First Time Cruising? Here’s What You Need To Know

No matter if you are an experienced traveller: if this is your first time booking a cruise, you may be struggling to plan everything. If you have never been on board, you may don’t know what to expect from your journey, and you risk missing the opportunity to engage in a lot of amazing activities.

Whether you have chosen a cruise to the Komodo National Park or cold Alaska as the destination of your first cruise, you can finally plan and book your vacation quickly and efficiently. By following several important steps, soon you will become a real expert, and all your friends will ask your advice to book cruise on their own! Let’s take a look at a list of essential tips for first-time cruisers.

Budget Properly

As you may have already figured it out, cruising can be expensive. However, you mustn’t forget that your final price often includes not only the cost of your time spent onboard but also gratuities and other little extras that you may have added.

In other words, it is always recommended to check if your cruise is all-inclusive before you book it. This will help you budget properly and take into account any extra expenses. This includes alcohol, special dinners, onshore excursions, spa treatments and, of course, gratuities.

Mind Your Companions

Although you can still enjoy your time travelling on your own, the majority of people decide to experience their first cruise with their family or their friends. If this is your case, it is essential to understand the needs of your companions and plan with the whole group in mind.

The best way to enjoy your time onboard together without ending up fighting is to plan in advance each activity that you want to try either together or on your own. If you struggle to do that, you can seek the help of a travel agent.

Plan Your Time

Time flies when you’re having fun, and your vacation is soon going to come to an end. Before you book your cruise, you must check how much time you can spend onboard. This may depend on different factors, such as your time off work, or your kids’ school holidays.

If you are looking for a quick getaway, then shorter sailings are usually the best option. Within 3 or 5 nights, you will be able to relax, unwind and recharge, and even understand if cruising is a type of vacation that suits you. However, if you are planning to visit many places, you may need to spend at least a full week on board. Longer sailings, which can take up to two weeks, cannot be the best option if you have never set foot on a cruise ship before.

Spoil Yourself

This may be only the first of a long series of cruises if you like this type of vacation. To immerse yourself fully in this adventure, there is no better time to finally spoil yourself. For example, you should definitely book a cabin with a balcony.

This will give you some privacy while you sunbath, and help make the whole cruising experience unforgettable. Of course, the price for a room with a balcony may be higher, but it would be worth the extra money. Besides, if you book your cruise in advance, you can find some good deals, and thus enjoy your time in a room with a balcony without hurting your wallet too much. Just don’t forget to check the rules of cruising etiquette.

Know What To Pack

Packing for a cruise is one of the most challenging things to do, even for the most experienced travellers. First of all, you should check how many bags you are allowed to bring with you. Don’t forget that your space in your cabin is limited, and you don’t want to share it with a few huge bags.

When it comes to packing your stuff, it all depends on your destination and your plans once onboard. Check the weather and, most importantly, don’t forget your documents and your medicines, if you need any. RnA ReSet mentions that fast-acting magnesium mineral formulas are important for well-being. They help boost the immune system in addition to improving brain health, which is why you should remember to pack your magnesium supplements when travelling.

If you are travelling with other people, especially with children, you should ensure that their bags are adequately packed as well. Last but not least, check if there are any restrictions on the items you can bring on board, such as cash money or alcohol.

Know Your Ship

Choosing your cruise line may not be enough to ensure that your vacation is going to be perfect. In fact, you may wish to check your ship as well. Some of them may offer better services for families, while others may suit solo travellers best.

Explore your chosen cruise line’s website to look for pictures of your ship. Try to find a map of it, with useful details. Don’t forget to study the deck plans, to get a sense of where venues are. This will also help you pick the best cabin for your best first-time cruising experience!