Cruise Ready’s Cruising Tips for New Cruisers

We just LOVE first-time cruisers – we love it when they delight in their first cruising experience.  AND we know that, before they embark on that first adventure at sea, they may have some trepidation, and they for sure have lots of questions.  And rightfully so!

Here are some cruising tips, compliments of Cruise Ready Store.

Wondering About Cruising?

First Things first

All cruises are NOT equal!  So, which cruise is bestfor you?  What length cruise, cruise line, ship, and itinerary suits you best?  These questions are best answered by YOU.  Do some research, and get help from experienced cruisers and a good Travel Agent.  You can find ALL of these things on line.  Cruise Ready’s Recommended Links for Cruisers will give you some places to start.  

Find a great Travel Agent.  If you’ve never cruised before, you might think that doing it yourself is more economical.  Not so. A good TA can save you time and effort AND money, as they have access to resources unavailable to passengers.  

Passports

If you don’t have one, get one NOW - for the kids, too. End of discussion.

Buying Your Cruise

An initial deposit is required when booking to ‘lock in’ your rate.  (Yes, rates change often)  Then, you can make payments, as long as you pay in full by the final date.  (Between 60 and 90 days before sailing)  If the rates should change in your favor, a good TA will secure the lower rate for you.

Travel Insurance

Yes, you need  this, too. Get it. It’s worth it – especially during hurricane season. See some of the related threads on  CruiseLineFans  for real life examples of why.

Preparing for Your Cruise

Choosing and Booking Excursions

Find out what’s available, and decide what you want to do well in advance, as the most desirable and popular excursions can fill up fast.  You can choose to book  through the cruise line (usually right on their web site) or with an independent operator. 

Worth considering: While tours booked directly with an independent tour company can be cheaper, get recommendations from those who have ‘been there, done that” to make sure the operator is reputable.  Consider the length of the tour, and how long your ship will be in port.  If a cruise line sponsored tour is late returning to the ship, the ship will usually wait.  The same is NOT always true for independent tours.  If you are left in port, it is up to you to get yourself to the next port of call – at your own expense!

Packing

Check the cruise line’s web site, and with others who have cruised that line, regarding the on board dress code.  Most lines will have at least one formal night per cruise. And, for some lines, formal is more formal than others.

There are many packing lists available on the internet. You won’t need every thing on all of them.  But they are handy, so find one and adapt it for yourself.

PACK LIGHT!  Take as many dual use and coordinating articles as possible.  This is very important, with airlines beginning to charge extra for second bags. Try to resist the temptation to overpack.  DO take at least one extra swim suit, however,as they take forever to dry when hung in the bathroom in your cabin.  There’s nothing more unpleasant than putting on a cold, wet swim suit!

You’ll likely need to buy a few things. Naturally, we recommend Cruise Ready Store as one source of cruise gear and cruising accessories.

On Board

Once you cross that gangway, you’re entering a different world.  Enjoy! We could go on about this, but we’ll let you discover the pleasures of cruising for yourself.  Just expect to enjoy yourself, and chances are, you will!

Your NEXT Cruise and Loyalty Programs

Most first time cruisers begin thinking about their second cruise while they are still enjoying their first – and that’s the perfect time to do so!  While on-board, take a few minutes to find out about your line’s Loyalty Program. With most lines, you can join up while still on your first cruise.  This way, you’ll begin to reap the benefits on your second cruise.  And, with most lines, you can also reserve a future cruise through their on board loyalty ambassador.  It may be to your advantageto do so.  Ask about those advantages. 

Special Notes on Cruising during Hurricane Season

Hurricane season:  June 1 – November 30

There are deals to be had during ‘the season,’ most especially during the peak months of August, September, and October.  However, be prepared for possible trade-offs for those cheaper fares. 

First – Plan to arrive at your port city at least a day early.  If there’s an active ‘cane, the  port authority could close down the port and order all ships to sea hours early.

Second – Always buy travel insurance. 

Third – Never cruise the Caribbean during hurricane season with your heart set on seeing a particular port. The captain WILL divert the ship’s course to keep you safe.  This may include substituting an alternate port, or missing one or more ports entirely.

Fourth – Be prepared to end your cruise a day earlier or later than scheduled – and make travel arrangements to your home that can be adjusted accordingly.

 Fifth – If you are prone to motioin sickness, take along plenty of your favoirte remedy.  Our favorites are of the natural variety, like these ginger products.

Cruising for a Cause

This isn't for everyone, but some our most memorable port calls were those where we were able to give to a local school, clinic, or children’s home while there.  Such organizations in some of the Caribbean ports are in need of basic supplies, and greatly appreciate a back pack or duffel filled with needed items.  See our links page for a link to more information.