107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, And Freebies
There are always new cruise tips to learn for when you take your trip, so it doesn’t matter if this is your first sailing or your 50th, you should be prepared. Because of this, we have compiled a staggering 107 of the best cruising hacks, secrets, and freebies for you to take advantage of on your vacation.
This list includes everything from very insignificant advice that can be used to make your voyage a little more comfortable to significant information that cruise lines would like passengers not know about. You may feel guaranteed that even seasoned cruisers will pick up at least a few new pointers from reading this article, even though some of the items on this list may be common knowledge to them.
In order to make things simpler, we have separated the 107 pieces of advice that we have into their respective categories, such as advice for conserving money, packing efficiently, maintaining good health, and more.
Our 10 Best Cruise Tips
1. Many hotels located in close proximity to the port will provide free or reduced cruise parking as well as shuttle service to and from the ship.
Are you going to arrive by car for your cruise, and do you require lodging for the night? Search for hotels that offer parking for cruise ships. In order to fill their rooms with cruise passengers, hotels in port cities will stop at nothing to win their business. That indicates that you won’t have to pay anything to keep your car at their hotel while you’re on your trip (or at a sharp discount). A good number of them will also provide transportation to the port where cruise ships depart.
This piece of advice is the single most effective means by which you can cut costs associated with cruise parking and transportation to the port. Check out our list of hotels in each port that offer shuttles to the cruise port, including hotels in Miami that offer shuttles to the cruise port.
2. Cruising aboard older ships will save you a tonne of money.
Consider sailing on an older ship if you are the type of person who is always looking for a good deal. Even if an older ship and a modern ship sail the same route, the rates on the older ship will be significantly lower than those on the newer ship.
You will, of course, give up some of the cool new features, such as waterslides and 10 swimming pools, in return for this. If, on the other hand, you are the kind of person who just wants to be out on the water, sailing on an older ship can save you hundreds of dollars.
3. Bring along your own power adaptor to increase the number of outlets you have.
The number of items that you will bring that require being plugged in seemed to expand with each passing year. Some examples of these items are phones, iPads, laptops, and curling irons. However, many of the cabins on cruise ships have a restricted number of outlets. The encouraging news is that modern ships are being constructed with an increased number of power outlets. However, in order to make a greater number of plugs available, we recommend taking an adapter or two with you.
This one from Amazon is our top pick because it has three different plugs and doesn’t take up a lot of space in your home. In addition to this, check to see that your plug does not contain a surge protector. They are not permitted to board the aircraft.
4. You may not have as much privacy on your balcony as you believe you do
Have you considered getting some rays “outdoors” on your balcony? Do you and your lover want to live a little dangerously while you’re outside? Be conscious of the fact that the privacy of your balcony is limited. The walls that separate the individual balconies are low so that air can easily flow through them. In order to facilitate the flow of water, they are raised a few inches above the ground. That means that whoever is on the balcony next to you will have a clear view of everything that’s going on without having to make too much of an effort.
5. The packages that include “all you can drink” beverages are not a good value unless…
You can substantially assist your finances by purchasing alcohol in “all you can drink” bundles. You pay a flat fee, and then you may drink as much as you want without having to worry about the tab at the end of the night. Be warned, however, that due to the cost of the bundles, you will typically need to order between 7 and 10 beverages per day in order to make any significant savings.
Because you are required to purchase the package for each day of your cruise, this also implies that you are required to consume the specified amount of alcohol each and every day that you are aboard the ship, including when you are docked at a port of call.
The majority of customers will discover that they are better off simply placing their drink orders in the conventional manner.
6. As soon as you step foot on the boat, put your mobile device into aeroplane mode.
There are simply too many horror stories about cruise guests who forgot to switch off the data on their phone and then returned home to find enormous bills for international roaming after using their phone while on the ship.
Because of this, you should either completely power down your phone or put it into aeroplane mode so that it doesn’t consume any of your data (but can still connect to wi-fi). It’s the quickest and easiest way to make sure your upcoming phone statement won’t contain any major shocks or unexpected charges.
7. If you are only going down two or three levels, you should use the stairs. It happens really quickly.
When you’re on vacation, who wants to use the stairs? It certainly sounds like a lot of work! To be honest, using the stairs is frequently going to be a lot quicker. Be conscious of the fact that when there are thousands of passengers aboard a cruise ship, the elevators may get overloaded and be forced to make stops on each deck while travelling up and down. This indicates that the elevator might take some time to get to the floor you want to go to.
Instead, if you are only going up or down a few decks, you should just hoof it with the stairs because it is undoubtedly quicker and faster to do so. In addition, you get the opportunity to burn off some of the “cruise calories” that you have accumulated as a result of eating so much food.
8. The payouts at casinos are lower than those at many land-based casinos
Do you intend to make a killing at the casino? It is going to require a bit more good fortune than is typical. There are an equal number of tales about those who failed miserably and went broke as there are about those who became wealthy overnight. From what we’ve seen, the payments aboard cruise ships aren’t really impressive. For instance, low-limit blackjack tables at many land-based casinos pay out at a rate of 3 to 2 rather than the more common 6 to 5 that is found at many online casinos.
9. If you want to board the ship as quickly as possible, arrive at the boarding area later.
If you show up to board the aircraft right at the moment the boarding window opens, you should prepare to spend a significant amount of time waiting. There is almost always a frantic rush to get on board the ship as soon as it opens, which results in long lineups. (In the wake of the recent health scare, cruise lines are placing a greater emphasis on their efforts to spread out passengers in order to maintain smaller crowd sizes.)
What the vast majority of people don’t aware is that in many situations, showing up later allows you to board the vehicle at a faster pace. If you arrive at the port approximately one hour before the boarding window shuts, you won’t have to wait in any lineups. It takes roughly ten to fifteen minutes, on average, to check in and board without having to compete with a large number of other passengers.
10. To receive substantial savings on add-ons such as beverage packages, make advance reservations online.
Do you want to save a tonne of money? If you know that you will be booking something additional during your stay, such as an Internet package or a drink package, then you should do so online before your actual stay begins.
The cruise lines provide unique reductions in price as an incentive for customers to make early reservations for the available deals. We’ve seen drink deals like buy one, get one 50% discount. If you wait to make your purchases on the ship, you will incur far higher costs than if you had made them beforehand.
Advice on How to Save Money on Your Next Cruise
Do you wish to have a wonderful time without having to spend a fortune? Here are some of our greatest suggestions for cutting costs during your trip, as well as before you leave.
11. Make the most gradual payments you can toward the cost of your cruise.
When you first book your cruise, you will always be required to make a deposit, although some passengers choose to pay for their entire cruise at the time of booking. Even though it is a good feeling to know that your trip has been purchased and paid for, doing so puts you at risk in the event that the price of the cruise drops.
You are probably aware that, much like airlines, cruise lines occasionally change their prices. If you have already put down a deposit, you can phone the cruise company and urge them to honour the lower price if you later discover that the price has dropped. The fact that you have not yet paid for the complete trip gives you some leverage, as it leaves open the possibility that you can cancel and rebook at a lesser price.
