Anne and Carl Deane are travel enthusiasts who have embarked on various trips around the US and Europe. In the following article, Anne and Carl Deane discuss cruise ship travel tips for first timers, and how to make the most out of a vacation on the water.
Going on a cruise for the first time is equally exciting and nerve-wracking. A vacation on a cruise ship is like no other type of travel, and there are many ways that it can go wrong. Knowing how to prepare and what to expect before departure will guarantee a great trip.
There are a few things to think about with cruise travel, including proper first-day prep, researching the cruise’s destination spots, packing intelligently, and more. Plus, understanding how to properly plan a cruise vacation is an essential skill for an enjoyable trip.
Below, Anne and Carl Deane discuss everything you need to know to make your first cruise experience a great success.
Carl Deane on Planning a Cruise for The First Time
Many disappointments that first-time cruise travelers face are a direct result of their planning decisions. Anne and Carl Deane explain how to avoid common mistakes.
Research The Cruise Lines Carefully
Every cruise line offers different types of cabins or staterooms, food, and entertainment options onboard that deliver a different type of vacation. To choose the cruise line that offers the right mix of activities and features, make sure to research several cruise lines before booking to see what is offered.
For example, Anne and Carl Deane say that families may prefer a Disney cruise with live musicals, kids’ clubs, and interactions with Disney characters. A honeymooning couple may prefer a Celebrity or Carnival cruise with adult entertainment, bars and nightclubs, spa treatments, and special honeymoon packages.
Choose the Right Port Route
Anne and Carl Deane say that planning a cruise involves many different locations, or port stops. However, some first-time cruise planners make the mistake of choosing a cruise for one or two particular port stops. Unfortunately, some ports may be missed due to stormy weather or other factors. Instead, choose a cruise that travels along an interesting region of the world, such as the Mediterranean.
Choose a Cabin Carefully
Cruises can be expensive. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest cabin available to pinch those pennies, this isn’t a great strategy explains Anne and Carl Deane. The chosen cabin should complement the goals of the trip.
For example, if romance is a top priority, a cabin with a balcony is the right choice to privately watch those beautiful ocean sunsets, and a suite with multiple tiers would be the best choice for a luxurious family vacation.
Tips for Packing for a Cruise
Anne and Carl Deane say that packing for a cruise is different from packing for any other type of trip. There are so many different scenarios to prepare for, from swimming to dancing, to a nice night out, that it may seem impossible to pack for it all. These tips can help.
- Check the cruise line’s dress code before packing (some cruises have policies on evening attire, for example).
- Don’t overpack – cruises have a laundry service!
- Bring extra toiletries to avoid steep fees.
- Make sure to verify that no packed items are restricted (such as power bars and travel kettles)
- Bring a foldable shoe rack to hang in the bathroom for extra storage
Anne and Carl Deane on Preparing For the First Day Onboard
Anne and Carl Deane says that embarkation day will be the most stressful part of the entire trip, so knowing what to expect is absolutely crucial. Without proper preparation, the day will be chaotic and disappointing. Anne and Carl Deane explain how to make embarkation day smooth and painless:
- Pack a Day Bag. A day bag should include essentials like phones and medications, irreplaceable items like keys and travel documentation, a change of clothes, and maybe a swimsuit to jump right into vacation mode.
- Check In Early. Most large cruise lines will allow guests to check in with an app or website up to 48 hours ahead of time. Doing so will avoid any lengthy delays in long lines on the day of.
- Explore the Ship. On the first day, a tour of the ship is a must. Staking out essential locations, such as the buffet table or spa, will streamline all future activities for the rest of the trip.
How to Make the Most of Cruise Travel
- Drive/fly in the day before embarkation day to avoid missing the cruise due to traffic or flight delays
- Research each port the cruise will stop at and plan an itinerary in advance to make the most of each port stop
- Anne and Carl Deane say to avoid the buffet on the first day – the dining hall usually also serves limitless food, and it won’t be so crowded
- Board early to maximize vacation time – that day is paid for
- Book with a travel agent to take advantage of a promotion or make planning easier
- Budget for extras like spa treatments, internet, and port excursions
Final Thoughts
We’ve discussed every major consideration that should be made when going on a cruise for the first time. By keeping these tips in mind when planning and enjoying a cruise vacation, this first cruise experience probably won’t be the last.
