When I was a little girl, my father used to work as a cruise ship doctor and the two of us would sail onboard a massive ship that circled the Caribbean. Adventures felt limitless and possibilities endless as we sailed the seas together and met an array of characters who would flock to cruises for an escape from routine and reality.
Cruises are a wonderful way to see the world in a convenient, affordable and comfortable way that has you enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Whether circling the Caribbean or traversing the Mediterranean, today’s cruise ships offer an array of amenities and comforts to give travelers that allusive mix of being abroad while also feeling at home. The next time the open seas are calling your name, look to the following tips to make the most of your cruise ship experience.
Arrive the Night Before you Sail
Cut the stress and drama out of your life by arriving at the cruise ship port the evening before. Many travelers will quite literally miss the boat due to delayed flights, traffic and other transportation mishaps; so rather than arrive at the boat with wrecked nerves and a sweat-drenched shirt, arrive early!
Keep your Destinations in Mind
When packing, make sure to bring the necessary clothing for each destination you’ll be visiting. Cruse ships will dock at multiple ports, allowing their travelers to get a taste of one country and then a few days later explore another. Be savvy with your suitcase and prepare for different temperatures and climate changes since all stops may not offer up balmy weather.
Take Advantage of the Onboard Entertainment
Whether it is live music, spa treatments or even an onboard movie date, cruse ships today offer a wide variety of onboard entertainment that will leave their passengers with unlimited options of how they’d like to spend their evenings and days at sea. From movie theaters to live entertainment, take advantage of what’s offered onboard and relish in the fun of meeting other like-minded travelers and swapping stories over a good meal.
Consider Last Minute Booking
Like flights, booking a last minute cruise is a gamble where on one hand you could walk away with the best rate but may not get your preferred departure dates and times. If your schedule is flexible, consider snagging a last minute cruise to get the best rate and take advantage of any promotions.
Splurge on a Room with a Balcony
Imagine waking up in your cabin to a cool ocean breeze and the sound of waves slapping against the side of the ship. Consider splurging on a room with a balcony so you can have your own oasis of tranquility with fantastic ocean views.
Plan Your Meals in Advance
With multiple restaurants onboard and delectable dining options, deciding when and where to eat can prove overwhelming when cruising. To avoid the hassle or worse an empty stomach, make reservations at onboard restaurants in advance and look at the main dining room menu for the week.
Plan for Ports
Most cruises will dock at a port for a few hours, so research the places you will be docking and decide in advance what you’d like to see and do in the time you spend there. You can also look towards the ship’s offerings of any excursions or recommended activities at the ports you’ll be visiting.
Don’t Forget to Relax!
The beauty of cruise ships is that all the hassle of travel planning, accommodation arrangements and activity selections are basically taken care of. In the words of the Beach Boys, “get there fast and take it slow” because when it comes to cruising the world is truly at your feet.
This post was contributed by Thomson Cruises.
Great article
Great article!!!!
Thanks 🙂