5 Tips For Better Cruise Vacations

Going on a cruise is not just about the ports and the buffet, here are some simple things you can do to maximize the enjoyment and fun of any cruise vacation. Tips include ideas on how to get better service, plan for shore excursions and take advanatage of all the cruise ship activities.

Always Ask for the Service You Want on a Cruise

Cruise staff are trained to accommodate guests. Don’t like where your dinner table is located, ask your head waiter for a change. Go to your purser’s desk and ask for a possible room upgrade. If there’s a room available you just might get it. Not happy with the service you received, ask for ship credit to compensate. Ship credit costs the ship nothing and ensures a happy guest – why wouldn’t they give it to you.

Do the Macarena

Yes, it’s cheesy. But it is way more fun to dance, then to sit and watch. So get up and do the electric slide, line up for the limbo and show off your cha-cha-cha. Where else do you get a chance to do the YMCA and chicken dance with people you’ll never see again?

Read the Daily Planner

Every night, your room steward will place in your room a daily agenda or planner listing the ship’s activities for the next day. Planning out your day ensures you don’t miss Bingo at 3 pm or the Magician Show at 8 pm.

Learn the Ship’s Layout

Portside is left. Starboard is right. Bow is front and the stern is the back. When asking for directions, you will most likely hear cruise staff say Deck 14 forward or Deck 7 mid-ship or Deck 8 aft. The three sections of the ship – forward, mid, and aft are usually separated by a row of elevators. Find the deck which has an easy walk path from the front of the ship to the rear. This is the most useful deck - it is the easiest way to get from one end of the ship to the other. If lost, you can locate yourself (front, mid, aft) on this useful deck and then take the elevator to the deck you want.

Plan Your Shore Excursions

Do your homework. Most cruise lines post their shore excursions online or offer you a brochure when you book your cruise. Booking early ensures you get the excursions you want as many trips sell out. Also, do some research on whether you can easily explore the port on your own. Some ports are located near the city centre allowing you to easily walk or take a taxi to the main attractions. Many individual tour operators also offer specialized tours that can cost much less the than the ship’s excursions.

And finally, a note on sea sickness. The best place to be when the ship is rocky is smack in the centre of the boat. So find yourself a seat in the middle of the ship, on one of the middle decks. It also helps if you are near a window where you can keep your eyes on the horizon. Looking out at the horizon helps steady yourself amidst the currents.

Cruise Vacations

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