101 tips for boat cruising

8/10/2019 101 Tips for boat cruising

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1. The minimum age to travel on a cruise ship is generally 12-months.

Many cruise ships are unable to accommodate infants younger than thisdue to limited neo-natal facilities on board and at ports of call.

7. Size does matter! Before booking

your cabin, decide how much

room you are going to need to feel

comfortable in, and what kind of bed

you wish to sleep in.

8. Windowless = Cheerless.

Unless you are on a tight budget or all

other cabins have sold out, opt for an

outside cabin rather than being stuck

inside.

9. Cruise passengers travelling withtheir family and/or young children are

best to select the earlier dining time

options. If the kids get hungry it’s

best to feed them before they start

complaining.

10. If you don’t like to rush while

eating, it’s best to choose the later

dining time. The second seating

is usually slower paced and more

relaxed as the staff don’t have to prep

another seating.

2. The season in which you choose to

travel will essentially affect the cost of

your cruise. It will greatly determine cabin

prices, with the high season and school

holidays generally being more expensive.

If you are on a budget, you may want to

consider cruising in the off-peak season.

3. If you aren’t keen on cruising around

with a bunch of kids aboard, steer clear of

cruising during school holiday periods.

4. Check your visa and passport

requirements before you book your

cruise. These documents can take some

time so you will need to ensure they will

be ready and available before you set

sail.

5. Verify with your doctor any

vaccinations you may need before youcruise.

6. Forget the days of Titanic, where the

rich were treated like royalty and the poor

were shoved in the back. Today’s cruises

are not divided into different classes and

everyone has equal access to onboard

facilities and amenities.



17. Book a cabin on the port side of the ship to ensure you get the first view of the ports of call you are

visiting.

18. If you have any specific dietary requirements, let the cruise line know in advance so they can

accommodate to your needs.

19. The boarding time for a cruise ship stops 1 hour before departure. It is best to arrive at the port

several hours before the ship is set to sail.

20. If your flight is delayed, you get caught in traffic and you don’t make it in time for departure,

chances are, the cruise ship is not going to wait for you. You will need to arrange a flight to the first port

of call and this will usually come at your own expense.

21. Depending on what kind of cruise you are taking, keep in mind that when you return you may need

a few days or so to “recover” from your holiday. Endless activities and fun are sure to tire you out.

11. Not an early riser? Choose the second seating to dine for

breakfast and enjoy the extra hour or two to sleep in.

12. Book as early as possible to ensure you get the cabin you want

and the dining times that suit you best.

13. As much as you would love to bring your furry friends along,

cruise ships do not accommodate pets.

14. Thinking about cruising by yourself as a single? Be prepared

to pay somewhere between 140 to 175% of the per-person double-

occupancy fare for your own cabin.

15. On many cruise ships, anyone aged under 21 must be

accompanied by an adult.

16. Tie a big bow or ribbon to your

luggage before you board. It will make

your luggage stand out from the crowd.



23. Pack a spare pair of clothes and anything you may need on the first day of your cruise.

If your luggage happens to get lost for the first day, you won’t be put out.

24. Fill out all your travel forms and documents before you arrive at the embarking port.

This will speed up the process of getting all of the passengers onboard.

25. Alcohol is generally not allowed to be taken onboard a cruise ship. Alcohol purchased

at ports of call during the cruise will be retained until the completion of the cruise. Some

cruise lines allow you to consume the alcohol in restaurants or state rooms; however a

hefty corkage fee applies.

26. Passengers CAN bring their own sporting equipment along (i.e.

snorkelling gear, tennis racquets etc.). But first, check out the ship’s rental availability and

prices to see if it’s worth using up all that extra room in your luggage.

27. Baby equipment is available onboard family friendly ships, but you

should bring your own necessities like diapers and baby food.

22. Essentials to pack in your hand luggage when both embarking and disembarking include your

duty-free purchases, GST tax invoices, valuables and fragile items, medications and prescriptions and

your travel insurance policy, visa and passport details.

28. Scared of the dark? Have a habit of tripping over things in an

unknown area? Bring a nightlight to plug into the wall of your cabin…

especially if you’re bringing the kids.

29. Air Freshener, Air Freshener and more Air

Freshener. The toilets on cruise ships aren’t vented, so if you want to

keep your cabin smelling fresh, this is a must.

30. Bring your cruise line voucher and maps along with you,

rather than relying on the one that is given to you when you embark.

They are usually more reliable.



31. Girls and guys alike: play it safe and bring along a few clothes you have pushed

aside to the “fat” side of your wardrobe. Those few extra centimeters in your clothesmay be a welcome relief after a week of cruising.

