Most of you know how much my husband and I love to cruise. We don't go every year, but we have been on a cruise on average every other year of our marriage. We traveled on Celebrity cruise lines last year and will travel later this year on Royal Caribbean (our usual choice). I have only ever been on those two cruise lines.
This will be a shorter cruise for us, but I am certain we will have a great time. If you have never cruised, I'd like to share some tips with you for cruising. If you have cruised before, feel free to leave some tips for everyone as a comment below. Sharing is caring - right?
Cruise Tips:
- Packing - If you are traveling from your home in the cooler months, be sure to pack your swimsuit , shorts, tee and flip flops in your carry on. Most times, you'll reach your cabin before your luggage. I made the mistake on my first cruise of not packing these items in my carry on. I had to walk around the ship in pants and a scoop neck sweater. You could also dress in layers.
I always have a carry on AND make sure that the purse I am carrying is pretty big, too.
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| Photo Credit: blog.atlastravelweb.com |
- Motion Sickness - You may never, ever have had motion sickness in your life. I hadn't - until my first cruise. We used to ride on our uncles boats ALL the time - bouncing on the waves, etc. - not once getting sick. Well, I got motion sickness on my very first cruise. Luckily, I purchased Dramamine before we left. The problem was you have to take it a few hours before you travel. In the meantime, I was miserable. Once it took effect, I was great! Be sure to read the instructions as most prevent you from having alcoholic drinks if you use them.
choose these - prescription patches, ginger capsules or tablets as well as bands (Sea-Band or
BioBands).
- Booking spa services - You can usually wait until you are on the cruise to book your spa appointments. If you can wait to book you will usually find some deals from the spa. I know on our last cruise I received several offers via note card in our cabin. I hadn't planned on doing anything spa - like on the cruise this time. However, after receiving my note card offers, I opted for the Shellac mani and pedi. I must say these were the best I have ever had!
- Booking excursions - We've done it both ways - booked re-cruise and once you get on board. I think I like pre-booking better. Only because I am a planner and that's what I do. The tip above is completely out of my element, but it works if you want a deal.
boat (lol) on the popular ones. Many fill up quickly and they won't typically add.
We like booking thru the cruise lines because should you run late coming back, they won't
leave without you. They are also reputable tour groups.
- Clothing - Be sure to pack some sort of jacket or shawl (women). The restaurants/bars get cold and you will be happy your brought something to cover your arms with.
- Airplane ticket - If you plan to travel the day of the cruise, book thru the cruise line (for Celebrity and RCI it's CHOICEAIR). You won't have to worry if your flight gets disrupted. They will work with you to get you re booked and make sure you make your cruise.
- Eating - I am sure you all have heard about the food on cruises. It's true - there is always something to eat. I am not sure how many cruise lines still do the "midnight" buffet. The ones we have been on have offered themed events at certain nights. The last one had a fresh fruit and dessert late night buffet on one of the flights.
- Meeting new friends - We tend to keep to ourselves for the most part. I know a lot of people who have met life long friends on cruise ships. We met a super fun couple on the last cruise we took. Facebook allows us to keep in touch. We met them while waiting on our flight to San Juan. We met up with them a couple of times and did one excursion with them.
Please share any others you may have!
Bon Voyage.......
** All photos unless noted are my own.
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