Cruising is an excellent way to explore the world and have a wonderful time. However, first-time cruisers can make mistakes that lead to a less-than-stellar experience. Not booking shore excursions in advance to ignoring the time when visiting ports, avoiding these rookie mistakes can help ensure your cruise goes as smoothly as possible. This article will discuss some of the mistakes that many first-time cruisers make.
Not Booking Shore Excursions in Advance
For starters, booking shore excursions in advance ensures you have a spot on your chosen tour. Many cruises limit the number of people who can join each excursion, so if you book early, you’ll be guaranteed a spot. If you wait until you’re on the ship, you may find that the excursion you want is already sold out.
Another reason to book shore excursions in advance is that it’s typically cheaper than waiting to book onboard. Cruise lines often offer discounts for booking tours in advance, so you can save money by planning and booking your excursions.
Missing the shows
Missing the live shows on a cruise ship is a mistake because it’s a great way to relax and have fun. The performances on a cruise ship are often of high quality, and many are professionally produced. Whether it’s a musical, comedy show, or magic act, these shows are sure to entertain and provide a much-needed break from everyday life. The performances on a cruise ship also offer an excellent opportunity to meet new people. Many shows will have an intermission where you can talk to other guests in the audience. Finally, the shows can provide a great insight into the culture of the places you visit. Many shows incorporate local culture into their performances, which is a great way to understand the region better.
Flying the same day of the cruise
Flying on the same day as your cruise is very risky. Even if you book the earliest flight possible, there is still a chance that you could miss your boat due to delays and cancellations. If you do miss your ship, you could be stuck in a port or airport without a way to get to your destination.
Another reason why flying on the same day as your cruise is a bad idea is because it can be a logistical nightmare. If you’re flying, you’ll have to check your luggage, go through security, and wait in line for your flight. When you’re taking a cruise, you’ll likely have to check in, go through security, and wait in line for boarding. Trying to do both on the same day can be overwhelming and leave you feeling exhausted before you even start your vacation.
Another factor to consider is the risk of lost luggage. If you fly in on the same day as the cruise, your luggage may not make it to the ship on time or at all, leaving you with nothing to wear on the cruise. By arriving a day before your cruise, you can be prepared in the event of lost luggage.
Not having enough cash on shore excursions
Every cruise passenger should bring enough cash for their shore excursions, as some destinations may not accept credit cards. Leaving the ship without enough money can lead to missed opportunities and disappointment, so it is vital to plan accordingly and carry enough cash for all expected purchases.
Leaving cell phone on during the cruise
You may experience limited coverage when using your cell phone while on a cruise. That’s because cruise ships usually sail in the middle of the ocean, where there’s no cellular service. As a result, cell phone calls and data usage can be spotty at best. Even if your cruise is sailing through an area with cellular coverage, you may still experience disruptions due to the moving nature of the ship.
Also, using your phone for calls and data while on a cruise may incur roaming charges. Roaming charges are expensive and can quickly add up. Depending on your cell phone provider, you may be charged a minimum fee just for entering a new area, as well as being charged per minute for calls and megabytes for data. In some cases, the roaming charges can be more than the cost of the cruise itself.
Buying trip insurance from the cruise line
First and foremost, purchasing trip protection from the cruise line will often be more expensive than buying it from a third party. This is because the cruise line acts as a middleman, charging an additional fee for the added coverage. Furthermore, third-party providers typically offer more comprehensive coverage than the cruise line’s protection, so you may have worse coverage for your money if you purchase from the cruise line.
Another reason to avoid buying trip protection from the cruise line is that you won’t be able to compare different policies to find the best coverage for your needs. When you buy from a third party, you can easily compare different plans, benefits, and prices to find the right coverage. With the cruise line, you don’t have the same level of flexibility and comparison. Also, cruise lines charge more for cancellation coverage than companies specializing in travel insurance because they know travelers will usually accept their offer and purchase additional coverage rather than shop around for better rates.
Finally, cruise lines typically don’t offer the same level of customer service as third-party providers, which means that you may have difficulty getting the help you need if something happens. If you purchase trip protection from a third party, you can be sure they will be available to help you with questions or to help you file a claim.
Forgetting local time
When in port, the local time is not always the same as the ship’s time depending on the itinerary. You must allow enough time to return to your ship to avoid being left behind. You could end up missing your ship and paying for a flight home. It’s also essential to think about how long it will take you to get back to the ship when in port. You should allow yourself plenty of time to explore the area, but you want to make sure you’ll be able to make it back to the ship on time. If you’re in a new port, leaving yourself a few extra hours is a good idea to account for any unexpected delays.
Parking at the port
It’s important to consider the cost of parking at the cruise port before you embark on your journey. Parking at the cruise port can be far more expensive than other nearby lots and could add an unnecessary expense to your overall trip.