32. Take a camera that has rechargeable batteries. The cost of batteries onboard will have your eyes

popping out of their sockets.

33. Each cabin has just one electrical outlet, which only has two plugs. If you think you are going to

need more than two at one time, bring your own power board, surge protector or extension cord. Check

at the time you are booking your cruise as to the type of electrical sockets onboard and if you would be

required to bring your own adaptor.

34. If you can spare some room in your luggage, bring extra clothes hangers. There are

often not enough clothes hangers in your cabin and extras will come in handy to hang everything up.

35. There is no need to bring beach towels along on your cruise. These will be provided for your use

both on the cruise ship and at shore locations.

36. Bring your own alarm clock as these are not provided in your cabin. While a wake-up call can bearranged, it is often easier to simply set your own alarm.

37. Don’t forget to pack and USE your sunscreen. Bad sunburn will make for an unpleasant cruise and

the price of sunscreen on board is almost twice as much as you would pay at home.

38. An insulated/travel mug with a lid will keep your coffee hot as you laze by the pool. Fill it at the

beverage station or buffet and you won’t even have to worry about spills.

39. Pack a small flashlight to ensure you don’t get lost late at night. You never know when it may

come in handy.

40. Place all items you think may leak in a plastic, zip-top bag to ensure your clothes and luggage

stay in good condition.

41. A hairdryer is available in every cabin. Save space in your luggage and don’t bring your own

from home.



42. As much as you will want to take your brand new DSLR ashore at a port of call, sometimes it isn’t

the best idea. Unless you are going to be carrying it around your neck the whole time, it is better to take

a disposable camera to capture your time here. This is especially the case if you are getting someone

else to take a photo of you.

43. Avoid carrying belongings in a “bum bag” when exploring ports of call. It makes you stand out as a

tourist like a sore thumb, making you an easy target for thieves and pick-pockets.

44. While ashore, put your partying ways aside and stay sober. Alcohol can affect your judgment and

sense of time and you don’t want to miss the departure of your ship.

45. Research your ports of call before departing on your cruise. Eight hours is a lot of time to fill and a

three-hour shore excursion just might not cut it.

46. Shore tours run rain, hail and shine. Unless there is something drastic on the horizon, be prepared

to undertake the tour no matter what the weather conditions.

47. Photocopy all important documents before you set sail and take these ashore on ports of call,

instead of the originals.

48. Be aware of water quality at your destinations. Play it safe and take bottled water ashore. It would

be horrible to spend the remainder of your cruise cooped up by the toilet.

49. Ask the cruise staff about tipping policies at your port of call destinations. Proper etiquette is

expected when visiting these places.

50. If you decide to hire your own taxi to be shown around the

township of your port of call, make sure you both agree on aprice before you depart. This way you won’t get ripped off!



51. One of the best things about cruising, compared to staying in motels, is that you

only have to unpack once!

52. Most cruise ships offer passengers the convenience of being able to charge

all of their expenses to their cabin. An itemized statement will be delivered to your

cabin number prior to disembarkation.

53. Each cruise ship will have at least one medical centre on board. To save time, bring

your own medications, supplies and prescriptions.

54. Most cruise ships offer childcare centers from early morning, to late at night. After-

hours care can also be arranged for an additional cost.

55. Prevent burns by avoiding to iron your clothes in your cabin. There are plenty of self-

service laundries onboard, providing irons and ironing boards for your convenience.

56. The initial safety drill IS mandatory. Don’t try to sneakily hide in your cabin…you will

be found!

57. Make an effort to live without Facebook and Twitter while cruising. Roaming fees

on mobile phones can be costly and using the internet on computers at onboard internet

cafes comes at an astronomical price.

58. Tipping is highly recommended, in fact expected. Each cruise line’s gratuity policies

vary, so be sure to check these out before sail, to work them into your onboard budget.

59. Motion sickness is more common than sea sickness when travelling on a cruise. The

motion of the ship is generally mild so constant sickness throughout the trip can easily be

avoided.

60. Prevent motion sickness and avoid looking out your cabin window or the windows in

the lounges. The up-down motion can make you nauseous.

61. To assist further, take an anti-seasick pill before departure and while cruising if

needed. These will allow you to enjoy your cruise more.

62. Smoking is permitted onboard but only in designated areas.



76. With all the extra food you are eating, why not make a start at working it off

and use the stairs instead of the elevators on board.

77. Don’t rock up in jeans and a tank top to the “Formal Night” on your cruise.

While tuxedos or ball gowns aren’t necessary, it is expected that you wear something

classy.

