3 July 2021
Our handy hints for first timers on the seas..
Taking a cruise has never been so popular with around 29.7 million cruise-goers plying the seas each year. This legion of dedicated cruise-lovers helped to create jobs for more than 2-million people and contributed around $154 billion to the global economy - at least.
First timers can learn a lot from the friends and family who have cruised before - very few cruise-goers stop at one cruise, with cruise passengers some of the most loyal re-bookers in the holiday sector.
Cruises are relatively stress free for vacationers, with planned meals, excursions and onboard entertainment a breeze. However those who are new to the cruise scene, or keen to get more out of their high seas adventure, should check out our Top 10 Tips.
Pack a bag for Day 1
Be sure to have a small bag packed for the first day of your state as the cruise company will generally pick up checked luggage and bring it right to the ship which means you may not be able to access a change of clothes, a phone charger, a swim suit, prescriptions and any other essentials in your carry on, until later in the evening.
Prepare for tight quarters.
Unless you splurged on a suite, you will be limited on space - for storage, for moving around and showering. Be prepared for a tight squeeze and pack accordingly - a few over-the-door storage pouches are useful and cutting back on lotions and potions is a must. Invest in plenty of travel bottles and don’t bother packing anything that will take up too much valuable space.
Plan the Pampering - Fast!
Once you’ve book secured your cruise cabin, be sure to book you spa treatments as pampering appointments are always in high demand. If you leave it until you board, the likelihood is you will be offered what’s left - which could be a 15 minute slot at lunchtime. If your ideal spa therapy is a 2 hour relaxation massage and camomile tea just before bed, then make a spa reservation as soon as you book!
Time for Dinner?
Day trips are fun, but can last a full day so it pays to think ahead about your cruise ship dinner reservation. Most cruise lines offer two dinner seatings—one early, one late - so if you are busy during the day off-ship, be sure to choose the late dinner slot as very few excursions return to ship in time to join the early crowd.
Not got an unlimited budget?
Not every cruise-goer has unlimited cash to splash, so if you are watching the pennies it pays to keep an eye on the areas that encourage over-spends, such as the drinks packages offered by most cruises.
Though they claim to offer the nice, worry-free way to enjoy yourself while onboard, on a par with all-inclusive hotel packages, many work out pricey. In fact you often need to drink at least 8 alcoholic beverages per day to get full value - so be sure to crunch the numbers before you sign up.
Depending on the cruise line’s rules, you can usually bring two bottles of wine onboard per cabin, which is a blessing when all you want is a little inexpensive aperitif in your cabin - not another bar bill.
Tip or Not?
Many cruise lines add an automatic gratuity for your stateroom attendant, and may also build other tips into your bill. So even if you spot tip envelopes in your room on the last day, check on the policy of the cruise line - otherwise you may be tipping twice.
Elsewhere onboard, every service will incur a gratuity, from the pool side drink service to the hair salon and spa.
