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It’s time to set sail. There is something unique about cruises! It’s like constant fun and scenic views meets a resort on water. First time cruisers – or first time cruising with a particular cruise line – will need these tips to get to the fun faster.

Arrive at your destination a day early.

I’ve done it both ways. I’ve flown to my Port City the morning of departure and headed straight to the ship and I have spent a night in the Port City. Here’s why I like the latter. When you fly in, delays happen and I like to avoid added stress. I’ve often done cruises with large groups and it’s simpler to wrangle everyone if we can all arrive at the port together. We make a night of it and stay at a hotel that provides free shuttle service to the port. We even stay a day or two on the backend of the trip to decompress before returning home.

Pack your carry-on bag with intention!

What’s your intention? Are you heading straight to the pool? Bar? Casino? Ships allow boarding about 4 hours prior to departure. During that time, you will have check your bags and wait for them to be delivered. Keep your bathing suit, sunscreen. bluetooth speaker, and lipstick in your carry-on so you won’t have to delay your fun!

Bring your own drinks!

Speaking of carry-ons.. if you know you love ginger ale or you want a specific brand of water, bring a pack with you. These must be packed in your carry-on. Adults can also bring one bottle of wine or champagne – standard size only (750mL). Some cruise lines will even allow you to bring TWO! Ask me how! Check with your travel agent or cruise line for details, but most allow a 12pack of canned drinks.

Pack your essentials.

Anything that will make your cruise smoother should be packed. This includes vitamins and medicine, but don’t forget about comfort. Pack your favorite sunglasses, your favorite robe, and even your favorite blanket. The little things make your trip. PRO TIP: Pack a first aid kit! Sure, you can find care onboard, but your personalized kit has your favorites and is handy for minor cuts and scrapes.

Bring your sanitizers.

I always travel with my sanitizing wipes and I keep hand sanitizer handy. If you have a small bar of soap – like the kind you find at hotels – you can also use your bottle of water to wash when you’re out on excursions and there isn’t a sink readily available.

Bring a few magnets!

Staterooms have a lot of metal! Hang up reservation details, tickets, and photos! Making your room cozy during a cruise adds more value than you may think!

Consider Booking Local Tours & Excursions

Cruise lines have shore excursions readily available and are a great option for you, but if you’re looking for something a little less commercial, local tours may be the way to go. Use booking sites like Viator to search for shore excursions.

Purchase Packages in Advance

Cruise lines offer discounts when you purchase drink packages and other offerings in advance. Ask your travel agent about their discounts! Sometimes agents receive discounts on gift items and room decor. If you’re celebrating something special, this is a nice way to do it.

Get the WiFi

Unless you’re unplugging or you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages where WiFi is included, you’ll want the WiFi package. It’s great to stay connected to the guests you’re traveling with and the outside world.

Opt Into Cruise Protection

Protecting your trip is something that I will always recommend. Fun story, I bought a ticket to see Beyonce thinking I’m not missing this so I opted out of the protection and things shifted. I ended up going to see her on another day annnd I was not able to sell the previous ticket. I gave it to a friend so it didn’t go to waste, but the point is, things do change. Get the travel protection. Ask me how!

Be Mindful of How You Tip

You can pay for gratuity in advance on many cruise lines. You can also pay for each individual transaction. Note that gratuity is often included already. Get clear on your ship’s policies. Some ships, like Virgin Voyages, build gratuity into their fare so you don’t have to worry about any extra spending while onboard. Something I like to do is bring envelopes on board and load them with cash for anyone who made my time onboard extra special. You typically have the same person cleaning your room and serving your table dinner each night. Just a thought!

Download the Cruise App!

Cruise apps make your experience so much smoother! It’s designed to bring you ease and increase accessibility. You’ll find schedules and daily activities, as well as relevant information. Some cruise lines even allow you to order food and join the queue virtually. These apps even work if you don’t get the wifi package.

Keep the Details Handy

Make sure everyone in your party has emergency phone numbers, staterooms, and contact information for the ship. You likely won’t need it, but should you need to contact the ship while you’re docked and away, you want to have the information handy.

Use a Travel Agent

I am biased because I am a travel agent, but I am also honest. As an avid traveler who rarely used agents, I created some great trips! As a travel agent, I am learning that I could have experienced more, done more, and make more memories. How? Travel Agents have the full picture of what’s offered and can easily give you a full view of your options so it’s simpler to decide what’s best for you. Cruises come with a lot of options! Let me help you narrow that down!

Not convinced? Click here to access my booking engine and reach out if you have any questions!