So you’ve booked your first cruise, now what?
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Just what can you expect one your first cruise?
When planning your first cruise, it takes time to peruse the cruise brochures and choose a cruise that’s right for you. You’ve printed off your boarding pass and baggage tags, checked your passports and got the packing sorted. But have you? Firstly, when finalising packing make sure your carry on includes anything you will need in the first few hours of boarding. Consider things like medication, camera, bathers, hat and sunscreen, especially if you plan heading straight to the pool. You’ve double checked you have your passport, arranged your transport to the port and got the goodbyes over with. You are finally at the cruise port and over the moon to be there.
You are a little anxious. After all, this is your first cruise. One final check. Boarding pass, check. Passport, check. Seasick pills, check. Now what?
As soon as you arrive at the cruise terminal you’ll hand your luggage over to the ship porters so they can arrange it to be taken to your stateroom. If they are busy this could take a few hours. Next you’ll have to complete a few pre-boarding questions and depending on the cruise destination there may be some immigration forms. These are very simple and there are staff on hand to help if you need any assistance. If there are not a lot of passengers waiting you will wait in queue but if there is a crowd boarding you will be given a number and could wait a while. Once it is your turn you will hand your forms in to the person at the desk and they will request your credit card and passport. Your photo will be taken to identify you and your credit card details recorded. As soon as all the formalities are completed you will be handed that all important cruise card.
Now don’t forget, this cruise card is gold (regardless of the colour), it is your key to your stateroom, your access on and off the ship and it is the ship’s link to your credit card. Anyone with this magic card can book anything to your tab, so guard it with your life. Most passengers get a hole punched into it and hang it from their neck using a lanyard.
It is at this point you will go through immigration if leaving the country you are boarding in. Once cleared you are now free to board the ship. Woo Hoo, after all the formalities, you are now ready to get your first glimpse inside the beautiful ship. But first you will stand in front of the fake nautical backdrop and be asked to pose for the cheesy embarkation photo for first of many taken by the ship’s photographer.
Now, up the gangplank where you will be greeted by staff who will instruct you to insert your card. ‘Bong’. They will check the details on your card match their records and that you look like the picture showing on their screen. That’s it, simple; you are now onboard and free to do as you choose.
Once onboard
We go straight to our stateroom where we are usually met by our Steward either as we arrive or soon after. Your Steward will introduce him/herself and ask if you have any special requests. This is where you ask for a top sheet, ice bucket and extra hangers. After all, this is your first cruise so you have probably overpacked trying to decide how to dress to impress. It is at this point when we greet our Steward with a financial handshake. Upon meeting our Steward we give them half the amount we budget for gratuities, the remainder we leave for the last night. Now that’s out of the way, it’s time to check the cabin out.
The most common thing I hear from people who have not been on a cruise is their concern they will become bored, but there is so much to do, or not do, depending on what you enjoy. Until your luggage arrives take a moment to check through the ship’s daily schedule in your room (we sail with Princess and their’s is called the Princess Patter). Look over the many activities and you will soon see boredom will not be an option. Check when and where the activities are on, what time the muster drill takes place, the laundry and room service process, etc. If you wish to book a ship’s tour we suggest you book as soon as you board as these are limited and do fill quickly. Also keep your eye out for the galley tour, usually toward the end of the cruise and often follows a cooking demonstration. These are great to have a quick walk through the kitchens.
Once your luggage has arrived you can unpack and then relax at the buffet for light meal, by the pool with a cocktail or whatever you please. This is where you will appreciate my earlier advice of packing a change of clothes, swimsuit, etc in your carry on so you can change straight away. Passengers who have sailed before generally have their own routine, whether it is familiarising themselves with their new home for the duration of the voyage, disinfecting the cabin and preparing sea sickness remedies, etc. For others, it is heading straight to the venue for the sailaway party.
About an hour prior to departure will be a mandatory muster drill to prepare you in the event of an emergency. You will be instructed to return to your stateroom, fetch your life jacket and make your way to your designated muster point, as set by your location on the ship. We have always had a muster point in the Vista Lounge. At this stage you will be checked in with your cruisecard so all passengers can be accounted for. The crew member in charge of the muster will advise all staff of the escape route and educate everyone on the use of the life vests.
