Best Cruising Tips

Cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to travel, but doing a few things ahead of time will help make your vacation even more enjoyable.

1) Pack a variety of clothes. Chances are you’ll be wearing at least two different outfits a day. Bring extra hangers and towel clips. Amazon sells plastic hangers that fold and make it easy to fit in your suitcase.

On an average day you could easily wear a bathing suit and cover up, a casual day outfit like shorts and a cute top and then at night something a little nicer. The great thing about cruises is you only have to unpack once.

Be sure to be dressed with makeup on before the sun starts to set and you can get the most beautiful photos on the water.

Many of the cruise lines have 2 formal nights so don’t forget to pack some fancy clothes. It’s a great opportunity to put on some heels and take some great photos.

2) Pack for “just in case”. Normally, when you go away if you forget something or need medication, you can go to a local store. However, the selection on cruises to buy medications and toiletries is pretty sparse and the prices are ridiculous. 

When I pack for a cruise I bring every medication I might need (Imodium-AD, Advil, Band-aids, Neosporin, Benadryl, etc).

3) Sign up for the beverage package if you plan to drink a lot. Cocktails are especially pricey on cruises so if you know you’re going to be sitting by the pool all day with a frozen Margarita, it may be worth splurging on the drink package.

Many of the cruise lines offer a discount if you sign up for the beverage package ahead of time.

4) Make sure your passport is current (must not be renewable for at least 6 months).

5) Sign up for a dining time (or have your cruise planner do this for you). If you haven’t cruised before, be ready to eat a lot! The food is amazing and plentiful! 

Most cruises have additional choices such as a 24 hour pizza place, sandwiches, hot dogs, soft serve ice cream, etc.

6) Sign up for excursions. You can book through the cruise line, but there are other companies that offer them as well.

One advantage of going through the cruise line is that they will make sure you are back on time and the transportation is clean and safe. 

This past summer, my daughter and I took a local van to a beach in St. Thomas and it was awful. There were no seat belts and the ride included treacherous windy roads without guardrails. I will not be doing that again!

7) Decide on what activities you want to do. There are so many awesome things to choose from-everything from Trivial Pursuit to Karaoke and wine tastings to Name That Tune.

Some of the nightly shows, comedians and activities, like zip lining, require that you make a reservation. I highly recommend you try everything! The talent on cruises is incredible and worth checking out.

Cruising is truly an amazing way to vacation. Going in prepared will just help you enjoy the trip that much more.

Wishing y’all lots of fun cruises in your future.

Bon Voyage!