Things to Know Before You Cruise – With meals, entertainment and accommodations wrapped into one reasonable rate, cruising offers a convenient and affordable vacation option. Many cruises today offer stimulating on board enrichment programs, unique culinary experiences and immersive shore excursions, luring travelers of all ages and interests. Best of all, you can unpack once, and experience the sights and sounds of a variety of destinations without having to figure out how to get from one port to the next. Visit here for The Best Cruise Vacation Tips, or visit us on Pinterest.
Still on the fence about whether a cruise vacation is right for you? I totally understand. I felt the same way. If you’re thinking of booking a cruise vacation here are tips that I wish I had known as a first time cruiser:
1. Power Strip – Put all of your family members in a stateroom and see how much plug-in issues you have Most rooms have one or two outlets, and none in the bathroom. So packing a power strip is a must! This way, everyone can be charging their electronics, with no jockeying for power. Problem solved. Make sure your power strip is a new or fairly new model. Staff may confiscate it, if they deem it unsafe! Click here for a good choice. This power strip is cruise approved!
2. Cash in Empty Travel Shampoo Bottle – Most cruise lines are a cashless experience. You put a credit card on file and then charge everything to your room including drinks, souvenirs, and optional dining. You really only need your room key the entire time you are on the boat. You will need cash if you are gambling and it’s also nice to have some while in port. Want an inconspicuous place to stash your cash? Try an empty travel size shampoo bottle. Simply roll your bankroll insert it in an empty bottle and screw on the top. You can even stash it in your toiletry bag in the bathroom.
3. Bring permitted alcohol and/or mixers on board – Cruises are “all-inclusive” vacations. That’s the beauty of them. However there are a few areas where add-on’s can really add-up. A few glasses of wine here and a cocktail there and you can end up with a big bill at the end. Check out your ship’s alcohol policy before boarding and BYO Booze. Most cruise lines will allow for you to bring at least one bottle of wine onto the ship. Other alternative is to buy the drink package. It can be expensive, and you really have to drink at least 7 or 8 drinks a day for it to pay for itself.
4. Bring water shoes – You may want to throw a bathing suit and a pair of non-slip boat shoes that provide good traction into your suitcase and call yourself packed. Especially on a Caribbean cruise vacation. However, you may want to pack yourself a pair of closed-toe shoes. Those white sandy beaches may be rocky once you get out past the waterline. A cheap pair of water shoes will do the trick.
5. Magnetic dry erase board – Most ships are made of metal. Especially the doors. Bring a magnetic dry erase board and stick it to the inside of the cabin door so that you can leave messages for your family members. They are also fun to stick on the outside of your cabin door. We always pose a “question of the day” on the board to encourage other guests to interact with us. It’s fun to read all of the responses at the end of the day. Here’s a great option to pick up and have for your cruise.
6. Don’t skip formal night – There are still cruise lines that require formal wear, including sports jackets for men on formal night. However, in general, cruising has become more casual. Carnival, for example, is mostly Cruise Casual dress code in the evenings, with the occasional Cruise Elegant evening where you have the opportunity to get as decked out as you’d like. But don’t feel like you have to be dressed to the nines to enjoy that lobster dinner. Throw on a sundress and a collared shirt for guys and get your lobster on.
7. The ship is like a glorious ghost town on port days – On a longer cruise with multiple ports of call? Stay on the ship during a port day. No lines at the self serve ice cream dispenser. You might have the hot tub all to yourself. You might even get the pool to yourself! There are so few people on the ship during port days. This is a great opportunity to read a book in complete silence and take photos of the ship without anyone in your shot. I like to order room service for lunch and sit out on my stateroom balcony and people watch on port days. It’s fun to see all the families coming and going.
8. Skip the elevator, take the stairs – It’s vacation! They cook, they clean and you enjoy all the deliciousness. Who can turn down three-course meals and all night pizza and dessert buffets? Vacation calories don’t count do they? One thing that I have found that helps burn off some of those calories is to opt to take the stairs. You get a good cardio workout a few times a day throughout the duration of your cruise experience. Also, cruise stairwells tend to have a unique piece of artwork hung on each landing. It’s a good workout and a great way to get to know the ship.
9. Embarkation day discounts abound – Most folks are checking out the ship and getting settled in on embarkation day. Check out the “embarkation day” specials when you board. Spas most always have an embarkation day special. Also, specialty restaurants people haven’t happened upon yet are easy to get reservations at on the first night.
10. Pop up laundry hamper – Think about picking up a cheapie pop up laundry hamper as well. They are easy to stow in your cabin closet and will keep all of the dirties in a designated area. When you are packing up on the last day simply dump all the dirties into a suitcase and fold the hamper and slide it into the suitcase. You can pick one up here.
