How to Make the Most Out of a Cruise Ship Vacation
So, you’ve booked a cruise – or maybe you’re about to – and the excitement is real. We’re talking a floating hotel, endless ocean views, new ports to explore, food around every corner, and absolutely no need to make your bed. What’s not to love?
Well, before you slip into vacation mode, a little preparation goes a long way. It’s part of the fun, and it’ll help you squeeze every drop of fun out of your cruise adventure.
Let’s walk through the entire experience together – from start to finish. We’ll start with the packing process at home and end with the bittersweet moment when you’re stepping off the ship for the last time.
How to Pack Smart
Cruises are a little different from your average land-based vacation. You’re packing for multiple destinations, formal dinners, poolside cocktails, and adventurous excursions – all from the same suitcase.
When it comes to clothes, versatility is your best friend. Pack layers because sea days can start cool and end warm, depending on the region you’re sailing to. Swimsuits, casual outfits, and at least one or two dressy looks for formal nights are must-haves. Comfortable shoes are a game changer – flip-flops for the pool, sneakers for excursions or walking laps on the deck, and something a little nicer for dinners.
A small day bag is also important for your excursions. Don’t forget travel-sized toiletries, even though most ships provide the basics. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential, no matter where you’re headed. If you want to keep your devices charged without wrestling over the limited outlets in your cabin, pack a small USB hub.
Motion sickness remedies, even if you’ve never felt seasick before, are helpful to have on hand. It’s one of those “just in case” additions to your bag that are worth it. Also, a refillable water bottle will help you stay hydrated on the ship and on the shorelines.
Of course, no cruise checklist is complete without the proper paperwork. Make sure your passport is valid and will not expire within the next six months. Pack printed copies of your boarding passes, luggage tags, and excursion confirmations. It may seem old-school, but paper backups never hurt anyone, and they take up hardly any space in your bag. To dive a little deeper, here are 17 cruise essentials to pack on your next trip.
How to Prep for Embarkation Day
Embarkation day is the official start of your floating getaway, and it helps to show up ready to rock. One of the easiest ways to save time is by checking in online well before the cruise. Most cruise lines allow online check-in weeks in advance. Doing so early usually means you’ll get an assigned boarding time, which can save you from waiting in long lines at the terminal.
Once you board, you might not have immediate access to your checked luggage, so be smart about what you carry onto the ship. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, medications, a change of clothes, and all your important documents in your carry-on so you can hit the ground running – or hit the pool, depending on your mood.
As soon as you’re on board and have your bearings, grab a ship map or open your cruise app and explore. It’s much easier to feel at home for the rest of your trip when you already know where the coffee bar, spa, pool, and theater are located.
How to Maximize Your Time On Board
Cruise ships are basically floating cities designed to spoil you from sunrise to sunset. Whether you want action-packed days or lazy, lounge-around afternoons, your ship will offer both. The key is knowing how to balance excitement with relaxation so you don’t burn out on day two or miss something you would’ve loved.
Every night, your cabin steward will give you a printed schedule. Of course, the cruise app will also update with the next day’s lineup. This is your treasure map to all things fun, including trivia contests, live music, themed parties, dance classes, and more. Take a few minutes each night to circle your favorites or set alarms on your phone so you won’t miss the activities you’re most excited about.
Of course, the food situation on board a cruise deserves its own spotlight. One of the true joys of cruising is that food is available almost anytime, almost anywhere. Don’t just stick to the buffet, tempting as it might be. The main dining rooms offer multi-course meals that rotate daily. The specialty restaurants, even though they cost a little bit extra, are often worth the splurge for a special occasion or a change of scenery.
When you want to snuggle in, room service is also part of the fun, too. Midday ice cream cones, late-night pizza, and poolside burgers are pretty much a rite of passage. The only trick is to pace yourself so you can savor every moment.
How to Maximize Your Sea Days
Sea days are the sweet spot for a lot of cruisers because you don’t have to stick to a timetable, rush off the ship, or plan a big adventure unless you want to. These are the perfect days to go with the flow, and the choice is always yours: relaxation or full-throttle fun.
If relaxation is what you’re after, sea days are ideal for lounging by the pool with a book or a podcast, booking a spa treatment, or indulging in the rare and luxurious decision to sleep in without setting an alarm. The ship’s spa is usually busiest on these days, so be sure to book early.
That little bit of pampering will feel like a million bucks while the ship is sailing on to your next destination. Just imagine, you could be rushing through an airport to get to your next destination. Instead, you’re letting your floating city take you there while you enjoy a massage.
If you prefer to stay busy, the ship has a multitude of additional options. Sea days are usually packed with activities like dance classes, cooking demos, fitness challenges, and even games or contests that anyone can join. You can also hit the gym, walk laps around the upper deck, or try something new like karaoke, trivia, or the ship’s escape room, if it has one!