cruise tips and advice

Celebrity Blog

• Choosing a Cruise
• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• Special Occasions
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
• East Coast & Bermuda
• Mexican Riviera
• South America & Antarctica
• Destinations

17 Invaluable Cruise Tips From a 20-Year Cruise Veteran

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: November 8th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

Whether you’re planning your maiden voyage or have already sailed the seven seas, you can always get more out of your cruise with some smart advance planning. Here are some cruise tips and tricks for everybody from first-time cruisers to experts.

1: Make Creative Stateroom Choices

Celebrity Cruises Suite

If you’re traveling as a multigenerational group, be creative with the configuration of your accommodation. For example, parents and grandparents would appreciate a private veranda, while kids could have an inside stateroom across the corridor. Consider interconnecting rooms—there are plenty on Celebrity’s ships—or the unfettered luxury of The Retreat , where your family of four could enjoy the comfort and space of a two-bedroom suite.

Take a look at The Retreat if you’re a couple, too, as the extra amenities in this blissful sanctuary make a romantic vacation that much better, from premium beverages to an exclusive restaurant, Luminae , and a serene, private lounge and deck.

Read: How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

2: Pack Smart

Experienced cruisers have all sorts of cruise tips and tricks for packing , some more unexpected than others. For example, magnets will attach loose pieces of paper, like excursion tickets and party invitations, to your cabin wall. Colorful towel clips will stop your beach towel from flying off your lounger on a breezy day. Compression cubes are perfect for squeezing more into your luggage, while hanging washbags mean you can store toiletries vertically, rather than cluttering the bathroom.

Invest in a travel pill organizer for any meds to avoid packing endless bottles, and a jewelry roll to keep everything together. A USB octopus means you can charge multiple devices from one USB socket, although power extension strips are not allowed. A thermal water flask will keep your drinking water cool all day and is more environmentally sound, as you won’t be discarding half-full plastic bottles once they warm up.

A tote bag is perfect for the beach (if you’ve chosen The Retreat, you’ll find a very chic complimentary one waiting in your suite). If you’re planning kayaking trips or are headed to the Galapagos , where you’ll be zooming around on Zodiacs, a roll-top wet bag keeps valuables dry.

Finally, pack everything you need for the first afternoon of embarkation day in your carry-on, not least swimwear, a cover-up, and sunblock, so you don’t have to wait for your suitcases to be delivered to your stateroom.

Read: Expert Cruise Packing Tips

3: Arrive a Day Early

Venice, Italy

If you’re traveling long distance, why not add on a night in a hotel before joining the ship? You’ll be able to enjoy a little local culture on your first night—for example, a stroll through Venice , or fresh seafood in Athens with a view of the floodlit Acropolis—and sleep off some jetlag. You’ll arrive at the port fresh and ready for an adventure at sea.

Read: What Are the Longest Cruises You Can Take?

4: Get to Know the Ship

Camp at Sea

Part of the fun of the first day is exploring your new home, and a wise cruise tip from experienced sailors is to take a self-guided ship tour. This way, you’ll figure out where you want to sunbathe, eat, and relax, find classes you like the look of, and see the array of activities on offer in Camp at Sea.

You’ll be given a map of the ship, or can use your Celebrity app to explore. Start on the highest possible deck and work your way methodically down. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn—which restaurants beckon, the enticing treatments on offer in the aromatic haven of the spa, the best spot from which to enjoy the thrill of sailaway on your first evening.

If you’re traveling as a family with young children, knowing the shortest routes around the ship is always a good idea, as you’ll inevitably be dashing back to your stateroom every now and then for forgotten items.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

5: Budget for Beverages

Depending on your habits, investing in a beverage package can be one of the best cruise tips to follow. It’s easy on the carefree, sunny days of vacation to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine with lunch, a sundowner as you set sail, more wine with your evening meal, and then some cocktails in the nightclub.

It’s not all about booze; other beverage packages offer non-alcoholic drinks, some cater to kids, and others include just soda or mineral water.

6: Match Your Tech To Your Itinerary

There’s no need to bring an entire mobile office, but think about what you might need at the destinations you’re visiting on your cruise itinerary . In Alaska, binoculars are essential for wildlife spotting, as is a camera with a zoom lens. An essential cruise tip here is to bring a spare battery, as nobody wants a dead camera just as that pod of orcas appears.

You can’t fly a drone from a ship—but some of the tiniest models, for which you don’t need a license, are appropriate for catching those ‘wow’ aerial shots of, say, the Stockholm archipelago, or the dazzling gold and turquoise sweep of a Caribbean beach. Always check, though, whether your mini-drone is legal.

If you’re sailing somewhere tropical and are likely to be snorkeling or diving, consider a GoPro or a waterproof case for your smartphone for underwater shots. For long city tours involving a lot of walking, a heavy camera can be a burden, but a smartphone is perfect for street shots and video.

Read: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

7: Use the Celebrity Cruises App

Celebrity Cruises app

If you haven’t tried the Celebrity Cruises app on previous cruises, now’s the time. On a practical basis, the app makes boarding swifter and allows you to snap up dining and excursion reservations. But it’s fun, too. The in-app calendar is a fantastic tool for scheduling your day, rather than scribbling on the printed daily program.

The chat function is the perfect way to keep track of friends and family on board. You can manage your expenses, too. You can even use your smartphone to open your cabin door or control the lights and shades from your bed.

8: Try a Capsule Wardrobe

St. Petersburg, Russia

If you prefer to travel light, a good cruise tip is to plan a wardrobe that works hard. Each item needs to match other items, so keep the color palette minimalist. One pair of pants, for example, can be paired with any number of floaty tops, or with sneakers by day and strappy sandals by night.

One relatively simple summer dress can be accessorized with statement jewelry, scarves, and different shoes, and worn by day after it’s made an appearance for dinner. Lightweight travelers suggest just three pairs of shoes: one pair for walking, flip flops for the ship, and something more dressy for evening.

Roofdeck Garden

The dress code on Celebrity Cruises’ ships is smart casual throughout, with a couple of Evening Chic evenings per cruise. You don’t need a ball gown or tuxedo for these—although some cruisers nonetheless love stepping out in full sparkle. The reality, though, is that everybody is having too much of a good time to judge what you’re wearing every day.

9: Skip the Travel-sized Toiletries

Small bottles are generally environmentally unsound, so buy a set of reusable travel-sized bottles and decant your favorite products before leaving home if you like to travel with a particular brand. Shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and soap bars are provided, in any case.

Royal Suite bathroom

If you are bringing big bottles, like sunblock, double wrap them in plastic. Nobody wants to open their suitcase to a gooey mess. Aromatherapy oils, too, have a habit of leaking, and while tea tree is great for insect bites, and lavender for sleep and soothing sunburn, wrap them tightly unless you want to wander around the ship smelling like an intense herbal aroma.

10: Make Breakfast an Occasion

While the choices in the Oceanview Cafe are undeniably mouth-watering, mix it up a little, especially if you have kids in tow and you’re eating at peak time, when everybody is getting ready to go on tour. Change out the bustle of the cafe for a more serene experience in the main restaurant, where you’ll enjoy table service, made-to-order omelettes, and delicious specials like eggs Benedict or pancakes with maple syrup.

11: Plan Specialty Dining

Lawn Club Grill

You’ll probably be booking several of the specialty restaurants on board, so plan your time wisely. If you’re ashore all day on a long excursion, you’ll most likely be tired, so this might be the night for a quiet dinner in the main dining room.

If there’s a sunset sailaway from somewhere exceptionally beautiful, like Santorini, for example, make that the day you dine at the Lawn Club Grill or the Rooftop Garden Grill on Edge or Apex. If you only choose one specialty experience and you’re cruising with kids, go for Le Petit Chef, a spectacular animation experience that thrills and entertains all ages.

Booking spa treatments early evening, when there’s usually more availability, is tempting, but don’t leave it too late on big evenings like the cocktail hour. On the other hand, on a sailing day, especially if there’s an Evening Chic dress code, soak up some sun, dress up to the nines, and make this your night in Murano, where an elegant outfit matches the beautiful setting.

12: Take Time Out

If you’re a seasoned cruiser and are perhaps revisiting old haunts in Europe , why not take a day off? This is particularly rewarding—and feels slightly decadent—in the heat of the Mediterranean summer, but with so much sightseeing on offer, exhaustion is a real issue. So book a spa treatment for a port day when there are usually special offers, or occupy prime position by the pool, enjoying the sensation of having the ship to yourself, like a luxurious private yacht.

If you do venture ashore, do as the locals do. Sit for hours in a beautiful square with morning coffee and head back on board for a siesta. If your ship has a late sail, take a stroll in port at sunset and stop for aperitivos, followed by a late dinner on board.

13: Document Your Voyage

Most of us take photographs and videos, but thinking of other ways you could document your vacation is one of the best cruise tips to help you remember your vacation. You could pack a sketch pad and pencils and give drawing a try—nobody will judge if you can only manage a stick figure. Try creative writing; sit in some gorgeous waterfront café, or on deck at sunset, and describe what you see. Or try a video app and get creative with micro-movies.

You could even try a sound diary, recording snippets of sound on your phone as a memory—the chatter of dolphins, the cry of a bird, the clackety-clack of a train, the bustle of a restaurant. Ask the whole family for their best shots at the end of the trip and create a photo book. Or collect ticket stubs and other scraps—more of a challenge in the digital age—for a good, old-fashioned vacation scrapbook.

14: Keep the Family Happy

One of the joys of cruising in a multigenerational group is that there’s enough variety on board for everybody. A ship is the perfect environment in which families can scatter, do their own thing, and meet up at an agreed time and place to enjoy quality time together.

For example, your teens might want to visit the Teen Club, while grandparents may head out on a tour while you work out in the gym or relax in the privacy of your veranda. Maybe agree to meet for lunch, or take a couple of fantastic family-friendly excursions . There’s no pressure to do everything as a group, though, and the joy of a cruise ship is that it’s safe for all ages.

Read: Best Cruises for Teens

15: Make Exercise Fun

Celebrity yoga class

If you exercise regularly at home, there’s every possibility on a Celebrity Cruises ship to keep up your routine with some exciting classes. On Edge-series ships, join a high-energy, live-streamed class on the Peloton bikes. Get the whole family signed up for a salsa class, or simply inhale the sea air on an early morning power walk. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Wear an activity tracker and see if you can hit 10,000 steps a day—it’s really not difficult on a ship.

16: Manage Your Time Ashore

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires

There are some ports that invite wandering. Mykonos Town and Barcelona , for example, are easy to navigate. Venice is a place to lose yourself among the tranquil canals and alleyways, while Juneau in Alaska is a joy to wander at your own pace or try the friendly public bus service to reach the Mendenhall Glacier.

On the other hand, from Naples , you’ll want to visit the excavations at Pompeii, which is infinitely better with a guide. A tour is a reassuring and more effective way to navigate the teeming chaos of Bangkok. South American ports are trickier if you don’t speak Spanish, and cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago are, in any case, sprawling.

However you spend your day, though, be back on time! Unless you’re on an official excursion, the ship won’t wait.

17: Reinvent Yourself

Martini Bar

Cruising is undeniably exciting and romantic, so let go of your everyday stresses and rediscover the real you. Nobody here knows you, so you can be whoever you like. This is the time for sartorial expression, so let your fashion imagination run wild. At home, you may not sit at a glamorous cocktail bar, sipping a martini and wearing a sparkly dress, or a suave summer tuxedo, but in the elegant setting of a Celebrity Cruises ship, why not?

Push your boundaries, however gently. Boost your adrenaline with a new activity, like zip-lining or a high-speed RIB tour. Stay up insanely late, dancing. Try karaoke. Or get up early, head up on deck, and watch the sunrise. You can always snooze during the day.

Join a class on board and learn a new skill. Meet new people and let them see the you that isn’t encumbered by school runs and office commutes. You may surprise yourself.

Inspired to set sail? The whole world awaits, so start exploring our thrilling destinations and browse itineraries on our website .

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

Related Itineraries

Bahamas & Perfect Day

• 3 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• DEPARTING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
• Starting from $580 USD

Key West & Mexico

• 5 nights ON CELEBRITY APEX
• Starting from $912 USD

Bahamas Getaway

• Starting from $989 USD

Western Caribbean & Perfect Day

• 6 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $1159 USD

Key West & Perfect Day

• 4 nights ON CELEBRITY REFLECTION
• Starting from $2711 USD

Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

• 8 nights ON CELEBRITY BEYOND
• Starting from $6671 USD

Related Articles

What to Wear on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide

11 Cruise Picture Ideas

14 Essential Cruise Packing Tips

19 Things Not to Do on a Cruise

12 Wildlife Photography Tips for Beginners

How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

13 Sustainable Shore Excursions to Add to Your Bucket List

How to Choose a Cruise Drink Package

The 7 Best Cruises for Couples

How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

Bucket List Cruises for Seniors Over 60

17 Incredible 50th Birthday Trip Ideas

Free Vacation Planning Services

CALL US 888-751-7804

Sign Up for Special Offers

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *
• Country * Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

STAY IN THE KNOW

Thank you for subscribing.

See you on board soon.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Get ready for a trip to remember with these helpful cruise tips from industry experts.

David C Tomlinson/Getty Images

Some 30 million people board cruise ships every year to hit the high seas in style. If you’re thinking about becoming one of them, first, congratulations, and second, there are a few things you should know. But not just from us. Here are 21 cruise tips and tricks from insiders to help you have the best sailing of your life . 

Related: 11 Luxury Cruise Lines That Offer Stunning Suites, Fine Dining, and Exceptional Itineraries

Understand what’s included and what’s not before you step aboard.

“Make sure you know what's included before you board your cruise, so you're totally clear on what you've paid for in advance and what you haven't. It may make sense to purchase an all-inclusive beverage package ahead of your sailing — which means less to think about once on board and potential savings depending on how much you imbibe. Windstar, for example, books cruises with rates for cruise-only options or at all-inclusive rates with unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Make the decision that fits your circumstances the best when you're booking, and simply enjoy once you're on board.”  — Chris Dodds, captain on the Star Breeze from Windstar Cruises

Get the lay of the land ASAP.

“When you arrive on the ship, take time to explore each deck so that you know exactly where everything is so that you do not lose time or arrive late to an activity because you got lost. Review the schedules to see when you may be able to avoid lines for certain activities on board. If there are games such as bingo, reviewing the schedule also helps to ensure that you have the right amount of cash for the activity." — Dr. Terika Haynes, owner, Dynamite Travel

For the best en-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship.

“Although our ships offer many amazing views, especially in the comfort of your suite, I personally love the decks located on the back of the ship. Not only are they nice and quiet, but they offer wonderful sweeping views of the ocean or port. Often whales, seals, and dolphins can be spotted at the back of the ship, and a must-see for photographers is the amazing sunsets and sunrises you can catch from this area.”

— Kelly Cochrane, executive chef, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For the best sunsets, head to the observation deck.

“ There are a lot of places you can enjoy the views onboard, but my favorite is the observation deck. Quiet and secluded, the observation deck is a wonderful place for a spectacular view.” 

— Allan Ortiz, head sommelier, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

ullstein bild/Getty Images

Explore all your shore excursion options.

"Just because your cruise ship offers a shore excursion doesn't mean you need to book the shore excursion with the cruise. I recommend working instead with an experienced travel advisor for your shore excursions in order to make your experience as immersive, private, and unique as possible."

— Andrea Galvez, director and expedition cruise expert, Craft Travel Group

Don’t overlook night time excursions.

“ Some cities are great for soaking up the sun, while others come to life at night – and some have special experiences to offer at every time of day. Do some research ahead of your voyage to find out what can’t be missed, and take advantage of all the time you have in port, especially during a late night or an overnight.”

— Andrea Baigorria, global head of PR and communications, Azamara

And pay close attention to the listed physical activity levels for excursions.

“Pay attention to the described physical activity levels when booking excursions. Many people don't anticipate (or perhaps don't believe it) when a Windstar excursion is marked as ‘strenuous,’ we actually mean it. Many of our guests are active travelers seeking a workout and will gleefully power up a hill on a mountain bike or paddle for hours. But if you're a traveler who is not seeking physical exertion like that on your outing, stick to the easy, easy to moderate, or moderate levels to ensure maximum enjoyment.” — Chris Dodds

Don’t overpack — take advantage of laundry service instead.

“My best packing tip for long trips at sea is to take advantage of the laundry services onboard. Additionally, I recommend limiting the amount of clothes you bring and packing smart. For example, windbreakers are handy in all climates and comfortable clothes for lounging around the suite and enjoying room service are a must.” 

– Kelly Cochrane

And make sure to pack important items in your carry-on luggage.

“A lot of travelers overstuff their checked bags and don't give enough care to what they're carrying in their carry-ons. Keep in mind that it takes at least several hours to deliver your baggage to you. Based on the number of workers onboard and your cabin's position, the time it takes to receive your baggage can range from a few hours to half a day. Due to this, it's imperative to have a day pack that contains everything you'll need right away. Also, don't forget to pack some fun items. Fill a compact carry-on with essentials you'll need quick access to, such as prescribed medicine, contact solution, a set of clothes, swimwear, lotion, sunglasses, and footwear.”

— Sean Harris, managing editor, Family Destinations Guide  

Don’t limit your vacation to the sailing dates.

"Be sure to pick destinations that easily allow for extension trips. For instance, if you visit Antarctica, you can easily visit Patagonia in both Argentina and Chile, as their ports also serve as the gateway to Patagonia. Another example is visiting mainland Ecuador in combination with a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. What's more, some cruises include one night at a hotel before embarking. If the cruise doesn't include this, I highly recommend one night at a hotel before embarking to err on the side of caution due to flight delays.”

— Andrea Galvez

Bloomberg/Getty Images

Share your special moments with the crew ahead of time.

"A great way to make the most of your time at sea, particularly if you’re going to be celebrating a special occasion, is to mention it in advance to your agent/cruise operator. More often than not, you’ll end up with some freebies to make your day extra special, including in-room treats, complimentary upgrades, private picnics, and onboard chefs who are typically happy to show off their creative talents by making a cake."

— Jeremy Clubb, Founder, Rainforest Cruises

And make sure to get to know the crew, too.

“Get to know your crew members – they are from all over the world, and they’ve been all over the world, so they have some amazing stories to tell. They can clue you into the hidden gems of each destination, such as the best local shopping, restaurants, viewpoints, and more. Some of my favorite moments and discoveries across the globe have come from the recommendation of an Azamara crew member.”

— Carol Cabezas, president, Azamara  

Always read the daily itineraries.

“ Keep an eye out for the ever-changing activities and food offerings onboard, especially during sea days. On Azamara, you’ll find these in your Insider delivered to your room daily. You never know when you might find me hosting our guests in one of our restaurants or an incredible local performer out on the pool deck.”

— Ryzsard Gusmann, hotel director on Azamara Quest

Let yourself enjoy a full day at sea.

"My tip to make the most of your time aboard — make sure you have at least one day at sea. Cruises are so destination-focused that travelers often overlook those ‘at sea’ days in the itinerary. But, as the saying goes, getting there is half the fun!”

— Carlos Caicedo, Marketing Manager, Luxury Cruise Connections

John Elk/Getty Images

Tip accordingly. 

“You have two options: you can prepay the tips before the cruise and not worry about that. Some people really like to do that, but some people like to tip based on the quality of the service they received. And so, we normally recommend that you tip the crew $20 per person per day, which is divided among all the crew members, and the guides between $10-15 per person per day. Those are tipping guidelines. We like to recommend to guests that they tip when they’re there because really tipping should be a representation of the quality of the service.” 

— Fernando Diez, marketing director, Quasar Expeditions , 

Have dietary restrictions? Speak directly to the chef.

“On a special diet, or have a food allergy/sensitivity that can make travel difficult? If you haven't been able to adequately address your needs virtually during the booking or pre-cruise process, ask to speak to the chef once on board to discuss your restrictions or requests. Sometimes just having the conversation in person is enough to put any worries at ease, and it will allow the culinary team every chance possible to make your dining experience the best it can be.” 

— Chris Dodds

Book specialty dining as soon as possible.

“Always try to book specialty dining as early as possible. If you wait until you board the ship, the popular restaurants are often sold out or have limited times available. I once waited until the last minute, and the only time available to book the steakhouse was at 5:30 p.m. on embarkation day. That was also the same time the ship was scheduled to sail through the Giudecca Canal in Venice. — Ben Souza, editor, Cruise Fever

Ask about a chef’s table experience.

“If you love immersive culinary experiences, see if your ship has a chef's table. This will likely be a three to four-hour tasting menu with an intimate group of eight to 10 guests led by the chef and sommelier. Only a very small portion of the ship's guests will have the opportunity to take part in these limited events, so book early or inquire with the maître d as soon as you board.” — Lauren Quirk, owner, Travel With Character 

Bring a converter just in case.

“Bring a European travel plug adapter.  Most cruise ships are built overseas, and you'll often find that lots of the outlets both in common areas and even some in staterooms are the European-style plugs.  If you're out and about and want to plug your phone in to charge, an adapter might give you access to many more plugs than other guests.” — Jonathan de Araujo, owner, The Vacationeer

You can’t count on onboard Wi-Fi, so make sure to do all your planning prior to departure.

