Do’s and Don’ts to make your first day on board run smoothly!

Everyone is different when it comes to cruising and everyone who has cruised a few times before has their own little rituals on what they do when they first get on board.

Personally we go to the cabin first and check it out and my daughter always tries the bed for comfort and  if we have a balcony I throw the doors open to get some fresh air in. then usually have a quick freshen up and if it is going to be warm we get changed into something more suited to the weather, always take a change of clothes in your hand luggage even if its shorts and a t shirt as its a good bet that the suitcases won’t follow down for a few hours, this is the main reason that a lot of the dining is so relaxed on the dress code for the first night.

Do’s, well there are lots of them

Do take your sea sickness pills well before you sail if you are a new cruiser and don’t know if you will suffer from it or not and it gives them time to settle on your stomach.

Do get your bearings around the ship and a good tip I was given was to start at the top and work your way down as stairs are easier on the way down plus the lifts will be busy on the first day.

Do get yourself a drinks card if you like a tipple that’s if you don’t already have one of course, and take some photos with that drink with the sea or part of the ship in the background, put it on facebook to make everyone jealous

Do make any speciality dining reservations or spa reservations while it is quiet as it wont stay that way for long, also check out where you are dining so you can remember how to get there without getting lost, this is also a good time to get your drinks card if you don’t have it already.

Do go and have a dip in the hot tub or pools as again it should be quieter, this is great as long as you have remembered to pop a change of clothes in your bag as as i said earlier because your suitcases won’t get to your room for a little while yet, this is essential if you have travelled from a cold climate to a very warm one. nothing worse than being hot and not knowing when your case will turn up.

Do try and meet your cabin steward as they will become one of your best friends over the time you are there and if you are nice and friendly to them it will pay off believe me. You don’t have to tip at the beginning as its not expected then.

Don’t just assume that everything is working in your cabin as sometimes it may not be, this is another good reason you should meet the cabin steward as you will know exactly who to ask in case any problems arise, be nice and don’t demand.

Do unpack your case and get that out of the way as its on most peoples dislikes page, its over and done with then.

Don’t skip the muster drill you will be found out if you hide as it is really important you attend.

Do take the little ones to join the kids cubs and meet everyone there, even if they say the don’t want to they may just change their minds when they get there, then its more freedom for you not worrying on how to entertain them.

Do go and book a trip, this is a must do if you want to go on a trip to say Rome as a lot sell out pretty quickly and as it is such an amazing place you would not want to be disappointed.

Don’t automatically eat dinner in the main dining room. Embarkation day can be a great night to dine out in the specialty restaurants, as they’re often less crowded and, on some lines, carry a reduced cover charge.

DO head up on deck for sail away. It’s festive, with live music and flowing drinks, and it’s a fun way to kick off your cruise.

DO watch the sun set over the ocean, go to the welcome show, hit the casino, sing karaoke and shake your booty at the disco — your cruise starts tonight!!

Tell me, what is the first thing you do when you board the ship at the start of your cruise ?