Whether you are going to the Caribbean or the Alaskan Wilderness, being on a cruise is an exciting experience. It is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to travel; you can visit multiple ports and only unpack once, no coordinating transportation between cities, and lots of onboard and shore activities for all to enjoy. But what if you have never been on one before? First-time cruisers can be a little overwhelmed with everything from which cruise to book to what you need to pack. But no worries…here are my top ten things not to do on a cruise to ensure you have a safe and fun-filled trip:
Don’t book your flight for the same day as the start of your cruise.
Arriving the same day as embarkation can cause you to miss your cruise if there are any unexpected delays, missed flights or cancellations. Unfortunately, this happens all too often. Flying the day before and staying overnight in a hotel is the best way to avoid any hassle, all while it extends your vacation so you can explore the port city.Â
Don’t miss out on shore excursions, onboard activities and dining options.
Part of the cruise experience is immersing yourself in the activities that it provides onboard and at different ports of call. Examples of shore excursions are snorkeling, exploring the local area, hiking and shopping. While you can book these on board the ship, I highly suggest that you do this in advance before your trip. It is best to do this for all activities including spa services, entertainment and dining so there is no mad dash to grab last minute slots.Â
Don’t pack the wrong clothing.
It’s very important that you have the right items packed based on activities, weather, season and destination you are visiting. If you plan on being active, sneakers are a must. If you are visiting religious sites, you want to make sure that you have clothing that covers your knees and shoulders as it is custom at most sites. For evening events, dress apparel is a must and always have a jacket and sweater handy for cooler nights. It’s better to overpack than under pack, and more reason to book activities in advance so you know what you need.Â
Don’t forget to pack the essentials in your carry-on.
Always have your must-haves readily available, especially if there are any delays with your luggage. Such items are toiletries, money, phone charger, medications, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, a change of clothes, bathing suit and passport. Speaking of passport…Â
Don’t forget your important documents.
Make sure you have all the documentation for your trip to avoid any mishaps such as your passport, vaccine cards, photo ID, and any other additional documents needed. And always make sure to keep these items safe; cabins come with a safe for valuables. Â
Don’t miss out on picture perfect moments.
Bring your favorite camera and accessories (your phone works fine too) and take photos and videos throughout your trip. For more professional photos, there is an onboard photo team available for any special moment. It’s all about the memories. Â
Don’t frequent one bar or restaurant your entire trip.
Cruises bring an experience, and dining/nightlife is a part of it. The last thing you want to do is limit yourself to one bar/restaurant each day. Most cruises offer so many different cuisines that you can try a new restaurant for each meal for the duration of your trip. Regardless of preferences, all passengers will find something they enjoy. Â
Don’t forget about the crew.
The crew is an essential part of your experience from start to finish; from your stateroom attendant to your waiter/waitress, they are there to give you the upmost service throughout your entire stay. Make sure to smile, say hello, good morning, etc. It really goes a long way. If you really want to show you really appreciate them, tipping Is good too.Â
Don’t skip out on packages.
Cruise lines offer different beverage packages such as beers, cocktails, coffee and soda to suit your needs.  Some are even offering an all-inclusive service that includes all drinks, tips and even wi-fi. On average, you save 45% going this route. It’s hassle-free, so no worries about bills because everything is taken care of. Â
Don’t pick the wrong itinerary/cruise line.
The most important part is finding the right one that suits your vacation preferences. The last thing you want is to be on vacation and not enjoy yourself. Each cruise line has its own niche so it’s important to know details such as the level of service you are looking for, any special interest such as food and wine, your cabin preference and how many people are traveling.
That’s where I come in. As a travel planner, I research these details to find the best fit so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. Contact me at brandycasscamacho@gmail.com or 321-222-0495 to help plan your dream vacation.