Cruises are some of the best vacations!
In my life, I have had many opportunities to go on cruises since I grew up close to Port Canaveral, Florida. During Thanksgiving break, I finally got to bring Taz with me on a cruise for the first time since being married. He had never left the country before so this was pretty exciting for us. It wasn’t very long since it was over the weekend but we still had a blast on the boat and in the Bahamas.
I decided to create a guide for people going on their first cruise since I have been on so many in the past few years. I wanted to share some of my tips and tricks to the cruising lifestyle.
Always have a passport
For some cruise lines, they will allow people to bring a birth certificate and license but I think it is safer to just invest in getting a passport. I have witnessed more issues not having one so I think it is just better safe than sorry to have one. Also, don’t forget to have your passport and cruise card every time you get off the ship or else you can’t get back on.
Take advantage of the drink deals
Cruise ships require passengers to pay for both sodas and alcohol. I don’t drink alcohol at all and I drink soda very rarely but if you want to indulge in either of them, getting one of these discounts will save you tons of money if it is worth it to you. You can pay a certain amount of money per day and get unlimited drinks with your cruise card.
Order more than one plate at dinner
One hidden secret is that you can order more than one plate at dinner. If there is something you have always wanted to try, don’t be afraid to try it!
Find the ice cream machine
Who doesn’t love free ice cream? Cruise lines have specialty ice cream shops and gelato stands but most of the time there’s a free soft-serve machine but the trick is finding it where is and avoiding the massive lines that are there. Taz and I found that if you go right after dinner there’s no wait at all.
Do not forget to bring motion sickness medication
I do not care if you don’t get sea sick at all. It is better to be safe than sorry. Majority of the cabins do not have windows or any natural light. It is hard to not feel sick when you can’t see the horizon. I have found out that taking it is easier than waiting too long and being sick for the remainder of your vacation. Once you get sick, it is nearly impossible to bounce back before you have to go home.
Always have a plan off the boat
When you are in a different country, it is crucial to always have a plan. If you are traveling with others or by yourself, it is easy to get lost. Book a shore excursion to guarantee your journey back to the boat. Bring a map since your phone may not work in a foreign country without additional fees.
Don’t forget to relax.
Sometimes you get so wrapped up in shore excursions and nightlife on the boat. Don’t forget to take time to relax because that’s why you’re on vacation in the first place right? Go to the spa, lay by the pool and enjoy your cruise because you earned it.
If you have any good tips or tricks that you learned while cruising be sure to share with people going on their first cruise. I can’t wait for my next vacation: San Francisco!
XOXO Kayla
