Cruising: Important Things for Newbies to Know
Cruising: Important Things for Newbies to Know
Have you been watching specials about taking a cruise on the Travel Channel or some other network and have just been dying to get on one of the great ships yourself? Well if you haven’t been on one, you are definitely missing out on a great adventure filled with multiple destinations, tons of food, and even more shopping and activities. However, before you ever set foot on a cruise ship, it is important to know that there are a few rules and guidelines to consider, this way you won’t be completely shocked when you reach the deck and feel like a fish out of water. So while you’re looking for dates and destinations, take a moment to check out these important cruising tips.
Arrive On Time – Not Early
It seems that we may have been a bit tainted by the entire flight security process, as many people feel it is necessary to arrive to the cruise ship at 7 a.m. even if the boat doesn’t set sail until 2 or 3. It is understandable that you want to get there early to secure your spot, but remember that because all cruises have accommodations similar to a hotel, they will have to prepare the boat for the new visitors after the previous ones have exited the ship – and before you can board.
For this reason, it is best that you arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour before boarding time (which for many boats is around 1 or 2 p.m.). That way, the cruising officials have time to clean up the boat and you won’t have to sit around twiddling your thumbs with no entertainment and maybe a cup of water because they weren’t ready for you.
Using the Cruise Ship Luggage Tag
Unlike the flight experience where your luggage tag is secured by the flight representative after you have handed it over – they print up the information they need to know and shuttle your luggage to the appropriate places – the cruising experience with luggage is a little bit different. When you have been sent your cruise information in the mail, they will give you customized luggage tags to put on your bags. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU USE THOSE TAGS. They are your security nets when you hand your bags over to the porters to board. If you have filled out your tags appropriately, clearly, and fully then your bags will have not problem finding their way to your room; but if you don’t use them, good luck locating those bags. To avoid the trouble, take the time to complete this step before you arrive at the ship.
Boat Security (Baggage Check)
Though you will not be required to arrive 2 or more hours early to avoid missing the ship like on a plane, you still should expect to stand in line for a while during the security process, which for most boats includes handing over your bags to a stranger, after which you won’t see them again until you’ve arrived at your cabin. One thing many people don’t expect when handing their luggage to the porter is that you are expected to tip them $1-$2 per bag. It is not mandatory but is sort of like not tipping at a restaurant – it definitely will be noticed – so your best bet is to be prepared to do so.
If you have a carry-on (which is suggested just to keep some of your personal items with you) then as you filter on to the boat you will have to ship it through the X-Ray machine, similar to that of an airline. For this reason, the bag will need to be the size of the carry-on you would normally take through the airport. After they’ve X-Rayed the bag, you’re ready to board.
Don’t Expect to Spend Cash
It’s probable that you’ve been spending weeks or maybe even months saving up loads of cash to ensure that your cruising experience is top-notch. This is great – as long as you don’t actually carry cash with you. Many cruise ships of today don’t use a cash system for their boats, instead using a card system similar to that of a casino where you can simply load your card into machines to buy alcoholic beverages, spend money at the slots in the casino, buy clothes and knick-knacks, and do pretty much anything else you want to do without having to keep up with your wallet. So be prepared to use your credit card and not cash on the boat.
Cruising is a great experience for people of all ages, but it makes it easier to have a great time if you don’t find yourself blind-sighted by the unexpected rules and guidelines. But don’t worry, now you’ve been informed, so you have fewer things to worry about. So book your trip, pack your bags and get ready for the cruising experience of a lifetime. Bon Voyage!
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