Statistics show that a significant number of first-time cruisers
become repeat cruisers, because of the overall satisfaction with their vacation
experience.
If you are thinking of taking your
first cruise, what if you could get onboard knowing the things that veteran
cruisers already know? We can help with that! Here are some tips that should
help you feel less like a cruise newbie:
·
Study the ship’s deck plans, which most
cruise lines publish on their websites. See where the pools, spa, fitness
center, dining rooms and restaurants, lounges and shops are located in relation
to your stateroom. When you get onboard, you’ll be better able to orient
yourself.
·
Read up on the ports you’ll visit. The cruise
line will offer pre-arranged shore excursions. However, those excursions don’t
always cover the entire time in port or allow for the experience you might
like. Do a little research, but also
enlist the expertise of your travel agent to help craft the shore excursions
that will delight you.
·
Don’t bring too much cash. You can charge any
onboard purchases to your account, which you can settle with a credit card at
the end of the cruise. If you want to take some cash when you go on shore,
withdraw a small amount from the onboard ATM.
·
Make the most of embarkation day. Some ships
offer “embarkation day specials” in their spas and specialty restaurants; take
advantage of the opportunity for discounted spa treatments and gourmet dining.
·
Don’t try to skip the required muster drill,
a time for you to practice what to do in an emergency. When the alarm sounds,
put on the lifejacket you’ll find in your stateroom and report to your muster
station. Don’t try to hide in your stateroom – the crew will check to make sure
it’s empty.
·
Don’t tip at the bar, because most cruise
lines automatically add service charges of 15 percent or more to bar bills (and
specialty restaurant bills, too).
Here are a few quick packing tips
that will help you look and feel like a cruise veteran. Be sure to bring along:
·
Some clothespins to keep the bright morning
sun from coming through where your curtains meet.
·
A nightlight to help you navigate the
unfamiliar stateroom in the dark.
·
A highlighter to mark things you want to do
in the ship’s daily bulletin.
For even more tips, ask Anita, your
Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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