What to expect on your first time on a cruise
A cruise is very different from any other type of vacation. If you’ve never been to one before, you’ll want to know what to expect and what to be prepared for. With a little knowledge of how to avoid trouble, a cruise can be the getaway of a lifetime.
The most important thing to become familiar with is each level of spending. What is included with the basic charge and what is not. Some cruise lines will include free room service and other free luxuries, so make sure you don’t miss out. Also know what’s not included, so you’ll know how much extra money to bring. All cruise ships have different policies, so be sure to do your homework.
Another big thing to be prepared for is motion sickness. This is especially true if you have never been on a boat before and don’t know whether or not you are affected by seasickness. There are many medications for this and you can ask your doctor which one would be best for you. One of the most popular options is a motion sickness pill, but one of the main side effects is drowsiness, so be careful when taking it. Patches are also popular.
The weather will play a huge role in your cruise experience. This will depend entirely on where the cruise is chartered and what time of year it is. Most Caribbean cruises will be quite warm throughout the year. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. But a cruise to Alaska will be cool and sometimes downright cold. So pack accordingly.
Consider what kinds of events you’ll be attending on the cruise when you pack your clothes. Some cruises will have formal events, others will not. You’ll want to know this ahead of time and be prepared for it.
Remember that cruise ships can be extremely crowded at times. Have designated times and places where you and your group will meet later in case you get separated. Avoid areas that can get crowded easily, like elevators. Some cruise lines will have elevators that you can use to get from one level of the ship to another, but these are often so used that they take forever and should be reserved for older passengers.
Some cruises can be a pretty intense party experience, especially if you don’t have kids in your party. Be sure to pace yourself when you drink. Getting drunk on a moving ship can be a bad combination. Also, on the subject of drinks, be sure to check if your cruise line provides automatic gratuities on the bill. Some cruise ships automatically charge you a 15% tip with alcoholic beverages, so don’t pay the tip twice by mistake.
Another important expense to consider is phone calls. Your best bet is to close all of your business, both professional and personal, before you depart on your cruise, so you won’t have to call and check on things as often. Cell phones will not work on some cruise lines. You probably have a phone in your room, but it can actually cost up to fifteen dollars a minute to talk to someone on the ground. If you must make phone calls, make them when the ship stops for port.
When the cruise ends, have your things packed and ready to go at the specified time. Cruise ship staff are usually very friendly, but have to be pushy when it comes to departing guests. They need a lot of time to prepare the room for the next passengers and they won’t want to wait for you. Go to bed early and try to avoid hangovers on your last night.
By planning ahead and knowing what is available on your ship; can ensure that you and your family have the trip of a lifetime.