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May 28, 2023

The number of cruise passengers is growing every year. For those approaching this wonderful way of traveling for the first time, not everything is always as clear as it might seem.

With this article, we’ll see together what are the “tips” to consider before departure.

Let’s analyze the 7 most important points you need to know before approaching this amazing world!

1. Do you know what is included in your reservation?

Make sure you know what is included in your reservation before you board!

What have you already paid for? What is not included?

Companies offer different booking options, from “all inclusive” to basic fare, there is a world of difference and possibilities. Is the beverage package included? Yes, but which drink package? (There is a wide range of drink packages on offer)

Are service charges included? Do you have to pay them separately? Are excursions included?

This may seem obvious to those who have been on cruises before, but for those approaching this type of travel for the first time, it is not at all!

What are service fees?

Travel agents often assume that the client is aware of this “extra expense”.

It is a daily amount that the company reserves the right to include in the final onboard invoice for each stateroom occupant.

This amount covers the hotel services actually used onboard and is calculated according to the itinerary chosen and the number of nights spent onboard.

The cost of these charges is subject to change, so it is always a good idea to check from time to time at the time of booking to be sure of how much you will be paying.

Booking fees that include service charges are becoming more common. Many people seem to like this solution as it allows them to more easily determine what the true cost of their cruise will be.

Not to be confused with tips, which are the sums of money that passengers often willingly give to the steward or waiter at the table.

2.Extend your vacation by combining a shore leave in the port of embarkation/disembarkation.

If the port of embarkation/disembarkation (or the surrounding area) is of interest to you, make sure you arrive a few days before embarkation to explore the area at your leisure (or you could choose to do this after disembarkation).

Especially if you’re planning a long trip, it would be a shame not to use this time to make the most of your vacation.

For example, if your port of embarkation is Singapore and you are departing from Italy, book a hotel there and stay long enough to visit the local attractions.

In any case, if your port of embarkation is far away, I recommend that you arrive at least one day in advance, so that you can also avoid the possibility of, for example, a flight delay… in fact, you can never be too careful in these cases!

3. Stateroom Choice.

Let’s start by saying that there is no ideal stateroom for everyone, but there is one for every need.

But can you choose your stateroom at the time of booking?

The answer is “yes and no”… you can choose based on availability at the time of booking and the experience category you choose at the time of booking.

Then there are “guaranteed” staterooms. When we book a guaranteed stateroom, we do not know our stateroom number until the night before we sail. With this formula, the line reserves the right to assign us a stateroom equal to or greater than the one we selected at the time of booking. If they assign us a stateroom of a higher category than the one we paid for, it would be called the famous “upgrade”!  

But let’s see what and how many options we have, depending on our needs.

Are we among those who say “I only sleep in the stateroom”? In that case, the interior stateroom will do just fine. Cheap and functional. 

Don’t want to give up the sea view, but don’t want to spend too much? The sea view stateroom will be ideal. It will allow us to always have a beautiful view, but without the cost of a balcony stateroom. 

There are also partially obstructed view staterooms, which are somewhere between interior and ocean view in both price and view. These staterooms are usually located near the lifeboats.

We can’t help but enjoy the smell of the sea and the wind in our hair? Do we like to sip a sunset drink in the privacy of our balcony? Then the balcony stateroom is for us.

Then there are staterooms and suites of a much higher category, such as suites, Yacht Club staterooms or true mini apartments located in the best parts of the ship. If you have no budget constraints and like to spend a lot of time in your “nest” onboard, being pampered and adored, these staterooms are for you!

After analyzing the types of staterooms we can book, the location of the staterooms is also very important, and again, there is no “ideal” location, but it depends on your needs.

If you suffer from seasickness, the lower decks, mid decks and middle staterooms are ideal. If you like to watch the wake, the aft staterooms, although a bit noisy when maneuvering, will give you a wonderful view. If you want an unobstructed view, the forward staterooms are for you.

