25+ Need-to-Know Cruise Tips

So, you are thinking about taking a cruise. What do you need to know before you book one?

Sometime during the 1990s, we booked our first cruise. A large group of friends from our son’s hockey team decided to take a Spring Break vacation together; there were over 20 of us and more than half were kiddos! We all made our reservations through a travel agent and booked our trip almost a year in advance. This was especially helpful since we could make payments as we wished. Hockey poor, this was the only way we could manage a trip of this magnitude back then.

Carnival Cruise Line was the lucky ship to have us as passengers! Our itinerary left from a port in Florida and we cruised the Western Caribbean with stops in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and New Orleans.

Don’t forget your FREE copy of the Ultimate List of unexpected packing items for your trip!

In typical Zielke fashion, it was a trip to be remembered for its unusual happenings.

The first clue that was going to be a monumental trip, was the timing of the vacation. Our travel agent failed to mention that the ship would be crowded (understatement!!!). Not only did we find that getting a chair poolside would be a challenge, but we learned quickly that getting on and off the ship would take an eternity! If only we had been able to do some research ourselves before booking. The internet did exist back then, but the information was not as readily available as it is now.

This article with 25+ need-to-know cruise tips will help you make the right choices for your trip. We also had a few other not so fun goodies happen on that trip. These highlights included a violent stomach flu for our 8-year-old son and several visits to the infirmary, a jellyfish sting, a too-close-up meeting with a barracuda and of course, luggage that decided to visit New York City instead of Detroit (at least it was on the way home). Believe it or not, we still consider this a great vacation and reminisce about this trip all the time!

Fast forward ten years…

Our kids were older, and it was time for my hubby and me to start traveling on our own. Even though our first cruise was bumpy, we knew that we were meant to be back out on the open seas. The world wide web had grown substantially and as fate would have it, I connected with the BEST travel agent a girl could ever wish for. Her name is Deborah Reilly from KMX Global Travel, a family owned agency.

Through the years, we have booked many trips with Debbie. We have cruised all over the Caribbean and to Alaska too. Many more stops are still on our bucket list of cruising. Not only is Debbie spectacular at her job, but she also became a friend of mine. She has graciously shared some great tips, so that you too, can have an awesome vacation with a lot of phenomenal memories! Another source of good information is on Cruise Critic. With these 25+ need-to-know cruise tips plus the information from KMX Global Travel and tips from Cruise Critic, you will be able to book your trip easily and with confidence.

Let’s first explore some misconceptions about cruising

• • Cruising is all-inclusive. As you will see below, there are many things that may cost extra during your trip. However, if you choose not to drink or take excursions, it will be pretty close to all-inclusive.

• Beware of ads that offer cruises for $150! These advertisements are placed to lure the shopper in and once you are hooked, you will be notified of taxes and port charges that will be added to the fare.
• Cash cannot be used on the ship. This is not true, if you choose to pay in cash, you can do so by depositing it into a shipboard account prior to departure. If not, your credit card will be kept on file with the ship during your trip and charges will be made before disembarking.
• New ships offer 3 & 4-night cruises. Unfortunately, shorter trips are always on older ships. Newer ships are reserved for cruises of 7 days and upwards.

The Ship

There are several different types of cabins (rooms) to choose from depending on your budget or preferences.  Use these cruise tips and know your stateroom style before you book.    

• Interior: These cabins are usually the most affordable but the smallest of the rooms. They do not have any windows at all. Some ships place curtains on the wall to give you the appearance that there is a window.
• Outside/Ocean View: Small windows or large portholes (a round window) are available in this style of cabin. The room itself may be slightly larger than an interior stateroom.
• Balcony Stateroom: A somewhat larger cabin that has a sitting area and its own balcony. These rooms cost more but are definitely a must if you are cruising places like Alaska or Hawaii when you don’t want to miss the view and want to enjoy it from the privacy of your own room. This is one of the best of the 25+ need-to-know cruise tips in this post.
• Suite: An even larger cabin that offers separate living and seating areas plus a lot of extra perks.

What Else Do You Need to Know About Rooms?

