Cruising Tip 101
Cruising Tip 101
#1 PARKING AT THE PORT CAN BE CONVENIENT, BUT THERE ARE OTHER CHEAPER OPTIONS
If you’re driving to the cruise port, then you should know that it more convenient to park at the port and typically right at the cruise terminal, so you unload and head right to check-in. Of course, there is a charge for that convenience.
If you search for parking ports near the port, you can usually find independent lots that are nearly as convenient, but at a sharp discount to parking at the port. These lots almost always offer a free shuttle to drop you off right at the ship as well. Plus they cost you much much less and give you more money to spend on the ship or in port.
#2 Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode Once on the Ship
There are stories after stories of people coming back from their cruise with unexpected cell phone charges. The reason is either they use their phone willingly without realizing they are connected to a “roaming” tower or their phone used data without their knowledge for things like updating apps or downloading messages. Whatever the reason, you don’t want to accidentally get stuck with a sky-high phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise leaves the shore. This helps to avoid being charged roaming fees. However, You should also turn on the wi-fi, which will allow you to connect for free to the cruise line’s app.
#3 The Main Dining Room Serves Breakfast and Lunch Not Just Dinner
Most passengers prefer to eat their dinner in the main dining room (MDR), but did you know they actually serve breakfast and lunch there too. Now Often, The buffet (Lido Deck) is quick and easy for these meals, but the quality and freshness is usually lower than what you’ll get in the dining rooms. Don’t get me wrong, it's all still really good food. But next time, Head over to the MDR if you want something a little better. I know its my favorite place to eat every meal I can.
#4 DON'T LET SEA SICKNESS DETER YOU FROM CRUISING
Don't let the thought of Sea Sickness deter you. Ships now days have stabilizers that help to reduce the feeling of motion. You can also ask to be booked in a stateroom midship. Also keeping food in your stomach helps. You can also take Dramamine, Bonine, or get Seabands that will help as well.
#5 Outlet Adapters Are a Must-Have
Due to today’s needs for technology, curling irons, etc., the need for outlets in a cruise cabin is always increasing. That’s why I suggest bringing aboard an outlet adapter to plug in and give you more free plugs. However, It must not be an adapter with a surge protector as these are forbidden on a cruise.. A simple multi-plug adapter is all you really need and will work great. Plus, you’ll be so glad you brought it especially if you're sharing a cabin with your family.
#6 Every Cabin Comes With a Safe; Use it
When you leave your cabin, be sure to put any valuables in the cabin safe. No, it’s not perfect, but it acts as a good deterrent from crimes of convenience and provides you with a little peace of mind. While safes are not that big, They will hold cash, jewelry, phones and passports with plenty of room to spare.
#7 Be Ready for Itinerary Changes
Have your heart set on the Bahamas or Cozumell? Just know that cruise itineraries can change for any number of reasons. Whether it be an issue with the ship, weather, or even issues in the port. Often the cruise lines will try to sub one port for another, but it isn’t unheard of for them just to scrap a stop in port altogether. Keep in mind that this is a pretty rare occurrence, but it does happen.
#8 Cruise Insurance? Always a Good Idea to Have
Some people may never even use the travel insurance that they buy. However, if something goes wrong, it’s a great thing to have. Each travel insurance company is different and each one covers various reasons. But all policies cover a large range of issues that may arise such as if you get sick or injured, it will compensate you for travel delays, lost baggage and more.
If you’re on the fence about buying insurance, I suggest doing so. Ask for a quote and See what each policy covers. Do your research and be informed if it's the right choice for you and your family or not.
#9 Cabins Get Very Dark; Bring a Night Light
There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar, dark cabin and having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Save yourself the injuries and from stubbing your toe by packing a plug-in nightlight. This can be extremely helpful if you’re staying in an interior cabin as there are no windows to help illuminate your cabin at night or in the early mornings.
#10 There Are No Body-Scanners Like at the Airport
Who isn’t turned off by the intrusive security at airports these days? From having to empty water bottles, to taking off shoes, to raising your hands and being scanned by a machine, it’s awful. Thankfully, cruise security is much more like flying used to be. You’ll step through a metal detector and your bags will go on an x-ray machine. There aren’t highly intrusive screening measures in place (at least yet).
#11 Passports Are Better Than Birth Certificates
The nice thing about many cruises is that they allow you to sail with only a birth certificate and a photo ID (so long as the trip begins and ends in the same port). So, if you do not have a passport, you can still leave the country and not have to go through the hassle and expense of obtaining one.
Still, it is much smarter to sail with a passport. Not only is it handy but great to have in the event of an emergency. It can also save you time as many ports now use facial recognition matched with your passport for entering the country. If you have your passport, they just snap your photo and you own our way. If you opt to use your birth certificate you'll have to wait in line and be checked by an officer.
