We all could use a vacation once in a while, and going on a cruise is one of the more unique experiences a traveller can have. However, like most first time experiences, booking your first cruise can be an intimidating prospect. There are many things to consider, and there’s a lot of money involved. Getting things wrong could mean that you end up paying far more than you want to. Here are some rules that first-time cruisers need to keep in mind.
Book Through an Agent
It’s tempting to take on cheap cruise offers online, but this option is only worth the money you save if you’ve been on cruises before. First-time cruisers are advised to book through agents to make sure they book the ship that’s right for them. Specialist agencies that sell online cruise tickets are the best choice, as they are the most knowledgeable on the subject matter.
Know Your Fellow Cruisers
It’s important to understand the crowd you’re cruising with. Different lines and ships attract different demographics. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises are mostly composed of Americans, while cruises in Asia are usually composed of people from Singapore.
Arrive the Night Before
Arriving a night before your cruise not only means that you avoid the stress of rushing to reach your departure time, but it also gives you an extra day to explore the port city you’re departing from. You might also want to leverage services like https://www.allcruisehotels.com/ to provide you with accommodations.
Organize Your Trips
It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to do and where you want to visit on your trip, instead of having to book multiple tours in succession. Always do your research and plan your exploration hours carefully. Some ports are easier to explore than others and may even be a better destination.
Know the Currency You’re Being Billed With
All cruise lines use an onboard cashless system that takes account of your expenditures during the cruise. It’s important to know the currency you’re being billed with because this affects the value that your own currency holds. It’s important for travellers to pay attention to the strength of the currency they hold relative to the currency charged by the cruise line they are travelling on, as this determines whether they get more out of their money or they suffer a painful currency conversion fee.
Be Ready for Seasickness
Seasickness isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can ruin a cruise if you’re seasick for the majority of your trip. First-time cruisers are encouraged to minimize their sea days (periods where the ship travels on sea for a whole day). While seasickness can be treated with medication that’s readily available in your ship’s medical centre, it would be best to aim to minimize any discomfort.
Cruise trips are one of the best ways to take some time away from the rigors of modern life. For trips like this, planning could mean the difference between a bad vacation and a good vacation.
