So my first cruise - a four night cruise sailing on Superstar Leo - wasn’t perfect but it was pretty great. It took me a couple days to figure out how to make the most of my time onboard.
As the days developed and I found my sea-wheels, my participation improved significantly. I might have assumed I knew a great deal about cruising, but until you in fact experience a cruise … well, you veteran cruisers know what I mean.
So what did this teach me?
Don’t try to wear yourself out on the first day
Most cruise ships are larger than you think — even if they’re not among the largest. Most modern ships are encompassed with deck upon deck of cabins and public areas and can accommodate thousands of passengers and crew. The last thing you want to do is burn the candle at both ends trying to discover every nook and cranny of the ship before the ship even leaves the dock. It’s easy to want to see and do it all on the day one, but avoid the enticement.
Don’t Try To Eat At Every Specialty Restaurant
Most cruise lines have made a practice of building various specialty restaurants, and while these restaurants can be enticing, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars by the time your cruise begins. But more importantly, you risk missing some of the other culinary delights found in the ship’s main dining room. During my first cruise, I was in such a panic to start trying out the specialty restaurants that I didn’t realise that the first night was Italian night in the Main Dining Room. I was so unhappy to miss it — and those passengers gloating about the food didn’t help.
Don’t Think Your Too Cool For School
Sure you can laze around in your cabin all day or take in the raze on the pool deck, but the real pleasure comes when you dip your toe in the cruise waters. No, I won’t sing karaoke, and bingo is not truly my thing, but I recognised that even people watching at some of these events lead to a hilariously good times. And don’t forget, cruising’s much better when you meet new people - and participating at onboard events are the best way to do so.
Don’t Close Yourself In Your Cabin
While a few short afternoon siestas are wonderful, if you dedicate too long of a stretch in your cabin, you’re unquestionably going to miss some fun onboard activities. When cruising, there’s something going on every hour of the day, and the only way you’re going to have the best time that you can imagine is to step out of your cabin and get amongst the fun.
Don’t Forget To Show Your Appreciation To The Crew
These guys and gals work hard for your satisfaction.
Remember to smile at them and thank them for their hard work. You’ll be rewarded with personalised service and great conversation. It was overwhelming to have crew members addressing me by name and stopping in the halls to chat me up at every turn. Be sure to set the right attitude from the start, and your effort will surely be returned.
