I am doing my first trip on a cruise ship any tips to make it a better holiday?

Question

Anything that I should take with me? Any tips from your experience?

Answer 1

sneak on your own alcohol.. its really expensive on board.... yea your can buy it in the duty shops on ship for really cheap each bottle, but you cannot have it in your posession till the end of the cruise so you can't but it and drink it on ship. Do as much as you can on shore..... take bunches of pictures and just kick back and relax!! ps... DONT FALL OFF THE BOAT..... that right there will make it a fun trip!

Answer 2

Look in http://www.ytbtravel.com/travelwithmca for more information and deals.

Answer 3

I went on a cruise in December and the best thing i learned was unless you get deathly sick DO NOT go to the nurses office because when the ship docks at the different locations you will not be able to get off and bring cash because those atm fee are crazy.

Answer 4

Here are some suggestions beyond the regular stuff you should pack...

- a power strip.  The cabin usually only has one power outlet.

- nighlight.  The rooms are wicked dark.

- alarm clock.  For early departure shore excursions.

- a XXXL Ziploc bag (they are new) for dirty, wet, sandy clothes.

- a large canvas bag to carry on shore excursions for towels and shopping goodies.

- a lanyard to carry your ship ID card on.  They selll them on the ship for about $5

- a light jacket, even in the summer.  The nights on deck are cool.

- tennis shoes for any rough terrain shore excursions.

- book your shore excursions in advance or as soon as you board.  The good ones sell our fast.

- there will be a buffet lunch when you board so get to the port on the early side of boarding so you can beat the lines.

- take plenty of $1, 5 and 10 in US dollars for shopping in ports and paying for local taxis.

- include spending money in your budget...for things like the on-board photos, casino, bar drinks, spa services, shopping in port.

- Mark the handles of your luggage with brightly colored yarn or ribbon.  This will help you locate it more quickly upon debarkation.  There will be a ton of luggage and it all looks alike!

- Pack your valuables, breakables, medicine and anything you want before midnight in your carry on luggage.  It can take several hours to get you luggage on the first night.

Answer 5

I just went on one a few months ago and I had a great time. You'll need to take sunscreen, plenty of film and a couple of swimsuits. And make sure to take advantage of all the great meals and the entertainment. The food and the entertainment are excellent. Also make sure to book some of the port excursions as soon you get on board the ship. If you're going to take any of the excursions you need to book them early because they tend to sell out fast. And when you get into port you should also check out some of the duty free shops. You can buy all of your souvenirs really cheap and you don't have to pay any sales tax on them.

Answer 6

Go to cruisecritics.com and cruiseaddicts.com. They have discussions on all topics cruise related. Lots of veteran cruisers love to help out newbies and each other.

Answer 7

Pack your own beach towel.  Sure, the rooms have towels, but they're too small to be able to lay out on the beach, and so you have to buy an overpriced one from the gift shop or the store on the beach.  Take more than one swimsuit unless you like wearing wet swimsuits the next day.  Have plenty of room on your credit card.  The ship takes your card number and gives you a ship card, so all purchases (gift shop, drinks, shore excursions, photos) are charged to your room and you settle up at the end of the cruise.  It's really easy to overspend, 2 of us on a 7 day cruise racked up over $800 on our ship card.  



Make sure to pack a hat or cap, sunscreen, and a light cover-up, like a nice hoodie.  Very comfortable shoes for all the walking.  And pack an empty bag in your suitcase.  You'll need it for all the souveniers.  If you have a digital camera, make sure you have back up batteries.



Have fun!

Answer 8

Bring air born or some other high vitamin preventative medicene to keep from catching noro virus or another travelers cold because that can really ruin a vacation!!! bring extra film and sun lotion!!!