Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or new to the life of cruising we’ve got a list of some must do cruise tips to ensure you get the most out of your cruise and avoid any hassle!
1. Reserve Your Dinner Plans
Picture Credit CruiseCritic – Allure of the Seas, American Icon Grill Dining Room
If you’re on a cruise and you have opted in for the “my-time” or “anytime” dinning option, you’ll want to call ahead every day that you plan on eating in the main dining room and reserve your seats!
The dining room on every cruise ship is always slam packed with guest for dinner. Although the main dining room is sometimes open during select hours for breakfast and lunch, dinner is the main attraction. Meaning there will be a long wait if you do not reserve a seating time prior to dinner!
Reserving your dining time for each night is as simple as calling guest services on your stateroom telephone to using your T.V. and booking through the ships informational menu.
Dinner is usually served between 6:00pm and 9:00pm so be sure to be on-time for your reservation or your seats may be given to the next person that reserved! But don’t worry, there are always other options on-board in the case that you miss your reservation or want to avoid crowds and possibly longer waits for food.
2. Give The Elevator Some Space
Picture Credit Wikimedia – Allure of the Seas, Glass Elevators
This may sound a little odd but once you’ve cruised you will understand this completely!
As fast as you may need to get somewhere on-board, show some respect. Let others off of the elevator before trying to go in it yourself! Take a few steps back or off to the side and don’t block other guest trying to walk off the elevator! And if a group of others were waiting before you showed up, allow them to walk on first! Courtesy goes a long way!
3. Reserve And Arrive At Entertainment Early
Picture Credit CruiseCritic – Allure of the Seas, Amber Theater
On-board you will find endless entertainment from comedy shows, musicals, live musicians, and even informational seminars. You may not think that these shows would fill up but they do! As mentioned above, be sure to reserve your seats ahead of time to make sure you have a spot.
Be aware that specific seats are not reserved for your reservation! So you cannot call and request the first row to be held for you! If you want to be right up front to see the action arrive 15-20 minutes before the show is set to start to make sure you get the seats of your choice.
4. Remove Your Gratuities
Picture Credit RetailMeNot
Some cruise lines add your gratuity charge for each night right into your original booking price. Others will charge you nightly while on-board. Gratuities are essentially “tips” that are divided up between the crew. Some people are okay with their gratuities being automatic while others would rather remove the nightly charge and tip employees at their own will.
Don’t be caught by surprise! If you do not remove your gratuities charge you can expect your stateroom to automatically be charged somewhere around $10-14 USD per night per guest in your stateroom. This can raise your cruise fare by another $100-300 USD per person depending on the cruise!
To remove your automatic gratuity charge simply take a walk to the guest services desk and ask that they’d be removed and state that you’d rather tip at your own will. Just remember to tip employees when you receive good service whether it be at a restaurant, buffet, or bar! And don’t leave the money on the table, hand your tip to your employee of choice and tell them thank you for the good service! A good tip for a dinner reservation in the dining room should be considered $10 USD or more, but that is for you to decide!
5. Book Excursions
Picture Credit Carnival Cruise Line
You’re on a cruise going to multiple places in the world with an itinerary that you picked. Take the time and book a few excursions!
Excursions can be costly but some are a must do at least once! If you have the extra cash try one out. Whether the excursion is something as exciting as zip lining, snorkeling, jet skiing or a simple boat ride to a private island where you get to relax on the beach. Most are worth it. Even if you only decide to do one excursion, pick your favorite island and research the excursion you’re interested in. Be sure to check how costly it is, how long it will take, what you need to bring with you, and if any extras are provided such as complimentary food, gift bags, e.t.c.!
You can save money by booking before you’re on-board via your cruise reservation on the cruise line’s website! But if you want to wing it and pick a last minute excursion you can always do so on-board at your ships’ shore excursion center. Just be sure to book your excursion as early as possible for the best rate and to reserve your spot so you don’t miss it!
Adventures And Deals 