Taking a cruise can be a great way to travel and take a family vacation. And as much fun as you’ll have sailing off into the sunset going on a cruise can sometimes be stressful. What to pack, where to go on excursions, and what to expect can get overwhelming – especially for first-timers. Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your cruise for smooth sailing.
Cruise Tips for Easy Sailing
Know what is included
Knowing what is included is vital to make sure you have a good time on your cruise. Make sure you have the right expectations and understand what additional expenses might pop up. If you can proactively budget for excursions you want to take or drinks that might not be included, you’ll be ready for anything and never caught off guard.
Plan ahead!
Make sure you plan ahead in every sense. Known when you have to check in if you are flying back home post cruise and if you need to, have ground transportation booked ahead of time! Remember, you won’t be the only one who might be trying to make a flight that day.
Also be prepared for tips, additional expenses, and paying for wifi. There is nothing worse than realizing that you weren’t prepared. And don’t forget to have some cash for emergencies – you never know when a credit card might not want to work even if you did call ahead to let your bank know you would be traveling.
Don’t sneak on alcohol
As tempting as it is to bring on contraband when you hear how expensive drinks can be getting caught is not worth it if you get caught. Don’t sneak alcohol on! Instead of risking your vacation, budget ahead for a drink pass. Most ships offer some type of drink pass for alcoholic beverages which makes it more affordable than if you just pay as you drink. You’ll find plenty of cruise tips telling you how to sneak it onto the boat, but trust us on this one, just buy the drink pass.
Take advantage of what is offered
Cruises include a lot of fun things! From restaurants to entertainment make sure you get the most out of your vacation by going to everything that is offered.
Now is an Amazing Time to Plan a Cruise!
Apps and wearables bring the fun
Taking a cruise now isn’t like it use to be technology is making it easier and more fun from check-in to check-out. Cruise companies are making it easier to store important trip information online with their systems and apps. And just like Disney magic bands, many cruises offer wearables that let you make dinner reservations, order drinks, and even hold pictures while you are on the ship!
Staterooms are bigger and better
Advances in technology don’t just mean you get to wear your room key on your wrist – it also means that cruise ship designs are bigger and better. Celebrity Cruises’ new Celebrity Edge features the Infinite Veranda, an enclosed balcony that takes your breath away as it extends the stateroom to the quite literal edge of the ship!
The entertainment is bigger and better
Cruises are giving major entertainment capitals a run for their talent money so prepare to be wowed! With celebrities doing cruise ship residencies and cruise companies adding more venues, shows, and performances you’ll forget you are at sea.
The Holidays can be made easy
Taking a cruise during the holidays has grown in popularity and I can see why! There is no need to fight overcooking, coordinate times, or worry about delayed flights and picking up someone at the airport. Depending on the holiday, too, you can expect some extra season magic.
Thanksgiving
Don’t worry about the feast, the ship’s top-notch culinary team has that under control. And with your newly found free time, you can watch live turkey-carving demos or catch a football game on the ship’s huge outdoor screens.
Hanukkah
With nightly menorah lighting, the Festival of Lights shines bright. You will also find festive decor and fun as well as menus that feature traditional dishes like latkes!
Christmas
Christmas is a time when ships go all out with decor and activities for guests. You’ll find gingerbread decorating activities on board and can enjoy holiday-themed live shows. If you are looking for something a little more traditional, there are also clergy-led services and traditional meals. European river cruises make stops at Christmas markets in Vienna and Nuremberg so your holiday adventure can be international too.
We hope these cruise tips help you prepare and plan your next cruise whether you are a first-time sailor or an experienced cruise junkie. And don’t forget the sunblock if you’re heading somewhere tropical like Cartagena!