As part of our continuing series titled “Everything you need to know about your first cruise,” this article contains all of the facts that a cruise beginner who is contemplating embarking on their very first water-top vacation needs to take into consideration before setting sail.
For your first cruise, you should anticipate having to make a lot of decisions and choices. In order to ensure that your first cruise is an unforgettable experience, it is necessary to do some research on a variety of topics, including the kind of cruise line, the right stateroom, the itinerary, shore excursions, and add-ons.
However, there is no need to be concerned since we have thoroughly covered the specifics in this guide on how to make sure that your first cruise is the best experience.
first steps in deciding that a cruise holiday is right for you
The only way to tell is to go on board. There are, however, steps you can take to increase the likelihood that you will like it. Get the gritty facts by talking to loved ones who travel often. They tend to recommend cruise lines and itineraries that you will like if your tastes align with theirs. Before you book your cruise, make sure you know the ship’s demographics, facilities, and number of sea days by doing some research.
A river cruise across Europe offers plenty of opportunities to see the land, making it a great choice for those who are eager to spend more time off the boat. In your search for a carefree resort getaway, you will likely come across cruise lines that provide a plethora of onboard activities. You should check if the ship offers enough activities for children if you are taking them, and if you are not, then avoid taking the trip during school breaks.
How much does it cost to take a cruise?
There are a wide variety of cruises available to accommodate just about any budget, ranging from all-inclusive luxury vacations to more frugal thrills.
The price of a trip with a large cruise line, such as P&O or Royal Caribbean, may range anywhere from $115 to $185 per night, which is toward the lower end of the spectrum. You may be looking at anything from $500 to $1,000 for something on the top end of the scale, such as Viking.
In every category, there are, of course, exceptions, and sailing off-peak is always going to be the best way to get the most value for your money. It is important to keep in mind that even while many cruises provide amenities, the expenditures aboard may still rapidly pile up. You may be required to pay for items like shore excursions, alcohol, spa treatments, gratuities, and certain activities at some point during your voyage.
Tips for First-Time Cruisers Regarding Packing for a Cruise
Among all the things that I needed to know before embarking on a cruise, one of the things that caused me the most anxiety was what to bring. Because there is a limited amount of room, you want to make sure that you have everything you need without overpacking.
The good news is that cruise ships have a laundry service, which means that you can get your clothes cleaned and pressed if you are on a voyage that is rather lengthy. On top of that, you can pick up products at the ports of call you visit.
Items That Are Necessary
It is imperative that you carry the following goods with you while you are packing for your cruise:
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation by using sunscreen
- Seasickness medication: For the purpose of preventing or alleviating seasickness, medicine is prescribed.
- Comfortable shoes: For wandering about the ship and touring the ports of call, shoes that are comfortable are essential.
- Swimsuit: Get a swimsuit so you can make use of the pools and hot tubs aboard.
- Formalwear: For formal evenings and dinners, formal attire is required.
- Power strip: In order to charge all of your electronic gadgets, there are only a limited number of outlets in rooms.
- Reusable water bottle: to maintain proper hydration and cut down on wasteful plastic use
What to Wear on a Cruise
There are a variety of dress standards that cruise companies put in place for certain occasions. Some of the most prevalent dress codes are as follows:
- Casual: The casual attire consists of sandals, shorts, sundresses, and t-shirts.
- Dressing in khakis, collared shirts, blouses, and sundresses is an example of smart casual
- Formal: The formal attire includes gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, and suits.
- Before you pack, make sure you check the dress code rules of your cruise company.
- There are certain cruises that include themed evenings, such as a night in the 1980s or a white party!
How does one go about booking their first cruise?
Be cautious since many of the enticing cruise discounts floating around on the internet are really traps for inexperienced cruisers or those seeking a cheap vacation. These bargains almost hardly provide a good experience and sometimes a terrible one. For the best results, speak with a cruise consultant or contact the cruise company directly when making your reservation. The experts’ expertise is limitless, and they can guide you to the most suitable cruise in terms of price and style.
Tips for Keeping Healthy on a Cruise
It is wise to verify that your travel insurance will cover any unexpected medical expenses before you set sail. Additionally, remember to bring your current prescriptions, a complete medical history, and a note of any allergies you may have.
Onboard Healthcare Facilities
On most ships, there is a medical facility with trained staff. Basic medical treatment can be provided aboard. It should be noted that these facilities are not prepared to handle major medical situations; hence, the ship may have to make an emergency port call if such an emergency were to occur.
Risk Assessments
The first time you go cruising, the safety drill could seem a little chaotic.
Prior to embarkation, every cruise ship must do safety exercises. Make sure you know what to do in case of an emergency by practicing these exercises with the proper protocols.
As part of the safety briefing, you will be required to get your life vest from your accommodation and report to your designated muster station on the deck upon boarding. The entire thing brought back a flood of memories of my school days, when we would call a roll to make sure everyone was there. Additionally, you will be instructed on how to utilize and find the lifeboats.
The bottom line
When it comes to planning a cruise, there are a lot of different factors to consider, such as choosing the perfect ship and location, as well as determining how much to tip your favorite bartender and cabin steward at the conclusion of your vacation. When you are on your first cruise, it is easy to make errors. If you follow these tips and make plans ahead of time, there will be fewer surprises on board the ship, such as extra costs. After that, you will be able to check in, relax, and take pleasure in your cruise holiday.