“The Wi-Fi on ships is slow, unreliable, and expensive. When you're home and have unlimited access to Wi-Fi, plan your port days, so you don't waste the limited time you have in port researching things to do. Find out whether you're able to use Uber/Lyft in the port or find the transportation schedule ahead of time. Buy your museum/attraction/tour tickets in advance.” — Alissa Musto, cruise ship entertainer

Traveling with kids? Try connecting rooms.

“If you have a larger family, check out connecting room options. This has worked out really well for our family with children. Usually, one adult and one or two children can be assigned to each room. This setup allows for some more space and a separate space for the kids to nap while all still being connected.”  — Michelle Schomp, founder, Passport Explorers

35 Royal Caribbean cruise tips and tricks that will make your voyage better

Want to impress your traveling companions the next time you cruise with Royal Caribbean ? Take a scroll through our ultimate list of Royal Caribbean cruise tips, tricks and hacks in the story below — 35 in all!

These are specific Royal Caribbean cruise tips that will save you money and time, and let you maximize the experience both on board the vessels and during port calls.

Got a great Royal Caribbean cruise tip of your own that's not included here? Email us at [email protected]. You might find your tip included in a future update of this guide!

Here, our 35 best tips and tricks for getting the most from your Royal Caribbean cruise.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Use a travel agent to book

We put this tip first for a reason. In our book, reaching out to a travel agent who knows the Royal Caribbean brand is the first thing you need to do when planning a cruise with the line.

Sure, you can book a Royal Caribbean cruise on your own, directly through the line's website. But given that you must make many decisions during the booking process, it can pay to use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you arrange things. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences and steer you to the perfect Royal Caribbean ship, itinerary and cabin for you. The agent also can help you if something goes wrong before, during or after your voyage.

In addition, travel agents often can get you extra onboard credit and other perks on Royal Caribbean ships that you might not be able to get by booking directly with the line.

Related: Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Book as early as possible

Like many cruise lines these days, Royal Caribbean often offers its best pricing for any given cruise at the moment the sailing opens for booking. Then, as the cruise starts filling up, the line will slowly raise prices for the remaining inventory of cabins.

To get the best price on any particular sailing, you should book right when the voyage opens for sale. This means planning far in advance, as many Royal Caribbean sailings will open for reservations around two years before the trips are scheduled to take place.

Booking far in advance can pay off in more ways than one. One big advantage to booking ahead of time is that you're more likely to get the exact cabin type you want. On many Royal Caribbean ships, the least expensive cabins and most expensive suites often sell out quickly.

Worried you might miss out on a deal by booking a cruise far in advance? Here's the good news: If the cost of your cruise drops at a later date, you can usually get your fare reduced to match the lower price. You can renegotiate the price until you've paid in full for the cruise; that final payment is typically due a few months prior to the sail date.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

Book off-season for the best deal

As is the case for resorts on land, the floating resorts that are Royal Caribbean ships can be significantly less expensive during the "offseason" travel months of September, October and November.

These are months when kids are typically back in school and family travel — a huge market for Royal Caribbean — drops off significantly, resulting in diminished demand for the line's ships. In the Bahamas and the Caribbean, it's also hurricane season , which keeps some people away from both land resorts and cruise ships in the region.

In addition to the fall months, the offseason period for Royal Caribbean cruises generally includes parts of January and February, but it varies by region. Traditionally, the summer months of June, July and August are considered to be the high season in many cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska. The periods around major holidays — such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day — also are considered the busy season for cruising and bring higher prices.

Related: 6 secrets to getting a deal on a cruise

Don't miss your shareholder's benefits

Do you own stock in Royal Caribbean's parent company, the Royal Caribbean Group? If so, you may qualify for an enticing perk — free onboard credit!

Any shareholder with a minimum of 100 shares at the time of sailing is eligible for an onboard credit of $250 per stateroom for sailings of 14 or more nights, $100 on sailings of six to 13 nights and $50 on sailings of five or fewer nights.

The only major caveat: Sailings on chartered cruises on Royal Caribbean ships, such as full-ship theme cruises, are excluded.

You may request the nontransferable credit each time you cruise. The credit applies only to the stateroom where the shareholder is staying and is based on double occupancy. If shares are held jointly, and you are booking more than one stateroom, 100 shares are required for each stateroom (based on one credit per shareholder per sailing and double occupancy). Single guests would have to pay 200% of the fare to receive the offer.

Note that the credit can't be used for the daily service charges levied on Royal Caribbean ships. It also can't be used for activities you pay for prior to sailing, as it won't be applied to your account until you board.

Related: TPG's guide to cruise shareholder benefits

Pre-book dining, drinks and internet packages

You'll get the best price on dining and beverage packages if you book them in advance of your cruise. This is because Royal Caribbean often runs online sales on these packages in the months leading up to a voyage.

Once you're on board a Royal Caribbean ship, you'll find that packages for dining, drinks and internet will be higher than what you could have paid in advance.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

And book your entertainment in advance, too

When sailing on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships, you also can use the line's online portal or app to pre-book shows in advance. We're talking about the Broadway musicals and ice shows found on these vessels.

This is important to do if you want to be sure to get a seat for a specific show on a specific night. Given the many thousands of people on these ships on any given sailing, it's not uncommon to find that some shows book up in advance.

Note that Royal Caribbean shows don't come with a charge, nor is there a fee to reserve a spot in the audience. It won't cost you anything to snag a seat to one of the shows in advance when you can. If you change your mind once on board, you can give up your seat without penalty.

If you don't sign up for shows in advance, a backup strategy is to do so just after you board a vessel. Alternatively, you can wait in a standby line at onboard theaters on show nights. If some people with reservations don't show up (something that happens often), the gatekeepers will let people without reservations in on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make reservations for My Time Dining

Here is yet one more tip about making reservations in advance: If you're signing up for My Time Dining on a Royal Caribbean ship — the type of dining where you can eat in the main dining room whenever you want — you'll have an easier time getting seated at the time you want if you make a reservation in advance.

In other words, don't just show up at the main dining room without a reservation assuming that there will be a table ready for you and your traveling companions. Either make reservations for My Time Dining dinner times before you sail (again, through Royal Caribbean's online portal) or after you board but before you plan to head to the dining room. The earlier you can make reservations for the time slot you want, the better.

Reservations for dinner in the main dining room on Royal Caribbean ships are particularly important if you want to dine during the busiest times, which typically are between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the line's ships.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Sign those waivers in advance

While you're booking restaurant reservations in advance at Royal Caribbean's online portal, it's a good idea to also sign a waiver for any onboard activities that you'd like to try that require one, such as the zip lines found on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. If you do this in advance of sailing, you can jump right into onboard activities as soon as you board the ship.

Consider travel insurance

It's not always smooth seas when it comes to cruising — or any sort of travel. We hate to even bring it up, but you might need to cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise in advance due to the sudden onset of an illness. Or, maybe you'll fall ill during the trip and need emergency medical attention. Maybe your flight to your ship gets canceled and you miss the vessel's departure.

These sorts of things happen all the time to cruisers, and they're all the sort of situations where you might benefit from having travel insurance. Here's a comparison of the top travel insurance providers and information about Cancel for Any Reason add-ons .

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Fly to your cruise port a day or two early

This may be the most important piece of cruise advice you'll read in this entire story. Seriously. Take it to heart, or you may end up missing your ship — something that happens to cruisers more often than you might think.

Many Royal Caribbean cruises depart in the afternoon, so it might seem fine to fly to a port on the morning of departure. But all it takes is a moderate flight delay to upset those plans. If you're delayed in your arrival at the port, the ship will not wait for you.

Book your flights to arrive the day before your cruise to build wiggle room into your travel schedule should something go wrong. Make the most of your overnight by exploring a little in the departure port city before you board the ship.

If you're traveling overseas for a cruise, we recommend traveling to the port two or even three days in advance. Not only will you ensure that you don't miss the ship, but you'll also have time to recover from jet lag. European cruises, in particular, can be port-intensive, with lots of touring, so you want to be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running right after the cruise begins.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise ship

Check in as early as possible

Check-in for Royal Caribbean sailings can open as far as 45 days in advance, and it pays to go through the check-in process as early as you can. That's because early birds in the check-in process have their pick of arrival times at the ship.

That's right, you now have to pick an arrival time when heading to a Royal Caribbean ship, and passengers who check in early get the widest array of arrival slots from which to choose. If you check in far in advance, you'll probably find the earliest arrival slots still open. If you wait, you might only find late afternoon arrival slots still available.

Getting an early arrival slot means that you can board the ship earlier than other cruisers and have more time to enjoy its attractions before sailaway.

Join a Facebook group

A great place to get ideas for what to do on Royal Caribbean ships and in the ports they visit — and what to bring on a cruise, for that matter — are the many private Facebook groups dedicated to Royal Caribbean in particular or to cruising in general.

Our cruise team at TPG belongs to a number of them, including the Royal Caribbean Cruises group and the COPs (Cruisers Opinion Page) group, for instance, and we love talking tips with their members. You'll find thousands of cruise fans on these pages who often are more than willing to answer questions about their favorite Royal Caribbean ships, the line's itineraries and activities in the ports of call.

Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on

When you first arrive at a Royal Caribbean ship, you'll be greeted by porters who will whisk away your luggage. It will be delivered to your room later in the day. This is a great convenience, as there's no need to haul your bags through the entire check-in progress. But it also means you might not have access to your luggage for many hours on your first day on board.

Be sure to pack anything you might need for the first hours of your cruise in your carry-on bag. This means things like medication, for sure, and a phone charger, but also a bathing suit, hat, sunscreen and other items that will let you head straight to the pool deck to start the fun.

Related: 13 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag

Don't overpack

Throw all the clothes you think you'll need for a Royal Caribbean cruise in a pile, and then take away half of them. You won't need them. Trust us.

Royal Caribbean cruises these days are relatively casual, save for occasional dress-up nights, and you really only need a few outfits to rotate through a voyage. For starters, people won't notice if you wear the same thing two days in a row. And, even if they do, you'll probably never see any of them again, so it doesn't matter what they think.

Meanwhile, if things get too dirty to wear, it's no problem. Royal Caribbean ships offer laundry and dry cleaning services that will get your clothes cleaned quickly for a nominal fee. (Unlike some lines, Royal Caribbean doesn't build self-service launderettes onto its ships, which we find a bit annoying.)

Specifically, you'll currently pay $3.49 to send out a T-shirt for washing and folding on a Royal Caribbean ship, or $4.99 for a long-sleeve shirt. Getting shorts washed and folded will set you back $4.49. The line's ships also will wash an entire load of your laundry (whatever you can fit into a bag) for a flat fee of $34.99, sometimes less when they run onboard specials.

Bottom line: To us, at least, the extra cost of sending out a few shirts or even a full load of laundry for cleaning on a Royal Caribbean ship is a small price to pay for the freedom of not having to lug a giant suitcase around as you travel to and from your ship. Plus, you'll want to save room in your suitcase for all the souvenirs you'll want to bring home from your travels.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry service

Bring your own drinks on board

Many cruisers assume they can't bring their own drinks on board a ship. And at some lines that is, indeed, the rule. But Royal Caribbean is one line that allows passengers to bring their own drinks on ships — albeit in small amounts. It's one way to save money when cruising on a Royal Caribbean ship, as drink prices on the line's vessels can be high.

The bring-your-own beverages allowance on Royal Caribbean ships currently is two bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks.

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Bring extra toiletries

Yes, you'll be able to find sunscreen, painkillers and Band-Aids on Royal Caribbean ships. But it'll cost you. The line knows you're a captive audience and prices its shipboard stores accordingly.

We recommend always cruising with a small "go bag" of over-the-counter medicines in your suitcase that contains cold medicine, seasickness pills and the like. You'll probably never use it. But you also won't get hit with crazy charges should you develop a headache and desperately need ibuprofen.

While we're on the topic of sundries, don't forget extra batteries or memory cards for your camera if you are bringing one.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Bring these six other things, too

In addition to extra toiletries, Royal Caribbean regulars often bring Clorox wipes or something similar to wipe down surfaces in their cabin upon arrival (and to bring along on shore excursions). Many Royal Caribbean cruisers also won't head to a ship without room freshener, a foldable shoe rack (which they hang in the cabin bathroom to store toiletries), a highlighter (to highlight activities on the daily planner) and a lanyard (to hold their cabin keycard).

Some Royal Caribbean cruisers also swear by bringing magnets to ships to affix dinner invitations, excursion tickets and other important papers to their cabin walls. Walls on Royal Caribbean ships are made with metal (even if they don't look like they're made of metal, thanks to faux coverings) and will hold a magnet. Some cruisers even bring magnets with hooks so they can hang up clothes and other items on their walls.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruises and itineraries

Skip the buffet on your first day on board

There's nothing more jammed than a Royal Caribbean ship buffet on embarkation day. Everybody heads straight to it after they board.

Our Royal Caribbean cruise hack: To avoid the first-day buffet crowds, make a beeline to one of the secondary dining options that typically aren't nearly as crowded. Depending on which type of Royal Caribbean ship you are on, this could be the Sorrentos pizza outlets found in ship promenades, Park Cafe (found in the Central Park area of Oasis-class ships) or Cafe @ Two70 (found on Quantum-class ships).

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Try the marquee attractions on departure day

If Royal Caribbean ships are known for anything, it is their marquee deck-top attractions — giant waterslides, surfing simulators, climbing walls and skydiving tubes, to name a few. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have bumper car pavilions.

To make the most of these activities, head straight to them on the first day of your sailing. You'll often find that they are less crowded on embarkation day, when many cruisers still are getting oriented, than later in the sailing, when the attractions have been widely discovered.

With so much to do on board, you'll have a better shot at sampling all the top Royal Caribbean cruise ship attractions if you get started early.

Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day do's and don'ts

Watch sailaway from this secret spot

On roughly half of Royal Caribbean's ships, you should be able to watch the ship sail away from port from an amazing location that normally isn't open to passengers: the helipad on the bow.

Many passengers don't know about this secret spot for watching sailaways, found on Radiance-class, Voyager-class and Freedom-class vessels. It offers a truly wonderful vantage point. Royal Caribbean usually allows passengers to walk out onto these helipads around the time that a ship is departing. It's not always open the rest of the cruise.

To reach the helipad on these ships, head to the promenade deck (the deck where there is an outside walking area) and walk toward the front of the ship until you reach the helipad area.

More cruise tips: 21 things you should do to make your first cruise go smoothly

Research ports in advance

There are some types of vacations — a beach trip, for instance — where you don't have to do much advance research. You just show up and have fun. Cruises aren't this way — at least if you want to get the most out of them.

Even if you think the biggest allure of your Royal Caribbean cruise will be the amenities you'll find on your ship, you'll still be facing several days of port calls on many sailings. You'll want to have a plan for what to do in these ports in advance or you'll miss out on a big part of the cruising experience.

In general cruise calls are short — often just six to eight hours. So, you'll probably want to pick one or two things that you want to do during your time at the destination.

To make the most of your time, book an organized tour and let someone else get you to the destination's top attractions and back in a timely manner. But you also might find it works perfectly fine to go it alone. The trick is to do the research in advance, so you have a plan for the best way to spend your day.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship

Use your onboard package perks at CocoCay

Good news if you've bought one of those drinks or Wi-Fi packages we mentioned above. They don't just apply when you're on your Royal Caribbean ship. They also work when you're on land at Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

If you've purchased a drinks package, you won't need to pay extra for sodas, beer or frozen cocktails when you're thirsty on the beach. The island is outfitted for Wi-Fi access, so you can use your shipboard internet package to stay in touch or post photos of your day on social media without extra fees.

This isn't always the case when visiting cruise line private islands. And it's no small thing, given that CocoCay is a marquee stop on a significant number of Royal Caribbean voyages to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Related: How to visit Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay on zero dollars

Get free breakfast at Johnny Rockets

Many Royal Caribbean ships feature Johnny Rockets eateries serving the chain's signature burgers and shakes. Meals there are not free; they come with an extra charge. But there's an exception: The Johnny Rockets venues on Royal Caribbean's five Oasis-class ships offer breakfast for free.

Even better, Johnny Rockets outlets on Oasis-class ships (located in the Boardwalk amusement area) typically aren't crowded at breakfast time, in part because many people don't realize they're open.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

Eat at the extra-charge restaurants at lunchtime

Royal Caribbean ships have some wonderful extra-charge restaurants that you might want to try, such as the signature Chops Grille steakhouses found on many vessels. But they can come with a hefty extra charge.

One way to save: Book these venues for lunch instead of dinner. The flat-fee extra charge is typically half as much as the cost of going at dinnertime.

The Chops Grille eateries, for instance, recently were priced at a fee of $55 per person for dinner, while visiting at lunchtime only would set you back $25 per person.

Know your loyalty benefits

Royal Caribbean offers some enticing onboard perks to its most loyal customers, including free drinks, free internet time, access to an exclusive Diamond Club on select ships, a complimentary entertainment tour and, at the highest level, daily breakfast at a specialty restaurant. But it's easy to miss out on these perks if you're not aware of what you can get.

Be sure to read through TPG's ultimate guide to maximizing your status in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program to know all of the many perks you'll be able to get depending on how many points you've accumulated.

Sign up for private tours

Booking a shore excursion directly through Royal Caribbean is easy. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — your tour is all arranged.

But booking tours through the line isn't your only option, and it's not always the best option. In many cases, you can save a lot of money — and get a better touring experience — by booking shore excursions through independent tour operators in ports or a tour booking service such as Viator or ToursByLocals .

Often, independent tours will be much more intimate than the tours offered directly through Royal Caribbean. They might go to the same sites but in a small van instead of a big motorcoach. You might have just six or eight other people on a tour with you instead of nearly 40. If your group is big enough, you might even be able to book a private tour with an independent tour operator.

Independent tours also can take you to places that Royal Caribbean-organized tours don't. Plus, they often come with excellent service. ToursByLocals has staff on hand around-the-clock to respond to questions, and — for those worried about missing your ship — they offer a return-to-ship guarantee with every tour.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Always carry Royal Caribbean's contact information with you

When going ashore, always bring your Royal Caribbean ship's contact information with you. Those details are usually printed in the Cruise Compass newsletter that's delivered to your cabin each night. If something goes wrong when you're away from the ship, you'll want to get in contact with the cruise line right away.

The newsletter should also list contact information for the port agent in every destination you visit. Should you have a problem in port and not make it back to the ship before it sails, the agent can help you figure out next steps.

Keep your phone in airplane mode

Some of the biggest cruise ship horror stories you'll find on the internet are tales of cruising newbies who racked up thousands of dollars in cellphone charges while on ships. This can happen when you leave your phone turned on and, say, watch videos on the internet. Many phone plans — even international plans — do not include talking, texting and data on cruise ships, and you'll pay exorbitant roaming rates for such services that will show up weeks later on your phone bill.

There is a way to make calls and access the internet from Royal Caribbean ships without spending a boatload of money. You can buy a Wi-Fi package, which will let you make FaceTime calls and stream videos over Wi-Fi without using phone data.

Download Royal Caribbean's app

If you're planning a Royal Caribbean cruise and you haven't already downloaded Royal Caribbean's app to your smartphone, do it now. Really, right now. We'll wait.

Okay, got it downloaded? This is no small thing. Royal Caribbean is increasingly putting everything you need to know about your cruise on its app, and it's also the place where you can check in for your cruise in advance — and have your boarding pass accessible at all times.

The Royal Caribbean app allows you to make all sorts of reservations for onboard venues including restaurants and shows, and you can book shore excursions through it, too. You'll also find a comprehensive daily schedule of activities on the app as well as menus for restaurants. The best part: The app will work on board even if you don't pay for a Wi-Fi package.

Related: The best cruise apps to streamline your vacation at sea

Don't book a cabin near an elevator

Not every cabin on a Royal Caribbean ship is created equal. When choosing a room, we recommend staying away from those near elevators and just above nightclubs and other late-night venues. They can be noisy. Cabins just below the pool deck and near the anchor also can be problematic, as well as cabins near casinos.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Use a points card for onboard spending

You saw this one coming, no? Given TPG's origins as a points and miles website , we'd be remiss if we didn't remind you to maximize your credit card points while making purchases on Royal Caribbean ships. The way to do this is to tie a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases to your onboard account. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Don't tip twice for drinks and spa treatments

Royal Caribbean automatically adds an 18% gratuity to bar bills and minibar items, as well as spa and salon purchases. Many first-time cruisers don't know this and write in a hefty tip at the "additional tip" line on bills at cruise ship bars and spas. If you're unsure, ask if a gratuity has already been included before adding another 15% or 20% to the total. Otherwise, you may end up tipping twice.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Don't feel like you have to do it all

Royal Caribbean ships are known for having some of the biggest arrays of activities and entertainment at sea — so many options that it's sometimes hard to do it all in a single voyage. Our advice: Don't even try to do it all. In fact, you should force yourself to try not to do it all. Remember, you're on vacation. Relax. Take some downtime. Sit on your balcony, if you have one, and just stare out at the ocean for a couple of hours. You won't regret it.

