We’ve gone on several cruises through the years - as a couple, with family, and as part of a large cohort of work colleagues. Every one of them has been fun, and while not every vacation we go on is a cruise, there are several advantages. 

Uncomplicated Planning

Once you determine when and where you want to go, the planning is pretty much done. You may need to figure out how you are getting to the cruise port or find a hotel if you want to arrive the day before, but that’s it. Contrast that with other vacations where you determine an itinerary and are the primary researcher of hotels, restaurants, entertainment, points of interest, transportation, and all other logistics. 

Unpack Once - See Multiple Destinations

Once you arrive on the ship and unpack, your cabin becomes your home. Each day when you awake, you are in a different port. You have the advantage of experiencing a different location each day, but don’t have to pack and unpack your suitcase. And there are plenty of destination options, some of which are better to visit from a cruise ship like Alaska or the Norway Fjords. Even a vacation to the Caribbean is nice on a cruise. You are able to visit many islands on one trip, rather than spending all seven of your vacation days on one island. 

A Unique Experience for Every Traveler

Cruising is wonderful as a romantic voyage for two or as a multigenerational family reunion. There is something for everyone. Not all travelers want the same thing from their vacation. There are some folks who think a vacation is all about relaxing at a beach or by a pool with a good book. There are others who believe vacations should be chock full of exciting activities. All can have the vacation of their dreams on a cruise. You are together but can do separate things if you choose.

Enjoy the Journey and the Destination

On the larger ships, there are so many onboard activities, including spa services, shopping, gambling, swimming, escape rooms, dancing lessons, fitness classes, ziplining, pickleball, table tennis, broadway shows, and so much more. On smaller ships, like Viking River Cruises, there are guest lecturers and historians on board, cooking classes, and TedX talks. This ensures that the journey to your destination is as much fun as the destination itself. You can take part in as many activities as you want or as few. Cruise lines curate specific experiences for you once you reach your destination. A variety of excursions are vetted for safety and are offered at every port.

Feel Pampered and Cared For

Who doesn’t enjoy feeling special? Every staff member works hard to see that your every need is attended to. Your luggage is delivered to your cabin. You have a private room attendant and steward that will get you anything you want and who cleans your cabin once or twice each day. It’s always clean. Room service is available at all hours of the day and night. Your waitstaff remembers your favorite drink, your allergies, and even the type of bread you like in the bread basket.

Great Value

There is a cruise to fit every budget and every schedule. Some cruise lines are more luxurious than others, of course, but they all have one thing in common - they’re all inclusive. Included in the cost of the vacation is your accommodation, food, beverages, daytime and evening entertainment, and transportation between locations. Booking ahead, not traveling during school vacations or holidays, choosing an inside cabin, and waiting for a sale (typically around Thanksgiving) could mean a great vacation that costs between $100-200 per person per day. All that and an ocean view!

Here are a few of my top tips that will make you look like an experienced cruiser.

1. Download the cruise line app before you go so that you can manage reservations and familiarize yourself with deck maps. It is also handy to have the app so that while on the cruise, you can check your charges each day and promptly resolve any issues that may arise.

2. Shows, spas, and activities book up quickly. Sign up in advance using the app. For maximum savings, you’ll want to book extras like wifi, excursions and drink packages before you go as well. 

3. Consider purchasing luggage tag holders. Each cruise line has their own and they are easily found on Amazon. The cruise line will email luggage tags that are printed at home. The paper tags are wrapped around your luggage handle and stapled. Using a luggage tag holder gives peace of mind that the paper won’t be ripped off your luggage, and no one wants lost luggage. (See luggage tags for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Carnival, Holland America, Disney Cruises)

4. Before you cross the gangway, put your phone on airplay mode. You’ll still have access to your cruise line app. If you sign up for the ship’s wi-fi, you can make calls and receive texts. What you don’t want to see is “cellular at sea” since that will cost you a small fortune.

5. For embarkation, you won’t have access to your luggage. Plan to carry a small backpack or bag and pack it with items you’ll need right away - like your bathing suit, a book or any medications. That way you can enjoy your time right away instead of waiting for your luggage to be delivered to your room. You should also keep your passport and any valuables in the carry-on backpack.

