Few travel experiences are as unique as a cruise. You only have to unpack once but get to travel to multiple destinations, all the creature comforts are onboard a massive seafaring vessel, and there’s a wealth of entertainment and relaxation options around both day and night. But despite this simplicity, cruising can feel daunting to first-timers; there are a lot of logistics when it comes to going on your first cruise. Read on for our top tips for smooth sailing. (See what we did there?)
Get to your port a day ahead of schedule
This is the most vital piece of advice: Getting to your departure port the day before embarkation is vital to ensuring you don’t accidentally miss your boat. Nothing sours a family vacation or a romantic getaway like getting to the port and realizing the cruise ship has left without you! While many cruise embarkations happen in the afternoon, don’t risk flying or driving to your port on the morning of departure; all it takes is rush hour on the highway or a delayed flight and your plans are completely upset.
If your first cruise’s embarkation location is in another country, consider getting there two or three days before the ship is scheduled to leave port. Not only will this ensure you don’t run into any trouble actually getting to the dock on time, but it will also allow your body the opportunity to adjust to and overcome jet lag. Nothing ruins a trip like being too tired to enjoy it!
Resist the urge to overpack
There’s a saying that goes “when you pack for a cruise, put everything in a pile and take away half,” and honestly? That’s pretty true. Today, most cruises are casual and there are onboard laundry facilities for guests to use. Doing a few loads of laundry is more than worth the stress and strain of having to lug a giant suitcase around as you go to and from your ship.
That said, consider packing a small collapsible duffel bag for all the souvenirs you’re likely to pick up during your travels. Most collapsible duffels fold down into squares and are easy to tuck into a backpack or carry-on luggage; you can then unfold the bag when you have items to stash inside that won’t or can’t fit in your suitcase.
Picking up too many mementos for even a duffel bag? Luggage Forward is the exclusive luggage delivery provider for many of the world’s leading travel brands, and we’d be happy to ship home the treasures you found while sailing the seas so they’re at your doorstep when you return home. We currently partner with over 20 travel brands, including several of the leading cruise lines, and are always honored to be trusted with your treasures.
Don’t forget the small stuff
In the days leading up to your first cruise, pay extra attention to what you use around your home every day, and all throughout your routine. For example, you’d be surprised how many first-time cruisers forget to bring batteries for their camera and end up missing out on key family vacation snapshots as a result. Another battery to bring? A portable cell phone battery, one that you can pull out of a pocket or purse at a moment’s notice gives your phone enough juice to make it through your entire onshore adventure.
Speaking of power, don’t forget to bring a universal power adaptor. If your embarkation location is in the United States, odds are good the power outlets on your ship will be North American. However, not every country has the same kinds of power outlets, and the kinds of outlets available on land can be unpredictable. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Finally, do a pre-cruise amenity check to see what’s offered onboard your cruise. Some offer complimentary robes and slippers, while others offer those creature comforts plus packets of aspirin or anti-nausea medication. Whatever the case may be, be sure you know what’s offered onboard and what’s not; while you can typically purchase extra toiletries onboard, it’s always best to have the brands you know and love – and ensure that you have everything you need in case of an emergency.
Plan some adventures in advance
At the heart of many cruises are port calls that can be very short – a few hours at most. The best way to make the most of your cruise is to have a plan for what to do at each port of call, as well as an understanding of how long you’ll be in each port. This ensures you’re maximizing your time spent there while also taking in all the sights. Some cruise lines offer booked shore excursions that can help with this, while other families, couples or solo travelers prefer to do their own legwork.
With that said, there’s a reason we said to plan some adventures in advance – and also why we advocate knowing how long you’ll be in each port. Sometimes spontaneity is the key to a truly memorable travel experience; if you know you’ll be in port for the bulk of a day and you feel like spontaneously taking a Vespa ride around an island or hunting for seashells on a beach, give yourself room to play. No matter how young or old we are, we all need a vacation that speaks to the adventurer within.
Your first cruise is an exciting time, one of new experiences and connections and the kinds of stories that you’ll tell again and again. Following these simple tips will help take the stress out of planning so you can focus on looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime journey, and every destination you encounter along the way.
