Getting ready to embark on your very first cruise can be very exciting indeed. You’ll have a huge cruise ship to explore, and will be able to take advantage of all the entertainment options, bars, and restaurants. As well as that, you’ll be able to lounge up on the top deck in the good weather and take a dip in the pool whenever you need to cool down. Not only that, though, but you will also be able to enjoy days on shore exploring new ports and cities.
I’m sure you will really enjoy your first cruise, and it could encourage you to book more in the future. However, there are a few things that you need to remember before you board to ensure that you make the most of your time onboard. Here are some useful dos and don’ts that will help you out on your very first cruise.
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Do Always Look For Deals
First of all, it’s worth looking to see if you can find any deals or discounts on your cruise before you book it. The further in advance you look for deals, the more you will find, and you might get some pretty impressive ones. In fact, you might even be able to afford booking onto the P&O Iona or another of the premium ships. Looking out of season will also help you find a few more deals as well. Don’t forget, though, that it isn’t just deals on the entire package that are available. Some cruise lines will also release special food and drink deals to help you keep the costs down while you are onboard.
Don’t Assume All Drinks Offered Are Free
One of the best things about lounging on a sun lounger on the top deck of a cruise ship is that there will be a lot of waiters and waitresses offering you drinks. What’s better than sipping a fruity cocktail in the sunshine?! Well, it might be perfectly fine to take one or two of these drinks, but you should double check to see if you are being charged for them. Even though some cruise ship packages might be all-inclusive, there are still some that charge extra for alcoholic drinks. So, make sure that you know exactly what is included in your package before you start accepting all the drinks that are offered to you.
Do Take A Tour Of The Ship
There are normally a few tours of the whole ship spread out across the first couple of days during a cruise. These tours are completely optional and you don’t have to attend one if you don’t want to, but it is highly recommended that you do. Especially if you have never been on a cruise ship before! The tours will take you past every bar, restaurant, and entertainment venue onboard, as well as showing you where all the different accommodation cabins are. That way, you will find out exactly what is on the ship, and you don’t have to risk missing something.
Don’t Go To The First Restaurant You See
There will be a lot of different restaurants and dining options onboard the cruise ship, so there is a lot to explore. Don’t just stick to the first one that you see for the entire week! You will find that the main dining room and buffet are often the busiest eateries, so it’s worth checking out some of the smaller, speciality restaurants as well. You will just need to double check that the restaurant you want to go to is included in your package. Not all of them are covered by all packages, but that will depend on the cruise company you go with. If you are desperate to visit a restaurant that isn’t covered, you will need to foot the bill yourself.
Do Prepare To Be Social
Cruise holidays can be very sociable indeed. You will find that your cruisemates all make friends at the buffet, in the bar, and even by the pool. So, it’s a good idea to get ready to meet and chat with new people. One of the best things about this is that you will have the chance to talk to people from all over the world.
Don’t Forget To Sign The Kids Up To The Kids’ Club
If you are going on the cruise as a family and will be taking kids, you might want to take advantage of the kids’ club. You will need to sign them up for this club right at the start of the cruise. If you wait too late, it could be fully booked.
Have a great cruise!
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Happy Travels
