5 Useful Tips for First-Time Cruisers

No matter where in the world you want to go or what you want to see, you can rest assured there’s a cruise for that. You can cruise through the jungle, cruise through the oceans of ice, tour multiple European countries, and basically go anywhere the world offers. If you have never been on a cruise, there are certain things you want to familiarize yourself with and prepare for. After all, taking a cruise is not like your other typical vacations. Enjoy the following five useful tips for first-time cruisers.

1. Pack a bag.

Chances are your cruise ship will be very big and offer a variety of amenities. Because of this, you likely won’t want to travel back and forth to your room for everyday essentials, such as sunscreen, wallets, medicine, etc. When packing, be sure to include a small travel bag that you can carry with you either on the cruise ship or as you land at different locations. This way, you’ll have everything with you, so you can spend more time exploring.

2. Know what’s included.

Most travelers make decisions based on price, and even if you’re on a tight budget, you should be sure to comparison shop cruises first. While one cruise may stand out as having a much lower price, it’s important you know what’s included first. For instance, you may end up paying $1000 less than others, but if you have to pay for everything on the ship, you could end up spending more.

3. Reserve early.

Aside from reserving your spot on the cruise, be sure to reserve your activities and dining as soon as possible to. Most cruises offer time slots for certain activities and events, and by reserving your space early, you can be sure you’re not only getting to see the attractions you desire, but that you’re also doing it at a time that makes sense for you.

4. Take precautions.

Whenever you go on vacation, whether it’s a cruise or not, it’s important to take any necessary precautions, especially if you’re in another country. Always be mindful of your surroundings and where you’re walking, especially near pools and other waterways. The last thing you want to do is succumb to a cruise ship injury on your vacation and spend the rest of your trip bed-ridden. If you are bringing children on the cruise, be sure to talk about safety with them as well so that everyone in your group puts safety first.

5. Avoid the internet.

A cruise is a great vacation option for those who want to get away and disconnect. Although most popular cruise ships will have Wi-Fi, you will need to pay for it, and this can be up to $1 per minute. Instead, make sure to enjoy your cruise free of your devices, and wait until you’re on land to upload those pictures to Instagram or check those work emails. If you plan on being reachable while on vacation, maybe a cruise isn’t the best option.

Taking a cruise is a great way to explore more than one location during one trip. If you have never taken a cruise before, be sure to use these tips to make your first cruise more pleasurable than you imagined.