Don’t want to walk a long way to get to different parts of the boat? Do you have problems with disorientation? Your ideal position is in the middle of the ship, near the lifts. They are a bit noisy, but in the evening the “fire doors” are closed and the noise is muffled.

Do you want to have a buffet and restaurant available at all times? Located aft, possibly near the elevators, you’ll only have to take a few steps to reach them.

If you can’t stand the noise, try to avoid staterooms below busy areas such as pools, restaurants and the buffet!

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to choose and we have to adapt to the stateroom we are assigned. In that case, we try to enjoy it anyway… we are having a wonderful vacation, aren’t we?

Pros and cons of aft staterooms.

If you want the best view, book aft staterooms! From this position the view is stunning, nothing obstructs the view and you will enjoy breathtaking panoramas.

The wake will always be in front of you and sunrises and sunsets will be available for spectacular shots!

Because they are not “in the way”, these staterooms are much more peaceful and quiet.

The downside? Some passengers complain of excessive noise during docking and departure maneuvers. It is undeniable that some parts of the ship become a little more difficult to reach, but nothing wrong with that! If you don’t have mobility issues, it’s a great excuse to get some exercise and shed a few ounces of the pounds you’re likely to gain on the cruise!

Traveling with kids or seniors? Try connecting staterooms!

If you have a large family, consider the possibility of connecting staterooms before you book!

The cost will go up, but the staterooms will be more functional for everyone’s comfort.

Typically, one adult and one or two children can be assigned to each stateroom.

4.Excursions

Evaluate all your options for excursions at ports of call.

The cruise line with which you booked your cruise will certainly offer nice excursions, but remember that you can also make your own arrangements.

If a port of call is not too far from your place of interest, if you are in a “safe” location, you can rely on local agencies, rent a car, or simply rent a vehicle that will take you to the established site to visit it independently.

Do not underestimate the potential of night excursions.

Most excursions take place during the day – beaches, art, history, museums, markets, sights – others are dedicated to the experiences that some ports of call offer during the evening and night hours.

Before you leave, find out what you can do late at night in some of the ports of call – evening shows, tours and experiences of the area! You may even decide to stay overnight so you can depart the next day to catch your ship.

Consider the physical ability required for each hike.

When you book your hikes, think carefully about how strenuous or difficult they might be.

In fact, some hikes require a level of physical exertion that not everyone is comfortable with.

Make sure the activity you choose is appropriate for your physical (and mental) abilities.

5.Suitcases

Be sure to include the most important items in your carry-on luggage.

It is not uncommon for us to pack our bags haphazardly, not paying attention to what goes in the carry-on and what goes in the larger bags.

Since there are often several hours between the time we check our bags at the counter and the time we find them outside our stateroom door, it is important to have a carry-on bag that contains everything we need and can use immediately.

It is essential to bring medications, documents and a complete change of clothes!

Take advantage of the onboard laundry service!

Especially for cruises that last several days, it can be helpful to remember that you don’t have to bring your entire wardrobe from home.

When packing your suitcase, remember that you can take advantage of the ship’s laundry service, sometimes at very reasonable prices.

You can then limit the amount of clothing you need to bring.

6.Notify your travel agent if you plan to celebrate an anniversary onboard.

If you plan to celebrate an event onboard (birthday, anniversary, etc.), please notify your travel agent, who will include your wishes in the notes on your reservation.

You may receive a small gift in your stateroom, especially if you are a member of the cruise line’s club.

In any case, if you need a special cake, for example, once you are onboard, contact the front desk to make sure your needs are met.

7.Do you have any food intolerances, allergies or special dietary requirements?

If you follow a special diet, have an allergy or food intolerance, the first thing you should do, both when booking and on board, is to inform us.

From home, contact the travel agency immediately and they will mention it in your reservation; on board, go directly to the chef.

There will be no problem, the restaurant will have a special menu for you and you will be able to enjoy the cruise in peace.

That’s all for now, but don’t miss out on more information and tips on cruise guides, also on Cruising Journal!

Gina Daga

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