So, you’re headed off on your honeymoon, and you booked a cruise. What a fabulous idea! However, if it’s your first cruise, you may want to prep a bit beforehand. Our six fabulous tips will guarantee that you have a great time aboard your vessel.
How to Enjoy Your First Cruise
Cruising has fast become popular amongst couples. Of course, this includes newlyweds, as many like to head off on a cruise as a honeymoon option. With everything being in one place, it can often be the ideal choice.
After all, what other way can you see multiple amazing locations, experience luxurious surroundings, and have different activities and cultures?
Cruising is such a versatile and flexible vacation option. Although, if you have never done it before, what should you expect? And more importantly, how can you ensure that you enjoy it?
If it’s your first cruise, don’t worry! We have tips that will help you embrace cruising for the first time. Although cruise boats were once associated with the older generation, all ages can now sail away.
From luxurious cruise liners to small ships, get ready to have the ride of your life. Literally! So without further ado, here are six tips that will help to ensure that you enjoy your first cruise.
1. Take your time when creating your first cruise booking.
One of the first things to do is take your time when trying to book your first cruise. It will be a little different from what you might be used to when booking package deals. Firstly, you may assume that it is all-inclusive, but some cruises will offer this as an upgrade.
They might also want you to use cruise money on board or perhaps set up a tab for the duration of your trip. Check the fine print. Then you’ll know what to upgrade if needed or so that you can be prepared in advance for your trip.
You might also want to let them know it is a special occasion. Especially if you’re traveling for your wedding anniversary or honeymoon. Doing so could help you to secure a particular type of room. You may even get a little extra special treatment while on board. Every cruise company will be different, so be mindful of that when you book.
2. Arrive at your port a day before your cruise ship leaves.
Most cruises will have a departure port and city. Additionally, you may need to travel to it as it might not be local.
Therefore, a great tip is to head there a day before. You could make a night of it and enjoy a luxurious hotel room. Getting there in advance means you won’t feel rushed when heading to the port for check-in.
3. Pre-book activities at your ports before you leave for your first cruise.
During your cruise, you may want to take advantage of excursions off the ship. After all, that’s part of the fun!
Many cruise companies offer particular activities or day trips at each port. Booking excursions before you travel means that you can plan your itinerary. However, the cruise line may also give you an extra discount on the price.
There will be a lot to choose from. So booking ahead of time will give you the chance to consider all of your options.
4. Pack a carry-on bag to use during the first few hours of your cruise.
When you check-in, your suitcases will be taken away to be placed into your cabin. Luggage service is convenient, but it can leave you without some of the essentials.
As you can imagine, there will be a lot of cases. Therefore, it could take a few hours before you are reunited with your luggage. To avoid frustration, pack a carry-on case that you can keep with you.
While you enjoy those welcome drinks and cocktails, you will also be secure in the knowledge that you have a change of clothes. Also, pack an extra layer of clothing and some toiletries. That way, you can freshen up while you are waiting for your luggage to arrive in your cabin. As a result, you will at least appear as a seasoned pro.
5. Don’t feel pressured to do everything on your first cruise.
When cruising, it is important to understand that there will be a huge selection of activities and entertainment daily.
You will receive an itinerary, newsletter, or daily announcement, depending on the cruise liner. These papers will inform you of everything available for the day. Don’t feel pressured to do it all, and pace yourself.
Some of the activities will be repeated daily, and this is supposed to be a vacation—your honeymoon! The cruise liner has a duty to cater to all of its guests. If you want to do something, then go for it, but don’t feel like you have to do it all.
6. Fully immerse yourself in the cruising experience.
Further to the last tip, make sure that you embrace the cruising experience. There really is nothing like it. And because it will be your first time, you may find it a little strange and hard to get used to. The best advice is to go with the flow and enjoy it.
The only thing left to say is relax! Head off on your first cruise as a newly married couple, ready to have a fabulous time. Happy honeymooning!
Photos: Adam Gonzales, Reynier Carl, Ben O’Bro, Peter Hansen, Reiseuhu, and Ferran Feixas
Linda (LD Holland)It feels like so long ago since we were on a cruise. It might not take much to make us enjoy it! I totally agree with arriving at least a day before your cruise starts. I have seen far too many over-stressed people flying the same day. We often try to book as much in advance as we can so we get what we want. And avoid that scramble on board to see what is left. Can’t wait to get back onboard!
AndaI am not a great fan of cruises, but I have to agree with your tips. Booking the activities ahead of time is important because sometimes they run out of space, if the activity is very popular.
RakshaI have never been on a cruise till date. I am not sure whether I will enjoy it but these are surely good tips. I may plan for a cruise sometime in my life and will definitely remember these. And arriving at port a day before is very important so one is on time for the cruise.
ReneeI’ve never been on a cruise, and fall in that camp that cruising isn’t for me (at least right now). But I know for those that love cruises this would definitely make a dream honeymoon or holiday for them. It would be romantic at night to sit out on the deck and watch the dark sky.
PaulaI love cruises and I have missed them so much while Covid. At the moment, I am not comfortable going on cruise but hopefully that will change soon. There is certain something about them, a special feeling! These are great tips for the first timers.
Trisha VelarminoI always think of going on a cruise like it’s embarking on a grand adventure! How do I enjoy my first cruise? It’s a question I ask myself as well and I think of so many factors. Thanks for the wonderful tips!
ClariceI agree with you that yes, it’s important to have a carry-on bag with some of your essentials. In our past experience, it took some time for our luggage to be delivered that it felt forever waiting for it. Thank you for sharing these tips. Very helpful.
Tami WilcoxDefinitely a good tip to arrive at your port city the day before departure — too many things can go wrong, and you don’t want to miss your cruise. Also smart to pack things you need immediately in a carry-on bag as you’ll be separated from the rest of your luggage for several hours. My husband and I also felt it wise to plan ahead and book our excursions for port days without waiting to see what the cruise ship offered. It was nice to have more personal small-group excursions.
Medha VermaMy first (and only, so far) cruise experience was almost 7 years ago and I will agree with most points you put across. Getting to the port city from where the cruise embarks is very crucial because it also gives you some time to explore the city and prepare for the cruise beforehand. However, I believe that booking your tours before boarding the cruise is not necessarily that important. We actually made our plans on the go while we were on the cruise, just the evening before arriving at a port. And we did our own tailormade plan rather than book the tours through the cruise company! We loved that idea.