Tips For First-Time Cruising: Know Before You Go

You’ve booked your first cruise and the excitement is setting in.  What now?  First, make sure you have a recent passport.  If you don’t have one, now is the time to do it.  Don’t wait until the last minute.

Book your shore excursions as soon as you receive your cruise documents.  Not only will this secure the activities you really want to experience, it will also mean your shore tickets will be waiting for you on arrival and you can skip standing in a long line at the shore excursion desk when you board.

Packing
Remember when packing that cruise cabins are usually small, so don’t overpack.  Sort by color groups and pack clothes that you can mix and match.  Be sure to read the cruise line dress policy regarding formal nights.  If you prefer not to dress up, then head for the buffet or order in on that night.  But if you love to shine, a cruise is a great place to glam it up.

Be sure to pack a carry-on bag that includes airline tickets and cruise documents, cameras, prescriptions, swim suits, medications, sandals, sunscreen, a change of clothes and toiletries – everything that you’ll need for the first 8-9 hours.

Medicines
Refill prescriptions at least two weeks before departure and take along an extra supply in case of any delays that may occur in your return.  Ask your doctor about “the patch” to prevent seasickness.  This patch is like a small band-aid that is placed behind one ear and slowly dispenses medicine over the entire cruise so you don’t have take daily doses of pills. 

Pack your prescriptions in carry-on bags and over-the-counter medicines in checked luggage.  Use a quart-size zip bag (fold-over tops are not allowed) to pack all containers (containers must be 3 ounces or less) in case of breakage.  Remember that purchasing incidentals onboard can be expensive and plan accordingly.

Contact Info
Leave your contact information with a person on shore.  But be sure they understand that phone charges can run up to $12 per minute for both parties; the caller and you onboard.  Emergency contact information should include the name of your ship, room number and ship phone number.  Email is the simplest and cheapest form of contact.  There will be internet cafes on board and although you still pay for the service, it’s much cheaper than the telephone.  Check with your travel agent regarding cell phone service.  This is another alternative, but roaming charges can also quickly add up.

Buy at home
Purchase photo equipment and supplies before you cruise.  These items can cost many times the purchase price when bought onboard or in a port.  Pack film, batteries and digital cards in plastic bags in carry-on because the security and x-ray machinery for checked baggage can damage them.

Checking In
The big day has finally arrived and you’re ready to sail.  The first thing you’ll see at your cruise terminal is a group of porters.  The porters will check your larger bags for you and then deliver them to your cabin.  It is customary to tip the porters about $2 per bag. 

Have your paperwork prepared in advance and be prepared to present your cruise registration, passport and the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses to the check-in agent.  If you want to use cash, a minimum of $250 is required for onboard expenses.

On Board Expenses
At check-in, the cruise line will do a credit card authorization for a predetermined amount of money.  Most cruises authorize $50 to $200 in daily charges.  Remember that the cost of alcoholic beverages, special onboard programs, casino action, spa treatments and onboard shopping can quickly add up.  Although you will only be billed for what you actually spend, the amount of credit authorized will be “held” as a security deposit.  So be sure you have plenty of extra money on the credit card you use so you aren’t caught short of funds. 

Carry Cash
This is the one time you want to be sure you have plenty of cash on hand.  Be sure you have some small bills for tips. Don’t count on travelers' checks or credit cards since some places will not accept travelers’ checks and you may have a hard time getting access to an ATM at port.  Be prepared.

Alcohol
A good tip for first-timers is that all cruise lines forbid guests from bringing their own liquor onboard, except for wine. You may be allowed to bring a couple of bottles of wine, but read your cruise info ahead of time.  And remember, if you want your wine served to you in one of the dining rooms, you’ll be charged a corkage fee from $12-$25.

Newsletters
This is one of the best tips around. Waiting in your cabin should be a ship's daily newsletter, which lists the dining and entertainment options available. Use your newsletter wisely.  This is valuable information and can be easily carried with you so you don’t miss anything.  Bring a highlighter and mark the activities you don’t want to miss each day.

With these basics covered, you’re ready to let your hair down, relax and just have fun.  This may be your first cruise, but if you prepare in advance, you’ll soon be planning many more cruises to come.  Bon Voyage!