Welcome aboard everyone. After spending over a decade working on cruise ships I have seen travelers make the exact same errors over and over again when booking cruise ship tickets. These mistakes on some level ruin their trip experience, and they later realized that if they had known them earlier, maybe they enjoy a little more. Here is some helpful information about common cruising mistakes so you can have the absolute best time on your next big vacation.
Booking Your Cruise Tickets Way Too Late
Waiting until the last minute hoping for a discount is tough because computer systems adjust prices to fill empty rooms early. You are much better off booking your trip as soon as dates open to lock in the absolute lowest rate.
Forgetting To Ask For A Room Upgrade
Many ships sail with empty rooms and those cabins will just sit there if nobody asks the staff nicely. You should simply smile and ask the greeting team if better rooms are open because they love making guests happy.
Packing Everything Inside Your Checked Bags
It takes hours for the crew to deliver heavy luggage to your door so you might be stuck without your swimsuit. Just pack a nice roomy carry on bag with immediate essentials so you start having fun right away.
Being Rude To The Hardworking Crew
The staff works super hard on little sleep to give you a great vacation but yelling at them will not help you. Treating the crew with kindness and a big smile can change your trip and they might even help you out.
Ignoring The Pre Cruise Flash Deals
Cruise lines email out special flash deals for drink packages before you board and those discounts disappear once you sail. Buying these packages ahead of time through the app is a fantastic way to save money for other fun things.
Paying For Expensive Ship Wi Fi
Using the internet on the ocean relies on slow satellite connections which means you pay a lot for bad service. It is honestly better to switch off your phone and wait until you reach a port to find a free hot spot.
Skipping The Free Loyalty Rewards Programs
Every major cruise line offers a free loyalty program that gives you points for traveling which leads to huge discounts. You should sign up for these programs early because you start earning real rewards right away that make future vacations cheaper.
Only Eating At The Main Dining Buffet
The buffet is very convenient but the specialty restaurants offer completely different regional dishes that I personally think are fantastic. Taking the time to book a specialty dinner gives you a nice formal experience and you might enjoy the menu even more.
Forgetting About Room Service Dining Options
Many travelers completely forget they can order food straight to their cabin and breakfast options are often included in your ticket. Waking up to fresh coffee on your own balcony is an amazing way to start the morning without rushing anywhere.
Going Too Far Away From The Port
It is super fun to explore new islands but traveling too far away means a traffic jam could make you miss the boat. You should always hire a local taxi driver and make sure you plan to return thirty minutes before boarding time.
Underestimating The Strong Ocean Wind Gusts
It gets extremely windy when you are sailing fast and it is very common for expensive sunglasses to blow right off tables. Bringing some cheap towel clips to secure your belongings will save you a lot of stress from flying items.
Not Booking Your Next Cruise Onboard
The best time to get a massive discount on your next vacation is while you are still sailing because they want your business. Stopping by the booking desk before going home gets you free onboard credit and special perks that vanish later.
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