First Time Cruisers: Helpful Hints!

There is a first time for everything and you are about to experience YOUR FIRST CRUISE! I have observed and spoken with first-timers on several cruises and was amazed by their confusion and troubled about how much they had missed out on because they weren’t informed about some of the basic things one would need to know. I have put together this information guideline just for my special first-time cruisers. You will be a little better informed of what to expect when you board your ship for the beginning of a great adventure.

• Upon arriving at the port terminal your luggage will be taken to be placed outside your cabin within about 2 hours of boarding. (Be sure you have attached the ship tags provided with your ticket and that they are completely filled out!) If you have any medications or items that are necessary for you to have with you, take a carry-on bag on board with you.
• You will probably stand in line for a while---some are longer than others. Have your ticket, picture ID, proof of citizenship, or passport with you and readily available. Have all embarkation forms filled out before arrival.
• Once you have boarded the ship, the ship will either have a booth set up to give you your cabin keys or they will be on the dresser in your cabin.
• Ships use a cashless system. You will open an on-board credit account and all purchases will be charged to it (beauty shop, massage parlor, land tours, bar, gift shop). At the end of the cruise you may pay these charges by cash or major credit card. If you do not have a major credit card, you will be asked to put up a cash deposit at the beginning of your cruise.
• In your cabin will also be a daily program listing of all activities and the times of each for the day. You will receive one every evening for the next day. Be sure and read this thoroughly as you won’t want to miss out on one of your favorite activities! You can even request wake-up calls!
• Your cabin steward is there to make your cruise comfortable. If you have any special needs or questions concerning your cabin, start with him. He can provide you with extra towels or washcloths, show you how to work the heat/a.c., get extra blankets or pillows, get a repair man to the cabin if there is a problem (very rare). The purser at the main desk can help with all other questions regarding your cruise.
• Find the Bon Voyage Buffet (usually on the Lido Deck near poolside) and start enjoying being pampered and full! Tea, water, juice, and coffee are free. There is a charge for soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. Tips are added onto the bill, so don’t add another tip! All food is included in the price of your cruise.
• You have either pre-selected the early or late sitting for dining. Try to be on time so that your table companions don’t have to wait to begin being served until you arrive. Get ready for a wonderful dining experience---the service, the table settings, the food! Be aware that if the choice of entrees is simply too scrumptious for you to make a choice, you can have them ALL if you want. My wife and I usually order two different entrees and share so we get to try a variety of things, but don’t overeat. On the other hand, if you don’t happen to care for anything (very rare), you can simply ask what else is available. Requests for special dietary needs are also available. Your server will do everything in his power to make sure you are full and happy!
• You can also enjoy room service---morning coffee for those slow risers or breakfast in bed! Check your room service guide in your cabin for times and menus.
• Be sure and check out ALL of the entertainment on board---there are smaller clubs, piano bars, and discos---some with great hidden talent that we have found to be the best part of the cruise entertainment!
• A hint for ladies and gentlemen alike---leave your un-needed credit cards, wallets, checkbooks, and purses at home. You can’t use them anywhere! All you need is your boarding pass card and picture I.D., a major credit card, and of course, cash. The less you have to carry and keep up with the more unencumbered you will be to carry that camera!
• TIPS! Set your cash aside for tips at the beginning of your trip so you don’t run short. The service you will receive will be well worth what you will spend. A general guideline for tipping is to plan for about $3.50 per passenger per day for both the cabin steward and dining room waiter, $1.50 per day per passenger for the busboy. Other ship board personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
• On your final evening aboard, you will be expected to have all your luggage packed and outside your cabin door by midnight. Don’t forget to leave out some clothes to wear in the morning!

Last, but certainly not least, feel free to be yourself and let your hair down! To maximize your cruise experience, join in the games and activities.

BON VOYAGE!

From John Shaw
Master Cruise Counselor
Cruiselife Travel & tours