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Things No One Tells You About Cruising

Things No One Tells You About Cruising

Tags: DIY & Life Hacks Inspriation
Last updated by The FiftyUp Team on

Sailing the high seas is the easiest holiday for a lot of us, but here are secrets and tips that could make your cruise even more fun and relaxing!

Embarking
Arrive at your embarkation port a day early. This allows you to avoid any last minute stress caused by potential delays and allows you to adjust to a new time zone or allows you time to sightsee.

Everyone wants to be on board first, so arrive a little later when embarking to avoid the rush to be first.

Packing
Traveling with a companion? Pack half & half carry on. This tip will cover both of you if your luggage is delayed en route to the ship and include anything you may need immediately like medicine, swimsuits, sunscreen, etc.

If you’re on a lengthy cruise, unpack as soon as you have access to your stateroom. Your suitcase can be stored under your bed for the length of your cruise.

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Eating & Drinking
Stop by the specialty restaurants that pique your interest and make reservations on your first day aboard.

Water on cruise ships is okay to drink but it’s heavily chlorinated so it’s smarter to grab a big bottle from the bar or on board store and keep it on the bed side table.

If you’re eating at the breakfast buffet, try to sit in the same section every day as waiters tend to work the same areas and are more than likely to remember preferences and could have yours on hand.

If you don’t finish that bottle of wine at lunch or dinner, it doesn’t have to go to waste. The waiters can store it overnight for you for the next time you are there.

Get Interactive
Most state room televisions are interactive. You can order room service, check spending, see the daily schedule and track the ship’s position.

Take advantages of the free lessons and complimentary actives ike rock climbing, cooking classes, wine tasting, etc.

Sign up for behind the scenes tour of the ship and indulge yourself at a chef’s table experience which is often worth its price and sometimes includes a galley visit.

Activities on port days are less crowded because most passengers are out exploring.

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Checking Out
Avoid the lines and any issues that arise by visiting reception and getting a copy of your account. It’ll be easier than dealing with it in the hours before disembarkation when everyone else is there.

Are you a cruise regular? What’s your tip on an easy cruise?

Originally posted on .

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Someone
Someone from QLD commented:

Gong on my first cruise and wondering if sea sickness is prevalent on short 3 day cruises and if so what do I take to avoid it 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

Hi, my husband & I went on our first 6 days cruise (to see what it is like) early December last year & my husband was worried about getting sea sickness, I purchased tablets & although he only took 1 tablet prior found he did not need them at all & for the trip was fine. The cruise liners also have stabilisers which they can initialise if needed, so have no fears & give it a try & enjoy your cruise. 

Geraldine
Geraldine from QLD commented:

It depends where your cabin is located, generally lower decks in the middle of the ship are more stable. Also depends when and where the ship is going: seas can be a bit rough in Australian cyclone season, in the Pacific and around New Zealand. I find that ginger based tablets help me, others recommend eating green apples if you are feeling a bit queasy and ships often provide them during rough seas. Some ships also provide free sea sickness pills. 

Gordon
Gordon from QLD commented:

The time spent on a boat has nothing to do with whether someone gets sea sick or not. I remember crossing the English Channel from Ostend to Dover many years ago and there were a number of people hanging over the rails on that rather short trip. 

Lynn
Lynn from NSW commented:

heavily coordinated water? 

Member
Member from VIC commented:

I carry a small packet of 'wet' tissues which can be used on handles and buttons in toilets to avoid possible contamination. Disposable toilet seat covers are also cheap and so useful on shore excursions. 

Brian
Brian from NSW commented:

Don't fall for the "guarantee" cabins. They're in that category for a reason !! 

Someone
Someone from VIC commented:

make sure when you may be updated to a mini suite, that there is a separate shower,in our case on Golden Princess shower was over the bath. For elderly this may be quite a concern,and something you think mini suite will have a normal shower. 

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