Related: 26 cruise secrets from an expert that will blow your mind

Use points to get to your cruise

There are ways to use points and miles to book a Royal Caribbean cruise, but it doesn't always make sense , as it often requires a huge number of points to secure a cabin. That said, that doesn't mean you can't save big time by booking your flights to and from a ship using points and miles .

You'll find plenty of stories here at The Points Guy about how to, say, pay the equivalent of $1,330 in points for a flight that cost $16,000 , or book a $27,000 around-the-world trip for just $168 in out-of-pocket costs . Scroll around a little, and you may never pay cash for a flight to a cruise ship again.

Book your next cruise while still on board your current cruise

Like many cruise lines, Royal Caribbean will offer you a bonus if you book a cruise while on a ship. At Royal Caribbean, it's called the NextCruise program, and the bonus could include up to $600 in onboard credits for the next cruise that you book and up to 10% off shore excursions on the sailing. You also might only have to put down a reduced deposit of as little as $100 per person to hold the sailing.

The good news is these bonuses are in addition to whatever perks you already would be getting for booking another trip as a result of your Crown & Anchor Society status. If you normally use a travel agent to book your cruises, don't worry about not being able to work with them. Your travel agent will get full credit when you book another sailing while on board a Royal Caribbean ship and can take over the booking later.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

15 Cruise Bloggers Reveal Their Best Cruise Tips

Sharing is caring!

15 Cruise Bloggers Share Their Best Cruise Tips and Advice

The following advice comes from cruise travel bloggers, who specialize in different niches and each have their own unique perspective.

You’ll find awesome tips to help with cruise planning, saving money while cruising, cruise packing tips, cruise dining tips, luxury cruising tips and more!

Without further delay, here are the very best cruise tips from 14 expert cruise bloggers and vloggers!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full  disclosure policy  for details.

#1. Best Cruise Tips by: Jonathan Souza: Cruise Fever

Cruise Fever was founded by 2 brothers and is a huge resource of cruise tips, cruise reviews and cruise news. In addition to the website, you can follow Cruise Fever on Facebook .

1. On day one of your cruise try to explore as much of the ship as possible .  You will be tempted to just unpack your luggage and hit the pool or buffet, which is totally fine.  But some areas of the ship like the spa and thermal suite are open for tours during this time and you will be able to see all the ship has to offer.  I know some cruisers that didn’t realize certain features of the ship until the last day of a cruise.

2. Try a different dining venue each day , whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  This way you will not only know what kind of eateries are available, but you’ll know which one to hit again later in the week.

3. Arrive at the cruise port city a day early , and find a hotel that offers complimentary shuttle service.  There are usually several of these to choose from and it makes the trip slightly more hassle-free when your transfers are already taken care of.  Often these hotels will allow you to leave your car in their parking lot for the duration of the cruise as well, sometimes for a nominal fee.

#2 Money Saving Cruise Tips by : Jonathan Hyek –  Cruise Port Advisor

1. Don’t “buy” the hype!

Let’s face it –  cruise  lines know how to make money! From the time you set foot on a  cruise  ship, the entire experience is designed to help you part with more of your hard-earned money. Purchasing extra drinks, spa packages, low quality “luxury” watches and jewelry could end up costing you hundreds of dollars over the course of a week. Avoid the hype and allure of purchasing stuff you don’t need. Rarely is something sold on a  cruise  ship that you can’t get somewhere else for less money. Set your budget before you get on the ship and avoid spending on those incidentals. A little self-control could save you hundreds of dollars!

2. Explore on your own

Choose your destinations wisely so that you can explore on your own. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on excursions, many locations are safe enough to explore by yourself. Bermuda, USA, New Zealand, Japan, Europe, Canada as well as the  Cruise  lines private islands are safe and easy to explore on your own. There’s no need to purchase an excursion. Just use common sense as you would in any new city within Canada or the USA. Be careful in many Caribbean destinations though, as crime and theft is a real concern for tourists!

3.Stay “inside”

#3 cruise packing tips by: lucy williams – lucy williams global.

I love to follow Lucy’s travels (her photos are gorgeous) and hope you will too: Instagram @lucywilliamsglobal

1.Don’t over pack for a long cruise as on most cruise lines there are laundrettes that you can use yourself for a small charge. There are laundry detergent and fabric softener you can buy in the laundrette or you can bring your own or buy some ashore. Or you can take advantage of the the ship laundry service and have it all done for you.

2. Pack a capsule wardrobe for a long cruise, as you really do not need so much clothing as you think. If you stick to a few colours that coordinate you can make up lots of different outfits. Remember you can wash your clothes onboard and nobody remembers what you wore a few days ago.

3. People always bring too many pairs of shoes with them on a cruise and there is no need. For warm climate all you need are one pair of each; sports shoes, flip flops, ballet pumps, heels. For a cold climate; walking boots, sports shoes, ballet pumps, heels. If you bring neutral colours for ballet pumps and heels they will go with all your outfits.

#4 Cruise-ship Tips by: Annabel Cornall – Go and Cruise

Go and Cruise is a place where you can escape the day to day and be inspired to plan your next cruise and travel adventure. You’ll find wonderful cruise and port reviews and guides written by Annabel, as well as guest contributors. I think you’ll enjoy Go and Cruise on Instagram.

Choosing Your Cabin

Deciding on and choosing your cabin is a really exciting part of your cruise planning. Once you have decided upon a type of cabin that you would like; it is really worth putting into internet searches and YouTube the cabin number or type of cabin and ship. Many travelers will kindly upload videos of the cabin, detailing their features and layout, so you can gain a sneak preview.

Specialty  Dining

If you fancy trying the gastronomical delights of a specialty restaurant onboard your cruise ship, think ahead of when you are going to go. Why not start your cruise with a delicious delight; many ships will have great offers for the first night aboard. In addition, you can often book your dining preferences online before you embark, that way being able to plan your dining pleasures.

Port Days in the Spa

On your itinerary, there may be places that you have visited already and you might decide not to go ashore. What can you do with your time? I would suggest enjoying the amazing spa facilities that you find on cruise ships. On port days, spas will give you the best offers they have, often suggesting a package price for a number of treatments – go on treat yourself!

#5 Cruise Travel Tips by: Chris and Bradley: Chad Cruisers (You Tube Channel) 

I love watching Chris and Bradley’s cruise adventures and how they offer great tips all while keeping it real! In addition to their youtube channel, you can also follow on Instagram 

1.Save money and travel more often by booking inside staterooms.

We have experienced over 20 cruises, in balcony rooms, ocean view and even suites. We found that with the endless on board activities and venues on the ships, we were never spending that much time in the room. We now only book interior rooms, that way we can save our money for cruise excursions, on board spending and even future cruises!

2.Casino Benefits

The casino can be your ticket to future deals! We are suckers for the slot machines and enjoy playing on board. We bring a set amount of money to play with and enjoy the casino on sea days. We always make sure to insert our cruise card into the slots or give to the attendants at the tables, as you spend money at the casino we earn points, which can translate to future cruise offers and discounts plus free cash play for a future cruise.

3.Build Loyalty with Cruising with the same Cruise Line

We have sailed with Carnival, Royal Caribbean but mostly with Princess Cruises. We enjoy the laid back, quiet and relaxed atmosphere that Princess offers, as well as their variety of itineraries. We have enough Princess Cruises to enjoy such loyalty perks as free internet access, priority boarding, a Captain’s Cocktail party and some other good perks. Many other cruise lines offer incentives and programs for repeat cruisers.

#6 Cruise Tips/Budget Cruising by : Emma LeTeace – Cruising Isn’t Just for Old People/Emma Cruises

Cruising Isn’t Just for Old People is a cruise blog where you’ll find fabulous cruise information of all sorts. Emma also a vibrant group of young and young at heart cruisers in her Facebook group . 

1.Research the cruise line

My first  tip  for any  cruiser  would be to research the  cruise  line so that you can find the one that suits you best. I’m a firm believer in the idea that there is a  cruise  for everybody but there is no point picking a  cruise  line with strict dress codes if you don’t want to get dressed up. Proper research can ensure you make the most of your time onboard doing things that you want to do.

2.Book an inside cabin

To save money consider booking an inside cabin. I usually  cruise  in inside cabins and although balconies are nice I rarely end up spending much time in my cabin. An inside cabin not only saves you money but also encourages you to get out and explore the ship. One of my favorite things about  cruising  is always being able to find entertainment going on somewhere, whether that’s live music or something more interactive like a game-show.

3.Travel off-season

If you are able to do so consider travelling out of peak season. School holidays are much busier than other times of year and are generally more expensive too. If you are looking for a bargain months like November and January can be great options. A cruises around the Mediterranean or Canary Islands during winter are a particular favourite of mine, the weather is usually still relatively warm (compared to the weather in the UK!) and the prices are dramatically less.

Cruise More Often for Less

You may also want to consider taking this course by Emma from Emma Cruises, on saving money on a cruise. It is full of information to help save money on cruises, and will pay for itself with the first cruise you book.

Here’s the info if you want to check it out:   How to Cruise for Less (course)

#7 First-Time Cruise Tips by: Tanner Callais – Cruzely.com

I always suggest that passengers book an excursion in at least one port . Excursions can seem pricey, especially if you’re a frugal cruiser, but they are almost always worth the money and the memories. You’ll definitely remember the adventure you had years later compared to a day of simply sitting on the beach.

As well, if you forget anything from water shoes to cold medicine, wait until the ship gets into port. These items are for sale on the ship, but they are extremely expensive (we’ve seen cold medicine for nearly $18 a bottle). Every port has a small pharmacy and a number of other shops where you can pick up anything you forgot for cheaper.

Finally, don’t forget to bring an outlet adaptor . With all the electronics we carry these days, most cruise ships only have one or two outlets. An adaptor (make sure its not a surge protector and that its approved by the cruise line) that provides more plugs can be worth its weight in gold

# 8 Cruise Tips/Family Cruising by: Alyson – My Virtual Vacations

• Arrive to the port early

Unless you live a short drive away from your departure destination, consider arriving the day before. On the day of embarkation, you must be on board early and the check-in process can be lengthy. If flying to your cruise, there can be flight delays and you don’t want to stress about missing the ship. Arrive a day before and start enjoying the departure city right away.

2. Book your next cruise while onboard

Sometimes it’s hard to plan ahead but it’s not permanent. If your dates or plans change, you can easily cancel or move to a different date without penalty. But it’s all about the perks! You’ll typically get more free perks when booking on board (think drink packages, WiFi, or onboard credit) and often reduced deposits.

3. Bring your picky eater!

A cruise can be the best type of vacation for picky eaters.There are numerous choices and varieties of food on board. The buffets often have signage pointing to gluten-free or nut-free selections. Also, notify the cruise line ahead of time and the main dining-room will accommodate specific food preferences and allergies.

# 9 Cruise Advice and Tips by: Ilana Schattauer – Life Well Cruised

1.Book an excursion: If its your first time in a port, book an excursion with the cruise line or research on-line ahead of time. Whatever you do, don’t wing it! Most cruise ports require you to at least take a cab to the beach – and the port area will feel really “touristy” at best. The good stuff is out there, but you need to leave the port area and go and find it!

2.Get extra on board credits: On board credits (OBC) are extra money placed into your cruise account that you can use while cruising. This is a great way to “save” money by using it to book shore excursions, buy drinks, photos and even gifts at the shops. So, how do you get them?

• Book your cruise when the cruiseline has this type of promotion
• Book with a travel agent who may add additional OBC’s
• Book your next cruise onboard (you’ll be rewarded with OBC’s)
• Purchase cruise line shares (check the conditions, but this can be very advantageous)

3. Cruise complaints: If something isn’t right, don’t wait until you’re back home to complain about it. Cruise lines want you to have a great experience, so if you have an issue, bring it up politely with guest services and allow them the opportunity to get things resolved. It will help you avoid days of potential frustration and leave you with only good cruise memories.

4. Cruise Packing Tips

Here are some cruise packing tips , to help you get ready for your cruise.

#10 Cruise Tips/Dietary Needs Tips by: Sanna –  Vegan Cruiser

I love Sanna’s cruise reviews which provide a view into Vegan dining, as well as provide other helpful dietary and allergy information.  In addition to her blog you can also follow her Facebook page .

Here are 3  tips  for  cruising  – to save money and have a great  cruise  🙂

1) save money by booking with a  cruise  specialist travel agent, 2) do you have dietary needs and are worried cruises can’t cater.

3) Don’t get stuck in the rut and sail with one company only

It may gain you loyalty points on that brand but go experience the world our there! Different  cruise  lines have different things to offer – you could do the same itinerary but have a totally different  cruise  experience. Sister brands may recognize your loyalty status (Royal Caribbean & Celebrity do) and MSC will status match all major  cruise , airline and hotel loyalty program levels. Not every  cruise  line will suit everyone, but there are several that you might enjoy.

#11 Family Cruising Tips by: Claire – First Initial Sea

1.Do your research and find a ship that is right for your family

Most ships offer a pool and kids clubs at the very least. However, if you have two sea days or possibly more in a row, you might just need a little more than this to keep your children entertained. Cruise Lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Carnival offer an amazing array of fun features and almost endless entertainment for your children. Research opening hours and age ranges for the children’s clubs in your research as these tend to vary significantly with each cruise line.

2.Pack wisely

Whether you’re heading out to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords or the Caribbean, sea nights can see temperatures drop and the breeze pick up. If like us, you like to walk off your 3 course MDR (main dining room) meal and perhaps like to partake in a little top deck shuffle board or catch a movie under the stars. Your  children will thank you for packing a couple of cardigans or their favorite fleece.

Remember,  embarkation day is in fact day 1 of your cruise which you have paid your heard earned money on, enjoy this day and make the most out of it. Pack the swimmers in your handbag/travel bag. Sun cream and goggles too!

3.Cruise with extended family

Now this tip comes with a warning. I appreciate that not all of us are either lucky enough to have other family members around or who share a love for cruising, furthermore not all of us get along with extended family members. Thankfully and gratefully, we do. 

Grandparents are often keen to stay on board when we dock in a destination that they have previously enjoyed, thus resulting in them wishing to enjoy the ships facilities with their Grandchildren who can sometimes be reluctant to walk around exploring historic buildings and cultures for the day. Therefore they choose to spend the day together on the ship making those magical memories that last a life time together.

Consequently, this enables my husband and I to immerse ourselves fully in to experiencing various ports. Everyone’s a winner!

#12 Luxury Cruising tips by: Richard and Helen – Visit with Us 

If you’re interested in luxury cruising (and why not?), then I encourage you to check out their videos on your tube. These are genuinely some of the most engaging (and informative) vlogs I’ve seen. Visit with us can be found on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join their Facebook Group The Luxury Cruise Society .

1. All-inclusive benefits: The main thing we love about luxury cruising is the all-inclusivity of your cruise experience. For example, not having to produce your cruise card every time you go to the bar. However, not all of the luxury cruise lines are totally all-inclusive. While most have gratuities, drinks, specialty dining and WiFi included, some charge extra for these. A few even include shore excursions so it’s always best to read the small print.

2.Mainstream cruise “luxury” options: Luxury cruise lines tend to have smaller ships than most sailing the high seas these days. However, if you prefer the facilities and entertainment offered on larger family style shipst, don’ rule out luxury cruising. Many ships now offer a ‘ship within a ship’ experience for their suite passengers, which allows them to experience luxury on a larger ship, such as MSC’s Yacht Club and NCL’s Haven.

3. Luxury Cruise “deals”: Lastly, don’t exclude luxury cruising thinking it’s too costly. Many cruiselines offer ‘guarantee’ fares (unassigned cabins) which are less costly. If you aren’t bothered about choosing a specific room, this can be a very attractive offer.

#13 Cruise and Destination Tips by: Ryazan – Everything Zany

1.Be time wise

Time is gold. This is true, especially on cruising or within the maritime industry. Visiting a new port or city can be really fun and it’s easy to lose track of time. If you do, this can cause a major disruption to the trip. If you haven’t booked a cruise excursion without a guaranteed return to ship, you might risk the possibility of being left behind and having to make your own arrangements to get onboard the ship at the next port.

2.Research on your destinations

Researching your port of calls can be handy, especially if you only have a very limited time in each port. If you are planning to DIY your excursions, make sure you have handy information ready. Other than typical guide books, joining various online travel communities would be useful.

3.Take the stairs

Burn those calories! One of the best parts of cruising is tucking in to the tasty food onboard. Since buffets are available all the time, it is a good option to skip that lift and use the stairs. You get free exercise too.

#14 Family cruising/Cruise booking advice by: Alex – On Travel Mode

1. Book early – In my experience, you should book a cruise vacation as early as possible. Booking early means you usually get the best price. Cruise lines also like to sweeten the deal by offering freebies called Perks. Perks can come in the form of onboard credits, unlimited beverage packages, and Wi-Fi plans. Who doesn’t love freebies, right? Don’t forget to monitor for any price changes. If the fares go up, you can smile knowing that you got in at the right time. If they go down, the fares can be adjusted and you get to do a happy dance. If you’re looking to save money while on a family cruise I suggest taking advantage of free activities on board.

2.Daily Planner – Check out the daily flyer provided by the cruise line. There are so many things happening each day. In fact, so many that your family will never run out of things to do. We always take advantage of the many free activities onboard. We have watched demo cooking classes, learned how to dance salsa, sung Karaoke, and so much more thanks to our “Freestyle Daily” flyer. It is possible to have a lot of fun without having to pay for any onboard activities.

#15 Couples Cruise Tips by: Paul and Carole Love to Travel

Recap: 15 Expert Cruise Bloggers reveal their best cruise tips

I want to thank each contributor for sharing their personal cruise tips and advice. I hope you enjoyed reading the variety of tips and that some will be helpful to you as you’re planning your cruise.

If you’ve enjoyed this, you may enjoy reading about the the Most Frequenly Asked Questions by new cruisers  or Practical Cruise Packing Tips.

Have you taken a cruise? What’s the best cruise tip you can share? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you’ve found this post useful, I’d really appreciate if you could share it on social media (Pinterest and Facebook) so others can find it as well. Share buttons at the top. Thanks so much!

Recommended popular posts:

15 Epic Tips First Time Cruisers Need to Know

21 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

22 Comments

Really enjoyed reading all the other bloggers tips and so please ours are included too! Great post!

Great to have your tips and thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

Real cool tipps from professional cruisers… very good, thank you for that list. There are some things I’ve never thought about before, but now I really do. Cruising doesn’t have to be expensive…

i’m so glad you found this list helpful! It’s true that there are ways that cruising can be so affordable – we cruised in an inside cabin for years when my kids were little (and often they were heavily discounted), and this way we could cruise more often.

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

One of the best tips I ever heard is to make sure everything works as soon as you can and report problems right away. I told my mom that TIP before her first Alaska cruise and indeed her hot water did not work. They moved her from a standard cabin to the Presidential Suite.

Hi Charles,

I think you’re 100% right! I never thought of checking everything right away, but you make a good point. And wow! A very lucky upgrade for your Mom. I’m not sure if that happens much these days, but nevertheless it’s a great tip!

Thanks for taking the time to comment,

Your blog really nice. Its sound really good. I am very time read your blog.Thanks for the sharing this blog with us.Keep it up.

Thanks for reading my blog posts and taking the time to leave a nice comment!

This is a great list and one that has many of the things I do when on a cruise. I am going on the MSC Belissima next month and can’t wait.

I’m so glad you liked it Edward. What a beautiful ship you’ll be on!

I have just returned from a cruise to St. Petersburg and one tip I would like to offer is research a plan B for a port destination. We arrived late at one port because of a medical emergency the night before and all shore excursions were cancelled. Luckily I had spotted a museum that looked interesting. Also Google to see if there is any thing interesting happening the day you are in port.

Thanks a great point. Although unlikely, it is good to have researched a port at least at a minimum to find an alternative plan. Very true that there could be a festival, free museum day and other interesting things to do and see.

I’m glad for you that you were able to see St. Petersburg and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

Oh, it’s great to know that most long cruises have laundry stations for you. I’m actually hoping to take European river cruise with my wife next year. It would be wonderful to see the European countryside sail by us.

Some ships have self service laundry, while others don’t. It’s always best to check with the cruise line or travel agent for specific information. That river cruise sounds phenomenal!

amazing collection for us, blog users.

Glad you enjoyed the list of tips from bloggers and vloggers! Thanks for taking the time to comment John!

I like Lucy William’s tips. Her advice will probably work for me. Because I always take a long time to prepare my belongings carefully before every trip.

That’s awesome! So glad Lucy’s tips were helpful! She has a wealth of knowledge about packing well for long cruises!

There’s so many great tips you’ve collected here, Ilana. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut when you’ve cruised a lot, so it’s good to learn from fellow cruises what their tips are. I’d agree that it’s good to explore other cruise lines – it can also give you a new perspective of what you like and help to identify or confirm what’s most important to you when you cruise.

I love that Steph! It’s true that confirming what you enjoy most and want out of your cruise vacation is important.

This really encourages all of us to be part of the cruise ship journey. Thank you for sharing.