When considering where to park for your upcoming cruise, it’s best to avoid doing so at the cruise port itself. While it may seem convenient parking nearby, it won’t necessarily save you time or money. In addition, many of these lots offer free shuttles that will take you directly from their lot to the cruise terminal, adding another layer of convenience and cost savings compared to parking at the actual port!
Cruise line loyalty programs
Cruise line loyalty programs are an excellent way to take advantage of discounts, free upgrades, and other perks on your next cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned veteran, signing up for one of these programs can be a great way to save money, get exclusive offers, and enjoy additional amenities on your next trip.
By joining a cruise line loyalty program, you can access exclusive member-only deals, receive discounts when booking multiple trips with the same cruise line, and earn points that can be redeemed for onboard credit and even free cruises. You’ll also have access to special events, such as receptions, with knowledgeable staff members who can provide helpful advice about destinations and ports of call. You may also receive complimentary gifts such as champagne or wine upon arrival at the ship or special discounts in the onboard shops.
Going For The Cheapest Cruise
When selecting a cruise line, price is always an important factor—but it shouldn’t be the only one. While picking the cheapest option might make sense on your budget, there are other things to consider when booking a cruise.
Cruise lines come in all shapes and sizes, from luxury liners with expansive suites and unlimited amenities to no-frills bargains with basic accommodations and limited services. It’s important to consider what type of experience you want before making an impulse purchase based solely on cost. For instance, if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway with lots of pampering and exclusive excursions, it’s worth paying extra for a top-tier cruise line rather than opting for the least expensive one available.
Not Making Reservations for Specialty Restaurants
Specialty restaurants are the most exclusive places to dine on a cruise ship. These restaurants are typically set aside from the main dining areas and offer a more intimate setting. Many specialty restaurants have unique menus and feature dishes you can’t find anywhere else on the ship. The exclusivity of these restaurants means they are in high demand and can fill up quickly. If you don’t make a reservation in advance, you may find it completely booked.
Another consequence of not making a reservation is that you may have to wait in line for an extended period. The line at a specialty restaurant can be much longer than a complimentary restaurant’s, as there are often fewer available tables. If you don’t make a reservation, you’ll have to wait in line with the other people who didn’t think ahead, which could take hours. It’s not worth wasting your precious cruise time standing in line when you can enjoy the various activities and entertainment onboard.
Not Using Independent Tour Operators For Shore Excursions
Cruising the open sea is a great way to explore the world and visit many different places in one journey. But if you’re looking to get the most out of your cruise experience, it’s vital to consider shore excursions. When choosing between a cruise line or an independent tour operator for these activities, several benefits make opting for an independent tour operator the better choice.
First and foremost, independent tour operators typically have lower prices than those offered by a cruise line. This can be especially beneficial when planning shore excursions with a group, as they may be able to offer discounts or packages not available through cruise lines. Additionally, while cruise lines often offer large tours with dozens of passengers aboard one bus, independent tour operators tend to provide smaller tours, making it easier to receive more personalized attention from your guide and fellow travelers alike.
Avoiding The Stairs
Elevators can be a source of frustration on a cruise and can be crowded, slow, and unpredictable. Often, you end up waiting in line and wasting valuable time that could be better spent enjoying your cruise. Taking the stairs instead will save you time and help you avoid elevator congestion.
Stairs are also an excellent way to get your daily dose of exercise. Even if you don’t usually work out, taking the stairs instead of the elevator can be a great way to stay active and fit while on the cruise. You can burn many calories from the main dining room and buffet by using the stairs instead of the elevator.
Finally, the stairs are a great way to take in the scenery. Most cruise ships have stairs that lead up to decks with excellent views. Going up the stairs instead of the elevator can be a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ship.
Bringing Oversized Suitcases
The first reason is storage space. Cruise ships typically have minimal room in their cabins, so bringing a piece of large luggage can be challenging to manage and store. Even if your cabin has extra closets or shelves for storing items, fitting a large suitcase can be nearly impossible due to its size. A cruise packing list would help you manage how many items you need to pack.
Forgetting to check bill daily
Cruise ship passengers should check their bills daily to avoid any unexpected expenses or surprises at the end of their vacation. Extra charges, such as room service and gratuities, are often added to a bill without the passenger’s knowledge. Keeping an eye on the account daily will ensure a pleasant overall experience and help passengers stay within their budget. Checking it daily allows you to avoid long lines at the end of the trip and ensures you are aware of any additional charges that may have been added throughout the journey.
Conclusion
Every first time cruiser should be aware of common cruise mistakes that can be made when embarking on a cruise vacation. From not booking excursions in advance, to forgetting to change your clocks, these are all important things to consider before you start your cruise. If you follow all these tips, your first cruise will be one that you will remember fondly for years to come.