Travel Tips for First-Time Cruisers

Warmer weather naturally makes us start thinking about summer—specifically, summer vacation! Whether you visit the same destination every year or change up your adventures, vacations are a great way to unwind, recharge, enjoy a change of scenery, and spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest.

If you’re thinking of doing something different this summer, cruising is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to vacation.  You can book getaways for as little as three days, or for as long as your budget and schedule will allow.  Cruising might seem expensive, but if you break it down, it’s really a great value—think of how expensive it would be to visit each port of call by itself, not to mention your lodging and meals (your flight to the departure port would be an additional expense, so that is something to consider when planning).  Cruises are often seen as travel for the over-65 set, but cruise lines have come a long way and now truly offer something for everyone. The idea of spending several days at sea might make you nervous, but focus on the experience of seeing new places, meeting new people, rather than the fact that you’re on a ship.  Follow the rules and regulations (and you can expect a safety or “muster” drill within your first few hours onboard), but focus on the positive rather than potential safety risks.  You need a passport if you’ll be sailing in international waters (even if you’re cruising from the U.S. to Canada). If you need a passport, make sure your application is sent a few months before your trip, as it can take 6-8 weeks to process.

Ready to move forward? Below are a few more tips for first-time cruisers.

Use a travel agent.  Most vacations can be scheduled with a few clicks, but booking a cruise is a little more involved and a travel agent can help you every step of the way.  Agents can find you under-the-radar deals and discounts, process your check-in paperwork and other necessary forms, and answer any questions that might pop up while you’re planning.  

Take your room card with you everywhere. One of the first things you’ll learn when you board the ship is that your room card is essentially your lifeline, because it’s both your room key and debit card. You use it for any onboard purchases, then you’ll get a summary of your expenses at the end of the cruise.  Although your room and most of your meals are included, alcohol, shore excursions, some onboard services (like a massage) and certain specialty restaurants may have additional costs.  

Have a buddy. Cruise ships are getting bigger all the time, and until you and your group familiarize yourself with the layout of your ship, it can be overwhelming.  It’s best to meander around the ship with at least one other member of your group.

Learn your way around the ship. A week to 10 days is a long time. Do you know how to get to the main dining room, pool, or fitness center?  What if you want a bite to eat or something to drink at 1 a.m.—do you know what’s open? Wander around the ship and find out where things are.

Don’t stay in your cabin! Unless you’re staying in a deluxe oceanside suite with a balcony, your stateroom is probably pretty small. Don’t spend more time in your room than necessary—there’s a whole ship outside your room to explore and thousands of fascinating people to meet! No matter which cruise line you sail with, you can expect two things: lots of food, and lots of activity.  Lectures, dance and art classes, shows, games, movies—you name it, it’s probably happening somewhere on the ship! Sure, the ports are fun and fascinating, but you can have just as much fun onboard.  Talk to people outside of your group—this is probably one of the few opportunities you’ll have to meet folks from around the country, if not the world. Make the most of it!

Whether you’re cruising nationally or internationally, travel insurance can give you additional peace of mind if your trip is cut short or cancelled. At ETA Benefits Group, we work with several providers that sell this valuable protection. For international travelers, consider travel medical and international health insurance, which can cover any expenses related to accident or injury. Contact us to learn more.

Have you ever been on a cruise? What other travel tips would you add? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!