Great to hear!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Food & Drink
• How to Plan
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

Best Cruise Tips for First-Timers

By Carnival Cruise Line

Are you taking a cruise for the first time? We’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered the 10 most important tips to know before for your first cruise with Carnival. Read on, and you won’t feel like a newbie for long with the following cruise advice for first-timers.

1. What to Wear

One of the most important first cruise tips is knowing what to wear . If you’re cruising to the Caribbean , of course, bring your best beachwear for fun in the sun. But you’ll also need to prepare for some surprises. Don’t get caught without the following, no matter where your cruise destination is:

• Always pack some gear for cool and rainy weather, such as a hoodie or light jacket.
• Wear water shoes or non-slip boat shoes with traction for getting safely around the ship.
• Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for shore excursions; leave high heels and fancy footwear in the stateroom.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunglasses or a hat

2. Know the Best Staterooms

Every stateroom is the best stateroom , but for your first-time cruise, it helps to know what’s right for your own needs. You’ll likely prefer one of the five types of staterooms . Here’s the quick lowdown on each:

• Balcony staterooms: Rooms with small outdoor balconies for invigorating sea breezes and perpetual views. They’re perfect for cruises to Alaska so you won’t miss any unexpected wildlife sightings.
• Interior staterooms: The most affordable rooms on the ship, designed for guests who love a little quiet cocoon to curl up in after a fun-filled day.
• Ocean view staterooms : Rooms with portholes or windows to gaze out at the ocean.
• Suite staterooms : Larger rooms for family cruises so you can all stretch out and relax together.
• Specialty staterooms: In select ships, you’ll find rooms with themed settings, such as the Family Harbor staterooms when traveling with kids, and the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms for couples or solo guests who want a pampering cruise.

3. Surprising Conveniences to Pack

One of the first things that guests want to pack is a camera. While DSLRs provide great, high quality photos, we recommend that beginner photographers take an inexpensive compact digital camera or they stick to their phone. This way, they can still enjoy their cruise and take great photos of their trip .

Here are some other helpful things that you should pack for your trip:

• Outlet adapters increase the number of plugs you’ll have in your stateroom.
• Dry bags are ideal for shore excursions.
• A sandless beach towel for beach excursions (and they fold down small).
• A lanyard to hold your identification and room essentials while on board and on shore.
• Biodegradable sunscreen is required for all water-based shore excursions, to protect the coral reefs and your skin.

4. How to Reserve Anything

Veteran cruisers know to make important reservations and bookings before they ever get on the ship. Make it a priority beforehand or in your first few hours on board to do the following:

• Babysitters: Grab spots in kids clubs if you’re traveling with family. For example, if you want some time at the onboard Casino , make it a priority to book Camp Ocean for your 2- to 11-year-olds, Circle “C” for your 12- to 14-year-olds and Club O2 for your 15- to 17-year-olds.
• Spas: Book your hair appointments at the onboard salon , time in the onboard medi-spa and a soak in Cloud 9 Spa’s Hydrotherapy Pool .
• Tours: If you haven’t already pre-booked your port activities, that’ll also take priority. Some shore excursions are more popular than others, and spots quickly fill up.
• Specialty Dining: Booking one-of-a-kind dining experiences is essential when going on a cruise. From Cucina Del Capitano to Steakhouse , there are plenty of unique experiences that will make your voyage unforgettable. However, it is important to make reservations to these restaurants quickly, as spots are limited and they fill up fast!

5. Indulge in Cuisine

One of the best things about a cruise is the choice of foods , both on and off the ship. A cruise is the best place to feed your hankering for deluxe hamburgers and your curiosity for exotic dishes and one-of-a-kind drinks .

Always check your booked ship to see your dining options. For example, enjoy premium cuts of beef paired with the Steakhouse wine list, which is recognized by the distinguished Wine Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excellence in 2019 .

For every port you visit, indulge in a local culinary treat or tour.

For example, cruise to Ketchikan and watch lumberjacks compete in axe throwing competitions, while you feast on all of the dungeness crab that you can eat! You can even head to Mexico’s port of Yucatán (Progreso) to brush up on your food photography skills while experiencing fine Mexican cooking and losing yourself in the local culture.

6. Know Your Ship

One of the best first-time cruise tips is learning that you can access a layout of the ships. Research your ship and enjoy virtual tours and view deck plans. Download the deck plans to a PDF file, print it out and review it before your cruise.

For ships you’ve already booked, the Carnival Hub App is a great tool that allows you to access your ship’s map. You can even get a copy of your ship’s map at guest services on embarkation day!

Although nothing takes the place of real-time experience, at least you’ll have your bearings before embarking.

7. How to Pay and Tip On Board

Carnival uses cashless cruising. All of your onboard expenses are charged to your own Sail & Sign Card . Just present the card when purchasing anything on board. You can check the balance of your Sail & Sign Card accounts at onboard kiosks or through the interactive TV system in your stateroom.

As for gratuities, those can be paid in advance through the hub app, while fine dining gratuities are paid onboard. With that said, there are indeed ATMs on board.

8. Know the Lingo

Before embarking (stepping on board) your ship, know a few terms to make your first-time cruise more comfortable. Here are a few choice words and terms to keep tucked in your back pocket during your first trip:

• Cruise casual: This is tasteful attire, which you can wear most nights during dinner. It includes slacks, khakis, jeans (but no cut-offs), long dress shorts and collared sports shirts for men. For women, it means casual dresses and skirts, summer dresses, blouses, pants, capri pants, dressy shorts and dress jeans (no cut-offs here either).
• Cruise elegant: This is evening wear for one or two nights of dinner on your cruise, specifically for when you’re eating in the main dining room . Men are asked to wear dress shirts and dress trousers, and a sports coat is suggested. Ladies dress in pantsuits, cocktail dresses, and elegant skirts and blouses. You may also have a formal night on board, where more formal wear is required.
• Early seating/late seating: This is an assigned schedule and seating for passengers in the main dining room.
• Open seating: This means there’s no fixed schedule and no seating arrangements.
• Stateroom steward: This is the person responsible for keeping your stateroom in order with your requests and amenities .
• Lido deck: This is the most popular deck on the ship because it’s where the outdoor pools are located.
• Upper deck: This is the deck that’s typically closest to the entertainment , fun and other outdoor deck areas.

9. Take Advantage of the Nightlife

Besides the onboard casinos, the variety of adult nightlife you’ll find on any ship rivals the most glittering nights you’d have during a vacation on land. Always check which events your ship will offer on board, but here are some guest favorites:

• The Punchliner Comedy Club : Here’s the best place for laugh after laugh.
• Dive-In Movies: Snuggle up on the poolside and watch the (movie) stars.
• Stage Shows and Playlist Productions : Enjoy musical productions on the high seas.
• Live Music : Come here to party along with live performances and jams on the lido deck.
• Piano Bar : This bar is for guests who love cocktails and singing for a good time.
• Nightclub : Here’s the spot for dancing to the hottest hits.

10. Find Some Peace and Quiet

Scope out the little nooks and crannies on your particular ship where you can get away for some quiet time:

• Serenity Adult-Only Retreat : Avoid the hoopla and come to this 18 and over lounging area to find complete peace on board.
• Cloud 9 Spa : Imagine being pampered in a spa while traveling to Bermuda . You have the choice of the hair and beauty salon , Medi-spa , facial treatments and massage . For men, there are men’s services on board for a ship-shape shave and more.
• The Library : Our ships come with a place for all the great literature you need to enrich your mind.
• Loft 19™ , only on Mardi Gras ™ : You’ll find a secluded retreat modeled after the world’s finest resorts.
• Make It With Michaels® : Find your creative streak with a calm, relaxed craft class.
• Art seminars and art exhibitions : Enjoy a cultivated good time while talking to art experts.
• Beauty treatments for your teens: ZSPA is a place where teens can get facials, mani/pedis, and new-found self-esteem. ZSPA is for teens only and it’s a place where they can feel pampered.

It’s perfectly okay to ask questions and learn as you go. There’s a lot of information for first-time cruisers to know , but cruise enthusiasts and crew members love to use their knowledge to guide other guests. After all, each of them started out with a first cruise. You’ll always feel comfortable on a Carnival cruise where you can relax, and even take some insider notes to share with others.

Related articles

Plan for fun.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-from.aspx

• CRUISE TIPS
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Celebrity Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Virgin Voyages
• Windstar Cruises
• Travel Deals
• CRUISE SHIP TRACKER
• Port Webcams

Popular Categories

• Oceans 1545
• Cruise News 1325
• Cruise Tips 346
• Carnival Cruise Line 345
• River Cruises 229
• Royal Caribbean 174

© Copyright 2024 - Cruise Addicts

• Affiliate Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy

Alaska Cruise Tips – 21 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Alaskan Cruise

My husband and I recently returned from a wonderful cruise to Alaska. We took the trip (without our three kids) to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed our first cruise – especially since it was to Alaska with lots to see and history to discover. Having never cruised before, we read a lot of Alaska cruise tips for months before we traveled. 

You see, we had been saving since our wedding for a big trip like this. ( Alaska was one of our 15 savings accounts and a great way to save for a special event like this. ) We researched a lot online before we booked our cruise, and researched even more Alaska cruise tips before we actually left. We felt pretty well prepared but there were still some things that we had to learn on the ship. There were actually several times we looked at each other and commented how we wished we had known that. This is how this list of Alaska cruise tips began.

I’m sharing this list of Alaska cruise tips to help others who are getting ready for their Alaskan cruise! Some of these tips may apply to all cruises and some are specific to Alaskan cruises. Either way, I hope it helps someone else get ready to cruise.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more in my disclosure policy.

Here are my most important Alaska cruise tips. Otherwise entitled, 21 things I wish I knew before my first Alaskan cruise.

1. The ship will seem overwhelming at first but you will figure it out. 

When we first walked onto our ship (the Norwegian Bliss), Andy and I were both overwhelmed. We expected more information than we received. We got a map of the ship at check in and the staff welcomed us aboard, but that was it. It took us a couple days of wandering around but we learned the ins and outs of the ship faster than we anticipated. Just plan to be overwhelmed at first and give yourself time to figure it out. 

2. Inside staterooms are a good deal.

We booked a guaranteed inside stateroom (with the possibility of an upgrade) to get the best deal. Not only did we save money, but we found our room was very comfortable and well designed for two people. There was space for our suitcases under our very comfortable bed, as well as a closet with shelves and a decent sized bathroom. It did not feel cramped at all. The other upside to an inside stateroom is that you don’t have windows. Since the sun sets so late and rises so early (around 4 am in the summer in Alaska), our inside stateroom was always nice and dark to sleep. We were very thankful for that.

3. Your cruise card is everything and links to your tv.

When you board the ship, you will be printed a credit card sized cruise card for your trip. Your card is how you access and pay for everything on the cruise. Do not lose it! You need it to check into all the restaurants (even the free ones), to open your room (obviously), to turn on your room lights, and to pay for anything you purchase on the ship. Your card will allow you to use any free or purchased credits you have for your cruise. After that, it is linked to your credit card so you don’t have to carry a wallet around the ship. On our Norwegian cruise, the rooms had a Smart TV where we could see a running summary of charges, activities and credits.

4. You don’t need a lanyard for your cruise card.

I saw the advice to buy a cruise lanyard (like this one ) for your card so many times when researching for our cruise. We decided not to buy one and I’m glad we didn’t. Honestly? Less than 15 percent of people on our cruise used a lanyard. You do need to have your card with you at all times but it is very easy to put the card in your pocket. It is also much less noticeable. If you are a girl and don’t have pockets in your outfit, just give your card to your spouse or carry the card with your book. I would not recommend buying a lanyard unless you really want to wear a necklace with your card the entire trip. I would possibly recommend it for grandparents who are cruising. Otherwise, I think you will be fine.

5. You don’t need a power strip or water bottle.

These were two more items I saw regularly recommended for purchase. We did not purchase a power strip and managed just fine with the 3 outlets in our room. None of the outlets were in the bathroom but they were by a large mirror in our room. We had two phones (which we used for pictures), two Fitbits and a Kindle to charge, plus my hair straightener. I never wished for more outlets. If you do think you will nee more outlets, make sure you purchase a cruise-approved outlet since it can not be a surge protected one.

A water bottle was mentioned as an important purchase and I did purchase one. However, I did not really use my water bottle on the cruise. You can take your glasses out of any dining room on the ship and it was easy to stop by the buffet for a drink anytime we needed one. Even when we were off the ship, I did not take nor did I need my water bottle. If you have strenuous hiking excursions planned, perhaps you want a water bottle. Otherwise, save the space and money from skipping this purchase too.

6. Pack Dramamine – just in case. 

Walmart has a generic box of motion sickness pills for less than $2. It is worth the money to pick up a box, just in case! We definitely noticed the motion of the ship, even though we had a relatively calm trip. There was one night the waves got higher than usual and I ended up taking one pill before bed. It is a cheap $2 insurance policy and a useful thing to pack, but you are not out much if you don’t need it.

7. Check your cell phone coverage before you go.

It is important to know what your cell plan covers before you leave. Most cell phone plans include Alaska so you can use your phone as normal when in port and on land.  When you are cruising, be sure to set your phone to airplane mode so you do not occur roaming charges. My husband debated on the internet package but we saved our money and touched base with the kids when we were on land, every day or two. It was nice to disconnect for awhile.

8. Print brochures ahead of time.

Wanting to make the most of our time in port, I researched every port city before we left. I printed any important directions or brochures before we left and put them in our cruise binder. Many cities have brochures available online and I printed those off. Skagway and Ketchikan had walking tours that I printed off. My husband printed maps of the cities so we knew how to get around once we docked. We also noted where all the visitor center locations were so we could pick up print copies of the brochures. In a couple cases, they were out of the walking tour brochures and other things we wanted. It was very useful to have our print copies from the moment we got off the ship. 

9. Be prepared for 30 to 90 degrees on your cruise, sun and rain.

Alaska is very unpredictable. We actually had beautiful weather on our mid-June cruise, which we are told is unusual. We had one rainy day in Juneau and a couple foggy hours at sea. Otherwise, we had sunshine and beautiful days to see Alaska. To be prepared, I packed 4 different coats – a tee-shirt type light jacket, a fall weather jacket, my heavy winter down coat and a wool shawl wrap. I wore every coat I packed.

We discovered that the coldest times were at sea with the wind coming off the water. When we were on land, I went without a jacket sometimes. My husband wore shorts a couple days. I wore jeans or leggings. It is difficult to know exactly what to wear so pack an assortment of clothes, plus various jackets, and you will be fine. We also packed our umbrellas and needed them in Juneau!

10. Elevators will get crowded. Be ready to take the stairs.

With thousands of people on a cruise ship, there are many times the elevators will be crowded. Plan on taking the stairs and you won’t have to wait for elevators. It also helps you burn off calories from the delicious food you will be eating!

11. You will walk a lot – on and off the ship.

I am a walker but I was surprised by how much we walked on our cruise. Our highest walking day was 30,000 steps in Skagway – and that was after we sat on a train for 3 hours in the morning! Even when we were on the ship all day, I easily hit 10,000 steps without ever stepping foot in the exercise room.

12. The dress attire on Alaskan cruises is pretty casual. 

We read much on this topic before we boarded our cruise. Knowing that we needed various coats for Alaska, we didn’t really want to waste room on formal clothes. I wore nice slacks and a dressy top one evening, and Andy changed into dress slacks and a polo that night too. That was as dressy as we got and we never felt out of place. We saw only a handful of people dress in formal attire at night. Most were dressed in jeans and leggings and nice tops. Alaska cruise attire on the Norwegian really was cruise casual.

13. Sign up early for shows and ship activities.

We were assigned a boarding time of 11 am for our cruise. Somehow, we were some of the first on the ship and the very first ones at the sign up desk for activities. Before you get on board, make sure you know what activities you plan on doing. We knew we needed to sign up for Andy to ride the go karts on our ship. Because we were the first ones there, we had our pick of times.

We had signed up online to see Jersey Boys but because we waited until just a couple weeks before our cruise, the only spots left were at at 10:30 pm show. We signed up, but then learned we could line up as stand by for the 7:30 show and easily got in. It was an excellent show and worth the wait! Still. Lesson learned. Sign up for whatever you can online as soon as you book your tickets. Then, make your first stop once you board, to sign up for any other activities or dining experiences you want.

14. Get up early for the best seats and views.

One of the most popular spots on the Norwegian Bliss was an Observation Gallery at the front of the ship. It had floor to ceiling windows for amazing views. There were also comfortable lounge chairs to relax and watch the scenery float by. As you can imagine, this spot was very popular!

On one at sea day, we were up early after breakfast and managed to snag two lounge chairs, where we spent the morning relaxing and reading. It was amazing! You certainly don’t want to hog seats or save them empty for hours (as some people did) but if you are up early, you will have the most choices of best seats to enjoy the beautiful Alaskan views. 

If all the areas seem crowded, keep exploring the ship! Some spots will get more crowded than others. Keep looking around. Our third day, we discovered a bar that was completely deserted in the morning. We were able to enjoy the peace and quiet and even spotted several whales that morning! We moved seats almost every day as we preferred the quieter areas. It is completely possible. Just keep exploring the ship and you can always find some good seats!

15. The time change will throw you for a loop.

When you cruise to Alaska, you will have to change time zones. Not only will you change from your time zone, but parts of Alaska are another time zone over from the United States. Traveling from Indiana (Eastern time), we had a 3 or 4 time hour difference for the cruise. It wasn’t terrible but it did throw us for a bit of a loop. Since it was just my husband and myself traveling, we decided to embrace it and keep an earlier cruise schedule. We were always up by 6 or 7 (Alaska time) and went to bed by 10:30. Granted, that was still late in Indiana but not nearly as late as some people kept. Whatever schedule you decide to keep, just be aware that the time change will take a bit of adjusting to during your cruise. 

16. Eat early for best views and service.

Since we were used to Eastern time, we kept that schedule and were usually the first to lunch and dinner. It meant we had the choice of seats and almost always early enough to be seated by a window. If you want great views as you dine, consider eating early.  We had good views and good service without having to deal with crowds.

Also, we decided the buffet was a great option for breakfast while we preferred to eat at the sit down restaurants for lunch and dinner. Breakfast was never crowded at the buffet and they had good food options. I loved their cinnamon raisin French toast while my husband liked the Belgian waffles. We both enjoyed the bacon! Lunch and dinner were crowded at the buffet and it was more relaxing to sit at our own table and have food brought to us. If you do eat the buffet, be sure to find an empty table first and then go get your food. It’s much easier than wandering around with full plates.

17. There is plenty to eat without paying for extra dining.

Every cruise ship will be different but the Norwegian cruise line had 5 restaurants included in our dining plan. After that, we could pay extra to eat at another 15 (or more) restaurants. Frugal travelers that we are, we decided to forgo the extra dining and save money. There were plenty of food choices at the included restaurants! The menu at the main restaurants changed daily with some items staying the same.

We did have some free credits that we had received so we tried one of the restaurants (Q – Texas Barbeque) the last night. It wasn’t that great. Nothing special that made us wish we had paid more money for specialty dining. In fact, it just made us more glad that we had saved on our money in this area.

18. Be prepared to share port cities with 2-4 other cruises.

We knew there would be other ships in all our ports but didn’t realize the impact until we docked. The ships arrival and departure times are staggered but you will see other cruise ships along your route. We noticed it most in Skagway which is a town of 800 people year round. On our cruise day? There were 12,000 people in town. Amazingly, it never felt overwhelming but it is something else I wish I had known.

19. Skagway has the most and best excursion options.

Hands down, Skagway was our favorite stop! We spent 14 hours in Skagway and made the most of them all. We started our day with a 3 hour train ride on the White Pass and Yukon railroad. It was our most expensive excursion but I am so glad we did it. It was fascinating to learn Gold Rush history as we traveled the same route so many of those people did.

After a very enjoyable train trip, we spent the rest of the day wandering around Skagway. The National Parks Service has a great (free!) museum with lots of information about the Gold Rush. We also took a free walking tour with one of their rangers. We enjoyed lunch at Skagway Brewing Company, which was worth the wait. Their Spruce Tip beer was a unique blend!

Later on, we did a short hike to Yukutania Point (beautiful water views) and a much longer than expected hike to see the old Gold Rush cemetery (I would skip this one if I had to do it again). This was also our favorite town for shops, although sadly, by the time we went back to buy something at the Christmas shop, it was closed. We learned so much about the Gold Rush during out stop in Skagway and it only made us want to learn more. Make the most of your time in Skagway. You’ll be glad you did!

20. If you have a port in Ketchikan, book an excursion.

Ketchikan was our shortest port day, and it was our least favorite. It had a very touristy feel that we didn’t really care for. We did not book an excursion in Ketchikan (to save money). If we did it again, we would book an excursion in Ketchikan to give us something to enjoy. We did enjoy walking around the town but easily saw all there was to see in under 5 hours. We were back on the ship early – in time for lunch.

21. You can cruise on a budget and have a marvelous time!

While an Alaskan cruise is not cheap, it does not have to be incredibly expensive either. We were able to cruise for a week to Alaska (flights, hotel, airport parking, cruise tickets, food, excursions and everything) for right at $5000 for 2 people.

