Let’s all admit it.. We all make mistakes.
You can only learn from your mistakes after you acknowledge you’ve made it. Once you start accusing other people (or the universe itself) you distance yourself from any potential lesson.
Admitting a mistake, even if only to yourself, makes learning possible by moving the emphasis away from blame and towards understanding. Wise people acknowledge their mistakes easily. They know growth accelerates when they do.
Here are the top mistakes virgin cruiser make and how to avoid them to ensure smooth sailing, from the minute you head up the gangway for the first time to the moment you disembark:
Not Reserving Shore Excursions
If you know you really want to do the ship’s shore excursion like parasailing above a lagoon or scuba diving in gorgeous waters, sign up online prior to your cruise or the tour may be sold out once you embark the ship.
Just remember: Some cruise lines will give you a refund if you change your mind, but others won’t — so read the fine print.
Over Packing Your Suitcase
Classic suitcases and duffel bags can be stowed under the beds, but over sized suitcases are too dense to fit there, or in the thin closets. You’ll have no place to store them apart from out in the open.
Not Taking Body Lotion or Hair Conditioner
Luxury lines stock all bathrooms with lots of decadent beauty product, but most major typical lines only offer a shampoo dispenser in the shower and a bar of soap in the bathroom. It’s up to you to pack any other products you’ll need.
Don’t Take The Weather For Granted
If you accept that you are at the mercy of the weather, you are more likely to have unreasonable expectations.
Cruise lines always have your safety in mind and endeavour to cruise in destinations where the weather is less likely to disturb the itinerary, but dodging inclement weather is at no time guaranteed.
For example, cruises to the Pacific during the wet season between November and April, will have an increased chance of rain, higher temperature and humidity.
North of the equator in Micronesia, the seasons are reversed.
In Alaska, fares are lower May and September — but it can be snowy and muddy in May and rainy in September.
Cruising Europe during the off-season might mean reduced quantities of tourists and lower prices, but be ready for cool temperatures and rougher seas.
Arriving At Your Homeport On The Day Of Your Cruise
If your flight is delayed or your luggage is lost, you’ll be in a real jam if you book a flight anticipating to start your cruise a few hours later. Fly in the day before to be on the safe side, and enjoy a day and night of seeing the sights in the port of embarkation.
Cruising During School Holidays
If you don’t have kids of your own — or aren’t cruising with them — avoid cruises during the school holidays, when one-third of a ship’s passengers can be families with kids.
On the biggest ships, that means more than 1,000 kids filling the pools, deck chairs, spas, running in the hallways, and making mealtime a loud and chaotic experience.
Thinking The Whole Kit And Caboodle Is Included
Even if you like to explore the ports of call on your own and don’t dine in the specialty restaurants, you should still anticipate to run a bill over the course of your cruise.
Apart from on the all-inclusive, high-end cruise lines, you’ll be charged for what you drink in your cabin, whether it’s in the minibar or on your dresser. (Dependent on the size, soft drinks and bottled water will cost you about $2 to $4 each.)
Some onboard events also acquire fees. Such as, fitness and cocktail classes. Years ago, they were complimentary, but not anymore. boot camp, and yoga will cost you an additional fee.
