Ahoy there! Your first cruise can be exciting but also a little bit intimidating. Let your worries melt away we have what you need to know to plan your first cruise for some smooth sailing!
After 4 cruises I've become a little bit of an expert on what to expect and how a cruise works.
These tips are aimed to help you as a first-timer planning your first cruise! Pack your sunscreen let's get sailing!
Packing Essentials
First things first, passport! You need to make a paper copy just in case anything happens and leave it in your bag you plan to take everywhere. God forbid that you lose your passport, the copy will literally save your life. Have a ticket inside of your passport the night before so you're not scrambling to find it!
Sunscreen is essential when you're out on sea the sun hits hard, so protect yourself. The ideal SPF is 50 for ultra protection but you can go as low as 30 SPF.
Baby wipes because the bathroom toilet paper isn't always efficient and when your out and about on the island. Plus the bathroom doesn't always have toilet paper so it's a perk to have your own. (I know I was grateful for bringing my baby wipes to Cuba where you had to pay for toilet paper!)
Music player, your phone cant be your music player because out at sea there is NO SIGNAL. If you do want to just relax by the pool and tune out the world then headphones and an mp3 are your best bet!
Clothing
Everyone is different and we all know that vacation packing can be stressful! So here's an essential list:
3 Bathing suits, 2 pairs of shorts, flip flops, walking shoes, a nice outfit (for pictures) tank tops, loose clothing like dresses.
Think comfort, especially if your getaway is in tropical weather. You have to remember to think about how hot it can be, island weather isn't always that glamorous.
Arrival
Once you arrive at the port it takes a bit of time before you can board. Filling out forms and going through customs to get on the boat can unpleasant. Once you get past security and you're on the boat the party has officially begun.
So patience is key. Your bags will be taken from you unless you insist otherwise (but you should let them take it, as long as you have a lock on your luggage your better off leaving it with them). Go ahead start your vacation the bags will be waiting in front of your room door. Relax for a bit sit by the pool give it some time and when your ready head over to your door to move into your room!
Port Stops
Wake up early. This cannot be stressed enough! Yes, everyone wants to sleep in on vacation but when you're on a cruise the clock is literally ticking! The earlier you get up catch some breakfast and head off the boat so you can start your journey.
Depending on the destination you usually have until about 7 pm or 8 pm until the boat leaves the port. Therefore, you're going to want to spend as much time as possible at your destination. Waking up 6 am is your best bet, breakfast is served early so it gives you enough time to get ready, eat and head out.
Drinks
Purchase your drink package ahead of time (if your planning on drinking the whole trip). They also have day packages which really are worth it too. When you purchase drinks without the package you end up spending an arm and leg to barely feel a buzz.
The good news is you are allowed to bring one bottle of wine in your luggage! Take advantage of that and it can't hurt to fill the travel container with a little something for a personal shot. I usually get a couple of travel bottles and fill em' up! So run to the Dollar Tree for travel bottles, pick your poison and let the vacation begin!
Unexpected expenses
Wi-Fi is not complementary. The daily prices go anywhere from about $10-$15 a day depending on your cruise line. Each cruise has different packages to choose from so read up on them beforehand.
Souvenirs on the boat and off. Cruises tend to have really good deals at the shops onboard. Your daily program will have all kinds of sales listed like, one-hour gold chains by the inch bargains. Plus duty-free deals which allow you to skip the local tax.
Excursions: When you get off the boat to explore the island and decide to do a last-minute excursion, it will cost you! Pre-paying for at least one excursion to go to in every place you stop is ideal! So plan it out pay ahead of time and it will help you save big.
And of course, Casinos: Once you've reached international water the gambling begins. Bring a set amount your willing to bet and you're good to go!
Hope this helps you with some smooth sailing! have anything to add? Think I missed anything? Send me all your input and SUBSCRIBE today for more goodies on travel!