My best two tips for saving money on your Alaskan cruise?

First, book your cruise through Rakuten.

Rakuten is a free online program that earns you cash back. When we went to book our cruise, I noticed that Norwegian’s prices on their website were exactly the same as at Priceline. I started at Rakuten and booked through Priceline – and earned $177 cash back, simple as that, just for taking 5 minutes to research and one extra click. Plus, Priceline gave us a free $200 in cruise credit which Norwegian wasn’t offering. Both were great perks! You can sign up for Rakuten here. (I use it for all my online shopping and baking hundreds of dollars back every year. More about how I use Rakuten to make money shopping online here. ) This tip may not work for all the cruises but it is definitely worth comparing prices to see if it works for you too!

Second, if you are flying to get to your cruise, consider signing up for an airline credit card. 

I am a firm believer in not carrying debt and only use credit cards if I can pay them off each month. That said, United (one of the most popular Seattle airlines if you are cruising to Alaska) has a great credit card program! They offer a $0 fee for the first year (and it is easy to cancel the credit card after your flight, if you so choose). Plus, it gives you free baggage fees – which at $30+ per bag, per flight – saved us $120. In addition to that, it gave us two free United club passes where we were able to pass an enjoyable 2 hours in the Seattle airport, enjoying complimentary snacks, beer and wine as we waited for our flight home. That was another $100 plus value. Our credit card also gave us a free upgrade on our flight out up to business class – another $100 value without paying any extra.

But the best perk of the United credit card? When we spent $2000 in the first 3 months of opening our account, we earned a bonus 40,000 miles to our United account! We simply booked our flights on the credit card and the remaining cruise balance and quickly met that amount for our free miles. These miles don’t expire and translate to at least one free flight – depending on where you are flying. With perks and savings like this, it made signing up for the United credit card a no brainer and a great source of savings. I highly recommend looking into the United credit card (or a similar airline credit card).

You can sign up for the United credit card (with the bonus 40,000 mile offer) here. 

To learn more about saving money on your cruise, check out exactly how we did it with this post – 10 Simple Ways to Save Money on a Cruise. 

I hope these tips help you enjoy your Alaskan cruise! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments and I will do my best to help!

Have you ever been on a cruise – to Alaska or elsewhere? If so, what tips would you add to this list?

Hello and welcome! Check out how we're thriving when our income has been cut in half , take a look at some of my custom, Biblical books (with free printables) or learn how to build a stockpile that works for your family . You can sign up for blog updates with my email newsletter here . Thanks for stopping by!

Similar Posts

3rd Trimester, the 3rd Time Around

Life with Emma

Whole 30 Resources, Tips and Recipes from My First Ever Whole 30

9 Lessons I’ve Learned as I Become a Money Making Mom

5 Steps to Help You Set Goals as a Busy Mom

Why I’m Not Setting Goals This Year

I was just wondering where I could get free map print out of the ports we will be in. Thanks

Just check out those port areas and yes, you can probably print out those port maps online!

I would love to know which excursions are worth the penny. Iḿ going with my family and everything adds up to a small fortune. Thank you for the great tips.

You’re welcome, Gloria! For us, the train ride was definitely worth the money. When traveling with a family, I think you prioritize and maybe alternate a paid excursion with a free one (like hiking to the Mendenhall Glacier), because you are right. Things definitely can add up quickly! I hope you have an amazing time in Alaska!

I loved your tips and they are pretty spot on. I agree with everything except the inside state room. Having a patio to watch whales, orcas, and glaciers calving is worth the extra price. Makes me want to go back on our trip! So fun. I liked your post😀

I’ve heard from others who loved their patio view too! Maybe if we go back, we will try it to compare! 🙂 Alaska really is an amazing place to cruise to, and I’m glad you agreed with the tips. Like you, I’m ready to go back too! 🙂

Thank you for the great post. We have a trip planned late June of this year.

I recommend downloading a couple of free audiobooks from the library to a cellphone so you don’t need to take your eyes off the scenery. I also think it’s a good idea to use an earpiece that is single sided meaning there’s only one ear being used. The ones I use mix the sound for both sides-I guess you’d call it stereo instead of mono and I purchase from amazon. I prefer this type so I feel more aware of what’s going on around me-I don’t mean for crime or anything like that but to feel more connected to the world. 🙂

Another thing I do before I travel is to take a look at my little stash of “travelers helpers” medications like say stool softener, Imodium, Benadryl, Aleve, temporary dental glue (in case a cap comes off) to make sure they’re fresh. Honestly the only one I’ve really used besides Aleve is the Benadryl and that was simply to rush it to the dining car when I was on Amtrak and heard an announcement requesting it for someone there on the train. I know they have these things on cruise ships because they’ve got doctors but I like having my own at my fingertips. Peace of mind…

I am so glad I found this post. I have been wondering about your trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

107 Disney Cruise Tips and Hacks You Have to Know Before You Sail 2024

Sharing is caring!

Who wants all the Disney cruise tips and secrets 2024 that you need to know?

After sailing on over 40 cruises I wanted to give this free list of Disney cruise tips to our readers.

So if you want the biggest and best collection of Disney Cruise Tips, Secrets and Hacks ever read on! 

Everything was updated in January 2024.

We started out thinking we would aim for 101 Disney cruise tips and secrets.

However, that just wasn’t quite enough.

So here is our collection of 107 Disney cruise tips to save you time and money so that you can have the very best experience at sea!

These Disney Cruise Tips are Updated for March 2023 Booking Your Disney Cruise

1. D ISNEY CRUISE TIPS TO SAVE MONEY

There are ways to save on your Disney cruise.

Whether you are sailing to Alaska, cruising the Caribbean and the Bahamas, or choosing an exotic European vacation, there are always ways to save.

Booking well in advance also gives you the best choice of staterooms.

If you want to know more about this here is our complete guide at How To Save Money on A Disney Cruise

2. Pick Your Disney Cruise Sailing Carefully

Some Disney Cruise itinerary sailings are more expensive than others. The usual rules of economics work here.

The more demand the higher the price. Usually, the repositioning cruises offer the best per night price for a Disney cruise.

The Disney Cruise Transatlantic sailings on that for 2024 are on the Disney Dream are usually one of the best values.

The most expensive Disney cruises? You probably guessed it. Holiday cruises, particularly the Christmas Disney cruises are usually the most expensive.

The Disney Mediterranean Cruises and Alaska Cruises are also higher priced – but worth it!

3. Disney Visa Has Perks

If you check in with your Disney Visa card you will be entitled to certain discounts.

Currently, this will give you:

• 10% off select Disney Cruise Merchandise when you spend $50
• 10% off a digital photo package
• 20% on certain spa treatments on port days
• 10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package.

We have written a guide for you with all the Disney cruise tips you need so that you get the very best deal.

How to Save Money on a Disney Cruise

4. Two Disney Cruise Staterooms May Be A Better Deal Than One

If you have a party of 5 you really need to consider if one stateroom or two will be the better deal.

Disney cruises are one of the very few cruise lines which have staterooms that accommodate up to 5 guests.

However, these Disney cruise staterooms are very popular and tend to be pricey.

You should consider if 2 staterooms would be the better deal.

If you have young children you might want to think about choosing connecting staterooms on your Disney Cruise.

There are plenty of options available, particularly on the newer Disney Dream and Fantasy ships and of course the Disney Wish .

5. Book A Disney Cruise Onboard

This is one of the best Disney cruise tips to save money.

It will work once you are sailing on your first and any future Disney cruises.

The best deal is to book when you are onboard.

You will receive a 10% discount on the current brochure prices.

Unfortunately, a placeholder no longer offers any onboard credit.

Don’t know which Disney cruise you want to sail on next?

You can book what is called a Disney Cruise Place Holder and decide at a later date which one you want to sail on.

You have two years to sail on a Disney cruise from the date you booked your placeholder.

Join My Disney Cruise Group for Exclusive Tips and Disney Cruise Giveaways

6. Look Out For Special Disney Cruise Sailings

Love Pixar movies? You will want to check out the Pixar Days at Sea.

Other themed cruises include Marvel Days at Sea and of course the Halloween on the High Seas , Christmas, and New Year Cruises.

7. It’s All Included on a Disney Cruise

Once you are onboard almost everything is included.

Your accommodation, food, and entertainment are all included in the price that you have paid to sail.

Yes, you can pay extra for things on board, but you don’t have to.

Here is our guide to What is Included on a Disney Cruise and What You Pay Extra For

8. Disney Cruise Gratuities Explained

Gratuities for your dining servers and stateroom host will be automatically added to your onboard account.

However, you can adjust them however, you want.

Service onboard a Disney cruise is excellent.

Guests do get confused about Disney Cruise tips and how to pay, but it’s really very easy.

Here is a Guide to Tipping on a Disney Cruise to help you know what to expect.

Check-In For Your Disney Cruise Online

Remember to check in online for your cruise as soon as you can.

9. Use Your Disney Cruise Personalizer

Once you have completed your Disney Cruise online check-in you will have access to booking onboard events and cruise excursions on the Disney Cruise Personalizer.

The  time that you can check in depends upon whether you have cruised with Disney before, and if so, what level of Castaway Club member you are.

This can be anything between 75 and 123 days before your cruise.

Platinum members and Concierge guests get priority so you may find that some things are booked before you get the chance.

A classic illustration of this is the Cabanas on Castaway Cay .

There are limited numbers and are usually snagged by Concierge and Pearl guests at one minute past midnight on the day online check-in opens for them.

Castaway Cay Cabanas are the hottest ticket on a Disney cruise and are very difficult to get unless you are a Concierge or Pearl Castaway Cay guest.

10. You Must Prepare for Embarkation Before You Sail

Things have changed quite a bit since Covid – but Disney makes things as easy and as safe as possible for all Guests.

Disney Cruise Line DOES NOT Guests to be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19.

DCL does continue to strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated and that they test before embarking on a cruise ship.

Requirements can change so the best place to go for this information is always:

Disney Cruise Line Know Before You Go

11. Book Tickets Online for Character Greetings

Most character greetings are just announced every day in your Personal Navigator and you get in line to see your favorites.

The Disney Princess Gathering is a separately ticketed event and you must have this to attend the meet and greet.

If you want to see your favorites your best chance is to get tickets online in the Cruise Personalizer.

If you don’t get them online go straight to Guest Services when you board to see if there are any still available.

Note that right now the Anna and Elsa Frozen Meet and Greet is not scheduled on any of the Disney Ships.

12. Book Special Dining Online

If you want to book one of the adult dining experiences you can book one experience in each restaurant online.

If you book for the first night at Remy or Palo you can now also book a second night online. Remy, in particular, gets booked up so always try and book in advance.

If there is nothing available, you can still try and book as soon as you get on your cruise.

The Navigator will tell you where the restaurant Cast Members are on the ship to help you make a reservation.

Wine tastings and other special events are now offered online as well. Make sure that you log into your Disney Cruise Personalizer as soon as you can so that you can book the events that you want.

Remember though that there are usually spaces still available on the ship.

So visit Guest Services as soon as you get on board.

13. Sign Up The Young Ones for The Kid’s Clubs

See that long line at the cruise port over in the corner? That is for the grown-ups who did not sign up their children online for the kid’s clubs.

You can save a lot of time waiting in line if you just fill out the simple form online.

Then you can skip the lines and go straight to the place where they will be given their wristbands.

Disney Cruise Ship Kids Clubs – What to Expect

14. Book Port Adventures in Advance

You will be visiting some amazing ports so you will want to think about which Disney Port Adventures you want to book.

Your online Cruise Personalizer has details of them all. You can book before you sail.

We always suggest that you book excursions via Disney. You can book independently and you will probably save money.

However, if you book with Disney you can be sure that they have the Disney seal of approval. Most importantly if you are late back from a Disney Port Adventure the ship will wait for you.

If you go independently you could be waving goodbye to your floating home from the dock.

We have seen it happen.

Don’t let it be you.

D ISNEY CRUISE PACKING TIPS

15. disney cruise packing 101.

One of the great things about a cruise is that you are not restricted to how much luggage you can take on board.

If you are driving to the cruise port this makes things easy.

Take as much as you want!

However, if you are arriving by plane you will still have to navigate their increasingly ungenerous baggage allowances.

Things to Take on a Cruise: 50 Must-Have Items to Pack

16. Pack a Carry On

Your luggage will arrive in your Disney cruise stateroom sometime in the afternoon and early evening.

If there is anything that you need as soon as you board, make sure that you have packed it in a carry-on bag.

This should definitely include your cruise and identification documents, and any medication that you need.

I also tend to pack swimsuits.

It is also a great time to experience the Aqua Duck if you are on the Disney Fantasy or Dream. Or the AquaMouse on the Wish.

17. Prepare For the Unexpected

No one wants to talk about this subject, but here we go.

Seasickness.

It happens.

The Disney cruise ships are very stable, but sometimes you may not find it possible to get your sea legs.

We have sailed in very challenging seas but never encountered a problem.

However, just in case you will find our guide How Not To Get Sick on a Disney Cruise useful.

18. Tell Your Credit Card Company Your Plans

Unfortunately, credit card fraud is very common these days. So your credit card company will pick up on any unusual activity.

They can and often will stop your card if they detect anything strange.

My card was canceled when I tried to charge $10 in Grand Cayman!

Fortunately, I had a backup card.

For more details check out Things Not To Forget on Your Disney Cruise

19. Arriving at the Port

If you are sailing from Port Canaveral here is a guide to getting to the Port from Orlando International Airport. 

20. Arrive the Day Before Your Cruise

Sometimes flights are delayed. We strongly recommend that if you possibly can, make sure you arrive at least within easy driving distance to the port the day before.

There are plenty of hotels at each Disney cruise port including Port Canaveral.

If you ignore most of the rest of this article just listen to this Disney Cruise Tip as it is one that can make a huge difference.

Don’t leave things to chance and be stressed about making it on time to your cruise.

Nothing could be worse than not making it on time and watching the ship sail away into the sunset without you.

21. Get a Call from Mickey or Minnie

This is another great feature of your Cruise Personalizer. You can schedule a call with Mickey or Minnie! You can schedule the date, and time and choose if you want Minnie or Mickey.

It’s another way Disney cruise lines make things that bit extra special.

22. Download the Disney Cruise Navigator App

You can do this any time you want, but make sure you do it before you get on board.

On the cruise ship, it shows you what is happening every day.

Before you cruise it gives you a countdown of how many more days, hours and minutes there are before you board!

The Navigator App also lets you send texts free of charge to members of your stateroom and anyone else who authorizes you to do this.

This is so much better than the Wave Phones you get in each stateroom. Make sure that all family members get the App before they board.

If you have an iPhone then iMessage works on the ship.

23. There May Be a Disney Cruise Stateroom Upgrade

Want to upgrade your Disney cruise stateroom? You can always ask at check-in if there are any upgrades available.

Sometimes, but not always, you can get an upgrade at a reduced cost. It always pays to ask just in case! You can then decide if the upgrade you are offered is worth the extra cost.

Never rely on a Disney Cruise upgrade though.

They are increasingly unlikely as Disney cruise ships are so popular and are often fully booked.

24. It’s A Key To The World

When you check in you will be given your stateroom key which is your Key To The World Card.

This allows you to charge all expenses to your room key.

You can limit the charging privileges of others in your stateroom.

You don’t have to give your 8-year-old the power to buy what he wants in the store!

B OARDING THE DISNEY SHIP

Finally, the time has come to get on the Disney ship.

All that anticipation and preparation.

Now the day has arrived!

27 Do’s and Don’ts For Your First Day On A Disney Cruise Ship

25. Wait For Your Boarding Number

When you check in at the terminal you will be given a card with a boarding number for your party.

Don’t ever think that you can board earlier than your group. You will be stopped!

26. Stop for A Photo

There are always photographers stationed along the gangway to take your embarkation photo.

Stop if you want or pass it by if you really can’t wait the extra few minutes to board!

We recommend you are not camera shy.

There are many photo opportunities on the ship, but the embarkation photo is one of our favorites.

Here is a Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Photo Packages.

27. Give The Disney Cast Members Your Name

When you board the Disney Ship you will be asked for your family name.

Make sure that you give it to them as you have a special surprise welcome!

28. Go To Disney Cruise Guest Services

If you need to book any specially ticketed events, such as Beverage Tastings.

You may still be able to pick up tickets.

29. Start Eating!

The food offerings start as soon as you board. You can head up to the pool deck to experience the buffet.

If you want a slightly less crowded space one of the restaurants will also offer a buffet selection or waiter service option.

It won’t be as huge a choice as the pool deck, but fewer people head here so you may get a more relaxing start to the cruise.

Guide to Disney Cruise Food

30. Make Sure You Do the Drill

Muster drills have changed a lot in recent times.

But you still have to comply with the instructions and attend your muster station. This is about safety and it is important.

Don’t be late for your drill. It inconveniences a lot of other guests and Cast Members.

31. Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode

One of the most expensive mistakes that you can make on any cruise is not checking your cell phone coverage.

You can end up with a very hefty bill if you use your cell phone onboard. This applies to calls, text, and data.

You could just put your phone in your room safe and not connect.

However, if you want to use the Navigator App we suggest that you simply put your phone into airplane mode.

32. Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi

If you use your own cell phone provider data provision you will be paying a fortune.

All the Disney ships, except the Wonder, have new internet packages. The Disney Wonder will get the upgrade in October 2023.

Here is a Guide to Disney Cruise Internet Packages.

33. Enjoy the Sail Away Party

Disney knows how to put on a show and the Sail Away Party is no exception. Head on out to the pool deck for a very high-energy party.

You can also watch the port disappear into the distance by going up onto the deck above the pool deck.

Or if you have a balcony stateroom why not enjoy the Drink of the Day in your own private haven?

34. Take a Tour of the Spa

This is a great opportunity to see the Disney Rainforest and the Spa treatment rooms to plan what you would like to do in the spa.

There is always a free-to-enter spa raffle on the first day.

You may as well enter as you may win a free spa treatment or a discount.

D ISNEY CRUISE STATEROOMS

35. Not All Disney Cruise Staterooms are Created Equal

Disney cruise lines have some of the largest and the best staterooms in the industry. Your choices range from an inside stateroom right up to the magnificent Walt Disney Suite.

Your choice mostly depends upon your budget, but even within the same category, there are some staterooms that are a better choice than others.

Here is our video which shows the smallest of the Disney cruise staterooms which is a Standard Inside Stateroom.

This is the only stateroom category that does not have a split bath.

Read our Disney Cruise Staterooms to Avoid to help you decide.

36. Disney Cruise Staterooms Have Split Bathrooms

Another unique thing about Disney cruises is the “split bathroom” concept. This is ideal for families.

What does it mean? There are 2 bathroom spaces in most of the Disney cruise staterooms.

One has a toilet and a sink. The other has a bath, shower, and sink. Each has plenty of storage space.

The split bathroom idea cuts down waiting time in the morning when everyone is trying to get ready for breakfast!

37. Disney Stateroom Door Decoration is Encouraged

Walk along the corridors of your Disney cruise ship and you will see some spectacular door decorations. Your imagination is the only limit to just how creative you can get.

The doors and walls in your Disney cruise stateroom are magnetic.

Decorations are available to buy, or get creative and make your own!

Just make sure that you do not cause any damage to the stateroom – use magnets, not tape.

You don’t want a nasty shock on your final account if you are fined for damaging the wall!

You might want to check out What Not To Do in Your Disney Stateroom

38.  There is Plenty of Storage

Disney cruise staterooms are very well-designed.

There is plenty of storage space for all your clothes and travel gear.

We always unpack as soon as we arrive so that we have everything to hand.

An invaluable packing item is these Packing Cubes make everything really easy.

You can keep items together. No more searching for socks or swimming stuff. Keep them all organized and you can then just transfer them to a draw in your stateroom.

All the Disney ships now have beds that provide enough space to store your suitcases underneath. You can unpack and forget about them for the rest of the cruise.

39. Yes You Can Do Laundry on a Disney Cruise

No one really wants to do laundry on vacation, but sometimes it just becomes a necessity.

There are several self-service laundries on all of the Disney ships. We always take our own laundry pods of detergent, but it is available onboard.

40. Interactive Television Choices

Of course, all Disney cruise staterooms have a television.

However, if you are sailing on the Disney Fantasy or the Dream you will have a much bigger choice of what to watch in your stateroom than if you sail on the Wonder or the Magic.

The newer ships of the Fantasy, Dream and Wish have on-demand television.

You have a huge choice of Disney movies and television to watch on demand. So if you really want to watch “Peter Pan”, “Toy Story” and “Mary Poppins” in your stateroom you can.

The stage shows from the Walt Disney Theatre are also shown on the television and repeated, so if you miss a show you can watch it in your stateroom.

41. Save a Hotel Key

It is a good idea to hang on to that old hotel room key. The reason? To make the lights work in the stateroom you have to put a credit card-sized card in the slow by the door.

You are supposed to use your Key To The World for this. However, we prefer not to as you are more likely to forget to take it with you and get locked out of your room.

42. Disney Invented Rotational Dining

Disney cruise lines are known for their innovative ideas. One of the very best is the concept of Rotational Dining.