#12 Muster Drill
When you first get on the ship go ahead and head to your muster station. The ship will not leave port until everyone on board has completed there muster drill. Since you usually have to wait a bit before your room is ready (normally after 1:00PM) then you mine as well knock the muster drill out.
#13 Be Prepared for Port Fees and Gratuities
Be prepared that just booking a cruise is not the end of your costs. It is just the cost of what you will pay. When booking your cruise you will also need to pay taxes and port fees which vary depending on the length of the cruise. You will also need to pay gratuities either when booking or before you get of the ship. Gratuities usually average about $15 per person, per day. So be prepared. For a full list of prices you can expect please visit.#14 Free Playing Cards
If you cruise Carnival, you can go to Guest Services and ask for playing cards. they will give you a free deck which you can keep as a souvenir.
#15 MSC Status Match
If you have never sailed with MSC and say Carnival is your main choice and your perhaps a Diamond Member MSC will match it. You will need to complete a form with MSC but they will match the loyalty level that you have with Carnival to their equivalent so you can enjoy the perks that come with that status.
#16 Carnival Melting Cake
Make sure you try one (Or even two or three) of the Carnival Melting Cake in the MDR. Trust me you'll be glad you did.
#17 Always Pack Some Cool-Weather Gear
Even if you are headed to the sunny Caribbean, you should still bring some warm clothes . When the ship is sailing and the sun has gone down, the combination of cooler temps and a strong breeze can make it cold on the deck. Also, many spots in the ship are well air-conditioned, meaning you can be cool indoors as well especially during dinner or shows.
#18 Internet Access Can Be Expensive
Need to check your emails, surf the web, text or call back home? Be prepared to pay. Only satellite internet is available out at sea so it can get a bit costly. However, each cruise ship offers a package or two that will allow you access to the internet. These packages range between $15- $20 a day. There are also a few work arounds you can consider such as international calling plans that will allow you to make calls while in port. However, some people may prefer to turn off their devices and just discount for a few days.#19 Don’t Even Think About Being Late For the Ship
The departure times on port dates are set in stone and are not suggestions. Make sure you are back on board on time (even earlier is a good practice) and not a second later. The last thing you want is to have to run to catch the boat or even worse miss the ship altogether.
#20 Just Because You Bought Alcohol In Port Doesn't Mean You Can Drink It
If you are planning to drink that bottle of tequila that you bought In Cozumel, Don't get your hopes up.Just like when you first boarded, You can not bring Alcohol from the port. Any alcohol brought in the port will be held on the ship until the night before debarkation.
#21 Older Ships Are Cheaper
If you're looking for a deal, then look at sailing on older ships. Even when compared to newer ships with the same itinerary, the fares on older ships are way lower. Of course, you may not get to experience the fancy new pools or water slides. But if you just simply want to travel and save book an older ship.#22 Get Passports In Advance
If you want to ensure you get your passports in time to cruise make sure you inquire them or renew them at least 6 months or more in advance. With delays in mailing and with the passport office it could takes week even if you expedite them. With the new era of COVID everything has been delayed. Get ahead of the game and mark them of your to do list much sooner.#23 Show Up Later To Board Faster
If you show up to board right when the boarding window opens, you can expect to do a lot of waiting. There is always a mad rush to board the ship right as it opens, which leads to long lines. Choosing a later window often allows you to board faster as there are less people boarding. Get to the port about an hour before the boarding window closes and you’ll find no lines. It usually only takes about 10-15 minutes to get checked-in and board, all without having to fight huge crowds.
If you show up to board right when the boarding window opens, you can expect to do a lot of waiting. There is always a mad rush to board the ship right as it opens, which leads to long lines. Choosing a later window often allows you to board faster as there are less people boarding. Get to the port about an hour before the boarding window closes and you’ll find no lines. It usually only takes about 10-15 minutes to get checked-in and board, all without having to fight huge crowds.
Specialty restaurants offer meals not available in the included restaurants and provide a more formal experience. With these restaurants you normally pay a flat fee for your order. But, If you want to save money and eat here, try eating there during lunch it is often cheaper with a discounted lunch rate. Some of the restaurants have fees that are substantially less at lunch time compared to dinner. So, you can get the same meal for much less.
Take a photo of the sign (All Aboard Sign) that tell you what time to be back on board. This may not be the same as the original itinerary and you don't want to miss the ship.
#26 Ship Time
Take a note of the ship's time as well as the port time. If they are not the same consider taking a cheap watch or setting the time on your phone to avoid any confusion. Time runs on ship time.
Take a note of the ship's time as well as the port time. If they are not the same consider taking a cheap watch or setting the time on your phone to avoid any confusion. Time runs on ship time.
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