Cruise Tips 101

Photo: Cruise Tips 101

// April 21st, 2008 // Tip Sheets

  1. Choose a cruise that suits you. ie. If you’re looking for a “party” and need constant entertainment, don’t go on a “traditional” ship; if you want a true cruise experience and are there to visit the places the cruise is going to, don’t go on a “party” ship. Decide what you need in the ship before you book it.
  2. You really did learn all you needed to know in kindergarten: Treat others how you want to be treated.
  3. If you have a problem – talk to the right person. ie. the Purser’s desk (ship’s hotel desk) can’t do anything about changing your table in the dining room or getting you a refund in the shop.
  4. Avoid the shore excursions the ship sells if you can. They’re usually extremely overpriced (it’s where the ship makes all it’s money) and you’ll be doing everything with 100 to 500 other fellow cruisers. Look around on the internet for local tour companies or guides in the areas you are going to, or get a good guide book and rent a car or walk. A good place to look for guides is cruisecritic.com
  5. Bring your own soda on board (ie. coke, pepsi, etc…) it’s a lot cheaper. Most ships don’t allow you to bring alcohol on board. They confiscate it and give it back to you at the end of the cruise.
  6. Shop around for the best deal on your cruise – don’t buy it directly from the cruise line. A good place to start is vacationstogo.com
  7. Do your own airfare. You can almost always beat the cruise line’s air, and you aren’t at their mercy for routings.
  8. If you’re on a traditional ship, observer the rules for dinner – time and dress code.
  9. Tip what the cruise line recommends. That’s pretty much all the money the crew makes!
  10. If you want something, it never hurts to ask (nicely).
  11. Respect the Captain. He really is the boss and you are his responsibility.

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