Going on a cruise can be both exciting and intimidating if you’re not sure how to properly plan, prepare, and enjoy. With many cheap cruises available to choose from, this vacation option is increasingly popular. To help ease your cruising concerns, there are ten essential things to do before and during your vacation on the high seas.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Ship
It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you actually get into it, so make sure to log onto your cruise company’s website for the ship’s layout. This will help you figure out where you room is located and what your proximity is to the ship’s amenities, such as dining establishment, pools, and fitness facilities.
2. Excursions
Check out your cruise’s itinerary for any excursions taking place during your time aboard. Excursions are generally guided tours on the shore of certain islands and other destinations that will enrich your experience and help you get the most out of your time at sea.
3. Dress Appropriately
Another thing to check out beforehand is the required dress code at the ship’s dining establishments. Many cruises have select nights where formal attire is required, and you would not want to show up in your recreational cruise attire at these events.
4. Pack Accordingly
It can be a while between when you check your luggage in and when you receive in on board, so make sure to pack a carry-on bag for the first day. Also, consider marking your luggage with a colorful ribbon or tie, so it’s easier to spot.
5. Lose Some Weight
Average weight gain on a cruise is between four and five pounds, so make sure you hit the gym hard before you arrive at port!
6. Smile
Photographers aboard the ship are always looking for photo-ops, and you’ll likely have your picture taken at least a few times. These pictures are available for purchase, so look your best and capture your memories with a smile.
7. Bring Motion Sickness Pills
Some people aren’t affected by the rocking of the ship at all, and others find themselves in a sick state of mind in their cabin’s bathroom. As a precaution, make sure to pack some motion sickness pills so you can avoid spending your first day in isolation from the passengers and amenities on board.
8. Two-Dollar Bills
A great way to tip (and you will likely be doing a lot of tipping aboard your cruise), $2 bills can be obtained from your local bank before heading to port.
9. Enjoy the Little Things
Cruises are full of special details that make all the difference. For example, there are the towels folded into animal shapes, the occasional ice sculptures, and other small luxuries that make you feel truly pampered and appreciated at sea (and this is where those $2 tips come in handy).
10. Pack Up Before Dinner
On the last night of your cruise, try to have everything packed up before dinner. This way, you can enjoy one last night of relaxation without the stress of packing weighing on your shoulders. You’ll find dinner to be much more enjoyable and you’ll definitely not regret enjoying a stress-free last night on the open water when you’re back on land the next morning.