Cruising Tips and Tricks
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Cruise Tips and Tricks

• Pre-Cruise Planning: Emphasises the importance of early preparation, including booking excursions, researching ports, and understanding what's included in your fare.

• Packing Strategies: Focuses on packing light and strategically, highlighting essential items and tips for saving space and money.

• Onboard Experience: Covers maximizing your time on board, from dining and entertainment to connecting with fellow passengers and crew.

• Tech & Finance: Provides guidance on managing mobile phone usage, utilising travel rewards, and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Pre-Cruise Planning:

• Arrive a day early: This crucial tip helps avoid missing the ship due to unforeseen travel delays. "If you’re traveling long distance, why not add on a night in a hotel before joining the ship?" [Celebrity Cruises]

• Understand inclusions: Be clear on what's included in your fare and consider purchasing packages for drinks, Wi-Fi, or gratuities in advance. "Make sure you know what's included before you board your cruise" [Travel + Leisure]

• Research ports: Maximize your time ashore by researching destinations and planning activities. "There are some ports that invite wandering... On the other hand, from Naples, you’ll want to visit the excavations at Pompeii, which is infinitely better with a guide." [Celebrity Cruises]

• Consider extending your trip: Take advantage of cruise destinations to explore nearby areas before or after your sailing. "Be sure to pick destinations that easily allow for extension trips." [Travel + Leisure]

Packing Strategies:

• Pack light: You won't need as many clothes as you think. "Throw all the clothes you think you'll need on a cruise in a pile, and then take away half of them. You won't need them." [The Points Guy]

• Utilise laundry services: Avoid overpacking by using onboard laundry facilities. "My best packing tip for long trips at sea is to take advantage of the laundry services onboard" [Travel + Leisure]

• Carry-on essentials: Pack medication, swimwear, sunscreen, and other necessities in your carry-on for immediate access. "Pack everything you need for the first afternoon of embarkation day in your carry-on, not least swimwear, a cover-up, and sunblock." [Celebrity Cruises]

• Pack smart items: Useful items include magnets for cabin walls, a shoe rack for toiletries, a highlighter for daily planners, and a lanyard for your keycard. [The Points Guy]

Onboard Experience:

• Skip the embarkation day buffet: Opt for alternative dining venues to avoid crowds. [The Points Guy]

• Try new things: Embrace the opportunity to sample different cuisines and activities. "Eat the octopus. Have an escargot. Try a vegetable you don't normally eat." [The Street]

• Engage with the crew: They can offer valuable insights and recommendations. "Get to know your crew members – they are from all over the world, and they’ve been all over the world, so they have some amazing stories to tell." [Travel + Leisure]

• Book activities early: Secure spots for shows, tours, and specialty dining in advance. [The Points Guy]

• Don't overschedule: Allow time for relaxation and spontaneity. "Don't feel like you have to do it all. In fact, you should force yourself to try to not do it all." [The Points Guy]

Shore Excursions:

• Consider independent exploration: Some ports are easy to navigate on your own, while others benefit from guided tours. [Celebrity Cruises]

• Carry ship contact info: Be prepared for unexpected situations ashore. [The Points Guy]

• Be mindful of time: Always return to the ship on time, as it won't wait for late passengers. [Celebrity Cruises]

Tech & Finance:

• Use airplane mode: Avoid costly roaming charges by managing your phone usage and utilising onboard Wi-Fi. [The Points Guy]

• Maximise credit card rewards: Use a travel rewards credit card for onboard purchases. [The Points Guy]

• Don't double-tip: Be aware of automatic gratuities included in bar bills and spa treatments. [The Points Guy]