Tips for the First Time Cruiser

Cruising is one of the easiest trips to take if you’re prepared, so here are some tips to get you ready! Bon Voyage!

Items to Bring/Packing Tips

If you want to see all of the fun tidbits to bring, see my earlier post….But as far as the basics go: I always pack my hair dryer, as it can be hit or miss in the cabin. I pack Bonine (the non-drowsy motion sickness option – check with your doctor) and take it the first day to acclimate. Many times that’s all I need. Pack a water bottle if you’re on Virgin Voyages as they do not have disposable water bottles. To carry things around the ship, I bring a tote bag (books to the pool, etc). Sunglasses, basic otc meds (advil, etc) and sunscreen.

Most cruise lines will allow you to bring 2 bottles of wine per cabin in your carry on luggage. If you bring the bottle to the dining room, they may charge corkage. However, there is not a fee to open the bottle in your room and carry it around the ship.

Online Check-In

Use your cruise line’s app or online option to check in after final payment and up until approximately 3 days before you sail. Many ships determine your arrival times when you check-in, so it may be good to check-in as soon as your window opens to get the earliest time. Have your passports and the form of payment you’ll be using to pay for your on-board charges handy. The ships are cashless and you’ll be using your key card or bracelet to charge everything to your cabin.

Port Arrival

Make sure to keep your passports with you in your carry-on hand luggage to have with you at the check-in desk. You’ll also want to have any medications and other items you’ll need before your luggage is delivered to your stateroom. Some cruise lines provide luggage tags when you arrive at the drop off area, so have your cabin number handy. Other cruise lines offer printable luggage tags in your digital documents. You can purchase clear plastic cruise line luggage tag holders on amazon. When you arrive at the luggage drop off area, it’s customary to tip the porters.

You’ll then proceed to the boarding area. There may be special boarding lines for suites or other special cabins, so make sure to ask the agents about the lines. After checking-in at the desk, you may be put in a holding area until the ship is clear to board.

Arriving Onboard

Once you’re on the ship, head to the guest services desk to make any changes to dining, get questions answered, etc. The ship may have special desks set up for dining changes, specialty dining reservations, beverage package purchases, etc.

It’s always a good idea to walk around the ship to get your bearings – check out the spa and pool areas, etc. Staterooms are not usually ready until about 1 or 2 PM on your first day. So you may want to explore the ship until then. Your bags are generally delivered throughout the afternoon/evening. I generally take time before the Muster drill (see below) to unpack any bags that arrive.

To grab lunch or a snack once you’ve arrived on the ship, you may want to see if there are any dining rooms or smaller cafe areas open. The buffet areas tend to be super packed and can be overwhelming, so see what other options are available.

Muster Drills

Every cruise line has a mandatory Muster/Safety Drill that happens before you set sail. Your app and cabin will have the information on where you need to report to at the assigned time. Make sure to check-in, as they will not leave port until everyone has checked-in to this drill. The bars and restaurants are closed shortly before and during the drill. So get a snack once you board!

Sail Away Parties

One of the must-do items on your first cruise is a Sail Away party. Usually on the first day, the ship will host a sail away party on the pool or top deck to take in the amazing views as you head out to sea. Make sure to take in that view on day one or later on during the week as you leave one of the ports.

Gratuities

Cruise lines have set gratuities (per person/per day amounts) that they bill to your cabin during your sailing. The cruise line disseminates those automatically to your cabin steward and dining room staff. If you purchase sodas or other beverages, you should see a gratuity automatically added to those as well. You may choose to bring additional cash to tip servers and cabin attendants that go the extra mile. You can also pre-pay your gratuities ahead of time to minimize your onboard spending as well. Some lines include gratuities (like Virgin Voyages) or offer packages that include tips.

Ports

Whenever you leave the ship, make sure to have your key card or bracelet with you to scan. This is how the ship keeps track of who’s onshore/onboard. Depending on the country you’re exploring, you may only need to bring a drivers license with you (not passport) but check with the crew if you have questions. You’ll want to bring a credit card and some cash for any purchases in port as well. If your excursion involves the beach or water, you’ll want to bring a towel and sunscreen too. Many ships have towels as you exit, but double check so that you don’t have to return to your cabin or go to the pool deck.

Make sure to monitor your time closely. The ship always has an all aboard time and a sail away time. They’re not kidding and no they won’t wait……

Phone Service/Wi-Fi

Once the ship departs, cell phone companies will charge roaming fees. So make sure to turn off your phone or put it into airplane mode. Even if you have an international plan, at sea roaming charges apply. Wi-fi plans may be pre-purchased or purchased onboard. Some ships have several levels (basic, streaming, etc…). With Wi-fi you can stay in touch with friends and family on land by using apps like Facebook messenger or What’s app. If you have an iphone you may still be able to get imessages as well. check with your provider and cruiseline.

Onboard Activities

The activities will be shared in the apps and in a printed daily handout. Everything from mixology classes to trivia games are available. Some activities have a fee and most are complimentary. The Spa may offer port day specials, so make sure to keep up on the daily newsletter.

Dining and Dress Code

Some ships have 2 formal nights, but things are becoming less structured and more optional. But lots of cruisers still take advantage of the opportunity to have fun, dress up and get some great photos. Some cruise lines have a ‘come as you wish’ dress code. Some still have a preference for no shorts in the evening. So check with your specific line so that you’ll feel comfortable with the atmosphere.

Most dining rooms have a server and an assistant for your table. If you’re dining at the same table each night, a good team gets to know your preferences. If you have any food allergies, make sure to let the cruise line know ahead of time. I have celiac disease and need to eat gluten free, so I note that in my reservation and again with the server team. Your head waiter for your dining room can also assist with any of those needs, as well as handle any issues that arise in the dining room during your cruise.

Future Cruise Programs

Each line will run promotions while you’re sailing. So if you’re having a good time and will definitely sail again, then visit the future cruise desk to see what’s available. You may get a credit on your current cruise, save money on your next sailing or be able to purchase a placeholder to choose a cruise in the future with a bonus offer.

Disembarkation

During your cruise, you may be given luggage tags to attach for leaving the ship. Some cruise lines have numbers, some have colors, etc. This determines what group you’re assigned to. Some lines have you keep your original tags on your luggage. Generally you will pack your bags the night before you leave the ship and leave them outside of your cabin by 10 pm or so. Make sure you pack a carry on bag with anything you’ll need – toiletries, clothes for the next morning, etc.

Keep your key card/bracelet handy, as you’ll need it to leave the ship. After leaving the ship, you’ll be collecting your luggage and heading to the customs area. Make sure to have your passports ready to share with the agent and answer questions about items purchased.

And just like that, you’re back on land. Hopefully you’ll have had an adventure that will lead to many more beautiful trips on the high seas. Feel free to comment below with any tips and tricks you have to share with our first time cruising friends!