How To Have A Memorable Mega-Ship Cruise

Our Top Tips To Get The Most Out Of A Mega-Ship Cruise

If you’ve never been on a mega-ship cruise holiday, then prepare to be in absolute awe of their size- they are colossal!

When cruise ships are compared to floating cities, it’s these vessels that people are talking about. Mega-ships often have the capacity for around 5000 guests, alongside 2000 crew, with many of the ships being over 1000ft in length.

All this space has been used effectively to offer as many different features and activities as possible, but it can leave your head spinning if you’re not prepared. To make things easier, we’ve put together our top tips for making the most of a cruise on a mega-ship.

Pack Prepared

If you’ve been on any type of cruise before, you’ll know that once you board the ship, sometimes you won’t see your suitcase or be able to check into your room for hours- which can be a real nuisance and potentially get your cruising holiday off to a slow start. Instead, think smart, and try packing a carry-on that will allow you to make the most of this time while other guests are still finding their feet. 

For example, have your swimsuit and sun cream with you, so you can waste no time enjoying time by the pool. Or, have a pair of trainers and sportswear in a bag ready, so you can head to the gym, climbing wall, go-karts or any other of the action-packed activities available onboard ships.

Get Knowledgeable On Navigation

It's important not to underestimate quite how immense or disorientating mega-ships can be. It can be very easy to lose your bearings with multiple floors, decks, and neighbourhoods intertwined within one ship. Fortunately, however, there are some tricks to help you find your way.

Firstly, do your homework. Most cruise lines publish deck plans, virtual tours and photo galleries online, so you can get an idea of the layout before even stepping foot onboard. Make a note of key landmarks and main routes to get you started.

Onboard, usually, you’ll find deck plans near stairways and lifts; sometimes these will even include helpful colour-coded arrows and signs along corridors. Mega-ships are also often split into different neighbourhoods, each with distinct décor. Within these, similar activities and features are grouped together or share a specific theme, such as a family-fun zone, a quiet, relaxation space, or an area for dining.

Ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Oasis Class, or Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess, also have digital technology to help you get around. By scanning your cruise card or wristband on a Wayfinder screen, you can identify your location almost immediately!

Book, Book, Book!

No, this time, we’re not referring to what you're reading by the pool. Although you may want to chill out and go with the flow on your time off, to make the most of your cruise experience, it’s essential to plan how you want to spend your days by booking your slots.

Whether it’s a table at a tempting speciality restaurant, a seat at a spectacular show or a zen treatment in the spa, with so many people onboard a mega-ship, not reserving could mean missing out. Also, don’t assume that you don’t need to book simply because you have certain things included in your fare. The crew will still need to know when you’re coming, and won’t automatically reserve a space for you!

Luckily, these days you don’t need to waste time in queues making reservations in person. Nearly all cruise lines offer a free-to-use app, where you can make bookings and add them to your personal timetable at the touch of a button.

Make Your Sea Days Count

When your ship is at sea for the day, everyone will want to enjoy the facilities and activities on offer. To make the most of this time, make sure you plan beforehand: decide what you want to do in advance of your sea days, check the ship’s timetable to work out what’s on offer and when, and book slots where required.

Remember, some ships maximise their space by using an area for more than one purpose, so they may not always offer the experience you want to do at the time you’re hoping to do it.

When the sea day arrives, pack a bag for the day; containing everything you need in it to avoid wasting valuable time going back and forth to your cabin. These trips can easily take up large chunks of your day on a mega-ship.

To See Or Not To See

If a port destination does not hugely inspire you, it may be worth using this time on the ship. Most guests will be off exploring on land, meaning increased availability for the ship’s restaurants, spas and activities, and plenty of sun loungers free on the deck!

Many cruise lines also offer discounts on things such as spa treatments, gym classes and activities during port days, saving you precious pennies too!

With so much to see and do on mega-ships, the key to making the most of your cruise holiday is planning. Work out what you want to do, where it is and when you can go well in advance of your embarkation day. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be sure to have the most incredible cruise holiday onboard a mega-ship.