If you have already paid for the entire trip, you have significantly less bargaining power than someone who has not yet done so. But don’t be concerned about it. In spite of the fact that this may occur, you should still phone the cruise company and inquire about the possibility of receiving the discounted rate. There is a possibility that the difference in price will be refunded to you as an onboard credit.
12. Do you want to travel on a budget? When the children are occupied at school, enjoy a cruise.
They ought to refer to it as the “rule of inexpensive sailing.” Be flexible with your travel dates and try to schedule your trip for when schools are in session to maximise the amount of money you save. When school is in session, it is difficult for families with children to travel, which is a significant part of the cruise demographic. This indicates that the cruise lines are trying to fill cabins and will offer discounted tickets in order to persuade tourists to travel on their ships.
During the holiday breaks, when families are more likely to travel, it is not surprising to see that fares have increased by a factor of two.
13. When you are in port, check the ship’s store for more affordable options.
When the ship is in port, there is a chance that you will find discounts onboard the ship. This is not always the case, but it does happen on occasion. For instance, perhaps it is a spa treatment that offers a little lower rate if you reserve a service when the ship is berthed at its destination. Or, activities such as Royal Caribbean‘s North Star observation pod are free to use when the ship is docked, but they have a fee associated with them when the ship is at sea.
14. The prices of lunch are frequently lower than those of dinner at speciality restaurants.
There will be speciality restaurants that charge additional fees in addition to the regular restaurants that are included in the price of your cruise fare. These specialised restaurants serve meals that are not available at the restaurants that are included, and they provide an experience that is of a higher quality. In exchange for this, you will typically pay the same price regardless of what you order.
Check to see if they provide deals on their meals during the lunch hour if you want to eat here while keeping some of your money in your pocket. When compared to the prices charged during dinner, the lunchtime prices at several of the restaurants are significantly lower. You can have the exact same dish at a far lower price.
15. If you want to save money, check for deals during happy hour.
The cost of alcoholic beverages can quickly add up on a cruise ship. Check the daily planner that was left in your room (or that can be accessible on the cruise line‘s app) to see if there are any happy hour specials or drink bargains that you can take advantage of to save some money. At specific times, for instance, the RedFrog Pub on Carnival will provide a discount of fifty percent of the regular price. Every day, there will be a promotion of some kind offered somewhere on the ship; all you need to do is keep an eye out for it and take advantage of it when you find it.
16. You are correct, some passengers do receive unexpected offers of cabin upgrades.
Have you ever heard of something called the “upgrade fairy”? A good number of cruise passengers receive unexpected phone calls from the cruise lines offering free or deeply discounted upgrades from lower-grade rooms to lodgings of a higher level. As an illustration, upgrading from an inside room to a balcony room will only cost you an additional $200. The cruise line is able to make a little bit more money this way, and the guests are able to get a much nicer accommodation as a result.
How exactly does one go about luring the attention of the upgrading fairy? To this point, it seems to be completely random; however, if you are booked on a trip where there is less demand, you will most surely have more luck (such as off-season cruises where rooms are harder to fill).
17. Cruise passengers can find cheaper parking at independent parking lots.
Are you going to the port by car? This indicates that you will need to locate a parking spot for your vehicle while you are gone. On-site parking is available at all of the cruise ports, and it is typically within walking distance of the vessels. You won’t believe how convenient it is, but there is a cost associated with that convenience. The prices at official port parking lots are consistently the highest. Instead, look for off-port parking, which can be up to 50 percent cheaper than on-port parking.
18. The cost of alcoholic beverages is drastically reduced in port.
Do you want to know where on a cruise you can get a drink at the lowest possible price? It has arrived in dock!
You may get a decent buzz going by visiting the local restaurants and pubs if that’s what you’re looking for. A good many of them not only provide reasonably priced drinks on a daily basis but also have drink specials in an effort to lure cruisers to stop in. If you want to partake in alcoholic beverages, it is best to do it while in port and then stroll back to the ship in the late afternoon or evening. In comparison to the price of a beer aboard the ship, which ranges from $7 to $9, the price of a beer in port is only $2 to $3.
19. The transfer fees charged by cruise lines to and from the airport are exorbitant.
If you are flying into the port city for your trip, you are responsible for making transportation arrangements to get from the airport to the cruise port. In most cases, we advise using a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Taking use of the cruise line’s provided shuttles is something that we do not advise doing.
Transfers offered by cruise lines appear to be an excellent choice; after all, if the cruise line is transporting you to and from the port, you can rest assured that you won’t be late for your ship. The cruise transfers, on the other hand, only operate on the day of the trip itself. That means you will be out of luck if you try to start your trip early by flying in a day early.
They also come at a high price. For instance, Carnival charges approximately $30 per person for a round journey when transporting passengers from the Miami airport to the Port of Miami, which is a distance of approximately 10 miles. Compare this to the cost of taking a cab or using Uber, which is approximately $35 for a round trip that can accommodate up to four passengers. If, on the other hand, you take a taxi or some other mode of transportation, you are not bound to the timetable of the cruise shuttle.
20. The cost of a cruise can be found on each and every website.
Do you believe that you need to surf dozens of websites in order to find the finest cruise deal? Try to rethink this. It has come to our attention that the pricing of the cruises are, in fact, the same across all websites.
When a price shifts, you will see it reflected everywhere; this is not to imply that prices won’t change, for they will; however, this does mean that prices won’t alter. Simply search in your preferred location, and quit being concerned if you find anything cheaper on another website.
21. The alcoholic beverages offered at the art auctions are complimentary.
You should go to the art auctions that are being held on the ship if you are interested in purchasing champagne at a reduced price. These auctions will offer you a glass or two of the bubbly to get you in the bidding spirit and maybe get you to part with some cash. The alcohol is complimentary, in contrast to the price of the artwork.
22. You’ll have to pay for name-brand products, but not for generics.
If you want that particular kind of gelato or the Starbucks coffee while you’re on the ship, you’ll probably have to shell out a few extra dollars for it. However, what a lot of people don’t realise is that you can get free versions of same foods elsewhere on the ship (and sometimes even at the same spot), and this is something that a lot of people don’t know.
For instance, if your cruise sells Starbucks for a price, you might just inquire as to whether or not they provide any complimentary coffee. If they do not have it at that location, they will direct you to another location where you will not be charged for obtaining it.
23. Lower prices for inner cabins ensure that more vacations may be afforded.
Many people assert that they are unable to sail in any other type of room besides those with balconies. However, if you choose an internal cabin rather than a balcony accommodation, you might save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your cruise vacation. It does not make sense to shell out a tonne of money for a room that you won’t use because most people just spend a small portion of their time in their cabin doing what it was intended: sleeping. Instead, you can cruise for a lot less money if you book an interior room… and you could even get to cruise a lot more!
24. Do not squander your money on less reliable Internet service.
Being connected to the internet has become an inevitable part of modern life. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a large number of passengers choose to pay for the cruise line’s Wi-Fi service despite the fact that it is expensive. In the event that you do want to make a purchase, you will discover that there are several levels of service. You have the option of paying less money for a service that is slower or more limited, or you may spend a little bit more money to receive faster speeds and complete access to the internet.
