Cruising for the first time can be a little daunting, with so much information to take into consideration.
In searching for that “just right” first cruise, you’ve followed all the rules, browsing the different cruise lines, examining possible itineraries and speaking to your travel agent for professional advice.
You’ve booked your ship, selected a stateroom and picked an itinerary. So, what’s next? You’d be surprised at how many factors remain to be considered so that you can get off to a stress-free and fun-filled start to your first ever holiday at sea.
Before you go
First step is knowing your cruise documents by reading through the information before you leave. It’s your responsibility to ascertain whether you need a passport and any visas for travel, and to acquire the necessary documents prior to cruising.
Packing is the next challenge. Different cruise ships have different dress code for evenings (daywear is always casual), which can change daily. Check your travel documents before you pack; each evening’s code is usually listed. On some cruise lines there’s a formal night, while other cruises may include themed nights. Pack a carry-on with everything needed to get you and your family through to dinner time, in case your bag is delayed.
Cruise lines have alcohol policies in place, which vary as to how much, if any, alcohol you can bring onboard with you. Be aware that some have even moved to prohibit passengers from bringing non-alcoholic beverages aboard their ships, in an effort to thwart guests from smuggling in alcohol in decoy bottles.
Booking shore tours is recommend prior to cruising to avoid missing out. An updated list of available shore excursions is typically available at least six months before your scheduled departure. Shore excursions can also be booked onboard.
Your travel agent will be a great source of information for you in regard to what to expect on-board. Alternatively, the cruise ship websites are packed with information from emergency procedures, laundry, phone calls, internet, medical, babysitting, cash and currency and more.
Getting on-board
You can book your flights to the departure port, unless you intend to drive or catch public transport or a shuttle. Allow enough time in case of flight delays and other transportation glitches. At the pier, cruise and port staff will direct you to the right place for checking in, baggage drop and customs.
On Embarkation Day, explore the ship and get organised before partaking in the mandatory safety drill. Pick up a pocket-size map of the ship as the first day you will find yourself lost often. Depending on when you board, you might not be able to access your cabin right away, but the bars and restaurants will be open.
Out at sea
As the ship departs port there is generally some sort of sail away party. It is good to be on deck for this as a number of ports are quite scenic, plus the atmosphere is always fun and will set the mood for your cruise.
Depending on the ship, your cabin might have U.S, European or Australian electrical outlets and hair dryers. Check your ship’s specifications to determine if you need an adaptor. Either way, it’s smart to bring a power adapter, and perhaps a multiple USB-port, as iPhones and cameras will surely need charging.
Almost all cruise staterooms have televisions, the channel selection will vary; some lines also offer passengers DVD players or movies on demand. Lastly, a good travel alarm is handy to pack as many cabins are not outfitted with alarm clocks.
Once off cruising, the hardest part will be to plan what you will do each day. With not only ports of call, there is an abundance of activities and experiences on-board. It is worthwhile reading the ship’s newsletter each day as it is packed with valuable information like the port you’re about to visit, what the show times are, which dining venues are open when, what lectures are being held or even what the drink of the day is. Some cruise lines have been rolling out phone apps that outline daily programming, too, as an alternative to the traditional printed schedules.
Cruise ships run off a cashless system. To make payments easy, you’ll receive a swipe card upon check-in (which doubles as your room key) for charging various items and services to an account that can be settled at the end of your trip with a credit card or cash.
Dining options will include either flexible/open seating (meaning you dine at whatever time and with whom you want) or more traditional assigned seating (meaning you have a fixed table, dining time and dinner mates for the duration of your sailing) in their main dining rooms. There are usually several other places to dine from pizza parlours to the ship’s buffet and specialty restaurants.
Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. Cruising is a fantastic way to meet new people and explore multiple places while only unpacking once. Most people who cruise will end up cruising again.
Last of all, rely on your travel agent for advice and information.
