Cruise Ship Tips

Types of Ships

Even more than choosing an itinerary or destination, choosing which ship to sail on affects the type of vacation experience you can expect. There are several types of cruise ships, each offering a different type of voyage.

• Small ships that are part of mainstream lines offer familiar amenities and facilities, but may seem sparse or crowded compared to larger vessels. Small ships are perfect, however, for individuals interested in a relaxed vacation without pressure to join many activities.
• Large ships offer tremendous ranges of activities, from multiple sporting activities to boutiques, hair salons, bars and lounges, and extensive children’s facilities to accommodate families. On the other hand, large ships may be overwhelming to novice cruisers, and even experienced travelers can start to feel lost on the dozen or more decks.
• Luxury ships typically feature more reserved, upscale accommodations similar to the finest land-based resorts. In keeping with the sophisticated nature of these ships, the décor is generally understated, and activities may be more sedate than rambunctious.
• Adventure ships offer a variety of unique destinations that large vessels are unable to visit, but because of their smaller size they may lack luxury features and amenities.
• Sailing ships invite guests to step back in time and experience a true cruising sensation under the powers of currents, tides, and wind. Modern sailing ships typically rely more on engine power, however, but the romance and allure of sailing ships is undiminished.

Knowing the pros and cons of different types of ships helps passengers choose which one to sail on, letting them personalize their vacation to suit their personalities and individual desires.

Cruise Ship Tips: Embarkation and Debarkation

The most frustrating parts of any vacation are the beginning and ending, when luggage is potentially lost and guests are settling in to new accommodations. On a cruise ship, this can be particularly aggravating because up to 3,000 or more passengers may be embarking or debarking within just a few hours. These cruise ship tips can help make the process smoother:

• Fill out necessary contact and customs information prior to arriving at the port. Many cruise lines now offer online check in procedures for convenience, and eliminating the paperwork will help lines flow more quickly so vacations can begin.
• Tag all bags clearly with appropriate luggage tags and cabin numbers. This helps stewards deliver and pick up luggage smoothly, making certain it is stored in the proper location for easy retrieval.
• Pack essential items for the first few hours in a carry on bag. This includes airline tickets, swimwear (for lounging by the pool), a camera, and essential paperwork. Because luggage may not be delivered for several hours, having basic amenities available is critical to starting a vacation smoothly.
• Attempt to carry luggage off the ship yourself. Some cruise lines allow passengers who can tote their own bags to debark earlier, eliminating tedious waits and hunting for bags in cavernous storage facilities.

Unique artwork can be a landmark.

Finding Your Way Around the Ship

With cruise ships getting larger and larger, it can be difficult to find your way around to take advantage of all the activities and events onboard. These cruise ship tips will help you stay oriented so you don’t miss out on any part of your cruise vacation:

• Ask for a map if available. Many ships offer small maps or color-coded directories to help you determine which locations are on which decks. Also look for maps in atriums and hallways.
• Memorize landmarks. A unique piece of artwork or specific lounge can help you stay oriented to where you are on the ship.
• Avoid elevators if possible. To be sure you aren’t late for any event, try taking the stairs whenever possible. Elevators are often crowded and may stop at each floor, and taking the stairs helps you keep healthy during your vacation, even when you try extra desserts.
• Know the terminology. Being familiar with lingo such as port, aft, starboard, muster station, and other vocabulary will help you navigate different decks confidently.
• Ask for help. Crew members want to be sure you have a great vacation, and they can easily direct you to different onboard destinations.

Cruise Ship Tips: Make the Most of Your Voyage

The best way to enjoy a cruise is to take advantage of the many unique opportunities that each voyage presents. To make the most of your vacation, don’t forget to:

Don't be afraid to try dessert - you're on vacation!

• Try new experiences. Whether it’s a dance lesson, snorkeling excursion, or indulging in an exotic treat from the evening’s menu, a cruise is a great opportunity to experience new things with minimal risk. There is no charge for most onboard activities or food items, so feel free to experiment.
• Indulge yourself. You’re on vacation after all, so why not try that new European massage or a rich chocolate truffle cake? Indulging yourself, within reason, will make your cruise even more memorable.
• Bring a highlighter. The daily newsletter is a timeline of events and activities, and using a highlighter to mark ones that interest you is a quick and easy way to be sure you don’t miss out.
• Relax! Even the most active voyage leaves some time just to relax by the pool, on the deck, or in your cabin. Take time to simply relax and you’ll be energized for the next day’s excitement.

Many people perceive cruise travel as exotic and unfamiliar, but with a few common sense cruise ship tips its easy to make the most of your vacation, from beginning to end. The biggest tip of all: have fun!

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