In this scenario, you should not throw away your money on the service that is the least expensive. You should expect the Wi-Fi aboard a cruise ship to be slower than what you are used to experiencing at home, even at its best. According to our observations, the lower layers are virtually useless. If you’re going to make a purchase, this is one area in which you shouldn’t try to save money.
25. Before purchasing cruise insurance that is offered by the cruise line, give it some serious thought.
Even while we believe that purchasing travel insurance to provide you peace of mind is a good idea, we advise you to give serious consideration before purchasing the insurance that cruise lines offer when you plan your vacation. It is true that having something is preferable to having nothing, but third-party cruise insurance is typically offered at a considerably more affordable rate.
According to our research, the insurance policies provided by cruise lines often have lesser coverage limits and come at a somewhat high cost. Additionally, the level of protection it provides is frequently inferior to that of insurance provided by a third party. Before you purchase any policy, you should make it a point to verify what it covers.
26. The United States dollar is the most common currency accepted in cruise ports.
It is not a problem if you do not have any local cash, whether it be pesos or another type. The United States dollar is generally accepted in the cruise ports of the Caribbean (and often preferred). The fact that cruise passengers do not need to bother about holding several currencies is a significant convenience for them. Although credit cards are accepted in many locations, cash is still the preferred method of payment for the majority of purchases.
27. If you want to (maybe) acquire free items, mention a particular occasion.
Birthday? Anniversary? Honeymoon? If you are celebrating a special occasion while on your cruise, make sure to let the staff on board know what the occasion is. There is no assurance, but it is not unheard of to be pleasantly greeted with a complimentary bottle of champagne and some strawberries in your cabin. This is not the norm, but it does happen. The cruise lines are aware that offering passengers a small benefit such as this one does not need a significant financial investment but can result in lifelong customer loyalty.
Credit cards are accepted in ports; nevertheless, it is recommended that you phone your firm first.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but notably in the more touristy parts of port cities, the answer is yes. Cash is still the best way to pay for most goods because of the added layer of protection it provides.
Having said that, if you do decide to use your card, you should make sure to phone the corporation that issued your credit card first. If their system detects that the same card has been used in three separate ports within three days, it may trigger a fraud alert, which could result in your account being frozen if they are unable to determine what is going on.
29. Enjoying the day at no cost can be done at beaches.
It is very understandable if you do not wish to participate in any shore excursions that cost money. Heading to the beach is a money- and time-saving activity that will also provide you with some fun in the port cities.
Every port has a few private beach clubs where you can lounge in hammocks and get a drink served to you, but you typically have to pay to get into them. Do some research or ask a cab driver about the locations of beaches that don’t charge admission instead. Even if you have to cope with more people, there is no experience quite like spending the day on a beach of world-class calibre without having to pay a single penny on it.
30. Using this method, you can avoid having to pay the casino’s ATM fees.
On a cruise ship, the fees charged by ATMs to withdraw cash can add up quickly. If you want to gamble but don’t have the cash on hand, there is a simple strategy you may take to avoid the excessive ATM costs that are associated with gambling. You will be able to use the funds from your onboard account to purchase chips or play the slot machines aboard cruise ships. Be careful because it’s simple to spend more than you intended to, but it’s also simple to play at the casino without incurring any additional fees to access the money you already have in your account.
31. Taking public transportation will save you money and get you to the port.
It is not available in all ports; however, if you are sailing out of a major city (particularly Miami or Seattle), then you can use public transit to travel to the port at a lower cost. Other ports may not offer this option. In point of fact, it may be had for as little as three dollars per person!
You can transfer from the airport to the Coral Way Trolley, which will drop you off at the port in Miami by taking the Orange Line train (directions here). The last stop on the Link Light Rail in Seattle is just a few blocks away from Pier 66. (directions here). Keep this in mind if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on an expensive taxi or Uber ride.
Advice on What to Pack for Your Cruise
Not sure what you should bring with you? Following the advice and suggestions in this article will enable you to pack like an expert in no time.
32. You are able to pack a lot more than you are allowed to board an aeroplane.
Are you the type of person that packs as if they will be gone for a month even if they will only be gone for a week? The good news is that the baggage regulations of cruise lines are not even close to being as strict as those of airlines. There are no costs for baggage, nor are there any meaningful restrictions on the amount that can be brought (within reason). You do not need to be concerned about the requirement that requires a minimum of three ounces of liquid. It makes the process of packing more simpler and less stressful overall.
Having saying that, we would recommend keeping your luggage to a minimum. Keep in mind that the more you pack, the more you will need to bring with you and the more space it will take up in your cabin as a result.
33. Don’t bother bringing the hair dryer to school.
Similar to the amenities found in hotel rooms, blow dryers are provided in each and every cabin as standard equipment. That means you don’t need to bring yours with you and may leave it at home to save up some room in your suitcases. The only circumstance in which you will be required to bring your own hair dryer is if you have a certain model that you absolutely have to use. Even if it isn’t particularly strong, the in-cabin hair dryer is more than adequate for a week spent at sea due to its compact size and hotel-style design.
34. Bring along a flashlight to use in the cabin.
Are you staying in a room that faces the interior? That means there are no windows… and hence no natural light in the room. After you have exited the room and turned off the lights, it will be completely dark. Bring along a plug-in nightlight so that you may give some illumination for the space.
If you have to go to the restroom in the middle of the night and you have to use a restroom that you are not acquainted with, your shins will thank you for the additional light.
35. Bringing along some waterproof luggage is generally a good idea if you intend to travel to the beach.
Even though you can use Ziploc bags, we think it’s a better idea to bring a watertight pouch or bag with you to the beach rather than using Ziploc bags. They have a compartment that is about the right size for a phone, some cash, and keycards. The best part is that they can be attached to your waistband with a snap, allowing you to bring your belongings with you into the water when swimming so that you do not have to leave them unprotected on the shore.
36. Put a few Ziploc bags in your suitcase. They are useful in innumerable ways.
There’s no question that Ziploc bags are the single most handy thing you can bring. Do you want to avoid getting items wet while you’re at the pool? Place it inside of a Ziploc bag. Do you wish to maintain a separation between your filthy and clean clothes? Place them inside of a Ziploc bag. Do you have a variety of teeny-tiny trinkets that you need to pack up but would prefer to maintain their cohesiveness? Or perhaps you’d like to grab something to eat later from the buffet that’s available. Put everything in a Ziploc bag.
A few plastic baggies are an item that should never be left behind on a journey because you never know when you might need them.
37. Don’t forget to bring a fan with you to keep the room cool.
Always remember to bring a small, portable fan for your room in the cabin. If you are the type of person who always needs a breeze to feel comfortable, then you are going to despise having to sit still in the room because there is not much ventilation in the cabins. In addition, we like the way a fan can mask other sounds, such as people talking in the hallway or the sound of the weather outside the ship, with its soothing white noise.
38. Instead of carrying your actual passport with you, make a copy of it to carry with you.
Your in-room safe is the most secure location for storing your passport in any situation. Along with your driver’s licence, you should bring a duplicate of the page in your passport that contains your photo that you can use as identification if you need it when you are in the city that is home to your port. This will get you through the time until you may return to the cabin.
