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You always remember your first event – be it a kiss, a car or a cruise – because of this dizzying combination of anticipation and anxiety. (My first cruise took place in the Caribbean in 1999.) For a novice, all the decisions that are necessary when it comes to taking a cruise – boat, cabin, clothing, tips, etc. – can be overwhelming, especially when you are not running a cruise.
To quell the anxiety felt by novices, I asked colleagues and veterans of the cruise: "What would you like to know before your first cruise?". I then phoned David Swanson, president of the Society of American Travel Writers, who has taken over 40 cruises in the past six years. What follows is our collective wisdom, which will help ensure smooth sailing.
Choose the right cruise
Instead of spending days looking for lines and cruising routes, "find a travel agent specializing in cruises and, more importantly, taking a large number," says Swanson. "Every cruise company and every ship has its own personality and a cruise specialist can find you the best match."
If the Caribbean, Alaska and the Mediterranean remain the most popular destinations, an experienced agent can find a cruise to an isolated Indonesian island, if you prefer. There are tailor-made cruises for singles, couples, families with children, older adults, party-goers and adventurers. Various ships offer laser beacons, water slides, practical kitchens and butler service. Some are as compact as 125 passengers, while megaships such as Symphony of the Seas can accommodate more than 5,500 passengers plus the crew.
[Nine things cruise newbies need to know before walking the gangplank]
There are benefits for everyone. With more amenities, restaurants and entertainment, the large ships will entertain you at any time of the day and into the night. Small vessels (less than 500 passengers) can reach the ports that can not be accessed by adults. Plus, you get to know the crew and your name and preferences, whether it's hot English milk tea or extra bath towels.
Whatever your ship and your destination, purchase travel insurance that protects you in case of critical illness, accident, delay in transit or loss of your luggage.
Choose the right cabin
The hut choices are usually simple: interior (no view), exterior (sea view with a window or porthole), balcony (exterior room with a private balcony) and suite (a larger cabin often with seating areas and separate bedroom and private balcony). New ships such as the Royal Caribbean Oasis Class have added another option: cabins overlooking park-like atriums.
Examine deck plans carefully to determine the exact location of the cabin you are selling. Light sleepers will want to avoid one under the dance floor of the disco or just above the engine room. For maximum stability, reserve a mid-ship cabin. This is where you will feel the least movement.
Pre-Book
Popular shore excursions with limited space, such as dog sledding or a cooking class in a chef's private house, fill up quickly. Once opened, access your ship's online reservation system to secure your seat. The same goes for tables in specialty restaurants, spa treatments (especially sea days, when you do not stop in any port) and shows.
Light pack
Nobody cares to wear the same outfit more than once. Pack enough washable and quick-drying clothes for half of your trip. Mix in a sweater; even when cruising in hot weather, ships can be cold. Bring a few pairs of shoes – one for walking and a more elegant pair for the dining room – as well as flip-flops for cruising in hot weather.
Some ships still have formal parties where everyone plays the pomp, but you do not need to break the diamonds or the tuxedo. Women can cope with a cocktail dress or pantsuit and men with a jacket and tie. If you hate dressing, opt for the buffet or consider it an excellent excuse to order room service.
[How to choose the right cruise: a flow chart]
Most ships offer free self-service laundromats with irons, as well as pay laundry services. Some charge per item, others per laundry bag filled. Laundries are the busiest on the sea days, so fight before breakfast, very late or, if you're not on shore excursion, at noon when the boat is in the back.
Another essential packaging: a double voltage extension. The cabins have only a handful of electrical outlets and are not always very accessible. A simple multi-plug is all you need to charge everything.
Be early
This may seem obvious, but arrive at least a day earlier at your departure port. This alleviates worries about delayed flights or missing the boat. Once the ship is open for boarding, its restaurants and facilities are fully operational. Leave your suitcases to the porters and leave early with a carry-on bag filled with everything you'll need to keep you entertained for a few hours. You can have lunch, familiarize yourself with the ship and, if you have prepared your swimsuit and sunscreen, relax by the pool before the ship leaves the harbor.
Before sailing, each ship must hold a "rally" (emergency exercise), during which each passenger is taken into account with an orange lifejacket in hand. It is a requirement that you can not ignore; Believe me, you do not want this person to be paged by the speaker.
Unless your vessel allows you to disembark with your luggage, prepare to leave them outside your cabin the night before your arrival at the port. You'll get it back at the dock. Passengers usually disembark in groups, depending on their transportation needs.
Explore the practicalities
Empty suitcases are usually stored under the bed, but nothing says they should be empty. Let them serve as storage for rarely used materials and souvenirs.
Read the program of activities, events and shows of the ship the next day before going to bed. Highlight what you want to do and take the calendar with you.
You can find a quiet spot on the liveliest ships, says Swanson. The salons, discotheques and theaters remain open even if there is no animation. Examine the ship's program for gaps in the use of a place. On some ships, if you are willing to shell out more money, you can pay for private spaces with chairs.
Rates for your mobile phone plan do not apply at sea. Turn off your phone or set it to flight mode to avoid high roaming charges.
Ships offer WiFi, but it can be expensive and slow. Swanson buys the cheapest package available and extends its use. He downloads his email, then, for all those who require a one-sentence answer, disconnects, composes his responses offline, and then reconnects for sending.
Eat well (and drink)
An unequivocal fact: you will not be hungry on a cruise. To avoid the breakfast buffet snake line, skip it and head to the main dining room. There are rarely many people, you order from a menu and you feel like you're having fun.
Do the math before you buy an "at will" package. They go up to $ 70 per person per day, plus a mandatory tip of 15 to 18%. You may have to order up to 10 cocktails a day to get in advance. Even soft drinks for soft drinks, bottled water and coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos) can cost up to $ 29 a day.
Manage your money
Unless your charges are all inclusive, expect to spend money during the cruise and settle in at the end of the trip. You can be rang for WiFi; restaurants other than the main dining room and the buffet; shore excursions; and spa treatments.
Most vessels automatically add tips to your final bill – between $ 12 and $ 20 per person per day. This money is distributed among dining room staff, flight attendants and other staff members.
Even if you are registering a credit card when you board, it is wise to bring cash, business guides of five, five people, for small purchases and for cruising staff who go out of their way
Get leave on land
Shore excursions are the reason for many cruises. There are two schools of thought. Some experts say that you should sign up for those offered by the cruise company; which guarantees that you will be treated with care and returned on board at the indicated time. Others claim that cruise lines work with the same tour operators that you can book yourself, but increase the price and you are afraid to think that the ship will leave without you in case of delay.
My advice? Take the middle road. As stated above, ships display their trip itineraries and prices online well before you leave. Search for ports and delve into the details of the tour: How long is the bus ride? Are you going to see the most important sites for you? Is there free time? Then compare the prices. An external provider can save you money and allow you to maximize your time.
Small ports are ideal for exploring alone, especially if the dock is within walking distance. If walking is not an option, most ships offer free shuttles. And there is no shame in staying aboard. Those who do it say it's like having your own private yacht for yourself.
Daily is a writer based in Denver. His website is dailywriter.net.
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