After the drill you are free again to do as you choose. I would suggest if you haven’t already, that you familiarise yourself with the ship. Take your copy of the Patter with you. Starting at the top, check out the facilities on each level, using the stairs to make your way down, as the elevators are always slow on embarkation day. While at the spa or salon book any appointments you might want now as they do book quickly. I suggest a spa treatment for a sea day and salon appointment for the formal night.
Another important thing to remember is the hand sanitiser. It is very important to wash hands thoroughly at the wash stations before entering the buffet or dining rooms to prevent tummy bugs, cold and flues, etc from spreading. If you have more than a sniffle I suggest time in your cabin with room service to prevent it spreading.
Sailaway
When the ship is ready to sail get yourself out of your cabin and out onto the decks to join in the party spirit as you sail away into the first of many sunsets. The sailaway party is an opportunity to make friends, mingle and enjoy the festivities on the pool deck. Enjoy the atmosphere… and enjoy the food. This is the fun part where you make your way to your designated dining room for the first time and meet your waitstaff and table mates. If eating at the buffet have courtesy and follow the unwritten rules of etiquette. Do not push in and do not overpile your plate. A lot of planning goes in to ensure sufficient supply of food and I have never heard of a cruise ship running out of food. You can always go back for seconds, but please leave your plate on the table and get a fresh plate. And remember to make friends with the stairs.
I have to say the food onboard a cruise ship is amazing, but a word of warning on the coffee. If you don’t want to pay you will get instant coffee. Or you can purchase a coffee card for discount price on decent coffee.
After dinner you’ll find the whole ship alive with action. The bars and lounges are ready to greet the guests, the Cruise Director usually introduces wonderful shows, then there is trivia, the casino and more.
At the end of the first evening, after your stroll in the moonlight along the deck and back to your room you’ll find your Steward has turned down the bed, left the next day’s schedule and placed a chocolate on your pillow to ensure sweet dreams.
Each morning you will be waking to a new and exciting destination and when you return from port you will have a freshly made bed and clean towels to begin all over again.
The most important thing I can suggest is to enjoy! This is your holiday, if you want to rest, then rest, if you want party then do so. But whatever you do, do it with a smile and be polite to the crew. Some people forget that these wonderful people give up their family life to be onboard and serve us and don’t the take the time for a simple smile and a thank you to show appreciation. Things do go wrong, that is life, but don’t make a big deal about it.
So now you know what to expect you can relax and enjoy the beautiful ship, the incredible food, the umbrella cocktails and the beautiful sunsets.
How did I go? Did I entice you to want to try a cruise? If so, contact Princess Cruises
Below are some tips, if you think of any I have missed or have any questions at all about cruising please leave a comment.
Tips:
- If you are sailing from a port you have to fly to I would suggest you arrive the day before embarkation in case of delays.
- If you are prone to sea sickness take your medication, sea sick patches, etc with you. You will know when the weather is due to turn for worse as their stair wells will be adorned with sick bags.
- Take hand sanitiser to use after exiting elevators, touching hand rails, etc. As careful as the cruise line can be, some people do not follow the rule to stay in the stateroom if unwell and on a ship tummy bugs can spread very fast.
- You don’t need to overpack or take an iron for a long cruise, use the ship’s laundry room.
- Ships cannot berth in every port so be prepared to disembark via a tender. The crew are excellent in assisting the elderly or anyone with limited mobility.
- The ship cannot always berth in a scheduled port due to the weather so don’t be too disappointed or harsh with the Captain, he makes the decision for your safety and best interest.
- For those those who still fear they will be bored, book a short cruise for a first time experience or book a port intensive cruise. We did 10 ports in 12 days, so time did not permit us to get bored.
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I appreciate the reminder about the importance of the cruise card. It truly is a lifeline onboard, granting access to everything from your stateroom to onboard purchases. The tip about using a lanyard is brilliant—I’ve seen seasoned cruisers sporting them, and it seems like a practical way to keep the card safe while also ensuring it’s always within reach. Thanks for sharing your insights.