Taking a scan of your passport and sending it to your personal email address is yet another clever idea. In this way, you will always have a digital copy at your disposal, which you will be able to view from any location with Internet access.
39. Bring along appropriate attire for cool conditions at all times.
Swimsuit? Check. Suntan lotion? Check. A jacket? What?!
Yes, even if you are going to a tropical location, you should still be sure to bring a few warm items of clothes in your suitcase. When a storm rolls in during the evening aboard a cruise ship that is travelling quickly across the water, the brisk wind can make it feel quite chilly. It can be really helpful to have something to wear that has long sleeves and a hood.
40. Towel clips are well worth the price you pay for them.
Before going on a cruise, we never would have given towel clips much of a second thought. You don’t really give much thought to how windy it can get when you’re on a cruise. There is a consistent breeze on the decks of the ship because the ship is moving. Because of this, attempting to stop your towel from flapping around will be an exercise in futility for you. You can lay down and attempt to relax, but the four corners of your towel will continually be flapping against each other.
Advice Regarding the Food and Drink Offered on Your Cruise
Consuming food and drink is a significant part of a cruise vacation. Do you wish to satisfy your appetite? Check out the hints that are listed below.
41. Passengers are permitted to bring alcohol on board, although there are many restrictions.
The vast majority of cruise lines do not permit passengers to bring their own beer or alcoholic beverages on board. You are allowed to bring on bottles of champagne or wine at almost all of them. In most cases, the restriction is either one bottle per cabin or one bottle for each adult passenger, but you should verify this with your cruise operator.
There is a good chance that one or two bottles of wine will not survive for the entirety of your trip; but, taking into consideration the cost of beverages onboard, anything you can bring will save you a significant amount of money.
42. You are welcome to bring in beverages that do not contain alcohol (some lines)
Would you like to save $30 to $40? There are a lot of cruise lines, notably Carnival and Royal Caribbean, that let passengers bring non-alcoholic beverages on board with them. In most places, the standard is 12 drinks per individual. Bring it along with you if you absolutely need your Diet Coke or if you want to ensure that your children have some Gatorade to drink.
The only thing you need to remember is that Carnival demands you to bring empty cans or cartons with you. There is a strict no bottles policy.
When you consider that a non-alcoholic beverage on a cruise ship can cost anywhere between $3 and $4 per person (plus gratuity! ), you can save a significant amount of money by bringing your own.
43. You won’t be charged extra if you add a second, third, or fourth main course to your order.
Can’t decide between the fish and the chicken for dinner? Relax and try not to worry. Place your orders. Alternatively, place an order for two dishes on lobster night. The vast majority of people are unaware of this fact, yet in the main dining area, you are free to place as many orders as you choose (or other restaurants).
The cruise industry is well aware that passengers intend to relax and have fun while they are away from home. They are aware that people enjoy eating while travelling, and as a result, they will typically go out of their way to fulfil your requirements.
44. If you want the finest times, be sure to make any bookings in advance.
When it comes to making reservations at the ship’s restaurants and spa, you shouldn’t wait until you’re already on board. You will have fewer alternatives to choose from because the best times will fill up rapidly. You may make reservations for any cruise online (or over the phone) weeks or months in advance, and every cruise line offers this convenience.
Make your appointments for a meal at a restaurant or a spa treatment as soon as you are aware that you will wish to do either of those things.
45. Would it be too late to make a reservation on the ship at this point? In any case, you should go to that eatery.
Did you fail to notice that you required a reservation, or that the seat you desired was already taken? Don’t be concerned… it’s possible that you can still get in.
You can check at the restaurant to see if there is any vacancy in the seating there by going there now. There are occasions in which individuals make reservations, but later forget about them, leaving space available. If you want to increase your chances of success, you should avoid going during peak hours and instead go early or stay late.
Even though there is no assurance that you will be given a spot, it is possible that you will.
46. Hungry? You may get a free entire pizza here.
On virtually every ship that you cruise on, you’ll find a spot where you can receive complimentary pizza by the slice. However, what if you are starving to death? In many restaurants, you can get an entire pie at no additional cost. Because of this, you won’t have to settle for a random piece of food because you’ll be able to get exactly what you want. Please be patient as your pie will likely be prepared; it will take a few minutes at the very least.
47. The primary dining room is also used for the preparation of breakfast and lunch.
Everyone is aware that dinner will be served in the main dining area… However, both lunch and breakfast are typically had at the buffet. Instead of going to the buffet, you should go to the main dining room if you are looking for something of a higher quality. They provide breakfast and lunch, albeit with far fewer customers at each sitting. The fact that the meal is prepared freshly almost always results in an improvement in quality.
48. You should not believe that the “drink of the day” is a special offer.
There will be a new cocktail featured as the “drink of the day” special at the bar each and every day. However, the fact that they mention it does not necessarily suggest that it is a significant issue. Cruise lines will frequently refer to a beverage as the “drink of the day” in an effort to entice passengers to purchase it, although they will not reduce the cost of the beverage.
49. Do you have specific dietary requirements? You are protected by cruise lines.
Vegetarian? Gluten-free? Food allergies? Cruise lines are able to meet virtually any dietary requirement that passengers may have. Do not wait to inform the cruise line about any dietary limitations you have until you are already on board the ship. You should give the customer support line a call as soon as you book your reservation. They are able to provide you with up-to-date information on the available dining selections and also make a notation on your account to alert the staff.
50. Even if the food you enjoy the most isn’t included on the menu, you are free to place an order for it.
Is it just me, or was last night’s chicken cordon bleu very delicious? You really want you could get it tonight, don’t you? You are typically able to. Do not assume that you are unable to order a particular entrée simply because it is not listed on the menu in the dining room. Simply inquire with your waiter as to whether or not it is available. The worst that may happen is if they say no.
51. Complimentary in-room dining is becoming increasingly rare in today’s hospitality industry.
Do you want a hamburger at three in the morning? Room service on cruise ships used to be free of charge, but cruise lines are rapidly heading in the direction of charging for the service. Although many lines offer some things for free, such as a continental breakfast, they frequently now charge a cost per item or a flat rate these days (order all you want for one price). Even though room service isn’t always complimentary, you should still leave between $3 and $5 as a tip for the waiter who brings your food to the room.
52. You will still be seated for dinner even if you are late and don’t arrive at the designated time.
It can be an annoyance to be required to eat at a specific hour in the main dining area. Consider the scenario in which you have evening plans but would like to see a show early in the day. Or suppose you decide to lay down for a nap, but you don’t wake up until it’s already time for supper. What then? The uplifting news is that it is not a major issue.
You simply need to make your way down to the dining room whenever you are ready to eat, and they will locate a seat for you there. You will most likely not be served by the same waiter, but rest assured that you will consume food.
53. The casino offers free beverages, but in order to win any significant amount of money, you need to spend a lot of it.
