Almost everyone has dreamed about cruising sometime, or has at least felt the curiosity of what a cruise would be like. The idea of “living” on a huge ship for a few days or even a week, surrounded by nothing more than gorgeous, clear, blue water and paradisiac islands, is just the perfect thought if you’re thinking about relaxing and forgetting about reality for a while.
Unlimited drinks and cocktails, Ice creams, yummy treats and having at least 4-5 different restaurants where you can find all kinds of delicious international meals, cooked by the best chefs, will be part of the vacation you are absolutely sure you deserve. Try also thinking about the week lasting, warm, sunny weather; the perfect tan you will get by only laying on the deck with your favorite cocktail, a good book, great music, and why not, a couple of new friends you just met on board. It actually sounds like the best plan you can imagine.
Image courtesy of CHRIStophe Robert HERVOUËT
on Flickr.com
Cruising will not only offer you the best way to escape from almost everything, but it also allows you to see new places, mainly islands that you didn’t know existed, cultures you never even thought possible and the kindest people you could ever meet. Nevertheless, cruising has it tricks, and first timers could definitely use some advice and tips to make the stay a lot easier, and of course a lot more fun.
1. Make sure you are an early bird
If you are planning to go on a cruise, try booking a few months before the departure time. Discounts and great offers are available if you plan your trip with time. The price you pay for booking a cruise will vary, depending on the time you decide to pay for it. You will find surprises, either good ones, or not so good ones, therefore planning it with time, will be one of the best decisions to make if you’re decided to go cruising for the first time.
2. Take Baby steps when cruising for the first time
Some people don’t really think about it, but the idea of living on a ship for a few days, or even a week is not always easy, and rather claustrophobic, especially if you’re the type of person who is used to having a very active lifestyle. Make sure the first cruise you take isn’t longer than 4 days. Longer cruises may be a bit more difficult to manage. It doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect way to rest and relax, but if you want some advice on timing, up to 4 days is perfect for new cruisers.
3. Know your environment
One of the most important things of cruising is learning the layout of the ship, right after you unpack. Most cruises offer a ship tour or you can take a deck plan from the reception desk. Make sure you know where the most important parts of the ship are located. That way you won’t get lost or if you agree to meet a new friend somewhere on the ship, you will know exactly where you have to be, on time.
4. Great attitude always!
People on cruises are just always kind. It’s probably because everyone is in the same vacation mood and that is always contagious. The crew on the ships is also always very friendly, not only because it is their job, but because being kind to someone will always make that someone be kind to you. And that is a general rule, not only for cruises, though…
By being king and having a great attitude on cruises, it is almost a fact you will make new friends to make your vacations even better.
5. Take a pill if you need to.
Feeling “mal de mer” is one of the worst feelings a cruiser could get. It’s not fun at all and it can make you miss all the fantastic things the ship has to offer you, especially the food. So don’t be ashamed if you are not feeling well. Make sure you take pills with you such as Dramamine or Marezine or something like that and just take one if you need it. It will make your stay a lot happier.
6. Don’t miss the daily bulletin
It is very common for large cruise ships to prepare a daily bulletin with important information such as the daily show descriptions, the daily events on the deck, or any important news you should be aware of like, next day trip, weather conditions or exact location of the ship. All this information will probably also be available on the onboard TV channel, so try to stay tuned or read the bulletins so you know exactly what is going on every day on the ship.
7. Mind the dress code
Cruise lines usually give cruisers a few tips on what type of clothes to pack for the cruise. This is very important and useful information because not every day is the same on a cruise and there might be a few events where you will surely want to dress up nicely just for the fun of it. There might be a “gala” night, like having dinner with the captain, where you will want to look nice and feel fancy. It’s not that you have to pack your entire wardrobe, because you might want to keep it simple, but take the cruise lines advice if they suggest you should take a cocktail dress for the ladies with you, or a tie for the gentlemen.
