Going on a cruise is an adventure like no other in more ways than one. The trip itself is the destination, and the destination in itself is a moving fortress with many delights and wonders waiting to be discovered. There are those who have gone to many cruises and continue to do so due to the many advantages they have found while traveling the high seas aboard this floating castles. A cruise ship holds adventures and enjoyment for everyone, no matter who you are, you will for certain have the time of your life and will forever be changed by your first trip abroad. However, there are some tips and tricks to consider if you want to make the most of it. Here we have some expert advice to ensure your first cruise is unforgettable, or to live your next one to the fullest.
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Don’t fly on the day you depart.
A common mistake people makes when booking their cruise, is not leaving any room for error or unexpected delays. This is especially true when going on cruises that depart from Europe and you live in the United States or vice versa. Flights may get delayed or luggage may go missing and without any wiggle room you may miss your departure and ruin your whole vacation. Fly a day ahead if possible and avoid this type of problems.
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Be prepared if you suffer from motion sickness.
A cruise ship is not the same as a small boat of course. You will not feel waves the same way as in a small fishing raft, but if you are especially sensitive to motion sickness, you may want to take extra precautions. Do not wait until you start feeling sick to take motion sickness pills or whatever method you decide to go with. Don’t let something like that ruin your experience by making sure you are prepared before hand, especially on days the waters are choppy.
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Be aware of what you eat.
The food is one of the greatest things about being on a cruise. Just make sure you don’t go overboard with the 24-hour availability of all those amazing dishes. Make sure you pace yourself and eat accordingly and don’t ruin your trip because you ate too much and got sick or feel bad afterwards because you gained a few pounds. If you have specific eating habits, you will find healthy options for sure so you don’t have to change the way you normally eat. It is common that people get sick from mixing and matching foods they don’t normally eat all the time and overindulge just because they are readily available. Be mindful of your options.
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Explore the ship.
Is advisable to do this even before you book your cruise, but on the first day and even as you are well into your voyage, explore your surroundings. Ships are miniature cities with a lot of great secrets waiting to be discovered. Check out all the amenities and know where to go and how to get there quickly.
Image courtesy of Adventures of KM&G-Morris at Flickr.com
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Be aware of schedule activities.
Don’t miss out on the fun just because you didn’t know about the lobster eating contest or the karaoke night! There are many activities scheduled for your days at sea; make sure you are aware of what’s going on and ready to participate. The trips are specially designed to entertain you so just make sure you check out the schedules on onboard activities for the whole family.
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Keep in mind a diverse Dress Code.
Pack like you would for a vacation. Remember there are nights when dressing up is encouraged and days when the weather pretty much forces you to dress down to the bare minimum. Have comfortable shoes to walk about and don’t think just because you are in the Caribbean that you won’t need a sweater. Nights may get cold at times and rain may start at any moment, so an umbrella or some rain gear will not be a bad idea to pack.
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Disconnect from the world.
There are so many amazing things to do that you will not be missing your constant checking of your Facebook status or your email inbox. Unplug from the world and spend quality time with yourself and your loved ones. You will not regret using this opportunity to truly disconnect.
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Socialize and be surprised.
Cruises are some of the best places to make new friendships. You will meet a lot of great people who may be experts at this experience or newbies just like you. Give yourself the opportunity to be amazed by stories and listen to possible recommendations that may be just what you were looking for. Cruises are a great bonding experience.