I think your motto of just enjoying a cruise and doing what you want is a good one. My parents are big cruise fans and I’ve always thought I wouldn’t like it. But having been onboard a Princess Cruise ship last year for a press event, I think it would be really good for families. Definitely on my list of to-dos in the future. Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Planning Our Family Road Trip to Burgundy, France
We’d love to go on a cruise one day, especially as the other half hates flying. We are hoping to book one for his 40th *Fingers crossed*
Thank you for the great tips. #MondayEscapes
Gina Caro recently posted…Oblivion: Boat is back on the Water
Really great tips! I really like that Disney Cruise hands everyone a sanitizing wipe as they enter the dining room. We learned the hard way to arrive at the departure port a day early. My husband and I were coming from different places and were supposed to meet in the cabin of our ship that was docked in Barcelona. While I was napping in the cabin, the phone rang. He was still in the USA! Groggy from jetlag, I think I said, “But the ship leaves in 3 hours.” His plane had cracked a windshield over the Atlantic, and they had to turn around to head back to North America. He finally met up with me at the next port-of-call the next day.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted…Night Falls on Venice
Some great tips here. I went on many cruises- while not my favorite vacation style, I do enjoy a cruise occasionally:) and i love to end my cruise day by studying a planner for the schedule of activities the following day. The planner in me rejoices:)
victoria recently posted…OUR FAMILY DAY TRIP TO FLORIDA KEYS
I have to admit, I find myself missing the excitement of being in a new port every morning, and the relaxation of a vacation where you don’t have to worry about every little thing along the way. Yes, we’re going through Cruise Withdrawal, since we haven’t been on a ship for a couple years! Thanks for sharing – it’s fun to recall that first day on the first cruise…and every cruise day since! #wkendtravelinspiration
RobRob (@TravelLatte.net) recently posted…Touring James Monroe’s Highland
Thanks for a great post. I’m going on my very first cruise ever in a couple of weeks so I’ve very glaD to have found this. Can’t wait!!
I love cruising, especially boarding on the first day I love the excitement and anticipation of a cruise or boring a ship you have never been on before x
Sarah Christie recently posted…Styling Our Hallway, And Creating A Little Haven
Wow this actually comes at the PERFECT time because I’m off to my first cruise ever this Friday!!! I’ve been a little nervous since no one I’m going with has been on a cruise before – I really appreciate this post and all the advice! Loved all the photos! xo #MondayEscapes
I’m booked on to my very first cruise this Autumn, an Alaskan one, and I’m so excited! These tips are going to be really useful, since I have no idea what I’m doing. Especially the germ and etiquette related tips! Nobody tells you that stuff. Thanks for sharing!
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad recently posted…Recent Reads: April
Your post is very comprehensive. I think it will be a beneficial read to any person that has not been on a cruise. I agree that you should arrive to the cruise terminal early. For some reason, people think they are gonna go straight to the ship. And like yo usaid, arrive a day before if you are flying in to port. You do not know what can happen.
Ruth recently posted…Bilbao: A City Full of Surprises
Really good rundown on the tips and tricks to a successful cruise. We haven’t been aboard a cruise ship yet, but I can’t help feeling that our time is coming soon enough!
jim@reflectionsenroute recently posted…The World Is On My Side
Thanks for the tips, I am heading on my first in June! I pinned this to my new board Cruises:) Also sent it to my boyfriend to read to prepare. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Cathy recently posted…Extraordinary Street Art of the Azores
So many great tips for what to expect at the beginning of a cruise.
I would love to do a cruise, but am still trying to convince hubby. So I make him watch all those cruise ship shows so he can see how much a cruise offers. Slowly slowly 🙂
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…Arm Chair Travel #4
This is a terrific overview of what to expect on a cruise, great for anyone who has never cruised before.
Great tips – really helpful information and I wish I’d had this to read before my first cruise. I agree there’s never time to get bored, quite the opposite. #theweeklypostcard
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Burma: a two-week itinerary
I’ve not taken a cruise – yet – but I’m sure I will one day and when I do I’m sure I’ll enjoy it – unless I get seasick.
Oh I just love cruising, we have sailed on the Grand and Sea princess and loved both experiences x
Been on a royal caribbean cruise before with my family but Jon and I are planning to go next year (it’s his first time!), do you have any recommended company or a site that has last minute cruise deals? yay!
