If you’re an experienced cruiser you already know the drill, but for the first-time cruiser having a “cheat sheet” to navigate this new world helps. After finding your stateroom, here’s what’s next.
- Get a copy of the ship’s plan. They are usually found in the main reception area. Get acquainted with the layout of the ship: restaurants, bars, entertainment venues. Solve the mysteries of “forward” and “aft”, just remember there will be an emergency drill. All guests and crew are required to attend an emergency drill before the ship leaves port and it’s no joke. It’s a coast guard regulation. When they start making announcements and the alarm sounds make sure you know where you’re supposed to be. Safety is very serious business onboard.
- If you haven’t booked shore excursions in advance now’s the time, especially if you’ve never been to a particular port. From a walking tour to zip lining, there’s something for everyone and booking onboard is smart for a lot of reasons. Cruise lines carefully vet the tour operators they work with to ensure guest safety, exceptional value and a memorable experience.
- Everyone talks about the food. There’s food everywhere, all the time, of every kind you can imagine. It’s not hype. People have amazing culinary experiences on cruise ships. If you want to try one of the many specialty restaurants that today’s ships offer, make a reservation when you get onboard. They fill up fast.
- Every vacation should include time to pamper yourself and cruise ships have some of the most spectacular spas anywhere. They offer the usual mani/pedi and hair salon services but they also include cosmetic services like teeth whitening. Indulge yourself with a service. The options are endless.
- Find a place to sit down, relax and order a drink. You’re on vacation…just make sure you can find your stateroom again.
This post was written by Shannon Mckee, founder of Access Cruise Inc. Access Cruise Inc is a Miami based and sales consulting group, specializing in product and business development within the cruise industry.
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This is really informative. I have never been on a cruise before. I really want to do a cruise one day!
We love cruising. These are great tips!
This is very informative. Just in time when we are planning for a Scandinavian cruise. Thanks!
Glad to be of help. Have a great cruise.
I was a teenager when I had my first ride on a ship. We chose a budget package back then. But I wish now, I could bring my family into a cruise ship and enjoy all the facilities inside.
What a wonderful post! I have not ever been on a cruise, I would love to go on one now that I know that I this information. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks Michelle. Glad you found this informative.
I’ve never been on a cruise, but I so want to! Thanks for all that great tips I will be referring back to this when I go to plan my first trip!
Thanks a lot. Please do.
My first cruise trip was on Carnival sensation bck in 09 girl i had the time of my life felt like a vacation fr fr ocean view was fav
Sounds really fun! Thanks
These are fantastic. I never thought about getting a layout. I am totally doing that on my first cruise!
Great list! I’ve never been on a cruise, but its on my list of things to do!
Good luck. Do tell us the experience.
I’d love to go on a cruise, actually on the travel bucket list.
Good luck then. Thanks
I went on a cruise when I was a teenager, but haven’t been back on one since! I know my Mom would love to go on a cruise, so maybe she and I will have to make a mother-daughter trip somewhere in 2019 🙂
Wow that’s great. Sure your Mom would love it.
I really want to do a cruise one day!
Make it happen. I’m sure you’d be able to.
This is a must read before having a cruise. At least we know what to expect and do. I really love this post.
Thanks Hannah for those kind words.
This was a helpful guide for sure. I’ve never been a cruise, but we are wanting to go on one sometime in the future. I will keep this helpful information in mind.
Thanks Jessica.
I haven’t been on a cruise in so long. But it would be so nice to sit back and relax while looking out at the ocean enjoying some delicious food and drink.
That’s be the life!
This is great information. That is so true about the food. It is everywhere. And it is amazing! I tried all sorts of new things since it was all you can eat. Happy cruising.
Thanks. Sounds like you really had some great time.
I’ve never been on a cruise, but that’s one of my wishes. I hope I will soon have the opportunity to use your advice.
And I wish your wish comes true.
We love cruising! I love getting the ship’s schedule of events the night before and planning out the following day. We always wait until on board to book excursions, and it has worked out well. Just be careful not to wait too long to do this because the most popular choices book up at times.
Thanks for the advice. Nobody can give more reliable info than those who’ve been there and experienced everything.
Pinned this post!! Dying to go on my first cruise! This was helpful!!
Thanks so much. It was really lovely of you to do that.
Some great tips. I have been on a cruise but did not enjoy it haha the food was terrible we also had bad weather which did not help
The weather is really something that we have to consider. I’m sorry to hear that.
I’ve never been on a cruise before, but would love to one day. These are great tips I’ll need especially being a first timer!
Thanks Chelsea.
Yaaaas 2019 cruise I am ready for you! It will be my first so these are truly helpful. Thank you so much!
Good luck and enjoy every second of it.
Ok never been on a cruise! Maybe I should though. I am always forgetting that ships do shore excursions, which kind of makes it like taking more than one vacation!
Right! Thanks Katie.
Okay, I wish I had this list when I went on my first (and only so far) cruise with Carnival a few years ago. It would have helped me choose a better company and destination.
If there was a first, then there’ll a second and more.
Yes!!! I went on a cruise and my only advice is to make sure you have a balcony. lol!!! Crusiing is so fun.
hahaha alright. I think I know what it is for.
Great tips. I went on one cruise when I was 17. I had such a great time. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. Everybody’s saying great things about cruising.
Going on a cruise is never something I took into consideration because I ask myself to do what? But your guide made me think and maybe all in all it’s not so bad!
Thanks Cristina. We all have our own favorites.
I have traveled quite a bit, but never on a cruise. A large ferry, North sea ferries, but not the same as a cruise… I have heard so many good and not so good things about them, but I still have a couple of cruises in mind that I would like to take. one thing though is staying away from the food, lol sounds like a great place to pile on the pounds with food everywhere.. Great tips, I will keep this handy for when I make travel plans
Thanks for dropping by Tina A. I don’t know about avoiding food. That seems impossible for me^_^
Never been on a cruise before. But this is definitely a very good guide. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Amara
Thanks for sharing your tips for cruises! I’ve never been on a cruise, but always wanted to…
Thanks. There’s always time for everything. Maybe 2019 will be the time for you to get on a cruise.