Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Taking Your First Cruise: Everything You Need to Know Complete Guide

first time cruise

A few exceptions include shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and upgrades. Dance events and chamber orchestras are also a popular fixture of cruise ships, and there will always be plenty of family friendly options for passengers with kids. Norovirus can spread relatively quickly through cruise ships and it can knock you out for several days. Help yourself and other passengers out by using hand sanitizer before and after meals, and regularly throughout the day. Room service is often included in the price of the cruise – something that tends to delight first time cruisers, but some cruiselines ask for an additional fee for room service at night.

I’m so happy you’re here!

These newer ships can have a bustling resort vibe that will keep you busy no matter what your cabin type. What you need for your cruise generally depends on your cruise itinerary, how long you're traveling and your travel destination, but you can check out our ultimate packing list for guidance. This five-night cruise straight out of the Big Apple is the perfect close-by option for those living in the tri-state area. Carnival Venezia is a unique ship in the Carnival fleet, recently renovated and sporting a very Italian theme throughout — specifically Venice. Many travel agents will throw in perks as a thank you for your business, too, like onboard credit or welcome treats in your stateroom. Using a travel agent is completely free to you as the customer — they are paid through commissions from the cruise line.

What’s the best way to book a cruise?

If you’re driving to the cruise port, then you should know that it doesn’t get any more convenient than with the official port parking lots. They are typically right at the cruise terminal, so you unload and head right to check-in. Who isn’t turned off by the intrusive security at airports these days? From having to empty water bottles, to taking off shoes, to raising your hands and being scanned by a machine, it’s awful. Thankfully, cruise security is much more like flying used to be. You’ll step through a metal detector and your bags will go on an x-ray machine.

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The best first cruise on Royal Caribbean

It’s best to research exactly what is included in what you are paying because you don’t want to be hit with a huge alcohol bill at the end of the cruise. When planning your trip, research what will be included in your fare and budget accordingly. When you book a cruise, most of your meals and entertainment are usually included in the fare. Spa Staterooms are another option on some ships and offer daily entry into the spa to enjoy the thermal pool, saunas, and other offerings (it will vary by ship). Some regular staterooms also sleep up to 5 people (it varies by line), but that would be really tight for adults (in our opinion). You may not be in the room except for sleeping, but trying to get ready in the tiny cruise ship bathrooms would be a nightmare for us.

first time cruise

An amped-up mix of a resort-style escape and a memory-maxing voyage to bucket-list destinations. Delicious dining, spectacular Broadway productions, and activities for every family member – a Royal Caribbean® cruise from Southampton is an adventure with no wave left unturned. First-time cruisers will quickly learn that cruise ship pool decks never have enough lounge chairs in the ideal locations near the pool, whether you’re seeking sun or shade.

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Just because there is a schedule of activities doesn’t mean you have to follow it. The theater, however, is just a drop in the bucket of the things to do. There are pools, hot tubs, the casino, spa, waterslides, shopping, sport courts, and more. Newer ships will often have more things to do, including things as crazy as go-karts and a roller coaster or zipline. Your CabinWhile on the ship, the cabin on the ship is your home away from home.

Best Disney cruise for first-time cruising families

Parking is always available at the port, but can be expensive. Instead, many hotels near cruise ports offer free or cheap parking if you stay with them the night before your cruise. It’s an easy way to save $100 or more if you plan to stay the night before anyway. Outlet AdapterOn your first cruise, it won’t be on your mind about plugging in electronics.

If you cause trouble on the ship, you are at risk of being removed

Many of the ports in the Caribbean and Mexico are Spanish-speaking countries, whereas others may speak Dutch or French. The cruise ports thrive on tourism and they make it as easy as possible for foreign tourists to get around. Practically everyone you encounter will speak English, so you can leave the Spanish dictionary at home.

Pack a Small Fan For Your Cabin

Cabins and suites across the fleet will tempt you to stay in rather than go out. Celebrity's innovative infinite veranda affords a bit more space and privacy than a typical cruise ship balcony while still letting couples enjoy the ocean breezes and views. The line has a broad range of itineraries that make it easy for solos to explore the globe. Looking for more food choices than you can try on a single cruise? Affordable interior-facing cabins and also extravagant suites with butler service? The best cruises for first-time cruisers are the ones that match your vacation dreams with the amenities, activities and ambiance a cruise line actually offers.

These days, it’s largely moved to digital, making it more convenient. One thing to note is that many ports of call have welcome areas right at the end of the dock. This often includes shops, restaurants, and spots to book excursions if you haven’t already. If you don’t feel like going anywhere, these spots offer something to do off the ship. If you plan on drinking a lot, then cruise lines also sell alcohol packages.

Cruise ships offer shore excursions, essentially tours that take place in each port. Silversea Cruises packs your cruise with luxury touches, including butler service for every suite, lavish spa facilities and gourmet dining. With all-inclusive fares, your only additional charges might be spa treatments, ultra-premium drinks or private shore excursions. These are usually organized activities or tours you can join and explore the local area with other passengers.

Along with the excitement of planning your first cruise, there's a lot of lingo and plenty of decisions to navigate. Luckily, Cruise Critic's global team of cruise experts have decades of experience and thousands of cruises under their belts. On board, parents can take advantage of the adults-only pool and bars while kids enjoy the Oceaneer Club. Plus, the quality of the service and food on DCL is next-to-none. The cruise line is excellent at creating an unforgettable family vacation. For families who already love the Disney parks or just love Disney’s classic tales, taking a Disney cruise is an excellent way to foray into vacations on the high seas.

At that time you’ll want to put any bags (with the provided luggage tags) you won’t carry off yourself outside your room. The staff will pick them up, and your bags will be waiting for you in the terminal when you get off the ship the next morning. Instead, your cruise keycard and a photo ID (like a license) are asked for. Having a copy of your passport or birth certificate are simply nice to have in case you need it. They will provide something to show any officials in a pinch, and you can keep your real documents safe on the ship.

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