What is this?

On each Disney cruise ship, there are 3 main dining restaurants.

All have their own very unique theme. Each night you will visit a different restaurant.

When you rotate between restaurants your servers will come with you!

This has a wonderful advantage in that your servers get to know you.

The Disney cruise servers are amazing and go out of their way to make sure that you enjoy the dining experience.

Your servers will get to know your likes and dislikes. They will even cut up your child’s food for them! Nothing is too much trouble for them.

For more information on how this works, you can see our Disney Cruise Rotational Dining Guide

43. Can’t Decide What To Choose on the Menu?

Overwhelmed by the great choices on the Disney cruise restaurant menus? No problem. You can order a couple of options and no one will mind.

If you want the salmon and the steak go ahead.

Two desserts?

Just be aware that your waistline may not forgive you for it!

44. Want Something Not on the Disney Cruise Menu?

Your Disney servers want you to have the best experience possible and will do everything they can to accommodate you.

If you enjoyed a particular dish one evening make sure that they know. If you give them at least 24 hours’ notice they may be able to get it for you again.

Just be considerate.

They will make it happen if they can.

So if you want that same entree or dessert every night just let them know.

45. Don’t Skip Animator’s Palate

Each ship has three rotational dining restaurants. They are all a little different from each other, apart from Animator’s Palate which is on all of the Disney ships.

Your first night in Animator’s Palate has a very special show for you. Be sure not to miss it.

46. The Disney Cruise Drinks are Free – Sort Of

Well, not all of the drinks are free, but you could sail on the whole Disney cruise without spending anything extra on beverages.

You just have to know which are free.

There is free soda from the dispensers on the pool deck which is available 24/7.

Soda, regular coffee, tea, iced tea, and milk are available for free in the dining rooms.

Your waiters will learn your preferences and bring them to your table to have them waiting for you for dinner.

Of course, there are many tempting drinks that are not free.

All alcoholic beverages and cocktails are charged for.

You may be tempted by the drink of the day. There is always an alcoholic and a non-alcoholic drink of the day available at a reduced price.

For the complete guide check out:

Disney Cruise Line – Are The Drinks Really Free?

47. Sometimes There Are Free Cocktails

Yes, you read it right.

On the formal evening of the Captain’s Dinner, there is a welcome reception with wait staff offering cocktails and wine.

The Ship’s Officers including the Captain will be there to greet you.

If you attend a Disney Vacation Club sales presentation it is used to be they gave out free cocktails. However, it is now many years since I have seen this.

In the last few presentations, I have been to they have only given out free bottled water.

You used to get a very nice gift when you attended but recently we have not seen this.

The presentation is fun and there is no sales pressure. You may be tempted though, so do your calculations carefully before you sign up!

There is usually a free draw to enter to win an onboard credit.

Also, you will probably be offered an onboard credit to attend a one-on-one sales consultation.

48. Have a Celebration?

Always tell your servers if you have a celebration such as a birthday or an anniversary. They will arrange something special for you.

49. Endless Disney Cruise Ice Cream

Self-service ice cream is available for free on the pool decks of every Disney ship.

Why not make your own float with the free soda and ice cream?

50. Didn’t Finish That Bottle of Wine?

If you want to enjoy wine at dinner, but don’t think you can finish the bottle, Disney has a solution.

Your server will save your wine for you and the next day it will be waiting at your table for you.

Is The Disney Cruise Wine Package Worth The Cost?

51. Breakfast and Lunch are Not Just A Buffet

Every Disney ship has an amazing breakfast and lunch buffet served up on the pool deck.

However, what some people don’t realize is that there is a sit-down breakfast and lunch served in one of the restaurants every day.

52. Disney Cruise Special Dietary Needs? No Problem

Disney cruise lines are incredible at catering to any special dietary need you may have. We have sailed with family members who need vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

Just tell your waiters or mention your dietary needs at the buffet or specialty restaurants.

You can also register this in your Cruise Personalizer before you board. Disney cruise lines will do everything they can to help you.

Disney Cruise chefs are more than willing to create special meals for you.

53. Breakfast is with Character

If you are sailing on a Disney cruise which is 7 nights or longer, you will have the opportunity to have a character breakfast. This is included in the cost of your cruise.

As anyone who has been to Disney World or Disneyland will know, this is a huge benefit!

Character breakfasts usually cost $40 and up per person on land. On your Disney cruise, it is included in the cost of your fare.

You do have to plan ahead for the Disney cruise character breakfast . You need a ticket and places are limited. You need to log in to your Cruise Personalizer as soon as you can, to book tickets.

There may be some available from Guest Services. Go as soon as you board the ship. They are limited and you do not want to be disappointed.

Note that this service is currently suspended

D ISNEY CRUISE ROOM SERVICE

54. disney cruise room service is free.

Room service on a Disney cruise is free.

There are some items that are charged for such as alcohol and soda, but most of it is free of charge.

Just remember to tip the crew member who delivers your food.

Make sure that you have some $1 bills handy.

However, if you forget, no problem.

You can add a tip to the receipt that you will have to sign.

55. Not Everything is on the Room Service Menu

There are some items that are not on the menu but are available from room service.

One of the most popular items which are not shown on the menu is the Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar.

Cake of the Day is on the menu, but the secret items are Dessert of the Day and Pie of the Day.

Obviously, these change every day, so we have a tradition of making sure we order these on sea days.

Disney Cruise Room Service Menu

56. Breakfast in Bed is On The House

Breakfast in bed can seem like an extravagant indulgence. However, on a Disney cruise, you can indulge as many times as you like.

It is all part of the service. Just fill out your breakfast selections on the card in your stateroom and put it on your door prior to 3 am the night before.

Then wake up to your breakfast choices delivered to your room.

The best way to enjoy breakfast is on your verandah. One of the best times we ever had on a Disney cruise was sitting on our verandah eating breakfast whilst going through the Panama Canal locks.

57. Milk and Cookies in the Evening

Yes, we know that you will probably have consumed more food than you want to admit by the evening.

However, there really is nothing quite like ordering milk and cookies before bedtime.

58. Order Coffee at Night

No, we are not suggesting that you get your caffeine fix just before bedtime.

However, if you order a carafe of coffee just before you go to bed at night it will still be warm enough in the morning for you to enjoy.

This means you won’t have to be disturbed by room service early in the morning, but you will be able to stumble out of bed and have your first cup of coffee when you wake up.

59. D ISNEY CRUISE FOR KIDS

A Disney cruise is for all ages. You just know that the kids are going to have a blast with all of the features on board for them.

60. It’s A Small World Nursery

Disney cruise lines are one of only a few cruise lines that offer a babysitting service for the under 3s.

Starting aged 6 months and going all the way up to the age of 3 the It’s a Small World Nursery will care for the youngest cruisers on the ship.

There is an additional charge and you do have to book in advance. You can do this online in the Cruise Personalizer.

The charge is $9 per hour for your first child and $8 per hour for the second and any additional children. in your family.

61. The Oceaneer’s Club and Lab is Paradise for Kids

Your kids probably won’t want to leave the kid’s clubs. The Oceaneer’s Club and Lab are for children aged 3 to 12.

Who wouldn’t want to meet Spiderman or pilot the Millennium Falcon? There are lots of organized activities or they can just play with their new friends.

62. The Edge is the Place to be for Tweens

The 11 to 14-year-old set can often be the most difficult to please. Fortunately, on a Disney cruise, they have The Edge.

If you have an 11-year-old they have the choice of either being in The Edge or the Oceaneer’s Club.

63. The Vibe is the Place Teens Want to Be

Wondering what your teens are going to do on the Disney cruise ships?

The answer is to spend a whole lot of time in Vibe. Particularly if you are sailing on the Disney Dream or the Disney Fantasy.

The newer shops have a fabulous outdoor area for the teens which includes hot tubs and a sun deck.

64. Chill Spa is Open for Teens

Most spas are for the over-18s only. However, Disney has recognized that sometimes teens want to be pampered in the spa.

Check out the Chill Spa which is exclusively for the 13 to 18-year-old set.

D ISNEY CRUISE POOL DECK

65. ride the aquaduck.

One of the best features of Disney Fantasy and the Dream is the AquaDuck. A water coaster at sea!

The Wish has the AquaMouse.

This is a lot of fun for all the family, but of course, the wait times can be long.

To get your best chance of riding with almost no lines on embarkation day or wait until night time.

Most people are either watching the show or eating dinner in the evening so the lines are short.

66. The Disney Cruise Pools are Fun

All of the Disney ships have two pools on the family pool deck.

The first is a toddler pool and the second is the family pool. Don’t expect to get any real swimming done in these pools!

The family pool is small and on sea days tends to be crowded.

67. Relax on a Pool Lounger

There are plenty of pool loungers around the pool and up on the deck.

Be considerate of others and do not reserve a lounger by putting a towel or your belongings on it.

Just not cool.

68. Towels are Provided

There is no need to bring your own pool towels on board or take towels from your stateroom.

There are plenty of pool towels up on the deck.

69. Catch a Movie on Disney Funnel Vision

One of the best features of the Disney cruise pool deck is Funnel Vision.

Disney movies are played all day and evening.

It’s fun to splash around in the pool and watch a Disney movie.

At night relax on a pool lounger and snag one of the blankets and watch a Disney movie.

D ISNEY CRUISE TIPS FOR ADULTS

Many people think that a Disney cruise is centered around the kids, but really this is just not true.

Sure there is plenty going on for the younger members of the group, but there are so many things for the adults to enjoy too.

70. Disney Dining for Adults

Disney has some of the best dining at sea.

All of the ships have dining which caters to the over-18s only.

Every Disney ship has Palo, which is an Italian-themed restaurant. Disney’s Palo offers dinner every night of the cruise and brunch on select days.

I think that the very best value is Palo brunch .

With a charge of just $45, you can eat your way through a huge selection of hot entree items.

Note that the buffet is currently not available at Palo Brunch but you can order all you like from the menu.

Remy is available on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

Widely recognized as one of the best culinary experiences at sea, Remy is named after the lead character in the Pixar movie Ratatouille.

Dinner is available every night. The Champagne Brunch and the Dessert Experience are offered on select days.

Yes, it is pricey at $95 per person for dinner, and $200 if you want the wine pairing.

Enchante is the fine dining restaurant on Disney Wish.

71. Indulge at the Disney Cruise Spa

If you want to experience the ultimate in relaxation you can book a Disney spa treatment. There are lots of options offered including treatments for couples.

You can book ahead of your sailing to get the best reservation times.

Appointments do book up, so if you have something specific in mind, book online before you sail.

Remember though that all spa treatments will have an 18% gratuity automatically added.

72. The Disney Cruise Rainforest Room is Pure Luxury

Every Disney Ship has a Rainforest Room in the spa.

This is truly the place to be if you want to indulge in some luxurious downtime and relaxation.

The Wish has the largest Rainforest Room. It is also the only one which is open to the outdoors from above.

The Disney Dream and the Fantasy still have probably the very best Rainforest rooms on the Disney ships.

Each has two steam rooms, a dry sauna, and scented showers with multiple different programs.

A fabulous feature is the heated hot stone loungers with views of the ocean.

You can even relax in one of the two hot tubs which overlook the ocean.

The Disney Wonder and the Magic also have the Rainforest Room, but it is not quite so luxurious.

They have saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers, and showers. It’s a nice space but not as great as on the larger ships.

Why The Disney Cruise Rainforest Room is Worth It

73. Adult-Only Pools on Disney Cruises

There is plenty of space reserved for the over-18s only on the Disney ships.

This includes adult pools and hot tubs.

74. Bars and Lounges on the Disney Ships

There are plenty of options of places to enjoy a drink or two on all of the Disney ships.

One of our favorites is the Ooh La La bar on the Disney Fantasy. Guests can choose from an extensive champagne menu.

The French boudoir decor is completely over the top, but it’s a lot of fun.

Guide to Bars on the Disney Wonder

75. Disney Cruise Lines Alcohol Policy

Disney cruise lines have a very generous policy about how much of your own beer and wine you can bring on board. Many cruise lines do not let you bring anything at all.

However, on a Disney cruise, you can bring up to 2 bottles of wine or 6 bottles of beer per adult.

You can drink the wine in your stateroom and there is no charge.

However, if you want to enjoy the wine you brought to the restaurant there will be a $25 corkage charge.

76. Disney Cruise Wine Packages Can Save You Money

If you enjoy drinking wine on a Disney cruise the Wine Package may be the thing for you.

The Wine Package allows you to pre-purchase either a Classic or a Premium Package.

You choose the number of days from 3 to 7 nights. Each night you can pick a bottle from the Classic or Premium Wine list.

Prices start at $95 for a 3-night package.

The more nights you have, the cheaper the per-bottle price works out to be.

If you don’t finish the bottle that evening it will be stored for you and you can drink it later.

You can see more details at Disney Cruise Wine Package

77. Pick Up A Coffee Card

You can get free drip coffee on the pool deck or in the restaurants.

However, it isn’t the best coffee you have ever tasted.

If you enjoy a decent cup of specialty coffee you can pay extra for your drink of choice.

Ask for a coffee card. Each time you buy a drink you will get a stamp. When you have 5 stamps your 6th drink will be free.

It used to be that you could save these and use on your next cruise. However, now the card states that they are not to be used on a future cruise.

Time will tell whether or not the servers still allow it, but don’t bet on this trick still working.

Use your free coffee entitlement before your current cruise ends.

78. The Cove Cafe is a Must

One of our favorite areas on the Disney cruise is the Cove Cafe. It is a great place to sit and read a book and enjoy a coffee or something a little stronger.

There is a small selection of books and magazines, but bring your own as the selection really is small.

Cove Cafe is a very tempting place to pick up some snacks.

Check out the croissants in the morning. We challenge you to resist the selection of cakes and desserts in the display cabinet.

It is all included so you can indulge!

E NTERTAINMENT ON A DISNEY CRUISE

79. check your disney cruise navigator often.

The Navigator is where you will find out what’s happening on board the ship every day. The paper Navigator is now only delivered to your stateroom every night if you request this from your Room Steward.

If you want a paper Navigator you can pick one up at Guest Services. Or you can use the Disney Navigator App on your phone. Remember to download it before you get on board.

80. The Disney Cruise Shows are Amazing

This really can’t be overstated.

You will be amazed at just how good the shows are on the Disney cruise.

They are Broadway quality and you should definitely make time to see as many shows as you can.

There are two performances every evening. You can see the early one if you have late seating and the late one if you are dining at 5.45 pm.

81. Take Your Seats Early

All shows are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house, but there are some which are better than others.

We like to be about five or six rows back in the middle.

However, if you do not arrive early the front level of seats is likely to be gone.

We prefer anything in the middle over the ones on the sides, even if it is quite far back.

Saving seats for others is really bad form.

Don’t do it.

82. Each Disney Ship Has Different Shows

Each ship has a different selection of shows, although there is some overlap with certain shows being staged on more than one of the Disney cruise ships.

On the nights when the big stage productions are not scheduled, there will usually be another entertainer such as a magician or a juggler.

Many of these entertainers have been performing with Disney cruise lines for many years and they are generally very good.

83. There May Be A Show For The Adults

Not everything is family-friendly! Often there is a late-night version of one of the entertainer’s acts such as a comedian or a magician.

Treat yourself and let the kids go to the kid’s clubs while you enjoy a night out.

84. Go to the Movies!

The Disney cruise movie theatres show new releases and classic movies.

Each of the Disney ships has at least one. Disney Wish has two!

85. Skip The Popcorn

Outside the Walt Disney Theatre and the Buena Vista Theatre, you will be tempted by the smell of popcorn and the lure of specialty drinks.

These items are not included.

If you want to take a drink into the show with you stop on the pool deck to get your drinks for free. You can even bring some snacks in with you if you want – that is if you aren’t already full from the buffet!

86. There is Something for Everyone

Every day there are lots of events scheduled.

Want to learn how to draw Mickey Mouse, make that dessert you just enjoyed in the restaurants or enjoy a wine-tasting event?

Most things on board are included, but you will have to pay extra for wine-tasting events.

87. The Art of the Theme Tour is Not to be Missed

This adults-only tour of the ship is well worth joining.

It is free and will take you on a tour whilst showing you some of the design secrets of the Disney ships.

There is so much attention to detail on the Disney ships and it is nice to hear some of the behind-the-scenes stories.

D ISNEY CASTAWAY CAY

One of the highlights of a Disney Caribbean or Bahamian cruise is a port stop at Castaway Cay.

Disney cruise line has its own fabulous private island in the Bahamas. Here are some Disney cruise tips to make the most of your visit to Castaway Cay.

Disney Castaway Cay – The Ultimate Guide

88. Send a Special Post Card

Castaway Cay has its own post office. If you want to send a card with a very special stamp just stop at the post office. It is on your left just after you get off the ship.

89. There are Trams to Get You Around Castaway Cay

You can easily walk to the beaches, but there are plenty of trams to get you there if you want to save energy. We usually walk to the beach if it isn’t too hot, but we always take the tram back.

90. Pick Your Perfect Beach

The most popular beach is the Family Beach on Castaway Cay .

However, there is a beach reserved solely for the over-18s. Make your way to Serenity Bay if you want some peace and quiet.

Disney Castaway Cay Excursions and Activities

91. No Need to Get Back on the Ship to Eat

There is plenty of food on Castaway Cay. While it isn’t the finest food you will eat on your Disney cruise, the barbecue is perfectly fine. There is something about eating good barbecue food on the beach that makes it so much fun.

However, make sure that you have eaten breakfast. The barbecues are only open for lunch.

92. Special Dietary Needs on Castaway Cay

If you have special dietary requirements make sure that you let your waiters know on the ship. They will make sure that it is waiting for you at the barbecue.

93. Join in the Castaway Cay 5K Run

A very popular event on Castaway Cay is the 5K run. It is free of charge and ages 10 and up can take part.

You don’t have to sign up anymore.

Make sure that you get an early start though – it can get very hot on the island!

94. Try Something New

You can spend the day on one of the beaches, or you can try one of the Castaway Cay Port Adventures.

These range from snorkeling to parasailing, and kayaking to getting up close and personal with a stingray. You can book these ahead of time on your Cruise Personalizer, or when you get on the ship.

95. The Quest for a Castaway Cay Cabana

One of the most difficult reservations to get on a Disney cruise is a Castaway Cay Cabana.

Even though prices start at $399 this is one of the most sought-after things on a Disney cruise.

You can book them in your Cruise Personalizer, but as there are only 21 cabanas available, they sell out in minutes.

You really need to either be a Concierge guest or a Pearl Castaway Cay member to be in with a chance.

You can try your luck when you board the ship by putting your name on the waitlist.

You could get very lucky and someone may cancel. It happens, but just don’t bet on it!

96. Take Your Time

People tend to get back on the ship in the early afternoon.

Whilst we always recommend getting back on board in good time, you can wait until shortly before all aboard time on Castaway Cay.

This gives you maximum time on the island.

97. Be Safe

It is important always to wear sunscreen. Sunburn is never a good thing and it can ruin your vacation.

The combination of the sun sea and the perfect island can sometimes make you forget to keep reapplying sunscreen.

Just be careful.

We have written a Complete Guide to Castaway Cay where you will find lots more tips and ideas.

M EET THE DISNEY CHARACTERS

A Disney cruise is a great place to get to meet a huge variety of Disney characters.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

98. Check Your Navigator

There are lots of character appearances every day. The schedule will be posted in your Navigator every day. You can plan who you want to meet.

99. The Character Attendant is Your Friend

All Disney characters have an attendant to keep them organized and safe. If you have any questions always ask the attendant.

They can help with questions like when the next appearance will be and what costume the character will be wearing. They will also take pictures of you with your own camera.

100. Arrive Early

We think that it is much easier to meet characters on a Disney cruise than it is at the parks. However, you should still be prepared for a wait.

The characters often spend more time with guests than they would in the parks.

Usually, if you arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled appearance you will be towards the front half of the line.

101. Bring An Autograph Book

Make sure that you bring something for the characters to sign.

We have heard recently that Marvel characters will not sign anything which has been signed by a Disney or Pixar character, so you may need to bring separate books if you are swapping universes!

102. Look Around You

Often the best character sightings are ones that you don’t expect. We remember seeing Chip and Dale up on deck during the Panama Canal cruise.

Or sometimes you see characters in the hallways walking to the meet and greet.

103. Meeting the Princesses

You can never guarantee which Princesses will be on board, but they will definitely be available for a meet and greet.

Usually, you will see Tiana, Cinderella, and Belle. However, don’t guarantee to your 4-year-old they will see a specific Princess as they may not be on board.

There is always a Disney Princess ticketed event. You can sign up in your Cruise Personalizer or at Guest Services. Tickets are limited and go quickly. This is not an essential event as you will see them at other times.

104. Anna and Elsa are Different

Anna and Elsa are rather more difficult to find. The only way to see them is to get tickets for the meet and greet. You will not see them out and about on the ship.

Note this is temporarily suspended

105. Tea With A Disney Princess

The best way to have time with the Princesses is by booking the Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea .

This amazing opportunity to meet the Disney Princesses includes plenty of time to meet your favorites whilst enjoying a traditional High Tea.

