What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Doing this will speed up the whole process. Port authorities usually require cruise lines to submit passenger lists about an hour before they leave, so it's important to get your part done as soon as possible.
Arrive early, board early, and have more free time to explore the ship before it gets crowded.
Pack all the essentials for the day, as it can take a while before you have access to your luggage.
These can be very busy, especially during the first day, so make use of the stairs if you can.
The first night can be perfect to try a specialty restaurant. Some cruise ships offer good deals for the first bookings.
Make the most of the spa, as usually there are discounted deals on your first day aboard the cruise ship.
Settle into your room. Unpack and familiarize yourself with everything.
Some cruise ships do offer complimentary Champagne on the first day abroad. Enjoy it!
Stay awake and active during your first day aboard. Attend all the meetings and briefings.
You will likely use your card in multiple countries in a relatively short amount of time. Notifying the company will avoid getting your credit card frozen for suspicions of fraud.
An interior cabin in the lower decks might be a better choice if you struggle with seasickness.
The location of your cabin matters. Noise can be a problem in cabins located under or above public areas, for instance. So check the deck plans before you book.
Dinners at the main dining room are preplanned, so check the menu. This way, you can decide which days you want to eat at the specialty restaurants instead.
Cruise ships have alcohol policies that must be followed. There is usually a limit to how much alcohol you can bring into the ship, and other fees might apply.
While restaurants are great, sometimes having some food in the privacy of your cabin can be exactly what you need.
It's handy to carry this with you, so you can leave your passport safe in the cruise ship. Having the number of your country's embassy at each port of call is also a good idea.
Learn more about your ports of call and what you want to see and do in them.
These are must-haves if you're visiting a sunny destination.
In addition, things such as comfortable shoes, a band-aid, and a swimsuit might come handy.
These can go a long way, so it's always a good idea to learn how to say a few basic things in the language of your ports of call.
These always come handy when it's time to buy a coffee or leave a tip.
Pack a snack before you go out to explore your port of call. While you should try the local cuisine, sometimes you just need an emergency snack. Though check if your port of entry allows you to enter with food.
If you go out exploring your port of call or join an excursion, it's important that you come back on time so you don't miss the ship.
Getting your clothes washed and dried in a cruise ship can be expensive. Alternatively, you can pack enough clothes for your whole trip, or wash basics such as underwear in you cabin.
You might want to do this when you board to avoid international data roaming charges. However, most cruise lines do offer data packages, so you might want to look into these.
Especially if you have various electronic devices. Cabins usually have a maximum of two sockets.
It's important to keep healthy, and washing your hands regularly is a way to get rid of germs. Most cruise ships have designated wash stations.
Pack common medicine. This way you'll avoid having to go look for a pharmacy at your port of call.
See also: Crazy cruise ship food stats
Going on a cruise is a great way to spend your vacation. But there's more to it than just boarding a ship and visiting amazing places. In fact, there are a lot of tricks and tips that you're probably not familiar with. But don't worry: after reading this gallery, you'll be as prepared as any other experienced passenger.
Click through and make the most out of your cruising experience.
Cruise ship tips you need to know
Make the most out of your cruising experience!
LIFESTYLE Vacation
Going on a cruise is a great way to spend your vacation. But there's more to it than just boarding a ship and visiting amazing places. In fact, there are a lot of tricks and tips that you're probably not familiar with. But don't worry: after reading this gallery, you'll be as prepared as any other experienced passenger.
Click through and make the most out of your cruising experience.