Thinking about setting sail on your first cruise, or is your ticket already booked? Being prepared is the key that unlocks a truly amazing getaway.
If you have never walked the decks of a ship at sea, you are in for a treat. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of cruise life and sidestep a few common pitfalls.
Quick Tips For a First-Time Cruiser
Book It Before You Leave Land
Between packing and booking flights, it is easy to let things like shore excursions, specialty dining reservations, or spa appointments slip your mind. However, these activities are incredibly popular and often sell out long before the ship even leaves port.
Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, open up their booking portals 75 to 120 days before the sailing date. Use your cruise line’s app, like the Carnival HUB app, to look at the itinerary and pre-book your must-do activities as soon as you can.
A pro tip from seasoned cruisers is to book high-demand dinner spots, like the steakhouse or hibachi grill, on the very first day your booking window opens. They are always the first to go!
Remember the Little Things for Your Carry-On
You do not want to be the person with a greenish tinge on day one. Be sure to pack the little things, especially motion sickness medication, just in case the sea is not as calm as you hoped. Many travelers prefer non-drowsy options like Bonine or Dramamine Less Drowsy.
Your checked luggage might not arrive at your cabin for hours after you board. Sometimes it can take until 6:00 PM. That is why your carry-on bag is so important.
Pack a small bag with everything you’ll need for the first afternoon. This should include:
- Your swimsuit and a change of clothes
- ID cards and travel documents
- Any essential medications
- Sunscreen and sunglasses; get them at the best price at SmartBuyGlasses (smartbuyglasses.com)
Splurge on a Balcony Room
As a first-time cruise passenger, you might be worried about your stateroom feeling small. Cruise lines are experts at making even the coziest interior cabins comfortable and functional.
However, if you want more space to breathe, a stateroom with a balcony is a fantastic upgrade. An average interior room is about 150-170 square feet. A balcony room often provides 180-200 square feet of interior space plus your own private 40-square-foot balcony.
That extra space is a game-changer, especially on scenic voyages. If you are on an adventure cruise to Alaska or looking for cruises to Antarctica, a balcony offers a private front-row seat for spotting whales or glaciers.
Other things to consider when booking your room:
- If you are prone to seasickness, a room on a lower deck and in the middle of the ship (midship) is your best bet. This is the ship’s natural balance point, so you will feel much less swaying.
- Check the ship’s deck plan before choosing a cabin. Avoid rooms directly below the pool deck or above the nightclub to ensure a quiet night’s sleep.
- Want quick access to the action? Booking a cabin near the “lido” deck or other high-traffic areas means you are just a short walk from pools, buffets, and entertainment.
Sign Up for Special Offers
Giving out your email can feel like a chore, but cruise line websites are one place where it really pays off. Signing up is the best way to get alerts about special promotions and early-bird savings.
This is especially true during the cruise industry’s “Wave Season.” From January through March, cruise lines release some of their best deals of the year to attract bookings. You can score great deals on Alaskan cruise prices, onboard credit, and other perks.
Do Your Research Before Booking Your Cruise
Before you commit, spend some time doing online research to compare cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. Websites like CruiseCritic offer thousands of reviews from real passengers, right down to feedback on specific cabin numbers.
YouTube is another amazing resource. You can find full video tours of almost any ship, which gives you a much better feel for the layout than online photos. Channels like “Tips For Travellers” offer great advice, while blogs like Cruise West Coast feature helpful port guides.
Relax and Enjoy Your Maiden Voyage
All your planning will pay off, but our final tip is the most important one.
Remember to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy your maiden voyage. You are about to embark on a trip that is unlike anything you have ever experienced before.
