Guest blog post by Isabel Leong a Travel Writer from Bel Around The World.
Cruises are undeniably one of the best ways to see the world. Being looked after upon a ship as you travel from country to country sounds like a life of luxury – but with that being said, there are a few things to be aware of before you board, especially if it’s your first time.
Here are six things to bear in mind before boarding a cruise.
You can disembark at any port of call in case of an emergency
You may be wondering – what happens if an emergency arises and I’m stuck on the boat? Don’t worry, because if you need to you’re able to disembark and return home upon arrival at a port of call. Committing to a cruise doesn’t mean you have to see it through to the end.
If you get a call from home that requires you to return, you’ll need your passport and a photo ID to do so – and you have to make the request with guest services during the first 24 hours at sea. If you do it afterwards, the cruise line likely won’t assist to a full extent in getting you home.
There’s rooms suited to those with motion sickness
If you’re worried about the dreaded mal de mer, rest assured there’s rooms in the ship better suited to you. Opt for a room towards the middle of the ship and upon a higher deck to decrease the potential for sea sickness – the movement here will be minimal and bearable for most.
Consider other ways to decrease the motion sickness, too. Bands to wear upon your wrist are one of the most common and effective remedies, often sold upon the ship itself to ensure you’re not left compromised. A cruise is an amazing experience – don’t let sea sickness get in the way of that.
You’ll be seeing some of the world’s best sights
It doesn’t matter which cruise you board and which route it takes – you’ll always be discovering new and exciting parts of the world that’ll likely blow your mind. From the luscious, warm scenery of the Caribbean to the depths of the wondrous New Zealand, there’s no limit to how far you’ll go.
Be sure to thoroughly research the cruise routes on offer – if there’s a few that visit the destination you want to see the most, consider the other ports of call during the journey and choose the one that sounds the most appealing to you. After all, the main highlight of a cruise is being able to visit more than one destination with ease.
Hand luggage is still a necessity
Although there’s no flight or equivalent process to get to the ship, hand luggage is still recommended. On the first day when you board the ship, you won’t immediately be able to get to your luggage – so consider a small bag to keep with you, that you can put toiletries and a change of clothing in.
It’s also a good idea to have this small bag packed ready for when you disembark at various ports of call. Wandering around a city all day without a bag could prove to be difficult, so ensure you have one ready for your days exploring.
Reserve restaurants and events immediately to avoid disappointment
As soon as you board the ship, get your bearings and figure out which shows, restaurants and events are on offer for you to reserve. Keep in mind every other passenger will likely be doing the same, so if you want to secure a certain somewhere or something, this is the best way to go about it.
It’s common knowledge that the food on the majority of cruise ships is delectable. With some cruises even being catered by chefs who have received Michelin stars in the past, there’s no doubt you’ll be lapping up some beautiful meals during your stay.
The pool will be busy
Be prepared for the top deck to get crowded. Whilst you’re cruising and the weather is warm, expect guests to flock in their masses to the poolside – and divert to other areas of the ship to avoid the crowds. Often cruises offer adults-only areas, meaning you can escape the loud families and busy crowds and relax in your own quiet, secluded section.
Another way to make the most of the ship’s facilities is by staying on board once you arrive at a port of call. Whilst many guests will disembark to explore, if you want a day of quiet relaxation, stay on the ship and you’ll find you have it pretty much all to yourself.
This was a guest blog post by Isabel Leong a Travel Writer from Bel Around The World. Follow her at belaroundtheworld.com
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Happy Travels!
Love Lucy x
I think the best tip is to reserve trips and restaurants the minute you get on board (or even before). It’s always sad when you miss out because what you want to do is sold out. I really loved my cruise and hope I’ll be able to make use of all the tips again soon
Thank you, glad you found these tips useful. Eating is the most important thing onboard!
These are great tips for any first time cruiser. The tips about crowded pools and packing a small carryon are especially good.
Thank you, so pleased you found these tips helpful!
I definitely approve of the use of hand luggage on a cruise — it’s especially helpful if you have the cruise staff handle your luggage at the end of the cruise. If you opt for their services, they take your luggage the night before, so you need a place to keep all of your medicines and toiletries, as well as your change of clothes for the last day. I’ve been on a number of cruises and there’s ALWAYS someone who figures this out when it’s too late.
Also check out the ships activities, especially when you’re stuck at sea. It’s a good way to interact with other passengers and make new friends. Many cruise lines also play this “Love and Marriage” game towards the end of the cruise, and it’s always hilarious.
Yes, hand luggage is vital on a cruise, especially for the last day. The ship activities are always fun!
I had no idea you could reserve a special room if you have motion sickness! My friend and I got sick last time we went on a cruise, so this would have been helpful.
If you get sea sick, book a midship cabin on the lowest deck you can.
I’ve never been on a cruise before so this post was very useful. It’s good to know there are better rooms to choose for sea sickness. Also, great tip on book restaurants straight away. I would have just shown up and asked for a table!
Thank you, I’m glad you have found these tips helpful. For seasickness, book a midship cabin, on the lowest deck you can.
I have to admit even though I’ve traveled for so many years I’v not actually been on a proper cruise (apart for some short booze cruises) But the more I’ve traveled the more I’ve wanted to try one out – You have given me some useful insights from this post. Even though I don’t suffer from motion sickness, I did not to that they have rooms suited for people that do.
You must go on a longer cruise is much better than a booze cruise as they are so short!
And starve before going….there will be loads of food 24×7 on the ship!!!!
Lol 😂 Love it!
Some valuable tips here, and I agree with all of them. I have never been on a cruise to use the pool. As you say it’s way too crowded, I hate the people that spend all day there getting drunk, and the pool is usually very small anyway. I’d rather read a good book and enjoy the views of the endless ocean. One thing I would like to add to your list: The crew on a cruise is usually just wonderful. International people from around the world who live abroad and away from their families for many months at a time. When my husband was struck down by motion sickness one day, our steward went to his private quarters to fetch an apple for his to combat the sickness. It worked and it was such a genuine measure that I will remember forever. I love cruising and hopefully I get to go on one again soon.
Thank you I’m pleased you enjoyed the tips. I was a crew member for 10 years and your lovely comment means a lot. My husband still works onboard and I travel with now and the crew make the cruise.
I’ve never been on a cruise, and also never would’ve thought about the hand luggage piece… but it makes perfect sense. These are all awesome tips! If Luke ever convinces me to hop on a ship, this will definitely be one of my first reference guides 🙂
Thank you, I am so pleased you liked the tips and I hope you get to go on a cruise soon!
That was a fun read, I realized I knew nothing about the mechanics of a cruise since I have never done one! Now I know! 🙂
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed reading 😊
Whoa, thanks for sharing! I’ve only been on one cruise so far, but I had no idea about the first two and always wondered about them. Luckily I dont have motion sickness but it’s good to know 😊