• If you are worried about getting seasick, cabin location is important. The lower, more central rooms will not feel as much swaying as the higher decks. When choosing a balcony, aim for midship as low as possible.
• Is walking a problem for you? A cabin nearest to the elevator would be a good choice.
• Are you an early bird? If you hit the sack early, choose a room that is not above or below a nightclub, casino or theater. More cruise tips, elevators can make a ruckus too, so book further away.

Cabin Amenities

• You will live like kings and queens no matter what cabin style you choose! A cabin steward, which is a combination of a maid and a butler, will clean your room and turn down your beds daily. After a long day of excursions or sunbathing, you will return to your room and usually find a piece of candy and an extra surprise on your pillow! Some cruise lines do towel origami in the shape of animals. This is a big hit with kids and adults alike!
• Some of the more pricey rooms include in-cabin bars or spa-related goodies depending on which package you bought.

Concierge Service

• Most cruise lines have a concierge that can help you make dining reservations, book excursions or attend to any extra needs. Check at the front desk once you board to determine who to speak to for this service.

Let’s Talk Food…

• Dining cruise tips – When you make your reservation, you will be given the option to choose a “dinner time” and a table assignment will be made. Think about if you are planning on taking excursions or if you are just hanging out on the ship. Then pick a time that seems like it would work with that. Choosing your dinner schedule is not as constraining as it seems. If you miss your time or just choose not to go at that time, there are plenty of other food options and you will not go hungry. Some cruise lines are now offering Anytime/Freestyle/Open Seating dining that lets you eat when and with whom you choose. Be sure to ask your travel agent which program your ship offers.

Dining Cruise Tips

• You may be assigned a table with other guests that you do not know. At first, this seems intrusive and intimidating. In actuality, it is a highlight of the experience. Lifelong friends can be made just from sharing some meals together.
• Reservations may be required for open seating restaurants, check with the concierge.
• Depending on the length of the cruise, a formal dining night may be offered. You will see tuxedos and ball gowns all the way down to business attire.
• Additional cruise tips – also available are open buffets, snack bars, specialty restaurants, coffee bars, bakeries, and room service. Some of these choices may be included in your fare while others may charge a fee.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

• Juice, coffee, tea, water by the glass, all buffet and main dining room seating/eating are included in the cruise.
• Carbonated and alcoholic beverages, bottled water, specialty coffees and, specialty restaurants are not included. Drink packages for alcohol and pop may be available to purchase ahead of time.
• Land excursions/tours are not included. They can be booked in advance or when you embark (board) the ship. ** The most popular excursions book up quickly, if you wait until you are onboard, they might not be available.
• Airfare and airport transportation is not included either. Your travel agent can add these costs into your reservation when booking your trip.
• Gratuities are not included. Shipboard tipping is expected and will be charged to your shipboard account daily. Please feel free to leave extra money if you feel that your service has been outstanding. Ship employees work very hard for the passengers and they are a big part of why cruising is so popular.

More Helpful Cruise Tips

The Best Cruise Lines for Families:

• Carnival
• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian

The Best Cruise Lines for Adults:

• Celebrity
• MSC
• Viking
• Holland

For adults traveling once empty nesting has occurred, take a moment to read these tips to help you plan a smooth vacation.

The Best Deals

• Book your trip after the kids go back to school in September or after the Christmas/New Year’s Holiday break.

**The highest prices and most crowded trips are during the holidays and school breaks.

• Booking a year or more out may provide some good deals also.

Now you are ready to reserve your cruise!

Cruising is our favorite type of vacation because you get a lot for your money and we have seen so many places that would otherwise have been missed.

Debbie stated, “Cruising is a great way to travel and see many different areas in a short time frame and the ships are amazing!”

For more questions or to access some incredible deals, give Debbie a call at 248.652.1795, or email her at dreilly@kmxglobal.net. Now that you have read these 25+ need-to-know cruise tips, you will add cruising to your list of favorite ways to travel too!

Leave me a comment below and tell me about your trips!

Take a moment and browse through some additional articles about living a happy midlife.

• The Beginner’s Guide to Empty Nesting
• 13 Ideas for Investing in Yourself