Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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

going on a cruise

As one of the largest cruise ships, the Oasis of the Seas offers an abundance of free onboard cruise experiences and attractions for everyone on vacation. While we think travel insurance is a good idea to give you peace of mind, think twice before buying the insurance that the cruise lines offer when you book your trip. Yes, it’s better than nothing, but third-party cruise insurance is often a much better deal.

going on a cruise

Cruises

Go off the grid entirely or stay on the beaten path and soak up everything each destination has to offer — on a week-long cruise, you set the schedule. No matter what’s on your itinerary, planning an unforgettable 7-night week long cruise is as stress-free as an afternoon at the beach. Are you sailing with your significant other, your family, a group of friends or traveling solo? Browse our sailing options to find the perfect adventure for you.

Easy Ways to Get From the Airport to the Miami Cruise Port

You’ll keep the stress levels down and have a bonus day to explore a new city. And, besides, you’ll want every minute you can get on the ship to kick off your vacation. Keep in mind that the nature of embarkation day typically involves some sort of travel, even if it’s just from an area hotel to the cruise ship. Not to mention that you’ll surely be eager to run around exploring the ship once you board. With that in mind, think comfortable and casual dress—and most especially so when it comes to your footwear. If you’re traveling to an international destination, it’s always a good idea to cruise with a passport, even if it’s not required for the ports you’ll visit.

✔ Decide Your Itinerary & Book

going on a cruise

One tip is to use these private island days as free days. Instead, they serve as a great way to enjoy the beach and water without spending a ton. You can save your money and instead use that for excursions in non-private ports where it’s not near as easy and cheap to spend the day unless you book a tour. The cruise lines will call passengers deck by deck, but the process can take hours. If you already have all your bags and want to leave, you can just head down whenever you like. The staff doesn’t check what deck your cabin is on, and they simply want passengers off the ship so that they can get ready for the next group.

But we suggest keeping them in the cabin safe during your trip so that they are secure. Instead, make a color copy of the front page of your passport or your birth certificate and bring this into port with you when you go. From there, you’ll meet with an agent that will tie up any loose ends needed before boarding, such as a photo tied to your account. If you’ve checked in online, your room keys will likely be waiting in a sealed envelope at your door. Spend some time at the pool, grab something to eat, take a nap… it’s your vacation. Just because there is a schedule of activities doesn’t mean you have to follow it.

I've been on planes, trains, buses, and automobiles, but have never once set foot on a cruise ship. Angeline absolutely loved Camp Carnival – now Camp Ocean – when she was younger and still spends most of her time in the camp for teens, Club O2. Here are some fun European cities to visit on your next European cruise — plus tips to make it a memorable, stress-free experience. Take a moment to make the most of your family vacation, uncover the best places to visit when taking a cruise for everyone. Explorer of the Seas is a great choice for the best family vacation. With a wealth of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover 10 of the best things to do onboard Wonder of the Seas for a vacation getaway.

There are no major cruise lines that allow topless sunbathing, except for one. The exception is Virgin Voyages, which is adults-only and offers a designated spot onboard that allows it. Cruise cabins are fairly soundproof (though not perfect), but if there is noise in the hallway, it can come in through the door.

Taking Your First Cruise: Everything You Need to Know (Complete Guide)

Mom accused of leaving 2 young children home alone for days to go on cruise - ABC News

Mom accused of leaving 2 young children home alone for days to go on cruise.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

For others, having access to the familiar dishes of home when traveling is just as important — or more. This is the case even with some upscale and luxury lines, though they sometimes put fewer people on a single motorcoach for tours. Once at that next port, you'll get another eight hours to explore before needing to be back on board for the sailing to the next destination. What I've learned during all these conversations is that, indeed, a cruise is not for everyone – even if it can be a wonderful experience for a lot of people. If you don’t have a special plan set up, avoid roaming charges by either turning your phone off or setting it to airplane mode. Packing might seem like a daunting task, but using a cruise packing list will help ensure you bring everything you need before going on a cruise for the first time.

Just like restaurants on land, cruise ships sailing from the United States undergo regular health inspections. This checks everything from food service to pool cleanliness and lots more. Cruise line private islands are popular as they are completely for the use of passengers. They have many of the amenities you’d expect on the ship, including loungers, bars, and activities, and many of these items are included for free with your fare. What’s confusing for many first-timers is that some food is free, and some places are a charge to eat. Apart from the buffet and the dining room, most sit-down restaurants on cruise ships these days have an extra charge for eating there.

Cruises aren’t just for retirees. Here’s why young travelers should go, too. - The Washington Post

Cruises aren’t just for retirees. Here’s why young travelers should go, too..

Posted: Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you don’t end up liking it, then there’s no big loss since the dining room food is included. When you get on a ship there is no shortage of places to spend money. That’s why we suggest passengers take advantage of any chance they have to save. From the basic details of cruising to how to save some cash — and much more — we’ve got everything you need to be confident and enjoy your trip the second you reach the port.

Group tours in ports are part of the package for which you have paid in advance. On traditional ocean-going ships, you generally have more flexibility to tour on your own in ports versus joining a group. Even during a very port-intensive itinerary on most ships, you likely will spend the vast majority of your vacation hours on board your vessel.

There aren’t highly intrusive screening measures in place (at least yet). As we just said, interior cabins are great for first-time cruisers who are usually out around the ship the entire trip. But if you do decide to spring for a balcony room, it’s well worth it.

So if you order a cocktail with a $10 menu price, expect it to actually cost you about $12. Get Back to the Ship EarlyWhenever you head into port, the staff will make it very clear when the “all-aboard” time is for your return. YouTube has tons of videos of “pier runners” — people running back to the ship as it is about to depart.

These specialty restaurants offer meals not available in the included restaurants and provide a higher-end experience. In return, you usually pay a flat fee for whatever you order. If you know that you’ll be booking something extra like an internet package or a drink package, then do it online ahead of time. Every ship will have a Guest Services desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. They can help with any issue you have, or at least point you in the right direction.

Don’t try skipping the drill; you sign in with your card and the staff will know who doesn’t show. Speaking of the buffet and dining room, these spots are where most people will eat their meals. You simply walk in when you’re hungry and grab a plate. If you want it to be a wild party time with lots of sun, booze, and entertainment, then it can be.

First things first, if you want to wear a tuxedo and a formal evening gown, you won’t be out of place. But if you want to simply wear a nice shirt/pants (men) or a nice blouse (women), then that’s perfectly acceptable and won’t be out of place. Try not to Schedule a Flight Home Before NoonEach year millions of cruise passengers fly into port cities to start their cruise. Many Hotels Have Free Cruise ParkingOne of the big attractions to cruising is that many people live within driving distance of a port. Instead of having to fly for a Caribbean vacation, you can drive to the port and then hop on a ship. The first day on a cruise is actually a bit of a misnomer.

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