You will have to book ahead and be prepared to blow the budget. This experience is designed for those aged 3 to 12 and costs $210 per child and $69 per adult.

The children will walk away with some nice gifts and some great memories – but obviously, the cost takes some thinking about.

106. This Doesn’t Work Anymore

You might read online that if you take a shirt or picture frame and some markers to Guest Services it will magically be returned to your stateroom having been signed by the character.

Unfortunately, it seems as though too many people got to know about this Disney cruise tip, so they had to stop doing it.

107. Characters on Castaway Cay

Some of the characters make it out onto Castaway Cay (although you will never see a Princess on the island).

One of the coolest characters is Captain Jack Sparrow who will often make an appearance out on Serenity Bay.

Do you have any Disney cruise tips that you want to share? We are cruising again soon and will be adding to this list of Disney cruise tips!

Follow me on Pinterest and Facebook

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Thursday 18th of April 2024

You tip on the Edge Club is no longer accurate. An 11 or 12 year old does not have the choice any longer, they are forced to go to Edge. :(

Disney Cruise Line Suspends All Sailings for March 2020 - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Friday 13th of March 2020

[…] Best Disney Cruise Tips […]

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Great tips! I will definitely be making lots of note from this post to go towards my Disney cruise. Thanks for so many gems ?

Friday 30th of November 2018

Wow! What a list of tips and tricks! Thanks for sharing!

Such a comprehensive list!!

FinanceBuzz

These 13 Cruise Hacks Will Change the Way You Travel

Posted: February 2, 2024 | Last updated: February 2, 2024

If you want to travel more this year and you've been planning on taking a cruise for a while, the last thing you want to do is waste a second of your dream vacation.

To help you get the most out of your cruise, and avoid wasting your money , we’ve put together a list of tips to make your vacation as fun and affordable as possible.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Find the right package

Saving money on your cruise starts the moment you start planning. Instead of booking the first cruise that catches your eye, research your options and compare prices.

You could learn that the popular cruise line isn't the most affordable, or that you’re willing to pay more to reach your dream destination even though it’s pricier than you thought.

No matter what, taking the time to be extremely selective about the cruise you take will pay off in memories you know you’ll treasure.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Take advantage of travel deals

Are you a Costco member? You might qualify for discounted fares with certain cruise lines or specific destinations.

Similarly, booking through some credit cards with travel rewards can pay off in immediate discounts or help you earn miles so you can travel more later.

Book as early as possible

Like airline flights or hotel prices, cruises tend to cost more the longer you wait to book. Once you’ve decided on the perfect cruise, go ahead and book it — a year in advance, if you can.

Don’t forget that cruises scheduled for either summertime or the holiday season fill up quickly and cost more than off-season cruises. And if you want to take a holiday cruise, book your trip ASAP.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Budget for more than the cost of your ticket

Like any other type of vacation, plan for more expenses than just the price of a ticket.

Cruise ships have several stores on board where you can buy everything from duty-free goods and toiletries to clothes and souvenirs.

If you plan to disembark at key destinations (and we’re guessing you do), you’ll want a spending budget for those trips as well.

Write a packing list and stick to it

If your typical packing style is to throw everything you think you’ll need in a bag the night before your trip, you’ll want to change your last-minute habit for your cruise.

Planning in advance ensures you’ll have all the essentials so you can spend as little as possible on items at your cruise ship’s mall, which almost always cost more than the same items on land.

Pack a separate carry-on bag

Along with your main pieces of luggage, pack a small carry-on bag that you can walk on board with.

Include anything you want easy and immediate access to, like a week’s worth of medications (neatly organized in a pillbox), and anything you’ll need for a trip onshore, like a swimsuit.

That way, you won’t have to wait for your checked luggage to arrive in your cabin to start feeling at home on your ship.

Retire Sooner: Take this quiz to see if you can retire early

Look for fun activities ahead of time

You already know which ports your cruise is stopping at, so as soon as you book the cruise itself, start planning your shore excursions.

Internet access can be both pricy and slow on a cruise ship, which means doing your research ahead of time can save you money. And since ships only dock for a few hours at a time, you need to know in advance which sites you want to see.

Be sure to calculate how long it will take you to reach them and whether you can get there and back again before the ship leaves — because it isn’t going to wait around if you’re late.

Scope out your ship’s amenities and activities in advance

Along with planning your shore adventures, don’t forget to plan your oceanside adventures.

Get to know your ship’s layout, especially the location of the mall and dining areas. Read up on any activities the cruise line has planned and decide which ones you want to attend.

You’ll enjoy knowing exactly what to look forward to, and you’ll be able to plan a more accurate budget too.

Decide if you want a drink package before boarding

Cruise lines often offer drink packages where you can pay in advance to have nearly unlimited access to the bar.

If you’re planning on enjoying a tipsy cruise, you’ll probably save more in the long run by buying a drink package up front.

On the other hand, if you’re fine with a drink (or less) a day, you’ll save money bringing your own beverage. Just make sure to find out if your cruise line has a corkage fee and plan accordingly.

9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

Get to the city you’re embarking from at least a day in advance

What’s the easiest way to ruin a cruise? Failing to make it on board before the ship sets sail.

Travel slowdowns happen, from bad weather on the road to delayed flights, so you don’t want to arrive in town the day of your departure.

Even though it requires you to budget for an extra night at a hotel, you’ll save a lot of stress if you give yourself a day of leeway.

Don’t overschedule every moment

Unstructured moments are often the ones where the most memorable experiences take place. While you’re organizing activities and planning your shore excursions, don’t forget to leave time to simply explore, lounge, and relax.

Use your cruise line’s app

There’s a lot to keep track of on your cruise, from sailing times to onsite entertainment.

Instead of trying to memorize all the dates, times, rules, and regulations on your own, download your cruise line’s app so you can access crucial information on the go.

Most importantly, you can use the app on your cruise without paying for a Wi-Fi package. You can make reservations, book massages, and (depending on the app) communicate with other people in your party without wasting data or money.

Minimize your phone time

As we said above, cruise lines have notoriously slow, expensive internet. Taking a break from tech can help you keep more money in your bank account .

not just because you won’t have to pay for internet, but also because your phone won’t eat up your data roaming the high seas for a signal.

If you need internet access, consider paying for Wi-Fi for just a few days out of the entire trip. It’s cheaper and will also help you stay in the moment and enjoy your cruise while it lasts.

And if you plan on using your phone’s camera to document the trip, make sure to keep the phone in airplane mode.

Bottom line

Whether you’re looking for a cruise for when you retire early or you’re a seasoned cruise pro, you’re practically guaranteed to have a fantastic time on your trip if you plan ahead of time.

Following these tips will make it that much more enjoyable, and you'll be able to save some money during your vacation.

Take along a credit card that helps you earn travel rewards to maximize the benefit of the money you're spending.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.

More for You

Justice Sonia Sotomayor Calls Out Catch-22 In Trump's Immunity Argument

Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, falls short of U.S. Open qualifying and he’s not alone

Do I have to pay off my spouse's debts when they die? Here's what you're responsible for and what you aren't after a loved one's death

Hertz is done gambling with EVs: It took a first-quarter $195 million hit on Teslas that just keep losing value and can’t sell them fast enough

Megan Fox Signs With UTA

Steelers make notable decision on QB Justin Fields

Culver's Vs Five Guys: Which Burger Chain Is Better?

29 common human foods you may not realize are poisonous to your dog

I’m a Bank Teller: 3 Times You Should Never Ask For $100 Bills at the Bank

If you and your partner use any of these 5 phrases regularly, your relationship is stronger than most

Want the Max $4,873 Social Security Benefit? Here's the Salary You Need.

Trump Media CEO renews assault on ‘DJT’ short sellers — but the math doesn’t add up

If You See Black Residue on Your Cast-Iron Skillet, This Is What It Means

223 vs 556: What's the Difference?

Fani Willis Gets a Boost Out of Georgia

Remove A Tree Stump With One Common Household Ingredient

Average US annual salary by age revealed – see how you compare

30 food items that you might not know are banned in America

How Much Beer You'd Have To Drink To Equal A Single Shot Of Liquor

2024 NFL Draft: J.J. McCarthy thinks this team is the most likely one to select him in the first round

• Updated Terms of Use
• New Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Closed Caption Policy
• Accessibility Statement

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions . Legal Statement . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper .

6 cruise safety tips to keep you protected and at ease during your vacation at sea

Do you have a cruise vacation on the horizon keep these 6 safety tips in mind during your travels.

Take a look inside ‘The Icon of the Seas’ cruise ship

‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ gets a firsthand look at Royal Caribbean’s new record-breaking ship ‘The Icon of the Seas.’

A trip aboard a cruise ship provides a unique vacation truly unlike anything else. 

When enjoying activities like shopping, dining at fancy restaurants, testing your luck at the blackjack table or attending an evening show, you can quickly forget that you are aboard a ship. 

Getting to your destination is half the fun — and while traveling from port to port on a cruise ship, you won't be bored with all the events happening and things to do while you're sailing. 

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY AND SECURITY ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE VACATION

When you take any kind of vacation, it's important to keep safety measures in mind, and cruising is no exception. 

Here are six key safety tips to remember during your vacation at sea.

Remember these six safety tips while you're cruising. (iStock)

• Keep rooms locked up when you are away
• Pay attention during the muster drill
• Lock up valuables
• Keep your keycard close
• Research stops ahead of time
• Keep alcohol intake in mind

1. Keep rooms locked up when you are away

When you leave your room, even just for a short period of time, make sure the door shuts and locks behind you. 

Before you go to bed for the night, ensure that your door is secure. This includes your balcony door. 

If you have a balcony room, don't climb over railings or leave any trash out that could get blown over. 

Also, remember when you are staying in a balcony room that there are people all around you that could also be out on their balcony, out of your sight. While you're out there, don't say anything that you wouldn't want others to hear. 

2. Pay attention during the muster drill

Before you embark on your cruise, every passenger must attend a muster drill.

This is a mandatory safety briefing that takes place in the same place you'll go in the case of an emergency. 

CONSIDERING A CRUISE? HIGH SEAS MAY BE THE RIGHT OPTION FOR BOTH FAMILY AND WALLET

Pay attention during this, so you have all the information that you need. 

3. Lock up valuables

On any vacation, including a cruise, keep your valuables safely locked up in the safe located in your room. 

Your passport is one important document you should lock away during your cruise vacation. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

You don't want to lose money or important travel documents, like a passport that you'll need to return home. 

Don't carry unnecessary valuables around the ship with you. 

They'll be much better off safely locked away. Just don't forget to check your safe before your last departure. 

4. Keep your keycard close

One of the most important items you'll be given when you arrive at your cruise ship is a keycard. This keycard doesn't only open your room, but it can also be connected to your credit card, so you can easily make purchases on board. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

You should keep your keycard on you at all times while you are cruising. You'll also need your keycard to get on and off the ship, as it will be scanned when you exit and then re-enter after your day of exploring. 

5. Research stops ahead of time

If you plan on exiting the cruise ship and exploring the destinations you visit, do research on those stops ahead of time. 

Look up local laws and check and see if there are any travel advisories for the destination. 

Before you go, look at any excursions that are offered by the cruise line, and get those booked in advance. 

Research the stops your cruise is headed to before you go, so that you can plan each day and learn the laws of each place you are going. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Use the buddy system when exploring around the destination and on the cruise ship too. 

Keep in mind the time at which you must return to the ship, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to return. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP  

If there is a stop that you aren't interested in leaving the ship for, head to the spots, like the pool, that are always busy. 

On port days, many guests will be off the ship, so that could give you an opportunity to grab a good seat by the pool, or finally ride the waterside without the big line. 

6. Keep alcohol intake in mind

Cruise drink packages can be enticing to guests, but also can make it easy to overindulge if you're not careful. 

Alcoholic beverages are often an attraction on cruise ships. Make sure that during your trip, you keep track of how much you are consuming each day to keep yourself safe. (iStock)

Whether you buy a drink package or pay as you go, keep track of how much you consume throughout the day. 

Don't forget to have plenty of water and have enough to eat, especially when you're spending a lot of time outside in the sun. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital. 

Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

Headed out this summer on Alaskan cruise? Even if you’ve taken a regular tropical cruise before, preparing for a trip to Alaska is completely different than any other vacation you might take. From the weather you’ll experience to what you do on shore, there are a lot of differences from your typical cruise.

To help you prepare, Cruzely has pulled together dozens of our most helpful tips and things to know about sailing to the last great frontier. From packing to selecting the right ship to when to sail, we’ve got everything covered with what we’ve learned from sailing there ourselves.

For even more on Alaskan cruising, don’t forget to see our list of things to pack , what to consider when selecting the right ship , and our best cruise deals to Alaska .

Long Daylight Hours Impact Your Body Clock and Sleep

If you haven’t spent time this far north, be ready for long days. In Alaskan ports, the sun can rise around 4 a.m. and set after 10 p.m. Without the rhythm of a normal day that we’re used to farther south, you will likely wake up earlier than you are used to and go to bed later.

That’s on top of any time difference between Alaska and where you live (it’s four hours behind the East Coast). 

You might find that after three or four days, the long days catch up with you and you end up crashing early to make up for lost sleep.

Be Ready for Odd Alaska Port Times

Head on a Caribbean cruise, and the schedule is familiar — show up to the port of call early in the morning and you’ll depart in the evening. Some ports are like that in Alaska, but not all. For instance, you might actually show up in the afternoon and then leave later in the evening. And instead of having a full day in port, sometimes you just have a few hours.

Take a look at a recent schedule to get an idea of what you can expect:

Uber/Lyft/Taxi Are The Easiest Options to the Seattle Port

Flying in for your cruise? Many people are, which leaves the question of how to get to the port. If cruising from Pier 66, then you can take a train from the airport station to Westlake Center . Then it is a 15-minute walk over to the cruise terminal. If sailing from Pier 91, there isn’t an easy public transportation option.

Most people will find it far easier just to catch an Uber/Lyft or a taxi from the airport . Not only does this minimize the amount of walking with luggage, but it also means a direct ride to the port, and you don’t have to worry about figuring out public transportation schedules. Expect a ride to run about $50-60 each way.

There Are Different Ports in Seattle (Be Sure You Have the Right One!)

Head to a cruise port in most cities and there is one port with multiple different terminals. If sailing from Seattle to Alaska, it’s a bit different. The two main piers are Pier 66 and Pier 91. These two spots are about two miles away from each other.

Pier 66 is near downtown and is home mainly to Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Pier 91 generally serves other cruise lines. Your cruise line will let you know which terminal you’ll sail from in your booking documents. 

Book a Ship With Somewhere Warm to Swim

Sure any cruise ship you select is going to have hot tubs for passengers. But we suggest looking for those that have a solarium or other covered spots with pools. Only a few ships have them, but covered pools are a great spot to be able to relax and swim while staying out of the chilly air that can accompany a cruise to Alaska.

Also, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.

Don’t Forget to Pack Binoculars for Alaska

One thing that’s very different from a Caribbean cruise is the scenery on an Alaskan trip. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a pair of binoculars to take in the sites from both the ship and the shore during ports of call. The good news is that a pair of binoculars doesn’t have to be big or expensive. You can find an affordable pair on Amazon that won’t take up a ton of space in your luggage.

We’d suggest keeping them handy. During our cruise, we were just walking the deck and randomly saw whales swimming at a distance… but didn’t have any binoculars with us.

Sail on a Ship With Plenty of Indoor Things to Do

So much of taking an Alaskan cruise is about the scenery, but you can’t spend all your hours outside watching nature go by. That’s why it’s a good idea to book a ship that has a lot of indoor activities and things to do. Given that the weather in Alaska can be rainy and cool (especially with the wind when a ship is sailing), indoor things to do give you a chance to have fun while also staying out of the weather. In general you can find a lot more to do on the bigger and newer ships — say those built in the past 10-15 years.

Layer Your Clothes During the Day

When you’re out and about in Alaska, be sure to layer the clothes that you wear. Temperatures can range 40 degrees in a day, as well as dealing with different elevations, rain, clouds, and sun.

To be sure you’re prepared for anything, layering your clothes can give you options for when it warms up or it cools down. A base layer is a good idea, along with some outerwear in case of weather.

No, It’s Not Always Freezing (Weather Can Be Great)

If you think of Alaska, you might think of the cold… but you’d be surprised. Yes, there can be cold, damp, and breezy days. But many days are also very mild with lots of sun. For instance, during a recent Alaskan cruise, we saw grey skies with temps in the 40s while sailing, but then days in port were full of sun and in the 70s. 

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

If you are sailing to The Bahamas or Mexico you know to pack sunscreen. But an Alaskan cruise? One of our best tips is to pack sunscreen here as well. During the summer the days are long with a lot of opportunity to get burned if it’s clear out — especially with sun reflecting off of the water. Bring just as much as you would for the Caribbean and put it on just as often on exposed areas.

The area on the back of your neck can especially get burned as it’s likely to be exposed.

Be Prepared for Expensive Excursions

When you sail to Alaska, shore excursions are a must. While you can explore around the port of call on your own, excursions give you a chance for everything from viewing glaciers to panning for gold, to sightseeing to whale watching. The things you can do in Alaska on a shore excursion are unlike what you can do anywhere else.

Just be prepared for some sticker shock. Many excursions run into the hundreds of dollars, compared to offerings on Caribbean cruises that are typically much cheaper. Also, be sure to book as early as possible for the most choice.

Still, don’t let the higher cost scare you off. Excursions will be some of the most memorable moments of your cruise.

Sailing From Vancouver to Alaska? Flying to Seattle & Taking the Train May Save Money

While Seattle is the big departure port for Alaskan cruises, a fair number also sail from Vancouver, Canada. The issue here is that for many in the United States, a plane ticket to Vancouver can be hundreds more than the same ticket to Seattle. This is despite the fact that the two cities are just over a hundred miles apart.

If you find this situation, it can be much cheaper to book the flight to Seattle and then take one of the many services between the two cities. For example, the four-hour train ride from Seattle to Vancouver only cost us about $40 when we took it.

Don’t Forget Cruise Insurance

Think of all the recent headlines regarding travel and health and then add on all the everyday occurrences like missing a flight or getting hurt or sick. Yes, having some travel insurance can give you peace on mind.

If you’re taking any vacation, but especially a trip to remote regions like Alaska, getting insurance for your trip is a no-brainer .

It can usually be found for a just a few percentage points of the total cost of your vacation.

Book a Seattle Hotel with a Shuttle to the Port

Many people fly into the area to take their cruise. That means transportation is always a big issue. While Uber, Lyft, and taxis are abundant in Seattle, there are a number of hotels that can also make things easier. To attract cruise customers, some hotels in Seattle have cruise shuttles that will take you to the port when it’s time to board. Simply stay a night and your transportation is taken care of for you.

You’ll Find the Cheapest Fares in May and September

The height of the Alaskan cruise season runs the summer, but most ships start sailing May and don’t finish up the season until September. Those May and September trips — when families that have kids in school can’t sail — are usually cheaper due to lower demand. You can find the same cabin on the same trip for hundreds of dollars less by sailing during one of these months versus the height of summer.

Find a trip in April or October? It will be even cheaper, although the weather may be a bit colder.

Your Phone Will Likely Work in Port

One issue with sailing on most cruises is that your phone doesn’t work unless you have an international plan (you can use your phone via the ship’s wi-fi).

If sailing to Alaska, there is at least a chance (depending on your carrier) that you’ll have your normal cell service when in port. Since Alaska is part of the United States, your cell service provider may also offer service in this area with any additional charges. Check with your provider for a current map, or see our article here .

Balconies Offer Amazing Views… But Are Chilly (May Not Use it Much)

Just about everyone will tell you to spring for the balcony cabin on an Alaskan cruise, and for good reason — the views can be spectacular. But just remember that things can get pretty chilly on those balconies. With the ship underway there is a constant breeze blowing, combined with already cool temperatures. So you can definitely take in the views, but you might not be sitting on the balcony as much as you think.

One Drawback of Balconies? Evening and Early Morning Light

We wouldn’t argue that having a balcony is great, but we can think of one drawback. When we sailed to Alaska in a balcony cabin, the light late at night and early in the morning made it hard to get good sleep. 

Remember, the days are long during the Alaskan summer. It can be that come 5 a.m. light is flooding in around the window curtain. To us, that makes it hard to get back to sleep if you happen to wake up early.

Observation Areas Are Perfect for Alaska

Some ships — like the Norwegian Joy — have observation areas. On the Joy and sister ships like Encore, there is the Observation Lounge and it is a multi-story sitting area with large windows that provide a sweeping view of the surrounding scenery. If the weather is an issue, it’s always warm and dry in this spot. Sailing ships with indoor observation areas looking out on the scenery are ideal.

Price Shopping for Your Alaskan Cruise? Prices Are the Same Across Sites

You can make your head spin by searching site after site for the best cruise deal. And while many promise low fares, we’ve found that the prices are almost always the exact same whether you go to the cruise line’s website or a third-party site. What might change are the incentives to book. So one site might charge $1,000 for a cruise, but have $50 in onboard credit. Another might have the same trip for $1,000 as well, but with $100 in onboard credit. All told however, the differences are usually small (if any)

One site that can be a little different is CostcoTravel.com if you’re a Costco member. They often offer cash you can use in the store as an incentive. It may not be worth it for your particular trip, but it’s worth a look. See our article on the best websites to book a cruise here .