It is well knowledge that no matter how much money you spend while playing in a casino in Las Vegas, you can always count on being offered free cocktails. On a cruise ship, you won’t find that to be the case. If you’re the type of gambler who bets nickels and dimes, the casino will expect you to pay for your own beverages. If you stake a significant amount of money, on the other hand, you will almost certainly earn enough credit to acquire several free beverages.
Make it a habit to use your card each time you play so that the cruise lines can keep a record of your spending and determine how loyal of a consumer you are to their brand.
54. Bring drink flavour sachets for free drinks
On a vacation, you won’t get free sodas or other beverages, but you will get free tea, lemonade, and water. A handy tip is to bring along a couple packages of various flavourings for drinks (available in every grocery store). Simply adding a packet to your water will immediately produce your preferred drink at no further cost. In addition to this, it is an effective method for ensuring that the children consume something other than soda when they are away from home.
Advice for Your Safety and Health During Your Cruise
Even while cruising is a generally risk-free vacation option, there are a few things you should be aware of in order to maintain your health while away.
55. There is a good chance that you won’t need cruise insurance, but getting it just in case is a good idea.
The odds are that you won’t require the travel insurance that you purchase, but in the event that you do, having it will be a godsend. There are a multitude of scenarios that can be covered by travel insurance, including those in which you sustain an injury or become ill while travelling. It is also helpful in the event that you misplace your luggage or miss your ship and need to make alternative plans to meet your ship somewhere else (or get back home).
Never, ever wear those cheap flip-flops that cost three dollars near the pool.
You know those cheap rubber flip-flops that you can get for a few bucks at a store like Target or Walmart, right? They accomplish what they set out to achieve, but you shouldn’t go swimming while wearing them! If they have any wear at all, the soles of these sandals are infamous for being extremely slippery. On a ship’s deck that’s been recently cleaned, all it takes to slip and fall is one wrong step.
Rather than that, you should opt for a pair of flip-flops that have a decent tread so that you won’t slip even if you step right in the middle of a puddle.
57. The security at cruise ports is in no way comparable to that at airports
You will not, contrary to what you may have seen at airports, have to go through the same kinds of hurdles in order to board the ship. You don’t need to remove your belt… or your shoes… or limit yourself to carrying only three ounces of liquids. You will only need to walk through a metal detector and have your bags x-rayed; there will be no full body scanners used. It shouldn’t take you more than a minute or two to get past security at most airports.
58. Do not set sail without first receiving the vaccination.
If you want to board the ship for the vast majority of cruises, you will first need to provide evidence that you have been vaccinated. You should acquire the vaccination in order to sail, regardless of whether it is required or not. Not only will it prevent you from being severely ill, but it will also safeguard the health of the other passengers and the ports that are visited. In the event that this is not sufficient, cruise lines at this time incur harsh testing fees for passengers who are not vaccinated. These fees can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your voyage.
59. The authorities examine the passenger list to look for outstanding warrants… and place them under arrest on the way back.
If you are wanted for arrest, you should carefully consider whether or not to board a cruise. After you have boarded the vehicle, the local authorities will frequently check a database using the names of the passengers to see if any of them have active warrants. What is the result? Assuming the warrants are for relatively insignificant items, the crew will then allow the passengers to continue enjoying their trip before getting them off the ship as soon as it returns to port.
60. Cruise ships are an ideal environment for the transmission of infectious diseases (wash your hands)
Do you know why it seems like all you ever hear about on cruise cruises is norovirus? This is due to the fact that if you wanted to make an environment that was conducive to the transmission of a virus, you would construct a cruise ship. It creates an ideal environment for the transmission of disease when thousands of individuals are confined in one location using the same dining facilities.
Cruise lines will go to considerable efforts to ensure that their ships are sanitary and that their passengers remain healthy. In spite of this, it is imperative that passengers make use of the hand sanitizer that is located throughout the ship. It is also essential to wash your hands properly.
61. Never forget to make advantage of your cabin safe. It has flaws, but having something rather than nothing to do is preferable.
Regrettably, we live in a world in which it is necessary to exercise extreme caution with one’s belongings. Theft does happen, even on a cruise. Every room in the lodge is equipped with a safe, and it is imperative that you always lock it whenever you exit the room. It works wonderfully as a place to keep spare cash, electrical devices, passports, and even more.
Even while it is far from perfect, having a safe can help protect you from “convenience crimes,” in which a thief steals an item just because it is lying around unattended or exposed to the elements.
62. Use caution, because the sun’s rays are far more intense in tropical areas.
It’s simple to forget how rapidly you may become sunburned in the Caribbean, which is a big mistake. While it might take twenty to thirty minutes for you to start being burned at home, the more direct rays that are found closer to the equator can produce the same amount of damage in only half the time.
If you become sunburned, it could keep you out of commission for many days, which would definitely put a damper on your cruise experience. Instead, the most important thing is to take precautions to avoid getting burned. Put on plenty of sunscreen and hats with wide brims when you go outside.
Do you get seasick? 63. Find a cabin that is located in the middle of the ship and as low as you can go.
It would appear that everyone has their own tried-and-true method for treating seasickness at home. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, there is only one approach that can be considered scientifically valid. If you are someone who gets motion sickness easily, you should try to reserve a cabin that is located as low in the ship as possible and as close to the ship’s centre as you can.
Imagine the ship to be a teeter-totter in your mind. The centre of it is the part that would move the least as a result of the rise and fall of the ends. When the seas are a little choppy, you will feel better if you move to the middle of the ship because there is less motion there.
64. Green apples are a tried-and-true natural cure for motion sickness at sea.
It’s possible that this is just an old wives’ tale, but eating green apples is said to be an effective natural treatment for motion sickness. Because of this, you can frequently encounter them in buffet settings. Take one or two with you the next time you have an episode of feeling sick, and see how they affect you.
65. Under no circumstances should you climb or sit on the ship’s railing.
If you go to a deck that is open to the water, you will see that there are railings in every possible location. The presence of a railing to prevent individuals from falling overboard accidentally is something that should come as no surprise. On the other hand, some people consider the railings to be entertaining places to sit for photos, and many children like climbing up and over the railings.
In spite of the fact that it shouldn’t be necessary to state this, let it be known that you should never climb or sit on the railing.
A Few Pointers and Important Information Regarding Your Cruise
This section discusses a wide variety of topics related to cruising. Before you go sail, there are certain vital things you should know, ranging from how to get into port to what to do with your phone.
66. Before you sail, make sure you have the app for your cruise line downloaded.
When it’s not absolutely necessary, we try to avoid installing new apps on our devices whenever possible. However, apps provided by cruise lines are of great use. All of these features can be accessed from your phone, including your daily schedule, a message system to communicate with other passengers, a map of the ship, and even a tracking system for your onboard spending account.
We strongly recommend that everyone downloads the app before your cruise so that they can use it while onboard. When compared to using your cellphone network or the Internet on the ship, downloading content via wi-fi is a significant time saver.
67. You are free to disembark whenever you like.
When your time aboard the cruise ship comes to a conclusion, you are free to disembark at any point in time that is convenient for you.
