If you are going on your first cruise a guide to cruising can help to ensure that your trip is all that…

you imagined. Seasoned cruisers know the secrets of cruising and this guide will let you in on them. Follow the guide to cruising and you will be able to relax and just enjoy your vacation.

Guide to Cruising

Bring cash for tipping. Cruises usually include many opportunities for tipping. Sometimes you have the option of paying a flat daily fee. Do whatever suits you best, just do not forget to tip.

If you plan to check your bag with the porter when you board the ship pack your bathing suit in your carry on bag. You might want to take a swim or lay by the pool right away and it can take hours for the porters to bring your bags to your cabin.

Pack anti seasickness medicine. Even if you have never had motion sickness, you might be surprised at how your body reacts to being on a cruise ship.

Pack a power strip or extension cord. Quarters are sometimes tight and outlets scarce so packing your own power strip will help make cabin living little easier.

Any guide to cruising would not be complete if you were not told to pack extra hangers. You will need them, especially on a long trip.

Try to get some exercise. Yes, you are on vacation and the food is great so it is easy to gain a few pounds. That’s fine, but taking a walk or an exercise class will help you to feel better, even if you follow it up with a margarita.

Be wary of buying Internet minutes. They can be extremely expensive. If you can find a free internet cafe to use once or twice a day. Try just being wireless for the rest of the vacation.
Before you book an off ship excursion through the cruise line double check to see if you can’t get a better deal by booking it directly on your own.

You do not have to eat all of your meals in the fancy dining room if you don’t want to. Most cruise lines now have other dining options that are covered in your all inclusive dining plan. Good to know if you are ready to take a night off of getting dressed up for dinner.

Make friends. Sit at the big tables with people you don’t know. Cruises are more fun if you make friend while you are on the ship.

Plan for extra expenses while you are on board. Alcohol and soda are not included in your fare. Neither are spa treatments and massages.

Budget, budget, budget. Try hard to stick to your budget. It is very easy to overspend on a cruise, so be careful of all of those little extras.