Don’t Forget a Nightlight

If you’re sailing in an interior cabin, then do yourself a favor and pack a nightlight right now. You know that interior rooms don’t have windows, but you might not realize just how dark it gets. Without any light, getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is tough in an unfamiliar cabin. The alternative is to turn on the cabin lights, which will wake your partner up. A cheap nightlight on Amazon is worth its weight in gold.

Cabin Fans Add Some Ventilation and White Noise

If you’re the type of person who has to have white noise and/or some airflow to help you sleep, then you should know that cruise cabins don’t have fans or vents. You can bring your own, however. You can pick up a cheap fan on Amazon for about $20 that won’t take up too much space in your cabin. If you get warm or simply like having some airflow, it’s a great thing to pack with you.

Plug-In Adapters Are a Must

The good news is that cruise ships are getting more generous with plugs in the stateroom cabins. Not only do they now include more on newer ships, but they also include USB charging ports. Still, many older ships have two or sometimes just a single outlet in the cabin. That makes it hard to charge devices.

A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. Just don’t pack one with a surge protector as they aren’t allowed on ships.

Use Your Cabin Safe

Every cabin you sail will have a small safe, usually tucked into the closet or in the cabinets. While it’s not that big, it’s an easy way to store your valuables — passports, keys, cash, and more. Be sure to use the safe whenever you leave the cabin. While theft is rare, there’s no sense in making things any easier for someone with sticky fingers.

Do The Math Before Buying a Drink Packages

Drink packages make things extremely simple. You pay one price and get to drink pretty much anything on the ship for no additional charge. That said, they aren’t always the best deal, depending on how much you’ll drink. For instance, you have to purchase the drink package for every day of the cruise, even when you are in port and unlikely to use it that much.

To make things simple we have a drink package calculator here that can give you a better idea of the package is worth it for you.

Just keep in mind that the vibe on an Alaskan cruise may not lend itself as much to drinking as it would on a Caribbean trip. It’s less about the party than sailing in warmer locations.

Some Cruise Lines Are Cheaper Than Others for the Same Sights

No one would argue that some cruise lines offer more luxury or nicer ships than others. But if you’re most interested in seeing Alaska — and not the ship — then most cruise lines offer similar routes. In other words, you can see the same sites as someone paying double or triple what you paid by going with a cheaper line. In particular, we’ve found in the past that Holland America has fares that are often inexpensive compared to rivals.

Do the Math on Balconies Versus Interior

If you can afford it, it’s preferable to sail on a balcony versus an interior cabin. But there is a lot of demand for these rooms and the prices can be significantly higher than an interior room.

While a balcony is nice, it’s not like there aren’t places around the ship to take in the scenery. In other words, if the price difference it outrageous, book the interior cabin, save the cash, and still get to experience 95% of what passengers with a balcony get to see, just not from the comfort of your own room.

Don’t Be Afraid to Pack Plenty

You’re going to be bound by airline restrictions if you fly into the port, but if not, don’t be afraid to overpack for your trip. Alaska can throw a lot of different weather at you in a short period of time, meaning different clothing is needed. Add in things like elegant night, and you’ve got something else to pack for. Meanwhile, it’s not so easy to run out and get anything you might have forgot at home. Cruise lines don’t charge for baggage, so bring pretty much as much as you want.

Be Ready to Pay to Park

Driving into Seattle for a cruise to Alaska? Be forewarned that parking during your trip is expensive. Rates are $30 per night to park at the ports . Given the location of the terminals, there also aren’t many spots around for independent parking. You can stay at a hotel offering a parking package , but other than that there aren’t many ways to get around the parking fee if you’ve got to leave your car somewhere.

No, Marijuana Isn’t Legal on the Ship (But Is in Alaska Ports)

Sailing from Seattle to Alaska? One quirk is that recreational marijuana is legal in both states. It’s also legal in Canada, where Alaskan cruises will also stop. However, it’s a bad idea to bring it on the ship, and it is against the rules. Cruise ships follow federal law, which says pot is illegal. Plus, the ship travels internationally, making it an even worse idea to bring marijuana or even CBD products into another country.

Instead, just enjoy in ports if you want to partake and leave the rest on land.

Always Fly Into Port the Night Before

Flying in for your cruise? Then the most important piece of advice is to fly in the day before your ship departs. These days between weather, mechanical issues, and even computer shutdowns, there are way too many instances of flights getting delayed. Fly in the morning of your trip, and a delay could mean you miss the entire cruise. Give yourself peace of mind and fly in the day before. 

Wait Until Port to Pick Up Anything You Forgot

It’s inevitable that you’ll think of something that you forgot to pack while on the ship. It’s just the way things are. If this happens to you, we’d suggest waiting until you get into port to pick up whatever you needs. Cruise ships sell staples — everything from candy bars to cough medicine — but there can be an insane markup on the prices. You’ll save money and have a wider selection if you wait until the ship ports. There will be a small store or two where you can pick up sundries.

Download the Cruise Line’s App

All the major cruise lines now have apps that you should download before you board the ship. Why are they so important? These apps are full guides to the ship and everything on board. In your pocket you can have a full map of every deck, a complete list of every activity, opening and closing times, port information, and can even check the summary of your onboard spending account. In short, the apps are extremely valuable to passengers. The best part is they are free to download and use.

In fact, the apps have gone from being “nice to have” to practically required to sail these days.

Always Wait For People to Get Off the Elevator First

Elevators are the heart of ship, and you’ll likely ride them several times a day. One annoying habit is that many cruisers like to crowd around the doors to get on. That means those trying to get off the elevators are stuck while those wanting to get on move out of the way. Just keep things simple and make sure there is no one else exiting before trying to get on your elevator.

Don’t Forget Your Swimsuit

Sure in Alaska you aren’t going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. From the pools on the ship (hopefully covered) to hot tubs that are nice and warm during a cool Alaskan night, you’ll definitely want to pack that swimsuit. You might use it more than you realize.

All the other “beachy” stuff, however, you can leave at home.

Get Your Cash Beforehand (ATMs Are Expensive on the Ship)

You likely want to bring some cash on your cruise. It’s best to grab it before you head to the ship. On the cruise ship there are cash machines, but expect to pay dearly. Charges of $6 to get out cash are normal . Save the money and bring cash from home. Not sure how much to bring? Here’s some advice on how much cash to bring on a cruise .

Bring Your Wine or Champagne

Cruise lines don’t let you bring beer or liquor on the ships. But they do allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine of champagne . If you drink these beverages, then take advantage of the perk. Consider that a moderate bottle of wine in a grocery store can cost $10-12. Meanwhile, a glass of wine on the ship can be $10-12. In other words, that bottle you bring can save you a small fortune compared to drinking on the ship.

Payouts in the Casino Aren’t that Great

During your trip there will be plenty of time to try your luck in the ship’s casino. Now it doesn’t take a genius to know that any time you gamble the edge always goes to the house. On a cruise ship that edge can be even larger.

Payouts are notoriously low on the ships , including blackjack that pays 6-to-5 and video poker with low returns. If you still want to gamble ,there’s nothing wrong with that but just know that the chips are stacked against you.

Casinos will be open when the ship is at sea, outside of the jurisdiction of the states/countries where it sails.

Sunglasses Are a Must-Have in Alaska

Again, you might be surprised at times by the sun in Alaska. While there can be some overcast days, those sunny days can hit hard. Just because you’re not going to the Caribbean doesn’t mean you can leave the sunglasses at home.

Invest in a Camera With a Zoom

These days almost all of us use our phone as our camera. While phone cameras are great for most shots, they often lack in the zoom capability. If you want to spot wildlife in Alaska and catch a snapshot, then you’ll want a decent camera with a zoom feature. This will allow you to get stunning pictures of the beauty of Alaska, even if you are quite a distance from your subject.

A Cheap Poncho Keeps Your Prepared

We’ve covered that it can rain in Alaska. That’s why we suggest packing several of those inexpensive plastic ponchos. They fold up into a small square so that they take up hardly any space in your luggage. Even so, they can unfold and be worn to keep you drier in a downpour. Pack several for each person in your party because once you used them you aren’t going to want to try to dry them out and fold them up again.

Sail Late in the Season For the Best Chance of Northern Lights

The Northern Lights can occur year round, but the long days during the summer mean that your chances of seeing them are less. If you sail late in the season (late August or September), then the days start getting shorter. That leaves a longer — and darker — time for you to be able to see the spectacle. There’s still no guarantee you’ll get to see them, but it will increase your odds.

Crowds Are Smaller in the Shoulder Season

Want to sail with fewer crowds and ships? Look to set sail in the early part of the season (May) or the later part of the season (late August-September). With school back in session, fewer families can take a week off to sail to Alaska. Meanwhile some ships either aren’t sailing yet or have moved on for the season. That can mean fewer people in ports of call.

Different Cruise Lines Appeal to Different Passengers

While the cruise lines often sail similar routes and see similar things, there is a difference between the cruise lines and what they offer passengers. Some passengers are simply looking for the cheapest fare while others want to highest-level of luxury. Still others want to sail the biggest and newest ships. There’s no doubt that different ships will have different experiences, so do your research before booking to find the line that best fits your style.

If you want a lot of things to do, we’d suggest Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Want a more elegant experience? Try Princess, Holland America or Celebrity.

Yes, You Need a Passport or Birth Certificate to Cruise to Alaska

If you’re sailing from the United States… and sailing to another U.S. state… why do you need a passport or birth certificate to travel? Cruises stop in Canada for at least one port of call to satisfy requirements put on them by U.S. laws. That means you technically leave the U.S., sail to a foreign country, and then re-enter.

It’s best to have a passport, but if your cruise starts and ends in the same port you can travel with a government-issued birth certificate. For more on details about sailing with a passport or birth certificate, see our article here .

Expect to Spend More on an Alaskan Cruise

One of the big draws of cruising is that it can be a cheap vacation. Head to the Caribbean for a few days and you might find a fare as little as $200 per person. That’s not the case for Alaskan cruises. Expect to spend significantly more.

Most trips for a week start at $500 per person for the cheapest rooms in the shoulder seasons. Peak times to sail see prices start at $800 or more for an interior cabin. Add in port fees and taxes, gratuity, and charges for double occupancy, and you can expect to spend $2,000 at a minimum. Don’t forget the cost of flights to the port as well and excursions, which are a must.

We will say that it seems a big jump in Caribbean fares has made the prices more comparable, but we’d still expect to spend more on average for Alaska.

Have questions about sailing to Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.

More on Cruising Alaska:

• Can I Use My Phone? Guide to Cell Phone Access on an Alaskan Cruise
• 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)
• Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It? Absolutely, and Here’s Why…

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, answered: how much cash should you take on a cruise, cruise anxiety these facts may calm your biggest fears, how to get from the fort lauderdale airport (fll) to the miami cruise port, 41 must-have tips for cruising with babies, toddlers, or small kids (from someone that’s done it), complete guide to using your phone on a cruise (carnival, royal caribbean & more), gratuity calculator & tipping amounts for major cruise lines in 2024.

Which direction is best for an Alaska Cruise? Vancouver to Seward? Or vice versa. And should cabin be facing the land as best for viewing?

You will take A LOT of pictures. Have a memory card that is sufficient.

Oh, good idea. Videos also take up a ton of space.

Hello. I know your article said to fly in the night before but where we’re coming from the only direct flights back and forth are on Saturday. The flights will arrive then depart during the 12 o’clock hour. Barring flight problems would that allow enough time to get to port on departure day and then back to airport upon arrival back?

That should be fine. The reasons for flying in early are to make a more relaxing time getting to port and juuuuuust in case there is a delay.

When applying for an ETSA for a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then back to Vancouver for a return flight to UK, how do i fill in 1. USA contact information 2. USA address as the drop down menus don’ give many options?

I’m not sure about that. You might call the cruise line for information.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Nearly 100 Passengers Fall Ill With Stomach Virus on Princess Cruise

Cruise news: carnival’s new ship, royal’s new beach club, ncl’s big milestone & more, cruising with a baby: what to know from someone who’s done it, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Planning Your Perfect Dahabiya Nile Cruise: Tips and Advice for First-Time Cruisers

Introduction: Embarking on your first Dahabiya Nile cruise ? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share essential tips and advice to help first-time cruisers plan the perfect journey, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Content Highlights:

1. Research Cruise Operators: Before booking your Dahabiya Nile cruise, take the time to research different cruise operators. Look for companies with a proven track record of safety, reliability, and exceptional service. Reading reviews and testimonials from past passengers can provide valuable insights into the quality of the cruise experience offered by each operator. Consider factors such as the variety of itineraries available, the quality of onboard amenities, and the professionalism of the crew.

2. Choose the Right Itinerary: Selecting the right itinerary is key to ensuring an enriching and fulfilling cruise experience. Consider your interests and preferences when choosing a route, and opt for itineraries that include must-see attractions and activities that align with your interests. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, cultural immersion, or natural beauty, there’s a Dahabiya cruise itinerary to suit every taste. Don’t forget to consider the duration of the cruise as well, as some itineraries may be longer or shorter than others.

3. Pack Wisely: Packing wisely is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience. Be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the warm climate of Egypt, as well as comfortable walking shoes for onshore excursions. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays during outdoor activities. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pack a small day bag for carrying essentials such as water bottles, cameras, and sunscreen during excursions.

4. Be Prepared for Cultural Differences: Traveling to a foreign country like Egypt means encountering different cultural norms and customs. Take the time to familiarize yourself with Egyptian etiquette and traditions before embarking on your cruise. For example, it’s customary to greet people with a friendly “Salaam alaikum” (peace be upon you) and to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a place of worship. Showing respect for local customs and traditions will enhance your cultural immersion and enrich your overall cruise experience.

5. Stay Hydrated and Sun Safe: The Egyptian sun can be intense, especially during the peak summer months. It’s essential to stay hydrated and sun safe during your Dahabiya cruise to avoid heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and sunburn. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during outdoor excursions, and reapply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Consider wearing lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat for additional sun protection, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

6. Embrace the Experience: Above all, remember to embrace the experience and enjoy every moment of your Dahabiya Nile cruise. Take the time to savor the stunning scenery, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Egypt, and forge unforgettable memories with your fellow passengers. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, cruising along the tranquil waters of the Nile, or simply relaxing on deck with a good book, a Dahabiya cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity for relaxation, adventure, and discovery.

Conclusion: Planning your first Dahabiya Nile cruise is an exciting and rewarding experience that promises memories to last a lifetime. By following these essential tips and advice, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from start to finish, allowing you to focus on soaking up the beauty and wonder of Egypt’s iconic river. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime aboard a Dahabiya cruise!

We couldn’t find any results matching your search.

Please try using other words for your search or explore other sections of the website for relevant information.

We’re sorry, we are currently experiencing some issues, please try again later.

Our team is working diligently to resolve the issue. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

News & Insights

The Top 3 Cruise Stocks to Buy in April 2024

April 23, 2024 — 06:00 am EDT

Written by Ian Cooper for InvestorPlace  ->

InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips

Use recent weakness in cruise stocks as an opportunity.

At the moment, the top three cruise stocks are all oversold after a recent pullback. But that won’t be the case much longer with most already starting to pivot higher. Even the travel exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF (NYSEARCA: CRUZ ) is oversold and ready to pivot higher. Better, not only does the ETF offer you exposure to leading cruise stocks, like Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL ) and Carnival (NYSE: CCL ), but it also diversifies with leading hotel and airline stocks .

In fact, I’d also use weakness in the CRUZ ETF as an opportunity. Last trading at $21.38, I’d like to see it initially retest $23 a share immediate term. 

Or, if you’d rather just stick with some of the top, oversold individual cruise stocks, here are three top ones you may want to consider buying immediately. Most won’t stay this oversold for long.

Royal Caribbean ( RCL )

Source: ImagineStock / Shutterstock.com

After testing $140.58, Royal Caribbean pulled back to support at its 50-day moving average. Even better, RSI, MACD, and Williams’ %R are all starting to pivot from over-extensions into oversold territory, as well. Last trading at $129.21, I’d like to see RCL initially retest prior resistance at $140.58 immediate term.

Helping, analysts at Mizuho just initiated a buy rating on the RCL stock , with a price target of $164. “The firm says the company should be able to drive incremental demand through the expansion of existing destinations, the development of new attractions, as well as differentiated ships,” according to TheFly.com .

Barclays’ analysts also raised their price target on RCL to $154 with an overweight rating ahead of the company’s earnings call on April 25. The firm expects to see positive demand and yield updates when RCL reports its earnings later this month. Goldman Sachs even added RCL to its Conviction List as part of the firm’s “U.S. Conviction List – Directors’ Cut.”

Carnival ( CCL )

Source: NAN728 / Shutterstock.com

Carnival is also attractive on its latest pullback to $14.12 after testing a high of $17.68. It’s also over-extended on RSI, MACD, and Williams’ %R and is starting to slowly pivot higher. From its last traded price of $14.12, I’d like to see it initially retest $17.68 and potentially test $19.50.

Analysts at. Tigress Financial just raised their price target on CCL to $25 , with a buy rating. All thanks to record booking trends driven by strong consumer demand for cruising. Even Barron’s recently noted that CCL’s recent pullback is an opportunity worth buying. JPMorgan also raised its price target to $23 with an overweight rating on the stock. 

Barclays raised its price target to $25 with an overweight rating, noting “The company’s Q1 results were ‘solid’, with ‘particularly bullish’ pricing commentary and forward commentary on bookings/demand momentum that showed no discernible cracks,” as noted by TheFly.com .

Much like RCL, CCL should have plenty of smooth sailing ahead.

Norwegian Cruise Line ( NCLH )

Source: Nazar Skladanyi / Shutterstock

Even the pullback in Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE: NCLH ) is attractive.

After testing a high of about $21.50, it dipped to $17, where it became oversold on RSI, MACD, and Williams’ %R, as well. Much like RCL and CCL, NCLH is also starting to pivot higher. From its current price of $18.29, I’d like to see it retest $21.50 initially.

Even more attractive, the company just ordered eight new ships, which is the biggest order in company history. “We expect these strategic investments will secure our growth trajectory, significantly boost our earnings profile, and enhance shareholder value well into the future,”  added Chief Financial Officer Mark Kempa .

With earnings, for fiscal year 2023, the company posted a 32% jump in revenue, as compared to 2019. Revenue per passenger cruise day was up 17% from 2019. In addition, advance ticket sales at the close of 2023 were up 56% from 2019 to $3.2 billion. All of those numbers are only expected to increase from here, with much stronger demand.

On the date of publication, Ian Cooper did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com  Publishing Guidelines .

Ian Cooper, a contributor to InvestorPlace.com, has been analyzing stocks and options for web-based advisories since 1999.

More From InvestorPlace

• The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You’ve Never Heard Of
• Musk’s “Project Omega” May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here’s How to Get In.
• It doesn’t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.

The post The Top 3 Cruise Stocks to Buy in April 2024 appeared first on InvestorPlace .

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks mentioned

More related articles.

This data feed is not available at this time.

Sign up for the TradeTalks newsletter to receive your weekly dose of trading news, trends and education. Delivered Wednesdays.

To add symbols:

• Type a symbol or company name. When the symbol you want to add appears, add it to My Quotes by selecting it and pressing Enter/Return.
• Copy and paste multiple symbols separated by spaces.

These symbols will be available throughout the site during your session.

Your symbols have been updated

Edit watchlist.

• Type a symbol or company name. When the symbol you want to add appears, add it to Watchlist by selecting it and pressing Enter/Return.

Opt in to Smart Portfolio

Smart Portfolio is supported by our partner TipRanks. By connecting my portfolio to TipRanks Smart Portfolio I agree to their Terms of Use .

• Royal Caribbean Cruises-stock
• News for Royal Caribbean Cruises

RCL Stock Earnings: Royal Caribbean Gr Beats EPS, Beats Revenue for Q1 2024

InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips

Royal Caribbean Gr (NYSE: RCL ) just reported results for the first quarter of 2024.

• Royal Caribbean Gr reported earnings per share of $1.77. This was above the analyst estimate for EPS of $1.33.
• The company reported revenue of $3.73 billion.
• This was 1.03% better than the analyst estimate for revenue of $3.69 billion.

InvestorPlace Earnings is a project that leverages data from TradeSmith to automate coverage of quarterly earnings reports. InvestorPlace Earnings distills key takeaways including earnings per share and revenue, as well as how a company stacks up to analyst estimates. These articles are published without human intervention, allowing us to inform our readers of the latest figures as quickly as possible. To report any concerns or inaccuracies, please contact us at [email protected].

More From InvestorPlace

• The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You’ve Never Heard Of
• Musk’s “Project Omega” May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here’s How to Get In.
• It doesn’t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.

The post RCL Stock Earnings: Royal Caribbean Gr Beats EPS, Beats Revenue for Q1 2024 appeared first on InvestorPlace .

Royal Caribbean Cruises News MORE

Related stocks.