If you are planning your first cruise there are some things you need to be aware of. There are simple matters that can help to make your cruise a success, and dedicated cruisers will tell you that having done it once you will want to repeat the experience over and over again. Let’s take a look at a few tips that might help you to have the trip of a lifetime.

Finding The Best Deal 

Sign up for the newsletters for a few cruise lines before you book your travel. This is often where any special offers will appear, and then you may be able to have a longer cruise that you originally thought you could afford.

Before you make a definite decision, take a close look at the ship the cruise is on. The facilities can vary greatly between different ships, and what is included in the price can too. Most of them will include the food in the restaurants unless it is a special event or you want to eat in one of the restaurants that only serve specialty dishes. Use of onboard facilities is also usually in with the price, but you will have to pay for any excursions you join when the ship is in a port. Of course, you do not have to take part in these and are free to wander around on your own.

Emergency Situations 

With so many people on board a cruise ship, it is inevitable that sometimes an illness or accident will happen. The onboard medical services are generally very good, but if you need specialist care they will arrange for you to be hospitalized at the next port of call.

You should always have insurance to cover these incidents, and you may also like to have the details of a specialist lawyer to hand, such as Hofmann Law Firm. If your problem is because of an injury that was not your own fault, you may well need the services of professional lawyers.

If you have to take medication on a daily basis, make sure you have an ample supply before your ship departs. They will have medicines on board, but there is no guarantee they will have the one you need.

Clothing 

Most cruises are very informal compared to what they used to be. Smart casual is the way most people will dress for dinner these days. However, it is wise to check out the itinerary of the ship in case there is an event where formal dress is required. Then it usually means a suit and tie for men, and something akin to ‘Sunday best’ for women.

Other than that you should pack for the area you are visiting. If you expect to spend lots of time on beaches or by the pool of the ship, lots of swimwear will be needed as well as loose clothing to throw over the top of it is you decide to go walking.

Just remember that your suitcases could take several hours to reach your cabin, so if there is anything you will need before it arrives, have it in a separate carry bag.

Best Locations For Cabins 

This will depend on what you want from your cruise. Think in terms of the ship being a floating resort. The bigger the cabin and the nearer the facilities it is, the more it is likely to cost you. You will also pay extra for a cabin on the upper decks that has its own balcony.

The cheapest cabins are usually the ones in the centre of the ship, and if not having a view does not bother you, they can also be ideal for anyone that suffers from motion sickness.

You also need to consider what facilities are close by. Do you really want a cabin that is underneath a dance floor, even though it means you have only a minute’s walk to get to it? That might suit you down to the ground, but if you are worried about the noise look for a cabin elsewhere.

Help Is There When You Need It 

Cruise lines are very aware that if you need help or information while on board, it has to be from one of the crewmembers. They are all trained to be as helpful as they can, and if they do not know the answer, they will at least point you in the direction of someone that does. Apart from the safety of everyone on board, you enjoying your trip is the aim of all the operators.  Never be afraid to ask questions or for help if you need it, and then your first cruise will hopefully be very enjoyable.

Have you ever been on a cruise before? Is it on your bucket list to take your very first cruise somewhere? Even with all of the crazy bucket list travel adventures on our list, we love cruising the world! In fact, exploring Antarctica by cruise ship is still on our bucket list! What are some cruise destinations that are on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments below and perhaps you may inspire us to add it to The Bucket List Project!

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