If you are cruising for the first time – congratulations! You are in for a treat. As a novice, however, you likely have questions concerning the do’s and don’ts of cruising. Fortunately, there are many fanatic cruisers who are glad to share a few cruising tips to make your first time really fulfilling.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. Please check out my disclosure for more information.
Before You Leave Home
- Have a friend, neighbor, or family member take in your mail daily. Accumulating mail is a big sign to thieves and other troublemakers that no one is home. You could also put your mail on hold with the postal service until you return.
- Set your lights on timers so that it appears someone is home to deter troublemakers. Tell your neighborhood community patrol to make a few extra passes by your home while you are away.
Not only do I use smart lights (), but I also leave my car in the driveway instead of parking at the airport.
YOUR CRUISE GIRL
- Preprint labels if you plan to mail postcards while you are on your cruise. This saves some time and you won’t have to lug around an awkward address book.
Money Matters
- Keep a convenient supply of small denominational bills, generally one’s and five’s. Tipping is valued for porters and stewards at both the air terminal and cruise port. Harrowing tales flourish about taken or “lost” luggage that never makes it to the ship. Here and there, you must oil their palms with cash. It’s a little cost to pay for having your apparel and toiletries on board for your journey.
- To avoid long lines toward the end of your trip, look at your final shipboard account. Check for any errors and resolve them as quickly as you can. There is no sense in adding the pressure of remaining in line to cover your last bill after you just had a loosening up excursion.
Instead of having a cash account, I use my favorite rewards credit card to cover my onboard balance. Even better if you have that particular line’s credit card for double the rewards.
YOUR CRUISE GIRL
- Take a couple of rubber bands with you to fold over your wallet. The elastic will “stick” to your pocket. This makes it extremely hard for a pickpocket to take your wallet without you feeling it.
Related Posts
Kid Stuff
- If you are traveling with babies or toddlers, disposable bibs are ideal for keeping your youngster clean at mealtimes.
- Bring a folding carriage for your little one. The ship has tons of activities and in a little while, you will hear the strains of “I’m tired! Carry me!” This is exhausting to parents. With a carriage, you can simply pop your child inside and move on.
- Pack a couple of convenient, independent snacks for your kid like peanut butter or cheddar wafers. These will prove to be useful and are a lot less expensive than getting some on the ship or at the port.
Other Cruising Tips
- Toss inside your luggage a couple of those plastic shopping bags that you generally get from the supermarket. These are convenient for storing wet or dirty clothing.
- On the off chance that you have an inside cabin, take a nightlight with you. The darkness isn’t fun when you are in an unfamiliar room. No sense running into dividers or stubbing your toe if you can avoid it. Maglight keychains are also a convenient solution.
- Bring a little safety kit for those minor crises. Wet wipes are helpful too when a sink isn’t convenient.
There are literally hundreds of cruising tips that can save the sanity of new cruise travelers. Think of those little shortcuts or ideas that you use at home. Decide if they are adaptable to the cruise ship. The less you have to worry about, the more relaxed you will be after your cruise.
Got a cruise tip? Leave it below for your fellow cruisers!