Passengers will be called down from each level by the cruise lines, although the procedure can take many hours. If you have packed everything up and are ready to go, you are free to head downstairs whenever it is convenient for you. The crew does not care which deck your cabin is located on; all they care about is clearing the ship as quickly as possible so they can start preparing for the following group.
Keep in mind, however, that the queues may be quite lengthy right at the start of the debarkation process. This is something to keep in mind. There are times when it is well worth it to just take it easy for an hour and wait for the frenzy to calm down.
68. Would you like to go to the spa? Take advantage of our no-cost tours.
Onboard a cruise ship, one of the most notable amenities is the spa. During your entire travel, you will be exposed to many advertisements and promotions for various services. Take a tour of the place if you’re considering spending some time there but aren’t sure if you want to spend the money. The ship’s spas will be more than delighted to give you a tour and provide you with more information about the services they provide should you choose to go there for a treatment.
69. Hooking up with the crew is not allowed in any circumstance
When it comes to having a one-night stand on the ship, it’s possible that your eyes will be drawn to members of the crew. They are often young, physically active, people from all over the world, and they appear to be having a great time. But if you’re searching for a casual encounter, you should keep exploring in other places. It is a violation of the rules for passengers and crew members to engage in sexual activity. According to reports, it can result in the crew member being fired without any questions being asked.
70. Search for a stateroom located on one of the ship’s upper decks.
If at all possible, you should try to book a cabin that is located on one of the top decks of the ship. No, it is not because upper decks have better views (although having a better vantage point is a wonderful advantage!). Instead, it has everything to do with navigating your way about the ship.
A centre promenade area is typically designed into the layout of cruise ships. This area may incorporate a casino, a central bar, restaurants, or retail. On most ships, this will be somewhere between decks 6 and 8. The ship’s uppermost deck features a pool deck area that is perfect for lounging around in the sun. Outside of the cabin, the majority of a passenger’s time is spent in either of these two places.
If you stay in a cabin that is located between the two locations, you will only be a few decks away from either one of them. When compared to having to wait for an elevator because you are on a lower deck, this makes getting to where you want to go a much simpler and less time-consuming process.
71. There are always cameras watching everything you do.
The ubiquitous presence of surveillance cameras has become second nature to us, but ships take the practise to an entirely new level. On board the more prominent cruise ships, there is a surveillance camera installed in every public area. Do not fool yourself into thinking that you will be able to escape and engage in behaviour that is against the rules. The following is a statement made by Royal Caribbean regarding their cameras:
“Royal Caribbean International has installed closed-circuit television cameras at hundreds of key public locations across the ship. These cameras are not, however, present in private staterooms, public restrooms, or private spa facilities.” These systems are improved whenever there is a new technological advancement that offers advantages. Our security staff make regular use of the recordings that these cameras produce, and those recordings are also made available to investigating authorities upon their request.
72. There is a chance that your ship will pick up some refugees.
When travelling from ports on the East Coast to those in the Western Caribbean, there is a chance that you will encounter a refugee problem. This is especially true if you are travelling during high season. Cubans who are attempting to reach the United States will set sail from the waterways between Florida and Cuba with the hope of making it to the American mainland.
It is not unheard of for cruise ships to come across individuals travelling in improvised rafts; in fact, it happens very frequently. The cruise ships are required to halt whatever they are doing and offer assistance in accordance with the maritime law. This means that they will do so even if they are in the middle of a cruise.
73. Cabins located at the ship’s extremities should have a lower noise level.
Even though the soundproofing in cruise cabins is fairly good (though not complete), it is possible for outside noise to enter through the door if there is activity in the hallway. An illustration of this would be if it were the wee hours of the morning and a bunch of individuals were making their way back from the bar on the ship. (It has actually occurred to us on several occasions!)
Look near the extremities of the ship for cabins that are likely to have a lower noise level. The rooms that are located at the end of the hallways will see less foot traffic, which translates to less noise from passing guests.
When making whoopie pies, sound has the ability to travel throughout the cabins.
Even though the walls of your cabin aren’t made of paper, sounds are still able to pass from room to room. If you do decide to partake in “activities” inside your cabin, keep this in mind. You have to keep in mind that you are in a small area that is packed with people, so be mindful of your surroundings. Not everyone is interested in knowing what you get up to in the seclusion of your cabin (especially if it happens late at night).
Your enjoyment shouldn’t interfere with anyone else’s time off, so try to keep things as calm and under control as possible.
75. Despite the fact that there are several regulations… In most cases, you can get away with breaking them without any consequences.
There is a distinction to be made between laws and regulations. If you violate the law, you will be taken into custody. But if you break a regulation, the most severe punishment you might receive is a slap on the hand. For example, you don’t have to wear formal attire even though it’s formal night if you don’t want to. Just don’t.
The cruise industry is in the business of ensuring that everyone has a wonderful time. In most cases, if you break a rule, they will simply request that you cease doing whatever it is that you were doing. Unless you are risking the lives of other passengers or causing a commotion, it is quite unlikely that you will be removed off the ship.
76. A Post-It Note (or another type of décor) can assist you in locating your room.
If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship before, then you know that the cabin hallways might seem almost like an optical illusion. They can stretch endlessly in a repeating pattern of cabins, walls, and identical doors. While doors are numbered, it’s simple to pass by your room as everything mixes together.
Many individuals go to the effort of adorning their doors to not only be festive, but also stick out and be easier to discover. If you don’t want to go to that much bother, just bring a few Post-It Notes (they are fantastic for leaving messages in the cabin anyway) (they are great for leaving messages in the cabin anyway). Stick one brightly coloured note on your door and you have a quick way to identify your cottage.
77. Creepy? Larger ships will have a morgue
It’s macabre, but if you’re on a larger ship, then it certainly has a morgue on board. It’s actually a good idea if you think about it. Cruise ships are carrying thousands of people 365 days a year. It’s a law of averages that someone will ultimately perish away while on the ship. With a mortuary on board they can maintain the body in good condition till reaching a port.
78. Only go early if you like standing in line
Are you the type or person that wants to go on and off the ship first? Then you better prepare to stand in long lines. With thousands of people trying to do the same thing, there are major traffic jams for those waiting to either embark or disembark.
Instead, take your time and spend a few additional minutes (or hours) eating a meal or relaxing on board. Once you are done, you can sail through.
79. Secret clues for getting around the ship
Cabin passageways can run on forever, and with no views, it might be impossible to discern if you’re travelling forward or aft. In that situation, check for the clues. On NCL, the hallway carpet had small fish on it. These fish swim ahead. On Royal Caribbean, the door marks will feature a clue like a small arrow pointing forward, or an image of the ship that faces to the front of the ship. If the ship is older, it can feature a door sign in the shape of a wave. Here, the upper half of the wave marks the way to the front of the ship.
80. What those weird markings on the hull imply
When you are in port, you can observe weird symbols at the ship’s waterline that look like hieroglyphics. They are actually giving critical information about the ship.
