Whether you are brand new to cruises or a seasoned vet, there are some things that you should never do on a cruise. Some will get you in trouble while others will just ruin your trip. To make sure you are having the best time while facing the fewest hiccups, remember this list of things you should never do while on a cruise.
Show Up Early for Embarkation
You might be excited, or perhaps you’re hoping to skip ahead. Don’t bother. Showing up early or late for boarding just hinders the process for you and everyone else. Show up at the specified time for the quickest possible boarding- but be prepared to be patient!
Not Check-In Online & Print Luggage Tags
If you are interested in saving yourself time when you arrive at the ship, make sure that you check in online if it is an option. You can also print your luggage tags and itinerary which will make the entire process easier. In some cases, you may even be able to skip long lines by doing the leg work yourself ahead of time.
Take Only Checked Luggage
If you are new to cruises, you may not realize that it will be hours before your checked luggage is delivered to your room. Make sure you have a carry-on with essentials. Take medications, an outfit, a swimsuit, and grooming essentials. You will need this bag again as you will have to give up your checked bags the night before disembarkation at the end of your trip as well.
Get a Room By the Elevators
While at first thought this sounds like it would be convenient, it’s not. You will hear the elevators in your room if you are too close. Even worse, people congregate by the elevators. You don’t want the noise or bother of a crowd gathered outside your door.
Eat Your First Meal at the Buffet
Everyone will be clamoring to get to the buffet. Do yourself a favor and pick somewhere else for your first meal. It will give you a better experience with far less waiting. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the buffet when it is not so crowded and chaotic.
Spend Your First Day At the Pool
Spending your first day at the pool is like eating your first meal at the buffet. You don’t want to do what everyone else is doing. Choose the less-traveled path for a better experience. This will also give you a chance to explore the ship and see what it offers. That means you are more likely to get to enjoy all of the different options rather than the few most popular ones.
Live Out of a Suitcase
Get comfortable for your trip. Make yourself at home in your room. Unpack your belongings so you can find the things you need during the trip. You will be much more comfortable than you would be trying to sort through a ruffled suitcase each morning.
Eat And Drink Too Much
If beverage packages make you feel like you must take full advantage of every drink, they could be a bad option for you. Just because food or drinks are free or part of a package doesn’t mean you have to indulge in all of them. Consider how they will make you feel afterward. Remember you want to enjoy getting out and enjoying experiences on your trip.
Go On Every Paid Excursion
Choose the experiences that you would most enjoy and go on those. You don’t have to do everything and run yourself out of energy. It is also okay to explore some locations where you dock on your own without a tour group.
Smoke Outside of Smoking Areas
Smoking in your cabin, on your balcony, or in any unapproved area will land you in hot water fast. It is also a good way to rub other guests the wrong way. If you have to smoke make sure that you are going to smoking areas where it is allowed- and remember, not all cruises even allow smoking. Check before you go if you can’t refrain.
“Save” a Pool Lounge Chair
Do not place your belongings on a pool lounge chair in order to save the chair for yourself while you attend to other things. It’s just plain rude. There is a high demand for those chairs and that just makes finding one more difficult.
Forget Common Courtesy
When you are on a cruise you are living in close quarters with many other people who you do not know well. It is best to remember to be thoughtful and courteous at all times. Being rude or aggressive never gets you what you want and always escalates the situation. Try to avoid issues with other guests at all costs.
Miss the Boat
It might sound funny, but this is very serious and it happens more often than you might think! People miss the ship when it is leaving port. This can leave you stranded or even country hopping trying to catch back up to re-board the cruise.
Go to Guest Services for Everything
Don’t try and use guest services as your personal concierge. It’s okay if you have a lost item or a serious complaint. However, many things passengers go to guest services for could be easily settled without their help. Most information you need can easily be found on the cruise lines app or by checking your itinerary.
Overstay on Disembarkation Day
It works just like a check-out time at a hotel. You need to be out of your cabin by the specified time. The crew and staff need the time to clean the cabin and prepare it for the next guests. When you are late, you inconvenience everyone and throw off the entire schedule.
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