Your first cruise vacation can be exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking. There are various “firsts” that you may wish to experience on your initial trip but don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Below is a list of things you should expect on your first cruise vacation.
Hopefully, this will better prepare and give you an idea of what to expect during the itinerary day by day.
Your Cruise Fare Covers Everything
You don’t have to worry; there are a few things you can do to maximize the value of your cruise fare. You can do and see a lot of things while onboard, but you should always understand what is not included in the price. Read on to find out what’s covered.
Cruise fares usually cover the necessities for your vacation, and most fares cover all meals, entertainment, and ocean transportation, though many of these are optional. While these are essential parts of your trip, they can add up to a large chunk of your total vacation cost.
Some perks of a cruise fare include entertainment, fitness classes, and lectures, while others are optional. For example, you can pay a separate fee for photo packages or Broadway shows.
There Are Set Eating Times on the Cruise
Most cruisers prefer to dine in the ship’s complimentary main dining room each night, even with several attractive alternatives. When dining on a cruise ship, this option usually requires selecting either an early or late dinner time.
You have to eat at set times when you’re on a cruise. This is necessary because the crew has a specific schedule and can’t always be there during the exact times every night.
Generally, dinner is served between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM, and you can choose to eat anytime in between. And if you’re looking to have a more traditional dining experience, you should consider eating at the same time each night.
If you have a family, you might select the option of flexible dining times on the cruise. This option contains different selected times for dining alone or with your family. With this option, you can request private dining tables and eat at a time that works best for your family.
Look Your Best
Some cruise ships have formal nights. This is the best time to show off your fancy outfits! In addition to dressing appropriately for the occasion, you may want to bring a pair of sneakers or waterproof shoes. For women, you can wear resort wear for women for various formal events.
Ensure that you dress accordingly and follow the rules of the event. Many of the cruises also have informal nights. Casual attire is sufficient for the buffet, main dining room, and buffet. The last night of the cruise is usually a casual one. Most of the guests have already packed their bags, and they will have to return their suitcases on land when they disembark.
Go Cashless
Most cruise lines operate in a cashless environment. You will be given a pass, which can be used to bill items. Alternatively, you can use your debit or credit card to pay for anything onboard.
Just remember to top up the card before you board because the card will protect your spending onboard. You can always use cash as you disembark, but it is best to go cashless on cruise ships.
Additionally, the ship may be passing through different countries with different currencies at different times, making it difficult to make purchases. To avoid this situation, it’s a good idea to go cashless on cruise ships.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has given you a great starting point for planning your first cruise vacation. For most people, it will be the first time they’ve ever taken such a vacation, so it’s essential to understand what to expect ahead of time.
All in all, it’s a fun way to visit places in a way that you might not otherwise see them. Remember to do your research and plan. The last thing you want is to be unprepared for your vacation!
