Cruise Advice
Our experts have collected some of their most insightful cruising
tips for you to review before you set sail. Remember – the more you prepare for
your cruise, the more time you'll have on your vacation to kick back, relax,
and have fun!
- Choose a topic:
- Stateroom Selection
- Life Onboard
- Adventures Ashore
- Planning & Packing
Stateroom Selection
- Always check pricing for higher stateroom categories and compare – the difference in price can be surprisingly small, but moving up can have a huge impact on your vacation experience.
- When selecting your stateroom, you should think about more than just deck level – consider its proximity to elevators, restaurants, pools, and the spa.
- How important is the view? If you wouldn't stay in a room without a view at an island resort, then make an oceanview the minimum stateroom category you consider on your cruise.
- Considering a balcony stateroom? No matter where you cruise, benefits include private sunbathing, room service dining under the stars, breathtaking views, and convenient photo opportunities both in port and at sea.
- Balcony staterooms – the ideal choice for viewing the rugged Alaskan coastline, lush Caribbean Islands, and the beauty of Europe. Roll out of bed, smell the ocean air, sit back, and watch the world unfold!
Life Onboard
- Planning to enjoy the spa while you cruise? Once onboard, make the spa your first stop to get the best selection of appointment times and treatments.
- Looking for spa discounts? Select treatments are often discounted on the days the ship is in port.
- Write down your stateroom number in a few places and keep it with you, especially on the first day or two of your cruise.
- Many ships have very flexible dining options – make sure you know the available choices and visit the maitre d' early to inquire about recommendations and reservations.
- Cash is not accepted onboard, except in the casino. Plan ahead – choose the credit card you'll use, or set aside an adequate amount of cash to set up your onboard account.
- Every evening, a newsletter detailing the next day's special activities will be delivered to you. Join in the fun, make your own adventures, or just relax by the pool!
- Most ships offer a captain's cocktail party on formal night. Photos with the captain – and free champagne – often make for a memorable evening!
Adventures Ashore
- Before you travel, do a little reading about the destinations you'll visit to get an idea of the local activities you might want to try.
- Planning on booking any shore excursions? If you know exactly what you want, save time and money by reserving them in advance with CruisesOnly. Or, make the shore tours desk your first stop once you get onboard so you can ask for recommendations and make sure your favorite options don't sell out without your name reserved.
- If you dine early, try to book the earliest excursion times so there's no need to rush to dinner later. Remember – room service is always an option, too!
- If your tour gets back early, consider returning to the ship to enjoy all the onboard amenities while most of your fellow passengers are still ashore.
- Be sure to bring proper shoes and clothing for the various types of excursions you’re interested in. Sneakers, water shoes, hats and visors, a water bottle with carry strap ...
Planning & Packing
- The photographers onboard offer a very affordable way to get a family portrait taken. Make the portrait more personal – pack a special outfit or any fun family "props" you might want included in the photo, such as a picture of the family dog or your son's soccer ball.
- The little things we often forget can be harder to come by onboard – and more expensive than at home. Make a packing list, and check things off as you go.
- Why wait for luggage delivery? If you bring a well-packed carry-on bag, then the fun can start the moment you step aboard. With a bathing suit, sandals, and sunscreen handy, you can head straight to the pool!
- Planning lots of excursions and sports activities? Be sure to pack the right shoes and sportswear for your adventures! And remember – most ships have fitness centers, so you keep your workout routine at sea.
