If you’re a first-time cruiser, you’re in for a new adventure. Cruising is fast becoming the number one travel option for Americans. In fact, almost 30 million people went cruising in 2022.
It’s little wonder why. Cruising is a luxurious alternative to camping and backpacking. It’s an indulgent form of travel that gives you a front-row seat to the world’s most beautiful sights without lifting a finger.
Of course, no traveler is without their traveling mishaps so here is a list of common first-time cruiser mistakes you can avoid when you set sail.
1. Not Setting a Budget
Failing to set a budget can result in overspending on fees, upgrades, and activities. Before you book a trip, decide on a total budget that covers the room and food costs. Consider extra fees, such as taxes, port charges, service tips, extra purchases, and shore excursions.
Set a cap for spending and set individual caps for categories. Be sure not to overlook fees associated with shore excursions. This could include entrance tickets, transportation, and restaurant bills.
2. Not Knowing What to Pack
When packing for cruises, think about what you will need for your trip and only bring the essentials. Research the cruise destination. Take into consideration the weather and temperature along with the type of cruise.
Bring modest clothing. This includes sweaters and wraparound shawls for evenings alongside practical and comfortable shoes.
3. Not Planning on How to Communicate With the Outside World
This can be very frustrating for cruisers when they leave port. Remote areas of the world often have limited cell phone service or patchy access to Wi-Fi.
To avoid this mistake, take the time to research the cell service in their port of departure before setting sail. You should also look up how to access free texting on cruise ship in case of emergencies.
4. Not Learning Dining Rules
Before cruising, travelers should make sure to read the cruise line’s policies on dining and etiquette. Expect to read about things like what attire is acceptable, the policy on sharing food, and the specific seating times.
Specific rules are also determined by the type of ship. So reading the policies of cruise ship activities ahead of time will create an enjoyable experience with no surprises.
5. Not Familiarizing Yourself With the Ship’s Layout
Take the time to understand the layout of the ship before your cruise. This will make it that much easier for you to make the most of your fun cruise experience.
6. Not Reading the Ship’s Fine Print
Before booking cruises online, take the time to read through the fine print. Understand and prepare to follow any rules and regulations of the ship.
Knowing the policies for items ranging from alcohol and smoking to stateroom deposits and other miscellaneous fees can save you from wasting time, money, and energy.
Avoid These First-Time Cruiser Mistakes When You Set Sail!
Common first-time cruiser mistakes can lead to an unpleasant experience, but with proper planning, you can avoid them. Don’t let these mistakes make your next cruise trip end up as a bad memory.
Be prepared and make sure you take the necessary precautions. So you can maximize your experience and enjoy your vacation free from worries.
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