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I just put my phone in airplane mode the moment I step on board a ship and never switch it back on. I then turn on the phone's Wi-Fi, buy a Wi-Fi package and do all my calling, texting and internet surfing over Wi-Fi. That way, there's no way that I can be surprised by an unexpected charge.
Carnival Cruise Line: Best first-time cruise for budget travelers
These days many ports use facial recognition matched with your passport for entering the country. Those with birth certificates sometimes still wait in line to be checked by an officer. Take Advantage of Drink PoliciesSome cruise lines (such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival) allow you to bring on a small amount of non-alcoholic drinks with you when you board. So you can bring on some sodas, juices, teas, or anything else that you like. If your favorite drink isn’t something that’s sold everywhere, then it may not be on the ship. You can also save some money versus buying your drink of choice on the ship.
Bring your own drinks on board
Cruise Tips for First-Timers, According to Seasoned Cruisers - Business Insider
Cruise Tips for First-Timers, According to Seasoned Cruisers.
Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
To help you budget, cruise lines offer “all you can drink” packages. With these deals, you pay one set amount each day and then get to have (almost) whatever you want from the bar. No matter what you choose, when you book your cruise you will have an arrival time.
Taking the Stairs Is Faster If Traveling Only a Few Decks
So how can you tell the atmosphere of the cruise line if you’ve never sailed before? It may seem simple, but look at the websites and marketing materials of the cruise lines to see if they appeal to you. Maybe you’re the sort of person that has been turned off by stereotypical cruise.
What’s Included — and Costs Extra — on a Cruise
You can buy a Wi-Fi package, for instance, that will let you make FaceTime calls and stream videos (on some ships) over Wi-Fi without using phone data. When going ashore, always bring the ship's contact information with you. Those details are usually printed in the newsletter that's delivered to your cabin each night. If something goes wrong when you're away from the ship, you'll want to get in contact with the cruise line right away. While we're on the topic of signing up for activities, note that it's OK if you miss a few things. In fact, you should force yourself to try to not do it all.
The cruise line’s all-inclusive fares cover virtually every aspect of your journey. Your needs are covered, from gourmet dining experiences to complimentary beverages, including fine wines and spirits. Silversea offers an intimate introduction for those dipping their toes into the cruising world for the first time. The cruise line’s smaller ships visit ports beyond the reach of larger vessels, providing you with unique opportunities to explore more exotic ports of call.
Pack a Small Fan For Your Cabin
I did find the ship a bit trickier to navigate, but the small venues and unique layout provide a more intimate setting. The laid-back atmosphere, various activities, and low fees make Carnival Cruise Line one of the top choices for first-time cruisers. Whether you’re drawn to the vast ocean or the scenic rivers, we’ll help you pick the best cruise line for your vacation. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
Virgin Voyages’s Bar Tab is different from a traditional drink package. The Bar Tab is a pre-paid drink card that’s topped up by the cruise line. In my experience, Virgin Voyages has more reasonably priced drinks than other cruise lines.
Save yourself from walking into furniture and stubbing your toe by packing a simple plug-in nightlight. It’s especially helpful if you’re in an interior cabin where there are no windows to provide outside illumination. Odds are you won’t find these spots without looking for them, but be aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t do anything like flash lots of cash or wear tons of fancy jewelry. The only thing that can match the excitement of an upcoming vacation is the overwhelmed feeling that comes with trying to navigate and plan for your first trip.
With upwards of 20 decks on some cruise ships, going up and down via stairs is time-consuming… and tiring. But with so many people using the elevators, it’s common to have to wait awhile before you get one. That’s why if you are only going up or down three decks or fewer, it’s usually faster to take the stairs. Plus, it will help you work off some of those buffet calories.
Royal Caribbean is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cruise line that offers plenty of excitement and adventure. West Coast travelers can find great bargain deals on cruises to Mexico, too, adds Leppert. Avoid cabins below frequently used passageways on the top decks where footsteps and the sound of deck chairs moving frequently can be annoying. Even higher category cabins can be one deck below the main deck so it is wise to ask about this when reserving.
Some lines will let you sign up for shows, tours and other activities (including meals at specialty restaurants) in advance of sailing using online portals. If you want to be sure that you get a seat for a specific show on a specific night, or a specific tour or restaurant reservation time, it's a good idea to do this. It's not uncommon with some ships to find that some shows, tours and restaurant reservation times book up in advance. The cruise line does an excellent job of providing entertainment and activities for kids, parents, and adults. Disney’s newest Triton-class cruise ships offer traditional Disney experiences alongside the worlds of Star Wars and Marvel. While that’s a good idea for some, Sloan also points out that cruise lines don’t always put their best ships on shorter runs.
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