11. Always pay attention to SHIP’S TIME– You don’t want to be running down the dock as the ship is throwing off tie-lines to sail away. Ship’s time rules on the high seas. It doesn’t matter if you’ve sailed into a different time zone. Keep your watch set on ship’s time. Don’t rely on your cell phone, which may switch to local time if you are in port and take your phone off airplane mode. A wristwatch is always best.
12. Purchase an international cell package before leaving – Don’t discover a whopping cell phone bill after your 8 night cruise. Pre-purchase a Caribbean plan before you leave port, it will be a whole lot cheaper. Contact your cell phone service provider and let them know where you will be traveling. They will likely offer a package to suit your needs.
13. Last minute deals – Almost every cruise I have been on has been at a discounted rate. Frequently check in with cruise websites to see what kinds of deals they are running. Last minute cruise deals can save you over 50 percent! Also, once you have one cruise under your belt you will qualify for a return-cruiser rate. If you book another cruise while you are “on” the ship you will likely get a better rate or reduced down payment amount.
14. Bring a backpack carry-on – YChecked luggage may take quite some time to arrive to your stateroom. Be sure to pack your bathing suit and change of clothes/toiletries in your carry-on so that you can enjoy the pool. Then you’ll have a change of clothes for dinner just in case your bags haven’t arrived by dinnertime.
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Hi Leahrae, thank you for a great post.
Leahrae, you are right cruises these days are not just for the elite.
We did a 10-day cruise around the Greek Islands about 6 years ago and as we only paid around 30 euros per person per night I didn’t really know what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it very much.
After reading your article I am reminded of my cruise and now feel like booking a cruise to the Caribbeans, do you have any recommendations for me?
Hi Moni, and thanks for stopping by and reading about the things to know before you cruise. If you are wanting to take a southern cruise, first I would consider a southern cruise, and second choice would be an eastern cruise. The ports are really the best ports with a good variety as well. Haiti is one place a lot of people would not consider, but it is really a a great port and worth having on the itinerary.
Leahrea you’ve really broken down everything a new cruiser would need to know before hopping aboard! I wish I had a guide like this before my first cruise :). What cruise line do you prefer to travel most?
It really depends on what you are looking for on a cruise. But hands down, Holland America which is a great cruise line for singles like me 🙂 If my son is going with me, then we take Royal Caribbean because they have a flowrider on board and he is a competitive flowboarder. So these are our top 2. Thanks for stopping by Christen and visiting the things to know before you cruise.
This is a wonderful post!! I have never been on a cruise and have always wondered if I would enjoy it. Your post definitely gave me great insight and makes me want to book one ASAP!!
Great Amber! Exactly what I am trying to do. So many think it is too expensive and will be “boring.” Far from the truth! You would have a wonderful time and no need to break the bank! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I had no idea cruises could be so cheap! I could probably go on a cruise with my tax return next year lol
do you need a passport to go on a cruise?
Great questions Rain, and yes they are super affordable. A lot of people do not realize what a great deal a cruise really is. No, you do not need a passport. US Citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end in the same U.S. port) and travel to destinations in Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Bermuda are able to re-enter the United States with proof of citizenship other than a passport or passport card. Acceptable proof of citizenship includes an original or certified copy of a government issued birth certificate (raised seal and signature) and a laminated government issued picture ID (typically, driver’s license), Consular Report of Born Abroad Certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization.
Hello Leahrae! Hope you’re out and about somewhere enjoying a preferred sunny cruise off on some exotic coast because thanks to you I have something to look forward to when I decide to leave Los Angeles for a bit.what’s your first recommendation for a person who might leave the country for the first time?
Hi Jose and thanks for visiting thinks to know before you cruise. Since you are in California, for a first cruise I would do a 7 night Norwegian Mexican cruise. It will have 3 days at a port in Mexico, with the rest of the time to relax and enjoy the cruise. I have done a similar cruise to this, and for a first cruise, it would be wonderful. I would always cruise from a home port for the first cruise. If you have extra money and want to venture a little, then fly to Florida (several ports) and take a 7 night Caribbean cruise. The best is going to be a southern cruise, followed by an eastern cruise. Those two have the best ports. If you need any help booking, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Wow! I’ll definitely look into that and I will talk to my family and see if they are up for a cruise, I know we all deserve it! The Caribbean cruise sounds appealing!
