Over the years I have been fortunate enough to do many cruises with different cruise lines and almost always the following tips apply to each cruise line.
Hopefully you will find this helpful, make your future cruises more prepared and enjoyable and possibly save you a little money when on board.
- How much will you be drinking on board? A beer package can cost from approx $39 per day, a single beer can cost $5.50. (Royal Caribbean)
- Take your own suitcase on board, sometimes the porters do not get them to your room until late afternoon, you may be dressed for the journey to the port but not quite right for enjoying life on board. Alternatively, pack your hand luggage with attire you want to dress into as soon as you get on the ship.
- Submit your card payment details when doing your online check-in or when at the port, paying in person at the end of the cruise will mean standing in a queue for an hour or so. Not the best way to spend your last evening.
- Read the ship’s daily newspaper every morning, the ships are so big it is impossible to run around looking to see what’s on and where.
- Look at Cruisingexcursions.com for your excursions, half the price on many options with getting back to the ship on time guarantees.
- Confirm your next cruise or pay a deposit for a future cruise whilst onboard, you will get additional benefits for the cruise you are on or for the 1 you are booking for.
- Visit your cruise personliser and see what the ship has to offer. This will help you plan your whole holiday and give you more time to do the things you want when on board.
- Most cruise lines allow you to bring alcohol on board but do limit it, others do not allow you to bring alcohol purchased in ports of call and store it until disembarkation. Read the cruise lines terms and conditions, don’t get caught out.