Additional Coverage:
- I’m a former cruise director. Here are 9 big mistakes I see first-time passengers make. (businessinsider.com)
Smooth Sailing: Ex-Cruise Director Shares Top Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Dreaming of a high-seas adventure? Hold your horses!
Before you set sail, a former cruise director with over a decade in the biz, Christine Kesteloo, is dishing out the biggest blunders she sees first-timers make. Kesteloo, who now lives on cruise ships part-time with her husband, wants to help you avoid common pitfalls and make your maiden voyage truly memorable.
Here’s her expert advice to ensure your cruise is more “bon voyage” and less “oh no!”:
Don’t Just Pick Any Ship: Find Your Perfect Match
Just like hotels, cruise lines aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each offers a distinct experience, often catering to different age groups and interests.
Do you crave Broadway-caliber entertainment, a unique itinerary, or gourmet dining? Are you looking for an adults-only escape or a family-friendly floating resort?
Kesteloo emphasizes the importance of researching cruise lines to find the one that aligns with your desires.
Arrive Early: Beat the Flight Fiasco
Nothing puts a damper on a vacation like missing your ride. Kesteloo has witnessed countless passengers miss their cruise because they flew into the departure city on the same day the ship was set to sail.
Her advice? Arrive a day or two early.
This buffer allows for unexpected flight delays and ensures you have ample time to board without stress.
Research Your Destinations: Go Beyond the Onboard Briefing
Many first-time cruisers embark without a clue about the history or culture of the places they’re visiting. Kesteloo calls this a “huge mistake,” suggesting that a little pre-trip research can significantly enrich your experience. While onboard presentations offer a taste, your own digging can uncover hidden gems, fun facts, and common tourist traps to avoid.
Don’t Skip the Shore Excursions
While some ports allow you to stroll directly into town, others, particularly in Asia, Central America, and Europe, dock in cargo areas, making a casual walkabout impossible. Kesteloo strongly recommends booking excursions, especially through your cruise line.
Why? If your cruise-booked tour runs late, the ship will wait for you.
She’s seen many disappointed guests stranded, scrambling for taxis, all because they tried to save a buck and skipped the organized tours.
Consider the Drink Package: Do the Math!
If you enjoy a few adult beverages daily, a drink package could be a savvy financial move. While the upfront cost can be “shocking,” Kesteloo warns that the final alcohol bill without a package might be even more so. Take the time to crunch the numbers before you decide.
Don’t Remove Gratuities: Support the Entire Crew
Many cruises automatically add a daily gratuity fee. Kesteloo advises against removing these charges, a common move by those who say they’ll “tip who I want” or “tip my room steward in cash.”
She points out that removing gratuities only benefits the guest-facing crew you see, leaving out the dozens of behind-the-scenes staff who work tirelessly. For fairness to all crew members, she strongly advises against this practice.
Choose Your Cabin Wisely: Location, Location, Location
The placement of your cabin can significantly impact your trip. If you’re prone to seasickness, Kesteloo suggests booking a room away from the bow.
Light sleepers might want to avoid cabins near elevators and main stairwells. A travel agent can be invaluable in helping you select the perfect cabin, especially for first-timers.
If booking solo, consult ship maps and do some online research.
Expect Noise and Movement: It’s a Floating Hotel!
This might seem obvious, but Kesteloo notes that many people complain about the inherent noises and rocking of a cruise ship. “This is a floating hotel full of people,” she reminds us.
“There will be noises and rocking.” Embrace it as part of the unique experience.
Be Flexible with Weather: Captain’s Orders!
A captain’s top priority is the safety of guests and crew. This sometimes means altering itineraries to avoid storms, particularly during hurricane season.
Kesteloo advises passengers to “learn to accept it and make the most of it.” This unpredictability is another reason she recommends booking excursions through the cruise line, as they typically offer full refunds for land activities if a port is missed or arrival is delayed due to weather.
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, Kesteloo’s insights offer valuable guidance for a truly unforgettable and stress-free journey at sea.
Read More About This Story:
- I’m a former cruise director. Here are 9 big mistakes I see first-time passengers make. (businessinsider.com)