Anywhere in the Caribbean is going to be amazing Jose! I guess I am just kind of bias, as I love the beach, beaches, surf, sand, and sun. You get all this in the Caribbean, along with the culture, and food. You and your family will really enjoy. Please let me know if you need any help planning your cruise.
thanks for all the information. I have gone on a couple cruises and is by far my favorite way to travel! It has been a few years though so the brush up on them got me all excited to think about taking another cruise soon 🙂 what I love most is being able to see many places without having to drive from place to place in unfamiliar territory. my last cruise was Spain, France, Greece, Turkey and Italy for a couple weeks. was incredible! Thanks again for the reminder and the ideas for a vaca with my kids (who have never been on a cruise!)
Oh Corey, sounds like you went on a wonderful cruise. I would love to go to Italy as part of my next cruise. I am glad I got you excited, and hopefully you will go on your next cruise soon!
Awesome article Leahrae! This is exactly just what I need as well because I’m looking to book my cruise for the coming year. I will definitely need to check out more of your site as well just do some booking on it! Thanks for the informative one-on-one tour on the experience.
You are very welcome Leo. If you needed any information or help with booking, please don’t hesitate to shoot me a message!
Great information! I’ve never been on a cruise but now I think I want to! Thanks for sharing the knowledge, this is all very helpful. If I ever book one, I’ll need to remember your website during my planning. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for visiting Marie, and glad you enjoyed reading about Things to Know Before You Cruise. Come back when you are ready to start planning!
Hi great website!
I am going down to FL in August of this year to visit family and will be visiting Siesta Key Beach and Longboat Key. Nothing better than beach life IMO! I will checking out more of your blog in the future to get some ideas on my next trip!
I agree Alison, there is NOTHING better than beach life! You are going to have a blast in SSiesta Key and Longboat Key. Beautiful area. Thanks for visiting Things to Know Before You Cruise.
This is a good list of things to know before you cruise but a few things I wish you could let me know. What kind of laws are enforced on the cruises and how serious can it get if you break one? Being that you are going to lot’s of different areas is there a jail on the ships? Also, will there be stuff that you can’t buy from the destinations that you visit or is that something you will need to research ahead of time for when you fly back home?
There are reasons that a cruise ship will kick you off the boat, but there is no “jail” on the boat. You will be booted off at the first port. Things like buying a minor a drink, disorderly conduct, making a bomb threat, taking drugs on board…this sort of stuff will get you booted. Each cruise line has a list of items they do not allow on board. for instance Carnival does not allow weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, or other dangerous goods. So obviously do not purchase these items, or bring them on from home.
Nice article on “Things to know before you Cruise”. Very informative and I think you have everything topic covered. The all-inclusive question was very good. One should be aware of what is and isn’t included in the cost of their cruise. Best to not have any surprises.
So true Mick. Some people thing that all-inclusive includes drinks (even soda), and all the on board and off board entertainment. It is still a GREAT bargain for sure. Thanks for visiting!
I was thrilled when your web site first started loading. I love the banner background you have. Cruising is something I have thought about but never seriously. You make it sound fun. Nice on the tipping, I never know what to tip. I think you really covered everything pretty well. The one place I see for improvement is more graphics. After that great heading picture, you don’t need a lot but you do need some to make it visually appealing all the way through.
Very nicely done. I want to read your other articles now.
Chris
Thank you Chris for visiting Beach Travel Destinations. You are right, I do need more graphics 🙂 I noticed that too and had already put it on my “to do” list 🙂 You really should consider taking a cruise, they are wonderful!
Great post! My mom is heading out for her first cruise to Alaska this September, so I thought I would check in with you for tips that I can pass on to her.
They will be leaving from Vancouver, and this is a trip that my brother bought for her, so I do not know any other details.
Is there anything that you can tell me that my mom should know? Mom has been out on the ocean many times in her brother-in-laws fishing boat, but nothing like a cruise ship!
Ok, I lived in Alaska for 22 years Irma, and I can tell you this. September is cold and rainy. She needs to have clothes for the rain, and some warm ones at that. I can remember the state fair every year was in September. It always rained, and it was always too cold for me. It is beautiful, that is for sure. If you let me know what ports she is stopping in, I can tell you the places she must visit at each port 🙂
Great article. I learned a lot of things for the future. I had no idea you could pick out your cabin ahead of time. I also appreciate the suggestion of possibly booking your own excursions to save money. I have only been on one cruise before and really enjoyed it. I think it is time to do it again. Very helpful.
Thank you Marla, and thanks for visiting, Things to know before your cruise. Yes, once you cruise one time, you don’t ever stop, unless the cruise didn’t go well. And in my book, the only reason it wouldn’t is because of not being informed before hand. I am glad you enjoyed reading!