Even newbies can hit high seas prepared
Some helpful tips and tricks of the cruising lifestyle first-timers need to know long before boarding
First-time cruisers have a lot to wrap their heads around. There are hundreds of cruise lines out there, and sifting through the options — themes, destinations and even ship sizes — can be overwhelming.
Here’s a little secret: Even cruise experts rely on travel agents to find the right fit. Carolyn Spencer Brown, who has been writing about cruises for nearly two decades, first as a travel writer and now as editor-at-large at CruiseCritic.com, estimates she’s been on more than 300 cruises and she still depends on her travel agent to help book the right one.
“I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t, because it takes all the hassle out,” she says.
And what are cruises about, if not avoiding hassle?
Whether you’re a newbie or an aficionado, Spencer Brown has some useful insights on choosing the right cruise and other issues to consider before you embark.
CHOOSE YOUR TRAVEL STYLE
Find a cruise that matches your vacation expectations. There are cruises for fitness fanatics, partiers, foodies, comic lovers, spring breakers, seniors and just about anything else you could imagine. “When you hear people are really unhappy on a ship, they picked the wrong cruise line,” Spencer Brown says.
FORGET STEREOTYPES
Regardless of the perceptions of cruising, the trip is what you make of it. Spencer Brown ticks off the assumptions people make: The cabins are all tiny and balconies are prohibitively expensive; the food is mediocre and all-you-can-eat; all cruise ships are pretty much the same. Cruises have evolved and you can find gorgeous, spacious cabins (for an additional fee); balconies are less expensive than you might think; excellent cuisine and wine are now part of the cruising lifestyle; and there is incredible variety to cruises, with transoceanic options, river cruises, luxury lines, expedition cruises and more.
ALWAYS ARRIVE A DAY EARLY
You don’t want to miss your cruise because of a travel snag, such as weather or a missed flight. Plan ahead so you’re there well in advance of embarking. “If you can, book a hotel in a port city where you can watch your ship come in the next morning. That’s really fun,” Spencer Brown says. And just to be safe, she recommends buying insurance.
PLAN FOR SEASICKNESS
If seasickness is a concern, Spencer Brown suggests starting out with a river cruise because there’s land on both sides and you’re not dealing with the motion of an open sea. As someone who gets motion sick, she stocks up on Bonine, a chewable tablet she says doesn’t make her drowsy.
INTROVERTS CAN CRUISE, TOO
But they should consider their personality when selecting a cabin. Those who will need quiet time may want to spend for a larger room and maybe a balcony, so they’re comfortable when they retreat and recharge. If you don’t expect to spend much time in your room, go ahead and get the least-expensive option.
TAKE CHARGE OF ADVENTURES
Don’t limit your options at port to the shore excursion menu shared by the cruise, Spencer Brown says. There’s no need to board a giant bus or stick with the crowd. Many port cities have boutique travel agencies that can plan more personalized trips. Another option is to plan an outing with others on the cruise and go off on your own. Another idea while at port: Stay on the ship. When the crowds are away, you’ll have an entirely different experience.
PACK WISELY
Make sure you’ve saved some room in your bags for souvenirs, says Spencer Brown. She says her rule of thumb is to lay everything you think you want to take and then pack only half of it. At sea as on land, be sure to have comfortable shoes — you will be walking more than you expect — and don’t forget to bring chargers for your electronic devices.