Top Tips For First Time Cruisers

On departing Vancouver this past Sunday, I had the good fortune of chatting with a few cruisers that had just finished an Alaskan cruise.  I like hearing different people’s perspective, speaking with them about what they liked and did not like as well as the things they were unaware of.

I think of cruising is kind of like dating. It is great when you are with the RIGHT match, and by that I mean you and your traveling companions are paired up with the right cruise line and the cruise vessel for you. What one person feels is the best, may not be the same as the next. Personal preference plays a huge factor in this. Just like in dating you may not be attracted to every person on the dates you go on. Cruising can be very complicated and challenging when you don’t know - what you don’t know. Some first time cruisers think after they have paid-in-full for their dream vacation cruise that they are done and everything is included. Unfortunately they learn the lesson that this is not true after the fact.

Like dating, you have to DREAM about all the aspects you want on your cruise:

Courtesy of Seabourn

• what activities you will do- read and relax by the pool or explore every port or a mix? do you want to gamble? do you like nightlife? would you prefer to stay overnight in a certain port? are there children’s programs? do you need all kinds of activities for all kinds of age and taste ranges? what destinations do you want to visit? do you want mainstream ports or off the beaten path ports? is the ship your destination or are the ports?  does the ship have shopping? what kind of fitness options are available? do you want to have some spa treatments? do you have to make appointment for your entertainment or can you just show up?
• what is your cabin is like- is it cozy or spacious? is there a bathtub? are there two sinks? is there a vanity outside the bathroom? is your cabin close to the elevators or under the dance club? if you are sailing from east to west around Italy for example, does your cabin face the view of the coast or of the ocean? do you need connecting cabins? do you need a wheelchair accessible cabin?
• what your view is like- is there a window or is inside cabin OK? is there a balcony or is it just a window? is your balcony covered or is it uncovered?  does the window have an obstructed view?
• what the meals and beverages are like – is there a line to be seated? is it buffet style or do you have servers? is the dining open seating or scheduled? what kinds of beverages are included in the price? do the specialty dining rooms charge? will you eat with the same people every meal or can you mix it up? can they meet your special diet requirements?
• how many people are around - does the ship have 5000 guests, 2000 guests, 1200 guests, 600 guests, 450 guests, 200 guests or as few as 8 guests? what is the staff to guest ratio? will you be able to secure a lounge chair by the pool each day? how long will it take for your to disembark in port?
• what are a few of the extras you need to be aware of - are gratuities auto paid or do you need to pay them upon disembarkation? do you owe gratuities at all or is that included? are the pool cabanas an extra charge? are there days of the week that things go on sale? are there better days to eat in certain restaurants? is there a better time to book you spa appointment? is the spa treatment included? is the shore excursion included? can I book a separate excursion? are there formal dress nights? do you have butler or concierge service with your cabin? is your air flight included? do they carry your brand of beverage? do you get fresh fruit in your cabin each day? do you have to take a tender to land or are you walking off directly dockside? do you get seasick easily? are transfers included?

Courtesy of Oceania

Now is the time to PLAN and prioritize what are must haves and what are nice to haves.  The best way to get the most on your list is to plan early. Gone are the days of the last minute discounts, in fact many cruise lines are discounting for early reservations. I recommend employing a travel specialist to assist you in getting the best cabin, fare, and available amenities rather than going at it on your. Many travel advisors have access to special upgrades, excursions, and more that you will not find access to on your own or without a lot of time spent researching.

Once you are booked then it is time to TRAVEL and enjoy the vacation. As you are completing the cruise, many lines offer a discount to book your next cruise while on board. Definitely an offer to consider. And finally it is time to REPEAT the cycle and begin dreaming of your next vacation.

What are some of the cruising lessons you would like to share with other first time cruisers?

Dream. Plan. Travel. Repeat.