There is so much to consider when you finally decide to go on a cruise around the world. Where to go? The duration of the cruise? What kind of cruise is it? When is the best time to go on a cruise? Who has the best cruise excursions? Which cruise line suits you the most? So many questions need answers! For a cruise novice, the process can be a bit of a daunting experience and exhausting too! But don’t fret, I’ve come up with some useful cruise tips for first-timers to help you make the tough decisions and plan the ideal cruise!
Why should you go on a cruise at least once in your life?
Well, the answer to that is pretty simple! It’s a glamorous way to travel and a once in a lifetime experience! I mean, what’s not to like? First, you’re out in the sea, with all that fresh sea breeze and refreshing sea air. It’s an affordable luxury which includes superb accommodation, A-grade dining, entertainment, plenty of activities for all ages and more! You’ll be on the cruise for some time so, you’ll be in your element, feel comfortable and right at home. You’ll encounter a warm and welcoming service from sun-up to sun-down!
Cruise tips for first-timers and things you should know before you go on a cruise.
Are you a potential cruiser, or have you booked a cruise already? First, Congratulations! What next? Now you’ll soon be on your way on a new voyage. A unique experience out at sea, surrounded by luxury, entertainment, mouth-watering food and a whole lot more! To get the best out of the cruise, read these cruise tips for first-timers, to ensure that you get an experience you always dreamed of and would be everything that you hope it would be!
➤ Research before you book
When thinking of going on a cruise, it is vital to do plenty of research to avoid any mishaps. Check everything about the cruise line, cruise ship, the destination, duration and more. Read through reviews, check websites, newsletters and emails. Remember that this is one of the most crucial cruise tips for first-timers, as you don’t want to be on a cruise for hours not knowing what to do when you are there.
➤ Ports & Excursions
You’re likely to have stops in different locations during your cruise (depending on your cruise). So, do thorough research on each port and the excursions offered. Look into the meetup times and docking times of the cruise excursions so you wouldn’t miss any.
➤ Prebook activities
If you’re planning on taking a particular shore excursion, make sure to book them in advance. As excursions onboard are reserved pretty quickly, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on any fun. This allows you to set a proper budget rather than making quick purchases onboard, resulting in extra costs.
➤ Take your passport with you
It is always a good thing to carry your passport on the ship as you are likely to traverse international waters. Before you leave for your journey, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you depart. Don’t forget to pack copies of your travel documentation as well.
➤ Pack smart
Pack your things in a moderate-sized suitcase. Make sure to pack according to the destination, weather and planned activities on the cruise. Pack some light clothes, a pair of flip flops, a hat, bathing suits, sunglasses, sunscreen, electronic devices (camera, the kindle, a tab or phone), portable chargers, evening wear (again depending on the cruise) and a carry-on bag with your day-to-day necessities.
➤ Choose a proper stateroom
The best cruise tips for first-timers come in to use is when it comes to selecting a stateroom. Keep in mind the most crucial part is the location, and this, my friend, really matters! Choose a room in the middle of the ship away from the ship’s club or bar to avoid the loud music. Try to get a room with a balcony so you wouldn’t miss the spectacular open sea views.
➤ Watch the time
As you know, many ports are located in different time zones than the usual time set on the ship. As you know, many ports are located in different time zones than the usual time set on the ship. So, make sure to check the time and set your watch to match each time zone. The passengers are usually required to board the cruise 30 minutes before departure, to avoid being left behind.
➤ Motion sickness
If you are an avid cruiser, you don’t need to worry as much, but it can be different for the amateur cruisers. Here’s my take on cruise tips if you do start to experience seasickness. You will feel less motion on the lowest deck, in the central part of the ship. However, there are medications for this, and I suggest you avoid taking them, as they might be strong and might make you drowsy and sleepy, resulting in you missing out on all the fun!
➤ Ask for help
Don’t be shy to ask for help if you need it. Usually, the cruise staff are super friendly and provide a higher level of service. If you are not sure about anything anywhere on the cruise ship, ask, and the staff will be happy to help.
➤ Relax and unwind
If you’re new to the world of cruising, you’ll soon come to see that a cruise is the best place to relax. So, try to avoid using electronic devices and take in the calm breeze and luxury. However, that’s not the only reason you should turn off your phone data. The chares of phone data can be expensive when you’re roaming outside of the country. Either switch it on to aeroplane mode or turn it off. After all, you are on a cruise!
➤ Let a Travel Agent handle it
With the help of a proper travel agent, you can plan and make arrangements for the ideal cruise getaway. We at Travel Center UK don’t only cater to all your flights and land-based holiday packages, we are also experts on cruises. We will take the hassle of handling your holiday preferences, the budget, choice of ships and cruises, itineraries, cabin categories, ports and so on. So, why wait any longer? Call or send us an email and we’ll help you plan your dream cruise from the start till the end!
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So that’s my list of cruise tips for first-timers and potential cruisers. If you know any more tips that can be useful, let me know in the comments below. If you think this post helped you in any way, please do share it with your friends, they might enjoy it too!
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