Planning a cruise, especially if you've never been on one before, can be difficult. Don't be alarmed! If you take the time to educate yourself, everything will go smoothly.
And it will be well worth the effort! Cruising is a popular vacation choice that combines adventure, luxury, and incredible scenery. When that massive ship begins to move away from the pier, there is nothing better, and fantastic memories are about to be formed.
But, before you book your vacation, consider this: can you live on a cruise ship?
Cruising is a lot like Marmite. Some people are enthralled by it, while others abhor it. Depending on the schedule, there may be several days at sea in a row.
However, here are some crucial tips that you must know before cruising.
KNOW THE DURATION OF THE CRUISE
Cruises range in length from a few days to a whopping 245 days, according to Viking's round-the-world voyage.
A two-week cruise can be a bit of a risk when embarking on your first excursion into the unknown. A six- or seven-day cruise is about right for most first-time cruisers, and it should include at least two or three ports to give you a flavor of what it's all about.
CHOOSE A RIGHT SAILING TIME
According to the Cruise Lines International Association, cruise ships can take you to more than 500 ports across the world. According to Anca Cenea, a Celebrity Cruises concierge for over ten years, each region of the world has its ideal cruising season. For example, the greatest time to cruise to the Caribbean is December through April, while summer is ideal for sailing to Europe and Alaska, and winter is peak season in Australia and South America.
Cruises can be booked directly on the cruise line's website or by calling their reservation line.
BE ON TIME FOR BOARDING
Make careful to confirm your cruise's exact boarding and departure times. If you're going to the port city, arrive a day ahead of time so you don't have to rush.
Celebrity Cruises passengers can check-in online at least three days before departure. Additional boarding instructions can be found in your Guest Ticket Booklet.
PACK LIKE A PRO
According to the Cruise Line International Association, the dress code for cruise vacations is normally casual during the day but can be more formal at night, depending on the ship and the event you're attending.
Beachwear is normally the style of choice for the Caribbean and other warm-weather destinations. However, some of the specialty restaurants aboard ship require something a little more formal for dinner. Even in warmer areas, bring a light sweater or jacket in case the evening air or the ship's air conditioning is a touch chilly. For cooler climates, opt for clothing you can layer—adding on for a chilly daytime outdoor adventure and pairing down when you're back on the ship enjoying an evening cocktail.
Don't worry if you forget your beach suit or dress shirt; there are lots of fantastic shopping alternatives on board and in port.
Last but not least, Celebrity will deliver your checked baggage directly to your stateroom, eliminating the need to schlep it on board. Pack essentials like toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes in a compact carry-on to ensure you have them when you board the ship.
CHECK ALL DOCUMENTS
Guests are responsible for obtaining all relevant travel documents and must have them on hand at all times. For boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries, valid travel documents such as passports, visas, inoculation certificates, and family legal documents are necessary.
All passengers should travel with a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end of their trip, according to Celebrity.
Make Dining Reservations in Advance
Although your cruise fee includes lots of wonderful meals in the main dining room for breakfast, lunch, and supper, you should make time to visit a couple of the specialized restaurants as well. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options on each ship for an extra fee.
Excursions on the Beach
Each cruise port has a diverse range of activities and attractions. Would you prefer to see life under the water on a dive off the coast of the United States Virgin Islands, get a birds-eye perspective of the environment on a zip line trip through a Puerto Rican rainforest, or take a picturesque train journey through Alaska's mountains and glaciers?
BRING EXTRA TOILETRIES WITH YOU
Sunscreen, aspirin, and Band-Aids are all available on cruise ships. However, it will come at a price. Cruise lines recognize that you are a captive audience and charge appropriately in their shipboard shops.
Don't forget to bring additional batteries for your camera while we're on the subject of sundries.
IT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA TO GET A COTTAGE NEAR AN ELEVATOR
Every stateroom on a ship is not made equal. Avoid hotels near elevators and those directly over nightclubs and other late-night operations when booking your first cruise. They can get a little rowdy at times. Cabins near the anchor and below the pool deck, as well as cabins near casinos, can be dangerous.
KEEP YOUR PHONE ON AIRPLANE MODE AT ALL TIMES
Some of the most shocking cruise ship horror stories on the internet are about first-time cruisers who piled up thousands of dollars in telephone charges while onboard. This can happen if you leave your phone on while watching films on the internet, for example. Many phone plans, including international plans, exclude talking, texting, and data on cruise ships, and you'll be charged excessive roaming fees for such services, which will appear on your phone bill weeks later.
