Do’s and Don’ts on a cruise are essential for ensuring the most enjoyable vacation experience. Following these guidelines can significantly enhance your time at sea, offering a balance of relaxation and adventure.
To make the process smooth, familiarize yourself with key cruise do’s and don’ts before you sail. This preparation allows you to explore various sites and enjoy every aspect of your trip.
Understanding these do’s and don’ts on a cruise helps you maximize rest and relaxation, making your vacation a memorable and stress-free journey.
21 Do’s And Don’ts On A Cruise Ship
Prepare for a great cruise with these important tips on what to do and what not to do on a cruise ship.
1: Do: Spend Time Familiarizing Yourself With The Ship On The First Day
As a cruising pro, you know that everything about the experience matters. Whether you’re relaxing on the pool deck or exploring the many amenities on the ship, there’s always something exciting to discover.
Your stateroom serves as a cozy retreat after a day filled with activities. Venues around the ship offer a variety of entertainment options, ensuring that every moment spent onboard is enjoyable.
2: Don’t: Hesitate To Explore Fresh Experiences
A cruise presents an ideal chance to venture beyond your comfort zone and experience something different. On a cruise ship, there are various restaurants offering diverse menus to sample. Each meal can be a delightful adventure, with portions designed to let you taste a bit of everything.
It’s a great way to explore different cuisines without committing to a full meal. The point of cruising is to enjoy and make the most of every experience, including the culinary delights available onboard.
3: Do: Ensure Your Flight Arrives A Day Before Your Ship Departs
Planning a cruise vacation can be challenging when unexpected circumstances arise. Travelers from North Carolina heading to Orlando for their cruise might face a flight delay, causing panic and requiring a last-minute hotel stay near the port of call. Despite the initial alarms, catching the cruise ship on time is still possible.
Such experiences teach valuable lessons about budgeting extra money and time for unforeseen events. Driving a car to the departure city and exploring Orlando beforehand can ensure a smoother departure and turn potential mishaps into memorable adventures. This itinerary adjustment can make future trips more enjoyable and stress-free.
4: Don’t: Reuse Plates At The Buffet
At the buffet on a cruise, crew members work diligently to ensure a smooth dining experience. As you pick up a plate and explore the various servings, you’ll find an array of delicious dishes to choose from. Remember to use the provided utensils and sanitize your hands frequently to maintain hygiene.
Once you’ve selected your food, find a table to enjoy your meal and take in the ambiance. The careful attention of the crew members ensures that every dish is well-prepared and the dining area remains clean and inviting.
5: Do: Research Each Port Of Call Before Boarding The Ship
6: Don’t: Choose A Cruise Solely Based On Its Low Cost
Finding a great cruise deal can provide significant savings on your vacation. For instance, some cruise lines offer packages where the fare includes Wi-Fi, beverages, and gratuities.
An incentive like a $200 onboard credit per person can make the offer even more attractive. Additionally, these deals might cover port fees and offer discounts on shore excursions.
While planning, remember that the total rate often depends on the capacity and type of cabins selected. Moreover, some packages include airfare, which adds more value.
With so many things bundled, a well-chosen cruise can provide an all-inclusive experience for a 200% enjoyable trip on the ship.
7: Do: Bring Items To Make Your Stateroom More Comfortable
When packing for a cruise, there are several hacks to make your trip more enjoyable. Truth be told, organizing your belongings in a compact cabin or stateroom can be challenging.
Magnets are great for creating extra space in cruise cabins since most cabin walls are magnetic. Bring a small night light to keep the lights dim at night without disturbing sleep.
Use a library card to keep bathroom lights on without activating the main switch. Travel-size bathroom amenities from hotels or resorts are perfect for the limited space in your staterooms.
Pack your stuff efficiently to maximize space and bring a few comforts from home. These small activities ensure you have all you need for a smooth and organized journey.
8: Don’t: Forget To Sign Up Your Kids For The Youth Clubs Right After Boarding
A cruise can be a fantastic vacation for parents and their children alike. Many ships offer specialized programming and facilities designed to keep kids entertained and engaged.
Youth clubs are a popular option, where staff members organize activities that allow kids to make new friends and have fun in a safe environment.
For some, these youth clubs are the highlight of the trip, providing a break for parents to relax while knowing their children are well cared for. The dedicated facilities and attentive staff members ensure that kids have a memorable and enjoyable time on the cruise.
9: Do: Select The Appropriate Stateroom
10: Don’t: Think Drinks Are Free
On a sunny day, relaxing on the deck with a refreshing drink is one of the best experiences on a cruise. Crew members are always attentive, often seen carrying trays filled with various drinks topped with colorful umbrellas.
As you enjoy your drink, you can’t help but appreciate the effort and service provided by the crew members. This level of care ensures that everyone has at least one memorable moment of relaxation and enjoyment during their time on the ship.
11: DO: Attend The Muster Drill
When preparing to board a Royal Caribbean or Carnival cruise, be aware of the prohibited items. At the security checkpoint, bags are scanned with an X-ray machine to detect banned items.
Passengers should avoid bringing weapons, handcuffs, martial arts gear, candles, incense, clothing irons, extension cords, and anything with a flame.
