Tips from Avid Cruisers: Set Sail the Right Way!
What are the top tips from avid cruisers?
For this blog, we spoke to three avid cruisers, each with over 30 cruises sailed. If you have a cruise booked or you are thinking about a cruise vacation, these “Tips from Avid Cruisers” will answer some of the top questions…while providing some tips from seasoned cruisers.
Embarkation Day
“Setting foot on a cruise is an exhilarating experience! However, the first-day jitters often drive travelers to the busiest spot – the buffet. Tips from Avid Cruisers suggest skipping the buffet on your first day on board. Instead, explore secondary dining options which might be less crowded and can offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Is the Main Dining Room (MDR) serving lunch on embarkation day?”–Marla
Pre-Plan For a Better Cruise Experience
“Over the years, I have learned that pre-planning excursions, activities and even dinners in specialty restaurants takes my cruise-experience to a new level of enjoyment”—Kim
Here are a few tips for pre-planning:
Wondering where to get insider information about your upcoming cruise trip? Tips from Avid Cruisers recommend joining Facebook groups dedicated to cruise lines. These platforms are treasure troves of insights, from activity recommendations to packing checklists.
Cruise destinations can be intriguing and diverse. The ports often become the highlight of the journey. Instead of spontaneously deciding your day ashore, do your homework. Research ports in advance. While spontaneity works wonders for a beach vacation, cruising demands a bit more planning to truly savor every moment.
Ditch the conventional path and dive deeper into the local culture by signing up for private tours. These are often more intimate and personalized. Forget the large motorcoaches; imagine exploring a historic city with just a handful of like-minded travelers.
Packing Like a Pro
The art of packing can make or break your cruising experience. Tips from Avid Cruisers often emphasize ingenious packing hacks. Here are some packing tips from our avid cruisers:
“Think magnetic clips to keep your excursion tickets in place on the stateroom wall, or colorful towel clips for those breezy sun-deck afternoons. I also pack zip-lock bags in a few sizes. They are perfect for wet bathing suites, organizing my excursion bag or for organizing small things in the stateroom drawers.”—Judy
“Opt for compression cubes for optimizing luggage space, and hanging wash bags to declutter your cabin bathroom. And when you’re gearing up for specific destinations, ensure your tote bag matches the needs. Kayaking? A roll-top wet bag is your friend. Wildlife spotting in Alaska? Don’t forget those binoculars and spare camera batteries. And for the minimalist traveler, a capsule wardrobe is the key. A thoughtfully selected dress or a pair of pants can serve multiple looks with the right accessories.”—Kim
“I always pack a back-of-the-door shoe organizer. Each pocket holds items such as hats, books, sunscreen, excursions tickets and much more. It keeps my stateroom organized and clutter off of tables and counters.”—Marla
Kim, Marla and Judy all agree on these items and never cruise without them:
- A small first aid kit including a dental repair kit.
- Over-The-Counter medications for headaches, colds, flu, motion sickness and more.
- A copy of their passport, driver’s license and emergency contact information.
- A small cross-body bag to carry your ship card around the ship in style.
Before You Sail
Book Your Next Cruise Today
As you set sail on your next cruise adventure, remember these invaluable tips from Avid Cruisers. And here are some additional tips sheets and blogs, from Tour Plan International, to help you prepare for your next cruise:
With over 50 years in the travel industry, TourPlanInternational.com has been orchestrating unforgettable vacations, cruises, and tours. Let your journey be as seamless as the horizon stretching out from the cruise deck. Bon Voyage!