6. As soon as you can, unpack your luggage. There is ample space for all of your clothes and toiletries in your cabin. Hang your dresses, shirts and trousers and put items in the drawers provided. The empty suitcases can be stored under the bed. It will take you all of 20 minutes and give you a sense of being “home” to take advantage of unpacking only once on your vacation. Besides, keeping all of your items in the suitcase wastes valuable space in your cabin. Put your passports and valuables in your safe right away. On the ship, you’ll only need your SeaPass to pay for everything and unlock your door. Putting a card holder on the back of your phone makes for a convenient place to put your SeaPass, since most folks carry their phone with them.

7. Take the stairs instead of the elevator if you are only traveling three or four floors. Waiting for an elevator can take patience and walking is a faster way to get to your destination. Besides, you’ll want to burn calories!

8. Shore Excursion Items and Bag. Especially when traveling to a warm destination where you expect to spend some time at a beach, you’ll want to leave the ship with a watertight bag so that you can keep your phone and valuables with you at all times rather than leaving them on the beach while you take a dip in the ocean. I recommend this Freegrace pouch; though some prefer something a bit more simple like this waterproof phone case on a lanyard. And don’t forget the sunscreen! If you are traveling to Alaska, you’ll want to include bug spray and a rain poncho in your excursion bag. If you are planning to snorkel on your trip and have extra room in your luggage, it makes sense to bring your own mask and snorkel. It’s comforting to know yours is the only mouth the snorkel has seen.

9. Pack cruise essentials. Here are some items that might make sense for you to bring. 

1. A power adapter without a surge protector will provide extra plugs, which are in short supply in your cabin. 

2. It’s pretty dark in your cabin, even if you’re in a balcony, so you may want to bring a night light.

3. Ziploc bags come in very handy if you want to bring items from the buffet back to your cabin for a late night snack. 

4. Towel clips or towel bands are a must if you spend time near the pool. It can get breezy on deck and you’ll want clips to keep your towel on your lounge chair while you’re swimming. 

5. Cabin bathrooms do not have a fan. Poo-pourri is essential. You don’t want to forget to bring that.

6. A wad of $1 bills. Gratuities are added automatically to your bill and are distributed to cabin stewards, bartenders, baggage handlers, and restaurant staff such as waiters and Maitre d’s. However, if you are at the pool and want super speedy and attentive service, hand a few dollars over to the waiter from time to time. Likewise, providing a small tip when room service is delivered is greatly appreciated. The Points Guy has a great blog post all about tipping on various cruise lines.

7. TSA-approved wrinkle release spray, laundry suds packets, and Tide to Go. Unlike a hotel room on land, you will not have access to an iron, steamer or washer and dryer - unless you want to pay a fee to have someone take care of that for you. 

8. Some folks bring magnetic hooks. Your cabin is made of metal, and magnetic hooks can be affixed anywhere. They are handy for hanging a wet bathing suit, a baseball cap, or even a lanyard.

10. For maximum flexibility, carry your own luggage off the ship during disembarkation. The night before the cruise ends, you will be asked to pack up your items and leave your suitcase outside your cabin door. Staff will come by in the middle of the night to collect the luggage you leave out. Typically, you are given a timeframe during which you are encouraged to disembark. When your time finally comes to leave, you will be brought to a huge room where all the luggage is left out for you to find before going home. It is a very organized process. However, if you have an early flight and want to disembark the ship when you want, it is best if you keep your luggage with you rather than leaving it out the night before. 

Cruising is a wonderful way to travel. It’s a floating resort that you can enjoy before getting to your destination. Cruises can be booked directly with the cruise line, but if you feel more comfortable working with an experienced cruise travel agent, there are two that I would recommend - Crucon.com and Mindy Breitman of Cruise Planners.

To see the list of cruise essential items to purchase, please see this page.

For the experienced cruisers out there, what are some of your top tips? Please share in the comments. We all benefit from shared wisdom.