For instance, you might see a circle with a ‘X’ through it, generally in groups. These are where thrusters are mounted on the ship to help it manoeuvre. Unlike a propeller at the back of the ship, these thrusters sit perpendicular to the length of the ship, allowing it to push toward or away from a dock sideways.
you might notice an odd shape that almost looks like the outline of a key, with a larger square and then a rectangle protruding out. This marker? It’s for the ship’s stabilisers. These stabilisers extend out under the waterline like fins and serve to lessen the swaying of the ocean.
The signals help other boats know what’s going on under the sea so they don’t come too close.
81. It’s a city that floats in the air… yet you can only see a portion of it.
After going around and around the cruise ship, you can have the impression that you’ve explored every nook and cranny of the vessel by the time you disembark. There are other locations, on the other hand, that you will never step foot in.
Locations like as the engine room, crew quarters, and service spaces, amongst others, are tucked away, the most of the time, on the lower decks. You are able to take select tours that take you “behind the scenes,” but the number of people who can participate in these tours is extremely restricted.
82. The schedule that you have planned is not written in stone.
Your schedule is subject to change… right up until the moment you set foot in a port. The cruise lines have altered their itineraries in response to a variety of factors, including the weather, concerns about passengers’ health, and demonstrations. You shouldn’t be astonished if something unexpected happens during your journey since, even though it doesn’t happen very frequently, changes are common enough that you should expect them.
83. Regrettably, it can be difficult to view the stars when you’re at sea.
It would seem that being in the middle of the ocean and being hundreds of miles away from any city lights would allow one to see the stars in a way that they have never been seen before. The unfortunate truth is that this is not the case.
Even while ships seem like they would be the ideal locations for stargazing, the lights on the deck provide a level of light pollution that is strong enough to obscure many of the stars. You will see brighter ones, but if you were hoping to see the Milky Way while you were at sea, it is unlikely that you will be successful in doing so.
84. If you would like additional privacy, you should go to the aft of the ship (and the lower decks).
When there are 4,000 passengers on board a normal cruise ship, you will discover that there may be crowding in many areas. Head to the back of the ship if you’re looking for a spot that’s out of the way and has some peace and quiet. These locations are frequently disregarded for unknown reasons. After dinner, we went to the rear of the ship, where there were no other passengers or crew members to be found.
Want an even greater sense of seclusion? Proceed to the aft portion of the ship’s lower decks and head backwards. The lower you go on the deck of a ship, as a general rule of thumb, the less people there are around you.
85. Ships are able to travel with an occupancy rate greater than 100%
When it comes to cruise ships, the maximum number of passengers that a ship can carry is not equal to its occupancy level. In point of fact, the majority of ships sail at more than 100%.
When there are two guests occupying each cabin on a cruise ship, the ship is considered to be at capacity. If there are 2,000 cabins on the ship and there are 4,000 passengers, then the ship is said to be at its maximum capacity of occupancy. However, if there are three people or more occupying a cabin, then the degree of activity increases. It is not unheard of for cruise ships to sail with an occupancy rate of somewhere between 105% and 110% at typical times.
86. It’s possible that the thermostats in the rooms don’t control anything.
Every room in the chalet has its own thermostat. In our observations, the majority of the time they are present solely for aesthetic purposes. It is not surprising that the thermostats are not functioning properly. It would be a nightmare to have 2,000 distinct cabins, each with a different temperature for the air conditioning. If you turn down the air but don’t notice much of a difference, you shouldn’t be too startled. Because of this, we strongly advise having a portable fan.
87. Don’t be afraid to ask for anything that could potentially help you feel more at ease.
The cruise lines want you to have a relaxing and pleasurable time while on vacation with them. Please don’t be shy about asking if there is anything that can be done to make your journey more enjoyable. This includes fresh towels, blankets, and pillows, as well as anything else that comes to mind at the moment. The cruise ship, just like a hotel with five stars, offers all the luxuries that you could possibly think of, and they are all just a request away.
88. Take a picture of the ship’s daily calendar every morning when you get up.
You may discover, just like in Las Vegas, that you end up spending significantly less time in your room than you had intended. If you’re out and about and want to know what events are coming up next, the last thing you want to do is have to lug the entire daily newsletter around with you because it details the itinerary for that day.
Take a snapshot of the daily planner using the camera or phone on your device as an alternative. This will make the task much simpler. You won’t need to lug the newsletter around with you or head back to the lodge to check on what’s going on because this way you always have a hard copy of the agenda on you.
You can also download the cruise line’s app, which provides a list of everything happening that day in addition to a great deal of other information.
89. Early disembarkation does not usually save a significant amount of time (although it can absolutely do so sometimes!)
Passengers who want to take all of their luggage off with them at the beginning of the cruise have the option to do so. This looks like a fantastic idea because it will enable you to disembark the ship first and will shorten the amount of time it takes you to return home after your trip. The issue is that everyone else is thinking exactly the same thing.
There is a possibility that lines for early embarkation will wrap around the ship and take at least an hour to move through. The good news is that a lot of cruise lines are getting better at the process, which is helping to speed things up a little bit. It’s possible that there will be a considerable wait, but other times you might sail right through.
It’s also possible that if you use a passport to sail instead of a birth certificate, the process will go more quickly. At certain checkpoints, if the photo on your passport matches the one on your face, you’ll be able to breeze through.
90. Snap a picture of your street address and your email address.
Lose your camera? I hope you are successful in retrieving it. Take a picture of the piece of paper on which you have written your home address and email address so that you have more possibilities to choose from. If someone were to find your phone and look through the photographs on it, they would be able to determine where your camera is kept and return it to you. It is not a guarantee that it will be returned to you, but it is a simple approach to increase the odds that it will be.
91. If you want to experience the newest attractions, hold off until later in the voyage.
The interiors of cruise ships continue to be upgraded with each new vessel. This means that the cruise lines will have to come up with crazier attractions such as waterslides, go-karts, robot bartenders, and whatever else that they can think of.
Wait until later in the voyage to visit these sights if you really want to make the most of them. On the first day or two, there will be a queue out the door with everyone waiting in it. Instead, you may join in on the fun without having to stand in line if you simply wait until the initial rush has died down and the crowds have thinned out.
92. Always remember to bring along a wad of $1 notes to tip with.
The cruise industry is dependent on the generosity of customers like you to assist with the payment of its service staff. Because of this, you shouldn’t be cheap when it comes to the gratuities you leave. If someone provides you with outstanding service, you should always tip them a few dollars. This applies to everyone from the people who handle your bags to the waiters and waitresses in casinos.
We recommend that you bring approximately $20 in one dollar bills and that you always keep a few of those bills on you at all times. This way, you never have to have the unpleasant dialogue of “I’ll tip you later” because you always have a few singles with you that you can use to tip with.
Sunbathing without a shirt on? In the United States, nobody does that.
Are you interested in finding secluded spots on the ship where you may soak up some rays… without having to worry about getting tan lines? These days, cruises departing from the United States do not typically include that kind of activity.
According to our knowledge, major cruise lines do not permit passengers to sunbathe without wearing a top. This includes lounging around the pools designated for “adults only.”
94. It is highly probable that (many) passengers on your ship have perished.
Every single year, passengers on cruise ships are lost at sea due to unavoidable circumstances such as heart attacks and mishaps such as falling overboard. And because your ship makes non-stop voyages with thousands of passengers on each one, the likelihood is high that a passenger has passed away while they were on board.