Kach Mu recently posted…10 Signs it’s time to Quit your Job to Travel
Thanks for stopping by Kach, I have only been on Princess. I have always booked through a travel agent as I have found it cheaper than dealing direct and TA’s always have access to last minute deals. Where are you looking at going on your cruise?
These are great tips! I’ve yet to take a cruise, but when I do, I will definitely keep these in mind for certain. Thank you!
Patty Gale recently posted…Don’t Make My Travel Mistake
Thank you so much Patty, I have some other cruise posts you may find of interest.
Great Post – we love to cruise. Our fave was the Mediterranean Sea from Barcelona, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and back – awesome! Our kids loved it and we all had the best time! I think there is no better way to see A LOT in a small amount of time – and leave the transport to the captian. Loved this post thanks for sharing!
Stacey Veikalas @Baskets Life recently posted…Haunted Castle Eltz
I agree Stacey, waking up in a new port each day and have a day to see the best each place has to offer is a good way of all inclusive travel. Glad you enjoyed the post.
The first few hours you feel like a free soul in the sea… but after the first night things tend to change, hahaha!
Lily Lau recently posted…25 geniusly creative ways to hide the eyesores in your home
From all that food, after the first night those stairs do get harder to climb!
I love cruising! And I love Princess Cruises. I’ve been on 5 Princess cruises in the past sailing on the Golden, the Sun, the Caribbean, the Crown, and the Emerald Princess all in the Caribbean! This definitely brings back some great memories. I love the Princess Patter too, would always look forward to it at night to schedule the next day’s activities. Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust! P.S. Are you a member of Cruise Critic? I’m “JustinPlusLauren” on the forums there!
Lauren recently posted…Whitewater Rafting in Ottawa with RiverRun Rafting and Samba Days
Thanks for your comments Lauren, the Princess Patter is my favourite read on a cruise. I haven’t followed the Cruise Critic forum since we went on Royal Princess last year, not sure of my details now.
It was fun to read your post from a passenger’s perspective. I worked on ships for years and mostly just heard the complaints about the boarding process and whatnot. 🙂
Tracie Howe recently posted…Riding the Rails: Amtrak Cascades – Seattle to Vancouver B.C.
Thanks for your comment Tracie, from our perspective, we have boarded from Fremantle, Singapore, Melbourne and Barcelona and have never experienced anything in the boarding process to complain about.
Thanks for such detailed tips description of how it goes on a cruise, very useful..! How is it with tipping? Would you typically tip the porters and all the staff on the ship?
Veronika recently posted…Books vs. e-book Readers: Helping You Decide
Veronika, tips are included in the price (though these can be removed), therefore no need to tip each individual, unless you feel the service warrants it. Australians cruiselines do not build this into the price as tipping is not customary here.
I’ve been on two cruises and wouldn’t hurry to repeat the experience. But I could see that they were great for people who were happy to join in with everything and especially good for people travelling on their own.
Karen Warren recently posted…Admiring the Architecture of London’s Natural History Museum
Thanks for your comments Karen. I find cruising suitable for either couples or groups, whether wanting time on your own or wishing to mingle and join the activities.
Great tips, I wish I would of had this before I went on my first cruise. I really do love them, my first (and only) cruise was up to Alaska with my parents and brother after college. I would love to try another one since I’m officially an adult (28?—- maybe?) and am a bit more seasoned when it comes to traveling. Just need to find a solo cruise resource! Thanks again!
Adrian of Adrian’s Travel Tales recently posted…What is this CRUNCHY in my mouth?
Thanks Adrian, I would love to do an Alaskan cruise, it’s just the cost getting there from Australia. I have sent you a msg on FB with regard to solo cruising.
I’ve been on 5 cruises and I absolutely love them. I love that they’re stress free and they also happen to be one of the cheapest ways to travel since everything (except alcohol) is already paid for. 🙂
Cory Lee recently posted…Rolling Around Rio de Janeiro: A Wheelchair User’s Travel Guide
Corey I agree, at $63.00 per day for travel, accommodation, meals and entertainment it is very cost effective. It is also a very wheelchair friendly mode of transport.
Great tips! I have yet to take a cruise that lasts more than a couple of days, but I’m dying to take some of the river cruises in Europe. I would also like to see parts of West Africa via boat (once the current health crises subsides). How often are you guys on a boat?
