So, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and find out what it is that makes a cruise so appealing. It will certainly be a unique experience. The vast majority of people take to cruising like a duck to water. In order to help you prepare, Feet Do Travel share a few useful tips to help make the experience an unforgettable one.
Start with a Short Cruise
It doesn’t make sense to book a 4-week cruise as your very first experience. Rather, book a 2-3 day cruise which will be enough for you to discover whether or not you enjoy life on the high seas. For example, if you wanted to cruise Australia, there are cheap Brisbane cruise deals with short trips that are ideal for the newbie.
You can relax and enjoy the experience. Once you have experienced a few days on board a cruise liner, you can plan a longer cruise next time, and with cruises to suit all age groups, there’s bound to be something perfect.
Cruise Sustainably
Whilst cruising has its perks, not all cruise liners care about the environment and have been fined millions of dollars for illegally dumping contaminated waste into the ocean. Consider choosing a smaller ship which creates a little less drag in the water which saves fuel. Another benefit of smaller ships means less people. If you want more tips, here are 10 ideas for more sustainable cruise travel.
Packing for a Cruise
Absolutely everyone packs too much for their first cruise, mainly because they don’t know what to expect. Once you have laid out everything you plan to include in your luggage, go through it again and remove items you aren’t likely to need. Things to include are SD cards for stills and video, enough personal hygiene items to cover you for the duration, and at least one formal outfit for evening dinners. There is more information online about taking your very first cruise, which is recommended reading for all newbies
It doesn’t make sense to book a 4-week cruise as your very first experience. Rather, book a 2-3 day cruise which will be enough for you to discover whether or not you enjoy life on the high seas. For example, if you wanted to cruise Australia, there are cheap Brisbane cruise deals with short trips that are ideal for the newbie.
You can relax and enjoy the experience. Once you have experienced a few days on board a cruise liner, you can plan a longer cruise next time, and with cruises to suit all age groups, there’s bound to be something perfect.
Cruise Sustainably
Whilst cruising has its perks, not all cruise liners care about the environment and have been fined millions of dollars for illegally dumping contaminated waste into the ocean. Consider choosing a smaller ship which creates a little less drag in the water which saves fuel. Another benefit of smaller ships means less people. If you want more tips, here are 10 ideas for more sustainable cruise travel.
Packing for a Cruise
Absolutely everyone packs too much for their first cruise, mainly because they don’t know what to expect. Once you have laid out everything you plan to include in your luggage, go through it again and remove items you aren’t likely to need. Things to include are SD cards for stills and video, enough personal hygiene items to cover you for the duration, and at least one formal outfit for evening dinners. There is more information online about taking your very first cruise, which is recommended reading for all newbies
Wondering what to pack for your cruise? Let us help you with the essentials in our Ultimate Packing List for Worldwide Travel (tried and tested!)
Arrive Early
Boarding can be a little hectic, and arriving close to departure time is strictly for cruise veterans who know the ropes. Allow yourself at least four hours, which is more than ample time to get yourself checked in and your luggage unpacked.
Keep Important Documentation in a Safe Place
Your passport and berth information, along with insurance policies, should be stored somewhere safe and easily accessible. You should keep all documentation in your carry-on luggage, rather than putting them in your main luggage.
Attend the Safety Drills
It is vital that you know emergency procedures, and every passenger is expected to be present for this short, but very informative meeting, when you will be educated regarding drills. Of course, the chances of anything happening are very remote, but you do need to know the drill, which, if needed, might save your life!
Get Acquainted with your Ship
The modern cruise liner is akin to a floating city, and by taking deck maps, you can begin to explore, which is also great fun. Some people are better at navigating the multiple decks than others. It shouldn’t take long before you have a basic understanding of where things are.
Your passport and berth information, along with insurance policies, should be stored somewhere safe and easily accessible. You should keep all documentation in your carry-on luggage, rather than putting them in your main luggage.
Attend the Safety Drills
It is vital that you know emergency procedures, and every passenger is expected to be present for this short, but very informative meeting, when you will be educated regarding drills. Of course, the chances of anything happening are very remote, but you do need to know the drill, which, if needed, might save your life!
Get Acquainted with your Ship
The modern cruise liner is akin to a floating city, and by taking deck maps, you can begin to explore, which is also great fun. Some people are better at navigating the multiple decks than others. It shouldn’t take long before you have a basic understanding of where things are.
Your very first cruise will certainly be an enlightening experience, and by following the above advice, you will soon get the hang of life aboard a cruise liner. There’s so much to see and do onboard. You will make some new friends, while enjoying the unique experience of a cruise holiday.
Is cruising all it's cracked up to be? Only you can decide, so get looking and start booking!
Is cruising all it's cracked up to be? Only you can decide, so get looking and start booking!
