When planning a family cruise, it can be overwhelming with so many activities and options. Last year I went on her 4 cruises with my family. This latest cruise travel advice is based on what I’ve learned at sea. We’ve narrowed it down to a list of things to do and a few things you definitely skip during your cruise.
The latest cruise travel advice from the experts
Before we set sail, I survey travel groups to determine if they plan excursions or if anyone has specific activities they would like to try at the port. Each person picks one thing they want to do, and we plan the rest around those activities. That way everyone can do what they want while on vacation. During my cruises, I always do a few things to make sailing more manageable and enjoyable.
pack smart
Packing for a cruise is like any other vacation, but there are certain things you should bring with you when you set sail. If the cruise line allows alcohol, I always bring wine or champagne to my room to save money on drinks. I love making mimosas in the morning with orange juice from room service.
The lanyard is easy to pack and keeps everyone on track for room keys, payments, and cruise ship cards that act as identification when disembarking. A fun little-known fact is that the walls and doors of cruise ships are magnets. I bring magnetic hooks to hang straps, hats, and other random items to keep the stateroom clean. It makes a big difference when traveling as a family.
make a plan to relax
With so much to do on your cruise ship, you can plan an activity-packed day. However, she always plans to sleep at least one day, nap when she feels like it, and enjoy the rest of her time. Also, attend at least one show and enjoy a meal at a specialty restaurant.
I usually have no problem with the food selection in the products. cruise, but given the ambience of the small venue, it’s worth paying the extra at least once. If you have kids, let them play in the kids club and enjoy a date night.
Prepare for time in port
whether caribbean When sailing the Baltic Sea, it is essential to know the details of each port you visit. I always check my cell phone plan to see what charges I may incur when using cellular data on land. It’s worth spending a small daily outlay to use your phone to map, do a quick search, and pay for scooters when they’re available.
Be careful not to charge foreign fees to your credit card. With so many free options, it’s an unnecessary cost. Finally, remember that departures are on ship time, not local time. So make sure you have the correct clock to ensure you arrive on time. Ships do not wait for late passengers.
don’t waste
reserve cruise And it’s tempting to add extras like deluxe drink packages, meals, and internet access. For my family, these options are convenient but unnecessary. Drinks His packages typically sell at a rate of about 6 alcoholic beverages per adult per day.
I’ve sailed with and without drink packages and found that even a few drinks a day cost less than the drink package cost. Your mileage may vary. We skip the expensive upsells of unlimited specialty restaurants because eating at one or two specialty restaurants is enough.
Finally, the only time I pay for Wi-Fi is when my husband and I sail together, without kids. Otherwise, skip it and check in using your mobile phone while in port.
don’t try to do everything
There are no plans for your vacation. The app makes it easy to see what activities and entertainment we have to offer each day. cruise Or a daily schedule is provided every night. Skip shows and activities that don’t interest you. Find your favorite couple and have fun without worrying about what comes next.
We almost always skip sailing parties to organize our staterooms and relax after a day of travel. I’ve found that giveaways and shopping presentations aren’t worth spending my energy on because they usually focus on gems and jewelry that don’t interest me.
don’t stress
Unexpected cruise emergencies can and do happen. The good news is that even if there are any changes to your cruise itinerary, there is still plenty to enjoy on board. If the ship docks at a port you are not interested in, feel free to stay on board and enjoy a less crowded experience. If you’re not hungry at dinner time, skip dinner and grab a bite when you’re ready.
The biggest advantage of cruising is the abundance of options at your fingertips. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, know that whatever you weren’t able to do this trip, you can save for your next trip. Sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.
