10 Things You Should Never Do On a Cruise
Reflecting back over the year, here is some of the top 10 things you should never do on a cruise – from the moment you start thinking about cruise, all the way to the end of the cruise.
#10 Don’t pick a cruise on price or promotion alone
It is tempting to chase after that fantastic cruise deal you see highlighted. However, stopping to understand why that price might be “that” good, is important. Take Alaska, such as pictured above. Most of the promotional material prices out May which is just the beginning of the year, and also, arguably the least desirable time to go during the Alaska Cruise Season. For many reasons the ideal time to go is nearly twice as much. So when it comes to your Alaska cruise, do you want the desirable or less desirable experience? Price is important, but experience is essential.
#9 Don’t be arbitrary about your stateroom location
If you review all of the complaints on websites like CruiseCritic.com, over 50% of those issues can be traced back to room placement. Unlike a hotel which only has a few room types, modern cruise ships have over 30 different room types and prices, and even in the broad spectrum of “balcony” there can be as many as 12 price points, all with different benefits or drawbacks. Understanding the correct room placement for you is more complex than letting price alone be your guide. The prices are broken out because there is that many different right “fits” for different cruisers. And even inside of those categories, there are better or worse rooms for you. I have found several cases where the better fit was a cheaper room.
#8 Don’t try to fly to your cruise the same day it departs
Let’s face it, travel is unpredictable. From delayed flights, to lost baggage. Even if you are flying from a short distance to catch your cruise, do you really want to risk the added stress of any delay causing problems on your cruise? One of the cruise groups I escorted was impacted by the fire at the Chicago Air Traffic Control. As a result one family was delayed 4 hours getting to Miami. Imagine what would have happened if they arrived after their cruise left? For these reasons, we always recommend arriving at least one day early domestically and ideally two for international.
#7 Don’t try to just wing it and go without some planning
In an ideal world you can just go with the flow and have fantastic experiences. However with thousands of other travelers, that idea quickly dwindles away to fantasy. So a bit of planning in advance goes a long way. From spa services to shore excursions, the best choices go first… Go securing them in advance before you leave is the best option.
#6 Failing to check in beforehand
One of the most important things on a cruise is to register with the cruise line before you arrive at the cruise terminal. This is an extra step beyond simply purchasing your cruise. This involved providing emergency contact information, immigration paperwork, on-board charge card, and more. Failing to do this will result in an extra long boarding process. Beyond that, this process can help avoid disappointment at the cruise terminal where you might be turned away and denied boarding. For our clients, we provide this as a complementary service for them, saving them time and hassle.
#5 Don’t over-pack for your trip
I am guilty of this one more than I’d like to admit. I was a boy scout and learned to always be prepared, so when I travel I bring everything except the kitchen sink! I have become better since marrying my wife who can do a month in Africa in just a backpack… There is an old saying about cruising: just before you leave, layout all of your clothes and money on a bed — then pack half the clothes, and twice the money. However with that said, do understand the dress code standard of the ship, along with what formal night requires (or doesn’t require).
#4 Don’t leave important things in your checked luggage
On the topic of packing, understand that some things belong in your carry on luggage. Unlike the flight you took, which has rules about what can and cannot be in your carry on luggage, there are no such rules for a cruise. Also unlike a flight, your bags don’t meet you minutes later, but many hours later. So make sure critical items are packed in your carry on items, including prescriptions or anything else you might need for your first few hours on-board — swimwear, sunblock, more formal or casual wear, etc.
#4 Don’t forget about limited internet access
Unless you are on the latest Royal Caribbean Ships, access to the internet is going to be very slow and extremely expensive. In the realm of 50 to 95 cents per minute. Make sure you understand your specific internet needs in advance and budget accordingly. Some ships are slowly moving to unlimited internet plans including Royal Caribbean (2014) and later in 2015 Carnival on select ships. Bonus: Also don’t underestimate the limited phone/text connectivity you’ll have as well.
#2 Don’t be a deck chair hog
Cruise lines have been clamping down on passengers who claim deck chairs for themselves and rarely use them. They are available on a first use, first serve basis. So don’t rush up, and attempt to lay claim to a deck chair and let it go unused for large parts of the cruise. There are typically one chair for every 10 passengers on board, so there isn’t enough to go around for the entire cruise. So use them only as needed.
#1 Don’t take your vacation too seriously
Let’s face it, we live a very wound up life. And to top it off, we endure being treated like cattle before our cruise – from lines at the airport, to more lines at the cruise terminal. It takes a bit to unwind. For me it takes a couple of days. But relax, you’re now on vacation. And one of the best ways to do that is to grab a drink of the day, and participate in the crazy activities they have on board – from 80’s Music Trivia, to bean bag tosses, and relaxing enough to dance to the DJ. Just this title makes me think of this scene from City Slickers with Billy Crystal.
