Cruising Tips

My Top 10:


1)  Upgrade to a Balcony room:  Why not?  You earned it!  There is something so nice about waking up in the morning, pulling the curtains back and watching the ship pull into port.  We like the balconies for the times when you just want to get away from the crowd or grab a dessert plate and eat it on the balcony under the stars.

2)  Take yourself to the Pier:  Many cruise lines offer a transfer service from the airport to the cruise terminal.  While this is a nice service, it is often times very expensive; ranging between $25-35 per person.  I recommend either taking a taxi or a city bus.  Obviously, use common sense.  Some cities it will be much more practical to take a taxi, but in a port like Boston, it was a 10 minute city bus ride that was free.

3)  Carry on your luggage yourself:  Most ships offer a porter service to carry your bags onto your ship for you.  The cost to this is whatever you choose to tip the Porter (typically $1/bag).  While that is nice, sometimes you won't see your bag on board until 7-8pm....kinda a drag when it's 95 degrees out and you're looking for your swim suit.  Many ports will let you carry your own bags on, which is nice because then you have everything you need right from the start.

4)  Pack some tape in your carry on:  Each ship will request that you attach a baggage tag to your luggage with your deck number and cabin number.  If you put it on right away, you run the risk of loosing the tag or having it damaged on the flight or taxi ride.  I like to pull out my little roll of scotch tape and adhere it right before walking through the cruise terminal.

5)  Take your own bags off:  Good for if you are in a hurry to get off the ship or if you have a small enough bag that you don't mind rolling it around for a bit.  We typically just wake up, bring our bag to breakfast, then get off the ship.  It sure beats waiting for your bag tag color to be called then squishing your way through a room full of people looking for their bags too.

6) Watch the Roaming Charges:  Technology has come so far since my first cruise 10 years ago.  It is great to bring your smart phone with to call and check in back home or pull up you Google Map app to get you around the Port.  But beware that many times you will be roaming just outside of the ports or while at sea.  You'd hate to get home and find an unexpectedly large phone bill waiting for you.

7)  Take advantage of the set-dinners:  Take a break, get dressed up and enjoy yourself at dinner.  The staff do an amazing job of offering wonderful meals, custom to your liking and delicious desserts.  There is always a little dance and song number to get people off their feet too.  When else can you try crocodile and shark in the same week?

8)  Research the Ports in advance:  Your first time at a port is always exciting and a little nerve-wracking.  I like to research what there is to do within walking distance of the port then decide if an excursion may be necessary.  Each cruise line offers a wide variety of excursions for you to participate in for an additional charge.  This is nice if you want to swim with dolphins, wander through the rain forest or go zip-lining...somewhere that you're better off with a guide.  Many times though there is an ample amount of things to do right at the Port - Saint Maarten and San Juan are great examples.

9)  Purchase the Soda Card:  Of course if you're not a soda (or pop) drinker, this would be just silly.  But for those of you who can't make it through the day without one, this is the most cost-effective way to do it.  Don't be surprised to pay $4.00 for each glass of soda that you order.  Many ships offer an unlimited soda card and mug that can be refilled as many times as you wish for a set price of $35-40.  Do the math and see if this is something you may need.

10)  Book a Spa Appointment on a day in Port:  Hoping to try a massage or facial while on board?  You will find that they offer their best deal and packages on days when the ship is docked in port.  Sure you may have to come back on board a little early, but if you are hoping to save some cash, this would be the day.