Dave Cole recently posted…Monday Morning Photo – Fall Farm Scene in Connecticut
Thanks Dave. Yes I too want to experience a European river cruise. We took our first cruise in 2011 (our honeymoon) and have sailed each year since then and have a short cruise booked for next year.
I’ve never been on a cruise! But it looks like fun and I’d love to do one sometime in my life. I think I might start with a mini one for just a couple days though, the thought of being stuck on a boat with a big group of randos kind of make me anxious. And I’m a little bit of a germaphobe so that kind of scares me as well haha.
Samantha recently posted…A Look at the Life of Korean Royalty: Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden in Seoul
Samantha sampler cruises are very popular for people to decide their suitability to cruising. Thanks for your comment.
This is a very instructive and comprehensive post that would definitely help those who never went on a cruise. This info would have come in very handy before we went on our first cruise, many years ago. I wish I would have known all these details then …
Anda recently posted…The Weekly Postcard: Château du Clos Lucé
Thanks for your feedback Anda. I find many on the first cruise seem a bit in a daze as the process can be a bit daunting with so many boarding at once.
Great post! Cruising is my favorite mode of travel and your photos reminded me that I need to book another one stat!
Lisa recently posted…Royal Caribbean Takes Quantum of The Seas To The Next Level With Innovative Tech Options For Vacationers
Ah finally someone who enjoys cruising! Yes go ahead and book yourself in for another does of vitamin sea Lisa!
I don’t think I’d like a cruise, but so many people are obsessed with them. This post gave me a bit of insight into why, so thank you!
Jo recently posted…A Sydney Surprise!
You are welcome, thanks for your comment. It is very true, many are addicted to cruising, hooked from the very first walk up the gang plank.
Cool tips, id love to try cruising trip too. I only had ferry boat ride that lasted 3 hrs butt thats totally different.
If you ever try a cruise I’d love to hear how you found the experience Anne.
I´d rather be on a smaller boat but you post describes exactly what one could expect boarding one of those cruise ships. I know there are lots of people who would really enjoy it
Elena (http://gonewiththebackpack.blogspot.com/ ) recently posted…ARUBA. Beautiful but a little too shiny and Americanized for my taste
Elena some of the cruise ships can be quite massive and certainly not everyone’s choice. Thanks for your comment.
Cruising wouldn’t be my cup of tea, but there’s some very valuable information here in case I change my mind 🙂
Els recently posted…One big celebration: the Oktoberfest in Munich
Thanks for finding my information valuable to those who are considering a cruise. I appreciate it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, just like I have no ambition for bike tours.
This is incredibly helpful! I feel like they should print your article and hand it out to the guests before the board the ship. I have had friends who worked in the theaters on cruise ships (on and off stage) and they would be very appreciative that you mention to be nice to the crew. Some of the stories they have told me about how their co-workers who directly deal with the guests have been treated are just horrible!
Allison @ A Foodie in Europe recently posted…Spain’s (Secret) Hobbit-inspired Meals
Allison it is appalling how some people can be rude to the crew who do such an amazing job. I’m glad you found my information helpful.
I’ve never been on a cruise (apart from being a tall ship crew member once) but it’s good to know there is plenty to stop you being bored! And really good detailed account of how things work on board is great as this is the stuff I’d want to know should I ever take the plunge.
Heather Cole recently posted…Afternoon tea – the London way
Thanks for your comment Heather. I have never been on a tall ship, but I can tell you that cruising is what you make of it and definitely not boring.
I’m really not a big cruise-lover but this post softens my fear of boats 🙂
Axelle recently posted…Sunday Column: Dreams and Aspirations
I am glad I have softened your fear. That is something I have never even thought of sailing those deep, dark oceans… Thanks for your comments.
I’ve never been on a cruise. I wasn’t sure if I liked the idea of sailing for so long and like you said I thought I might find it boring after the first few hours. Thanks for sharing this article, you’ve definitely made me curious about trying one now.
Natasha Amar recently posted…The TranzAlpine Scenic Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth
I am glad I have made you curious, I would recommend if still worried about sailing for a long time you look into a short 2-4 day cruise or one that is visiting a new port each day. We went on a 12 day cruise that visited 10 ports.