Rules about alcohol and beverages vary; check the cruise line’s website for specific details. Generally, there are limits on soda and water. By adhering to these rules, you ensure a smooth boarding process and a hassle-free stay in your cabin.
13: Do: Familiarize Yourself with Ship Terminology Beforehand
14: Don’t: Come To The Pier Ahead of Schedule
When passengers arrive at the pier to board their cruise, it’s important to have easy access to essential necessities. Cruise lines ensure that there are convenient restrooms available for use before boarding.
Additionally, staying hydrated under the sun is crucial, so bringing a bottle of water is recommended. By providing these basic necessities, cruise lines help passengers start their journey comfortably.
15: Do: Prepare for Your First Cruise
When preparing for cruises, it’s essential to take certain measures to ensure a smooth vacation. For instance, having the right travel documents ready before boarding can save a lot of hassle. Once at sea, keep in mind that communication might be limited, so plan accordingly.
Carrying some cash is advisable, but be mindful of ATM fees onboard. A little bit of preparation, such as checking your position and ensuring you have all necessary documents, can make your vacation more enjoyable.
16: Don’t: Neglect to Bring Sunscreen
On a cruise, it’s essential for anyone spending time on deck or exploring shore excursions to carry sunscreen with a high SPF. Packing a bottle of sunscreen in your bag can prevent skin burns, which is a critical component of enjoying your vacation.
The majority of experienced cruisers also recommend carrying motion sickness remedies to ensure a comfortable trip. After a day in the sun, you can enjoy a delicious dinner featuring lobster, making every moment of your cruise memorable and enjoyable.
17: Do: Explore all the Enjoyable Activities Available Onboard
A cruise ship offers a calendar full of activities to suit all interests. There are tons of entertainment options available on modern cruises, including mini-golf, rock walls, and even roller coasters.
For those who love adventure, zip lines and ropes courses provide plenty of excitement, while surfing simulators and ice skating rinks offer unique things to do at sea. Fitness enthusiasts can join a fitness class or use the fitness center to stay active.
There are also trivia events and other events for those who enjoy engaging in social activities. No matter your interests, there are all kinds of courses and sorts of events to keep you entertained on ships.
18: Do: Monitor your Alcohol Intake
When you board a cruise, you’ll find that there are lots of beverages available to suit every taste. Most cruises offer a drinks package that can be a great value if you plan to enjoy a variety of beverages throughout your trip.
This package typically includes water, sodas, juices, and alcoholic drinks, ensuring you have lots of options to stay refreshed. Having a drinks package can make your cruise experience more enjoyable and convenient.
19: Do: Review the Daily Itinerary
During your cruise, you can stay updated on the various activities available by checking the shipboard app or the cabin TV. Both options provide a comprehensive list of daily events and activities happening around the ship.
If you find something interesting, you can store it in your favorites on the app to make sure you don’t miss out. It’s a good idea to regularly look at these resources to ensure you’re making the most of your time onboard, right from the comfort of your cabin.
20: Do: Remember to Bring And Take your Seasickness Medication
Before setting sail from the pier, it’s wise to prepare for potential seasickness. Bringing pills specifically for seasickness can make a big difference in your comfort while on the ship.
Having these medications on hand ensures you’re ready to enjoy your cruise without any disruptions.
When you go on a cruise, it’s important to understand how cell phone coverage works at sea to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your phone bill. The majority of cell phone providers charge high roaming fees when you’re away from land.
Before your trip, check with your provider about their cell coverage policies and consider purchasing an international plan if necessary. This preparation ensures you can share your vacation pics without worrying about costs.
Remember, the cruise is a place to relax, so managing your cell phone coverage beforehand helps you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Cruise Do’s And Don’ts For Royal Caribbean?
Do attend the muster drill and try all the fun onboard activities. Don’t forget to use sunscreen with high SPF and manage your cell phone coverage to avoid high roaming fees.
What Are The 5 Things To Avoid On A Cruise?
- Buffet fare
- Condiment
- Daytime ice cream
- Sushi
- Become drunk and disorderly
What Are The Dos And Don’ts On Carnival Cruise?
Do attend the muster drill and explore all the onboard activities. Don’t bring prohibited items like candles or ignore the importance of sun protection with high SPF sunscreen.
What To Expect On Cruise Embarkation Day?
On cruise embarkation day, expect to go through security and check-in processes, explore the ship, and attend the mandatory muster drill. You’ll also have time to settle into your stateroom and start enjoying the ship’s amenities and activities, so wear a comfortable cruise embarkation day outfit that allows you to move easily and enjoy the day’s events.
What Are The Do’s And Don’ts When Going On A Cruise?
- Do: Carefully plan your budget.
- Don’t: Skip out on the wide variety of cruise activities and amenities.
- Do: Arrive at your port of call with plenty of time.
- Don’t: Make phone calls unless it’s absolutely necessary.
- Do: Enjoy your vacation in your own unique way.
- Don’t: Assume you won’t get seasick.
- Do: Schedule your activities ahead of time
What Not To Pack For A Cruise?
- Alcohol
- Clothes steamers
- Incense
- Coffee makers
- Extension leads
- Pool toys
- Towels
- Cooking appliances
- Drones