It is an aspect of cruising that is rarely discussed despite the fact that everyone embarks on the ship with the expectation that they will have a nice time, but it is a reality that cruise passengers must face.
95. No marijuana isn’t legal, even on an Alaskan cruise
You can bring your weed on board with you if you’re leaving from Seattle, Washington, which is also a place where recreational marijuana use is legal, and you’re sailing to Alaska, which is also a place where it’s lawful to use marijuana for recreational purposes.
Wrong.
As a precaution, cruise lines adhere to federal legislation, which states that passengers are not permitted to bring any amount of marijuana onto their ships. If you truly need some of the green to let free on your cruise, you are going to have to wait until you get in port before you can do so.
Bingo may be perceived as childish, but it may actually earn you a significant amount of money.
Bingo? Isn’t that something that retirees do? Bingo tournaments will be going on at all hours of the day and night while you are on the trip. Even if it is not as exciting as the competition at the pool to see who can do the most belly flops, it is still a great way to spend an hour or two. The best part is that it might contribute to the cost of your cruise.
In most cases, bingo cards cost between $5 and $10. After that, the money is combined into a single pot, and the winner of Bingo takes home the money. It is not uncommon for players to go away with hundreds or even thousands of dollars after winning at the game being played aboard the ship.
97. If you want to win free items, you should participate in the on-board game shows.
The most enjoyable approach for you to acquire some free swag while on the trip is also the best way to do it. Participation from the audience is typically necessary in game shows, including the “newlywed” game. There is a limit on the number of participants, but if you are one of the lucky few to be chosen, you will almost certainly be awarded a prize at the event’s conclusion.
The best method to obtain anything free while you are on your cruise is to sign up for the onboard newsletter. Signing up for the newsletter is the greatest way to get something free while you are on your cruise.
98. During the ship’s return time, find a place high above the gangway where you can laugh with your friends.
If you think you’ve laughed before, you haven’t really laughed until you’ve stood on the port side of the ship as it was leaving a port of call. If you keep a sharp look out, you’ll usually always spot a few folks making a break for it to get back to the ship as quickly as they can. You have never seen people rush as quickly as they do when they believe the ship is about to depart without them. A word to the wise: you should always go back to the ship well in advance of the “all aboard” hour.
99. If you are travelling by aeroplane, you should always leave for your port city the day prior.
Many passengers in the United States are now able to drive to their cruise destination because there are more ports than ever operating all across the country. Even yet, a significant number of vacationers arrive at the destination via aeroplane. If you are flying somewhere, you should always try to arrive the day before your trip.
It seems like every day there is some new terrifying account of an aircraft being delayed. The weather can cause a flight to be delayed or even cancelled. People have been known to miss their flights because of the lengthy waits in security lines, which can last for hours. There is always the chance that the machine will break down. It is currently impossible to predict when a problem with a computer may force an entire fleet to come to a stop.
If you fly into the city the day before your cruise, you will have a bit more time to go to the port city without having to concern about the possibility that you will be late for your flight or, even worse, your cruise.
100. Don’t hold out much hope for the television (Netflix is great)
After a long day of being in port, there is nothing that we like more than kicking back with some TV. The number of television stations that are available aboard cruise ships is, however, somewhat limited. You will not receive the fundamental channels that you would anticipate receiving. Instead, it consists of a few news stations, perhaps a couple of channels for movies, and possibly a couple of channels for cartoons.
Netflix and other streaming services have been a godsend. Download your favourite shows in advance (so that you may view them even if you don’t have access to the Internet) and play catch up on your television shows.
101. If you want to avoid lineups, you should go to Guest Services very late at night or very early in the morning.
When the trip begins and ends, there is a very long queue that forms in the middle of the ship. What is this line for? This is the line to get in touch with the Guest Services department. Having to deal with getting things straightened out with your onboard account is something that you occasionally have to do, despite the fact that it is always a headache to have to do so.
Here’s a significant timesaver. If you really need to speak to a member of the Guest Services staff, try to time your visit for the later part of the evening or the early part of the morning. During these hours, the wait time to speak to a representative is practically nonexistent, and you will be able to do so instantly. (During the course of the cruise, Guest Services is available at any time, day or night.)
Ensure that the time on your clock is in sync with that of the ship at all times.
There is a possibility that the time aboard the ship will differ from the time in the ship’s homeport depending on where you travel. Why should we care about this? It is possible that you will be abandoned if you do not return to the ship at the specified time.
When you get off the ship in port, ensure sure the time on your watch is synchronised with the ship’s time so that things are easier for you. You won’t run the risk of missing the return time if you coordinate your activities with the ship’s timetable in this way.
103. Wait patiently on the elevator for other passengers to disembark.
When the elevator doors open, one of the quickest ways to be identified as a rookie cruiser is to position oneself directly at the doorway of the elevator. Because they are the primary means of transportation on board, elevators are almost never devoid of passengers. It is considered courteous to wait for the persons currently in the elevator to exit before attempting to enter the space.
Simply move to the side and wait for the doors to open. It will make things move lot more smoothly, and the other passengers will be appreciative for your assistance.
You are free to remove everything from the mini-bar and use it as a refrigerator in your room.
There is a possibility that the mini-fridge in your cruise stateroom is already loaded with food. If you wish to use the refrigerator after you have checked out, all you have to do is remove everything from it (or ask the room steward to do it for you) and then you can put your own food and drinks in there to keep them cool. The goods inside will be counted once you check out. Just make sure that everything is put back, because you will be charged for anything that is missing otherwise.
105. Cruise ships are surprisingly quick in their acceleration.
Okay, so nobody would ever mistake the pace of going on a cruise ship with the swiftness of flying on a plane or jet. When one takes into account that a ship is nearly the same length as the Empire State Building is high and contains around the same number of rooms as The Mirage in Las Vegas, it is remarkable that ships are able to move at all.
In point of fact, the average cruising speed of most ships is somewhere about 25 kilometres per hour. That might not sound like much, but keep in mind that the speed limit in many neighbourhoods is 25 miles per hour. Imagine that instead of a car you are looking at a cruise ship the next time you see someone driving past in a car.
106. When in port, you should always have walking shoes on.
Because of the region’s tropical climate, nobody in the Caribbean likes to put on shoes. If you are travelling around wearing nothing more supportive than a pair of flip-flops, you might be shocked at how fatigued your feet might become. Bring along a pair of your most comfortable walking shoes or a pair of swimming shoes that offer extra support rather than wearing high heels. At the end of the day, your feet will be grateful to you for doing so.
107. Have your photo taken; it won’t cost you anything, and you’ll only have to pay for it if you want it.
Photographers are stationed throughout the ship to capture memorable images of guests for them to take home as mementos of their voyage. If you want to take the images with you after the event, you have to buy them, but if you don’t, you don’t have to.
To put it another way, you can choose to have a professional photographer shoot your picture, but you won’t have to pay for it until you make the decision that you want the picture. In the event that you decide you do not want it, there will be no charge to your credit card.
