Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
Cruises are an excellent way to kick back, relax, and see the world. However, there are many faux-pas that avid cruise travellers will urge you to avoid to make sure that you have the best cruise possible.
Avoid these common first time mistakes that turn any cruise into a bumpy ride. Learn from our trusted tips and tricks to help your first cruise be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Plan to Arrive at the Departure Port Extra Early
You would be surprised at the number of people who miss their cruise altogether because they didn’t plan ahead. Planning on getting to the departure port a day ahead of schedule can save you a massive headache.
Many people must drive or fly to the city the cruise is leaving from. Image, your flight is delayed, and now you’ll miss the cruise completely!
Plan on arriving at least one day early. If your flight goes well, you can relax and get dinner the night before the cruise. If your travel plans fall through, you’ll be grateful that you gave yourself extra time.
Research the Stops in Advance
When visiting a new country, it’s important to know what the area has to offer for activities and restaurants. Usually, on a cruise, each stop has a limited amount of time to get off and enjoy the area.
Those who research the area beforehand will know that you will get the most out of your trip when you know what restaurants you’ll want to visit and which activities are worth it. In some places, you will even need to pre-book experiences, like wine tastings or private tours.
Don’t Book a Cabin Near an Elevator
Seasoned travelers will know this easy trick to have a peaceful sleep. While you might want to tuck into bed early, some people stay up late at the bar or the open buffet.
Staying as far away as possible from the elevator will ensure you don’t have a lot of noise from people coming and going at all hours of the night. In fact, the closest to the end of the hallway is the best room for any light sleepers or families with young kids who cherish their nap times.
Pick a Less Common Destination
The most popular port destinations can often be overcrowded and difficult to navigate once you arrive. If this sounds overwhelming, consider choosing a less popular destination to ensure you have enough time and space to relax.
There are many popular cruise spots off the coast of Maryland that allow for a charming and relaxing cruise destination.
Don’t Overpack
On your first cruise, you might think you need more clothes than you actually do. The cruise cabins are much smaller than you might think. To save space on a boat, the dressers and closets are extra small. Also, you can always do laundry onboard!
Many people wind up shopping for souvenirs and clothes when stopping at port cities, so save some space in your luggage to take goodies home with you.
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