64. Befriend your regular waiter in the dining hall -

they show you how to make things with your serviettes

and give you treats!

65. Tip the bar tenders and night club staff as

soon as you get on the cruise ship. This will ensure

immediate alcohol service and will get you in their good books.

66. It never hurts to flirt a little with the bar tenders and wait staff.

They will then remember you and will start remembering what you order.

67. When moving around the ship, particularly in empty corridors, always travel with a companion. It’s always safer to

stay in pairs.

68. Keep your cabin locked when inside and out. Always make sure it closes securely and don’t just assume it willlock automatically.

69. Carry around a small bottle of hand sanitizer if you are one of those people that freaks out about germs. Like any

public place, everything you touch is most likely to be unhygienic.

70. After an out-of-the-way retreat in order to escape the noise of the crowds? Ask one of the cruise ship’s friendly

staff to direct you to one. Chances are they know the quietest nooks and crannies of the ship the best.

71. Be prepared for a tight squeeze in the elevators around dinner and show times. This is when everyone is moving

around the ship, so why not avoid the stampede and head to a bar first for a sneaky cocktail or two.

72. Drink alcohol in moderation. No one likes a sloppy drunk and just remember that you are stuck with these people

for the next week or so.

73. Food is free, copious and around the clock! Make the most of it.

74. Yes, room service is available at all times!

75. Be prepared to gain a few kilos during your cruise.

Food is plentiful and who actually wants to use the gym for

a vigorous daily workout while on vacation?

63. Befriend the person

who cleans and makes up your room -

they give you

chocolates on your pillow.



82. Make use of the safe in your room. Don’t just leave valuables lying around on your bed. If you have extremely

valuable items, use the ship’s safe to store them; they will be locked here for safe storage throughout the duration ofyour cruise.

83. Sea air tends to make people especially hungry and sleepy. Take a power nap in the afternoon so you are fresh

and ready for the excitement of the evening activities.

84. You will be asked to place your luggage outside your cabin the night before you disembark. Ensure you have

packed a spare pair of clothes in your hand luggage so you aren’t wandering around the final day of your cruise in

your PJ’s.

78. Contracting Noroviruses on cruise ships is

actually not as common as one may think. The best

way to avoid it is to frequently wash your hands.

79. Nine out of 10 outbreaks of Norovirus take

place at land-based locations, usually in places like

hospitals, schools and day care centers.

80. Unless you’ve got money to burn, don’t

stop and have your photo taken by professional

photographers. They charge an arm and a leg. Save

your money and take your own happy snaps.

81. Unless you are insanely drunk/ have

a decent voice, avoid Karaoke if you

embarrass easily. Remember, you’re

stuck with these people for the entirety of

your cruise and if you can’t handle some

good-natured ridicule, perhaps Karaoke

isn’t for you.

87. If pirates board the ship,

unless they are Johnny Depp,

call security!

85. Save some time and avoid the crowds at

the end of the cruise and pay your onboard

account early.

86. At the end of your cruise you will be

asked to fill out a comment card. If you

received particularly good service while

onboard, take note of the names of those

staff members and include these in the

comments.



89. Bow – the very front of the ship.

90. Bulkhead – the wall or partition separating cabins and compartments.

91. CHOGS – short for Chair HOGS.

92. Disembark – to unload passengers from a ship, marking the end of the journey.

93. Embark – to go onboard the cruise ship and begin the journey.

94. Knot – one nautical mile per hour (this is around 15% faster than one mile per

hour)

95. Leeward – the side of the ship away from the wind (opposed to the Windward)

96. Muster – to come together or gather. This may be for an inspection or roll call.

97. Port – the left-hand side of a ship as one faces forward (opposed to the

starboard side). So named because it is the side towards the dock (port).

98. Purser – the ship’s officer in charge of accounts, freight, tickets etc. This person

will generally handle all your money.

99. Starboard – the right-hand side of the ship as one faces forward (opposed to the

port side.)

100. Tender – a boat for carrying passengers to or from a ship close to shore.

101. Windward – the side of the ship on which the wind blows (opposed to the

Leeward side)

88. Berth – a ship’s cabin, with built in beds and bunks.

The number corresponding to the berth generally

indicates how many passengers the cabin can sleep.



Deck Chair Cruising Australia

Phone: 1800-839-499 +61 7 3442 2990

Mail: PO Box 270

Springwood

QLD 4127

Australia

Web: www.dccruising.com.au

Email: [email protected]

Please visit :

www.dccruising.com.au for more information on cruises and holiday ideas!

101 tips for boat cruising

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