7 things you need to know once onboard
This is it, the long-awaited moment has arrived; finally onboard! And now what? What information do you need to know now that you are on your beautiful cruise ship?
Let’s break down the 7 most important things you need to know once you’re onboard!
1. Do you know the ship?
Try to get your bearings as early as possible!
Once onboard, I recommend taking some time to explore the ship!
It is important to know exactly where all the areas you are interested in are located (the restaurant, the theater, the reception area, for example) so that you don’t risk being late for an activity or meeting because you got lost in some lost part of the ship!
Plan your schedule to avoid long lines for the activities you are interested in by avoiding “peak” times.
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2. Crew Members
From the cabin steward to the maitre d’, from the officer to the artist, from the entertainment officer to the bartender, the members who make up your cruise crew are people from all over the world. They are people who have traveled far and had many experiences. Talking to them can be an experience within an experience.
They may also be able to give you information and advice about excursions, places to go onboard and ashore, and much more.
Of course, not everyone will feel like socializing, but many will enjoy chatting with passengers.
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3. Logbook
Read the logbook daily.
I recommend that you carefully read the logbook, which lists all daily activities, especially on sailing days.
You will find all entertainment activities, restaurant and buffet schedules, theater shows, excursions, weather, and more.
I also recommend taking the newspaper with you when you go ashore. In the unfortunate event that you miss the ship, you will find on the back page the details of the shore travel agency to contact to catch the ship at the next port.
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4. Payments onboard
One of the first things we do when we board the ship is activate the ability to make all of our payments with the Cruise Card.
There are two ways to do this.
- By matching the Cruise Card to our credit, debit or prepaid card
- By making a cash deposit at the front desk
In the first case, you can act by going to the front desk or, in a very simple and intuitive way, by using one of the totems that are onboard.
If you choose to pay by credit card, your account will be automatically closed at the end of the cruise, without the need to go to the front desk.
In the second case, if you wish to deposit cash, simply go to the front desk and pay the amount you wish to deposit. There is a minimum deposit that varies from line to line. Any amount deposited in cash and not spent during the cruise will be refunded in cash before disembarkation.
If you prefer, there is a third option. You can book a shipboard credit from home in your personal space prior to departure. This credit can be used onboard for shopping, relaxing or any other activity during the cruise.
When selecting the payment method, you can choose to pay for all stateroom occupants or even for other staterooms (for example, if your children are traveling in different staterooms).
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5. The Cruise Card
What is the CRUISE CARD?
Once you have embarked, you will find the Cruise Card in your stateroom on your bed. This card, which looks like a standard credit card, is essential to your cruise.
In some cases, you will receive your Cruise Card upon embarkation.
It serves as your key to your stateroom, is used to make all payments onboard, and is your identification when you disembark and re-embark for your excursions.
The Cruise Card contains all your cruise details, stateroom number, assigned restaurant, emergency drill location, as well as various spa packages, beverages, etc. that you have purchased.
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6. Onboard Wi-Fi
You cannot rely on onboard Wi-Fi 100 percent.
In-flight Wi-Fi is not always as powerful as we would like it to be, so if you have to plan your trip in detail, I recommend doing all the necessary research before you leave.
In any case, companies offer very attractive Internet packages, but keep that option for communicating at home, on social media, or for things outside of travel planning, because you may find yourself without a connection and without the information you need.
So if you need to buy tickets for museums, attractions, tours, transportation, you’d better do it before you leave.
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7. Specialty or Themed Restaurants
Make reservations for specialty or themed restaurants as early as possible.
If you plan to enjoy one or more specialty or themed restaurants onboard, remember to make reservations early.
Ideally, this should be done before departure, but if you really can’t make it, make it one of the first things you do once you’re onboard; if you wait too long, you run the risk of finding them “sold out” on the days and times that would be most convenient for you.
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That’s all for now, but don’t miss out on more information and tips on cruise guides, also on Cruising Journal!