Tips For that First Cruise
Here are some valuable tips for those of you planning to cruise in the future.
Bring your own bottle - Most ships let you bring one bottle of wine on board during embarkation. If you open and drink it in your cabin, cruise directors say, you'll avoid a corkage fee.
Maximize stateroom space - Some space-saving tips:
1. Nest your luggage - Buy incremental sizes that fit inside one another for storage.
2. Use the magnetic walls - Don't want to lose paper notices and schedules? Stick them on the wall with a magnet.
3. Re-wear outfits - Many ships have self-service laundries; pack only enough washable clothes for half your trip.
4. Bring items that can mix or match so you get more outfits out of fewer items.
Avoid Lines - There may be long lines to disembark and reboard at ports, so stay on the ship and have fun until the lines shorten, then go get in line.
Cabin Booking - When choosing your cabin, the ones midship on lower decks tend to be quieter and least affected by the boat's movement.
Leave the crowds behind - If you need a break from the excitement, you shouldn't feel that you need to join the crowds and disembark in every port. Stay on board and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Aching Feet- To ease foot pain and swelling, use a life jacket or extra pillow to prop up your feet at night. Bring seasickness medication also just in case. Make sure you have comfortable shoes to wear. Sore feet can ruin your cruise.
Carry on - Pack all your important stuff in your carry on along with any medications you may need and important documents.
What to pack - Wondering what to pack, check ahead on the cruises Dress Code. This will you decide just what type of clothes you'll need for dining and activities on the ship.
Save some room - Remember to either save some room in your suitcase for souvenirs or pack an extra foldable carry bag to stash those extras in. If you plan on checking it as baggage on the way home make sure it's sturdy enough to survive the luggage compartment.
Keep valuable items with you - Never pack your valuables in your checked luggage. Keep your important documents with you so if your luggage doesn't make it you can still get onboard.
Take the basics - Not everything you might want can be found onboard and if it is it will be expensive. Take those important basic items you might need like camera batteries, over the counter meds, toiletries, sunscreen, etc..
Bring your own bottle - Most ships let you bring one bottle of wine on board during embarkation. If you open and drink it in your cabin, cruise directors say, you'll avoid a corkage fee.
Maximize stateroom space - Some space-saving tips:
1. Nest your luggage - Buy incremental sizes that fit inside one another for storage.
2. Use the magnetic walls - Don't want to lose paper notices and schedules? Stick them on the wall with a magnet.
3. Re-wear outfits - Many ships have self-service laundries; pack only enough washable clothes for half your trip.
4. Bring items that can mix or match so you get more outfits out of fewer items.
Avoid Lines - There may be long lines to disembark and reboard at ports, so stay on the ship and have fun until the lines shorten, then go get in line.
Cabin Booking - When choosing your cabin, the ones midship on lower decks tend to be quieter and least affected by the boat's movement.
Leave the crowds behind - If you need a break from the excitement, you shouldn't feel that you need to join the crowds and disembark in every port. Stay on board and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Aching Feet- To ease foot pain and swelling, use a life jacket or extra pillow to prop up your feet at night. Bring seasickness medication also just in case. Make sure you have comfortable shoes to wear. Sore feet can ruin your cruise.
Carry on - Pack all your important stuff in your carry on along with any medications you may need and important documents.
What to pack - Wondering what to pack, check ahead on the cruises Dress Code. This will you decide just what type of clothes you'll need for dining and activities on the ship.
Save some room - Remember to either save some room in your suitcase for souvenirs or pack an extra foldable carry bag to stash those extras in. If you plan on checking it as baggage on the way home make sure it's sturdy enough to survive the luggage compartment.
Keep valuable items with you - Never pack your valuables in your checked luggage. Keep your important documents with you so if your luggage doesn't make it you can still get onboard.
Take the basics - Not everything you might want can be found onboard and if it is it will be expensive. Take those important basic items you might need like camera batteries, over the counter meds, toiletries, sunscreen, etc..
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