Cruise Tips from Cruise Ship Passengers – Part 1

This year I am interviewing cruise ship passengers to get the best cruise tips, tricks and advice on how to have the best cruise. Cruise tips from cruise ship passengers are always the best cruise tips you will get as they really know what they are talking about.

Every month I will be featuring an interview with cruise ship passenger and asking them to share all their cruise tips and tricks.

Cruise Tips from Cruise Ship Passengers – The Interview

Our first interview for the year is with Sandra and she has sailed with Princess Cruises, Celebrity, Carnival and NCL.

She has a wealth of experience cruising and has lots of tips, so let’s dive in!

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Which is your favourite cruise ship?

The Emerald Princess (Princess Cruises) so far and I am looking forward to my upcoming cruise on the Royal Princess (Princess Cruises).

How many cruises have you been on/days onboard?

Over 200 days with Princess Cruise, 23 cruises and approximately 50 days on other cruise lines.

Where have you cruised to? 

Mexico, Californian Coast, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Tahiti and the Caribbean.

Which cruise is your favourite?

Tahiti, French Polynesia

What are your cruise booking tips? 

I use a personal travel rep from Princess Cruises and I will usually research what cruise I want and then call him with my details and booking.  I always ask if there is a special on or casino rates available and I always check my online booking every 2 or 3 weeks to see if the fare has gone down or a special offer is available.

Do you have any cruise embarkation tips? 

Dress comfortably, don’t hand carry a bunch of handbags and wear comfortable shoes.

What are your port tips?

If unable to check out ports before disembarking, look for handouts/brochures for sightseeing ideas. Also, talk with other passengers before you disembark, as they may have been to this port before and have some good suggestions.

Do you go on tours?

Unless it’s a specific site I want to see, like Alcatraz in San Francisco or Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, I tend to make our tour plans after disembarkation.  I read up on all the tips for tours on various websites for suggestions. Talk to other travellers onboard.

What type of dining do you prefer onboard?  

We prefer anytime dining. Sometimes we want to see a show early, sometimes late or just not hungry at the scheduled time.

Do you have any cabin tips? 

Treat your cabin steward/stewardess with courtesy and tips and they will treat you very well, in most cases. We generally find out a bit about our cabin person and try to find something in a port or two that he/she might enjoy.

Enjoy your cabin and balcony to the fullest, if you need an extra blanket or two or deck towels, ask. I also have a daily call for ice to be in the refrigerator. I always bring a heating pad and extension cord just in case of a backache.

What do you like to do on the sea days? Any recommendations?  

Love to take in lectures, trivia games, read on my deck, nap.  There is always something to do or not do.  If you are into shopping, that’s happening all the time on sea days as well as gambling in the casino.

What are your cruise packing tips? 

Figure out formal nights, usually, 2, assume you will eat in dining room 8-10 nights on a 15-day cruise.  I try not to wear the same thing twice.  I have learned over the years to go with basic black and white, mix and match various top with pants or skirts. 

Lay everything out ahead of time at home and then hang up in your closet at least 3 or 4 tops and 2 pairs of pants you don’t need to bring. You can dress up or down your outfits with costume jewellery and scarves which I do. Limit your shoes as well and go with basic colours.

Do you have any tips for disembarkation day?  

Get up early and enjoy a leisurely morning before leaving the cabin.  Don’t hand carry a bunch of bags.

What are your tips for first time cruisers? 

Book your room in the middle of the ship in case you may experience seasickness and bring along some sea sickness pills to take just in case. 

Don’t over pack. Don’t try to eat everything in sight or every meal offered.  You will not only gain a lot of weight but you will experience stomach issues. Eat like you normally would at home. Don’t eat with the attitude, “I paid for it, so I’m going to get my monies worth”.

Step out of your comfort box, and try something new such as one of the exercise classes, art projects, trivia and of course sitting down at a table with someone you haven’t met and start a conversation.  Rarely will you find anyone not interested in talking about where they are from or a favourite cruise. 

A must is to take in a lecture on the locations you are travelling to. The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable.

There are numerous entertainment venues in the evening whether you stay up late or hit the bed early. 

Wow! Sandra has shared some amazing cruise tips and I’m sure you will take away some of her cruise advice for your next cruise.

Cruise Essentials

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I hope you enjoyed reading Cruise Tips from Cruise Ship Passengers – Part 1, next month we will feature another interview with a cruise ship passenger.

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Happy Cruising!