Going on your first cruise? There is no better way to enjoy a holiday, but there are a few things that you may want to know before you get on board. Here are some things to keep in mind that you may not have been aware of, and this will help you to avoid any surprises so that you will have a better chance of enjoying your first experience of cruising.Six travel tips from experts on cruising that will make your first experience at one of these ships much better.
Not Everything Is Included in the Price
Cruises are advertised as all-inclusive, and for the most part this is the case so you don’t usually have to spend much more money unless you want to. However, depending on your cruise, be aware that you will often have to pay extra for some things including soft drinks and alcohol, dry cleaning, internet access, some restaurant meals and on-board activities. You may not want to enjoy any of these extras, but they are often an important part of the experience, so make sure you have some extra cash on hand.
Cabins Can Be Noisy
If you are near to a stairwell, an elevator or the spa, or below a deck, you may find that your cabin is a bit noisy. However, it is easy to avoid this by choosing your cabin carefully. Look at the plan when you book your cruise, and try to choose one that is far from any areas that are likely to generate more noise.
It’s Easy to Go Over the Top with the Food
There is just so much wonderful food on board cruises that it can be incredibly tempting to overdo it. When you choose cruise itineraries from cruise lines like P&O, you can guarantee that the food is going to be amazing. However, if you overindulge, you may regret it for the rest of your cruise. So try to go easy, especially during the first few days. Try a bit of everything by all means, but don’t eat so much that you end up regretting it.
Boarding Day Can Be a Hassle
When you arrive for boarding, you just want to get onto the ship and enjoy a refreshment, but you will need to go through security, check-in, and lots of queuing. To avoid this, show up a bit later once passengers have already started boarding and you will find that queues are smaller. Just don’t be too late that you miss the departure.
Viruses Can Spread Easily
Cruise ships are kept incredibly clean, but with all those people on board, if you are lax about your personal hygiene, there is more chance of picking something up. There is no point worrying that your cruise will be hit by a norovirus outbreak that you sometimes read about in the news, but do take all the precautions you can, which involves washing your hands regularly and using an alcohol gel to disinfect your hands throughout the day.
Prepare Properly for Your First Cruise
Cruises are a wonderful way to go on holiday, and there is every chance that you will become addicted to the experience like so many other cruise fanatics. However, it is well worth remembering that there are certain things to keep in mind about cruises so that you can prepare for them properly. So arm yourself with this knowledge and you’ll stand a better chance of having a fantastic time on your first cruise and any other cruises you enjoy in the future.
Michael Wilson works as the Managing Director at Bolsover Cruise Club, a company his parents started during the late1960’s, although it was originally known as Bolsover Travel. Michael continues to be involved in all aspects of the business. Outside of work, Michael loves to take holidays with his family, watch rugby and is an avid gardener.
