation day.

To ease your worries, book your flight for arrival the day before. If flight delays do occur, speak to the airport concierge as soon as possible, they will typically do everything they can to get you to your port on time for the cruise.

Packing for your first cruise

Pack essentials for the first day in your carry on. With over 1,000 passengers all checking in, dropping their luggage and boarding all at the same time, it may take extra time for your luggage to meet up with again. To avoid stress or awkwardness on day one, keep a change of clothes or anything you may need for your entire first day in your carry on.

When it comes to packing, check the ship’s itinerary for dress codes for each night. Many cruises have formal nights or even theme nights. Make sure to pack an outfit that you are comfortable in for every occasion.

Communication

Wifi on cruise ships is typically extremely expensive and not very reliable. For these reasons, try to keep your wifi usage confined to the days when you are at port where you can typically find a café or coffee shop to upload your photos and check your email.

While on the boat, plan to bring a set of walkie talkies to keep your group in contact with each other.

Book shore excursions in advance

When choosing what to do while on shore, keep in mind that you have two options: those offered through the cruise line and independent tours from local companies on the ground. Cruise tours will include everything from transportation to the tour and meals and will make sure to have you back to the boat in time. Independent tours will be significantly cheaper but will require you to plan your own transportation to get yourself back to the boat on time.

Experienced cruise-goers, do you have any other tips for taking your first cruise? Leave a comment below.

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