It is time! You are ready to embark on your first cruise! How exciting! You wake up in a new location every day, you packed and unpacked just once, and you do not have to cook! However, there are a few mistakes that first-time cruisers seem to make that can cause unnecessary stress and ruin a vacation.
First is failing to pack a carry-on. When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will immediately hand your luggage to a porter who will load it onto the ship. Those checked bags magically appear at your cabin door later that same day, but what if they’re delayed? Pack a carry-on! Make sure your carry-on has the essentials–travel documents, passport, cash, medication, swimwear, a change of clothes–the essentials.
Another common mistake is forgetting to put your phone in airplane mode. It is imperative to put your phone in airplane mode while you are still in port. Your smartphone will connect to cellular networks even in the middle of the ocean, causing roaming charges and one astronomical cell phone bill after your vacation. Cruise lines typically offer a dedicated app allowing guests to navigate the ship, message their companions, and view the daily schedule without all those fees. Put your phone in airplane mode the moment you step on the ship!
This next mistake involves shore excursions. There are varied opinions on how to book a shore excursion. One opinion is that you should only book through the cruise line. When you do, the cruise line offers a “return-to-ship,” or the ship won’t leave without you guarantee. However, booking through local, independent operators or choosing a self-guided tour is typically less expensive, less crowded, and more authentic. Bottom line, do your research, make sure you’ll get back to the ship on time, and remember, you don’t have to fill every hour of every port stop.
Which bring us to our next mistake, overplanning. Not only do you not to fill every hour of every port stop, you do not need to fill every hour on the ship. There is tons to do–shows, games, water parks, rock climbing walls–the list could go on and on. Don’t try to do it all. Don’t wear yourself out. Take some time to sit by the pool and relax. Read a good book. It is okay to enjoy your vacation at your pace.
Another fairly common mistake made by first-time cruisers is overpacking. Most seasoned cruisers will tell you that when they first began cruising, they packed their bags to capacity and wore very little of what they took. The space for storing your belongings is limited, and the more you have, the more difficult embarkation and disembarkation will be. Think about mixing and matching pieces, comfort, and don’t forget dress-up night in the MDR. You will want more than one swimsuit because trying to put on a wet swimsuit just is not fun.
Next up, not exploring all your dining options. While the buffet is included and convenient, don’t overlook all the other included options, and even the specialty dining. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in the Main Dining Room or MDR, which is also included in your cruise fare. The menu is rotating and offers various delicious options, allowing you to try dishes you have never had before. There is also specialty dining. While not included in your cruise fare, the specialty restaurants offer a more elevated cuisine and a more intimate dining experience.
On of the more expensive mistakes made by rookies is skipping the travel insurance. Do not skip the travel insurance. Anything can happen, and sometimes does. You could have a medical or family emergency, or an unexpected cancellation. You want to protect your vacation investment from those last-minute emergencies by always getting the travel insurance.
However, probably the number one mistake made by first-time cruisers is scheduling a flight to arrive on the day of departure. Do NOT do this! The ship will not wait for your delayed or canceled flight. It only takes one storm, one delay, one lost piece of luggage for you to miss your cruise ship. Always, always fly into your departure city a minimum of one day early, explore the city, or simply relax and feel refreshed and ready to start your vacation.
This is just a short list of things first-time cruisers might not be aware of. The best advice for a first-time cruiser is to do your research. Know your ship, your ports, your wants and needs, and plan accordingly. Happy Cruising!