Additional Coverage:
- I worked on cruises for years and still sail as a passenger often. There are 6 things I never do on board. (businessinsider.com)
Cruising Savvy: A Former Crew Member’s Top Tips for Smooth Sailing
Ever wondered what seasoned cruisers know that you don’t? A veteran of the high seas, who’s logged three years working on cruise ships and countless more as a passenger, is sharing her insider secrets for a truly smooth sailing experience – and what she absolutely avoids.
Having traversed the globe and soaked in the salty air from every angle, this expert has compiled a list of six things she’d never do on a cruise, offering a fresh perspective for both first-timers and seasoned travelers.
Skip the Main Dining Room Upgrades
While the allure of a lobster tail or a premium steak for just $12 might seem tempting, our expert advises against it. Meals in the main dining room are typically included in your cruise fare.
Paying extra for “supplementary” items, she argues, goes against the spirit of an all-inclusive experience. Enjoy the included options; they’re already part of what you paid for!
Reconsider the Unlimited Drink Package
Before you dive headfirst into that unlimited drink package, do the math. Our insider, who enjoys a cocktail as much as the next person, has crunched the numbers and finds these packages often aren’t worth the cost, especially on itineraries packed with port visits.
If you’re spending most of your day exploring ashore, you’ll have fewer opportunities to maximize the package. Her advice?
Buy drinks as you go, take advantage of happy hour specials, and check the cruise line’s policy on bringing your own wine onboard.
Embrace the Elbow Tap: Navigating Shared Surfaces
In a world increasingly aware of germs, this tip is a no-brainer. Our expert avoids touching shared contact surfaces like elevator buttons with her fingertips, opting instead for knuckles or elbows.
While some cruise lines are more diligent than others in sanitizing, she takes no chances, emphasizing frequent hand washing and avoiding commonly touched areas. This strategy, she notes, has successfully kept norovirus at bay, even during ship-wide outbreaks.
Ditch the Dangling Room Key
Leave the room key lanyard at home, especially when venturing ashore. Our seasoned traveler cites two key reasons: it can come across as pretentious, and more importantly, it’s a significant safety concern.
Flashing your cruise loyalty status in port can signal to potential thieves that you’re a tourist with valuables, making you an easy target. Savvy sailors keep their keys discreet.
Drop “The” When Naming Ships
Want to sound like a seasoned sailor? Learn to drop the definite article when referring to a ship.
Ships have proper names and don’t require “the.” For example, it’s “Discovery Princess,” not “the Discovery Princess.”
A small linguistic tweak that makes a big difference in sounding like a true nautical enthusiast.
Build in a Buffer: Never Cut Port Day Returns Too Close
The nightmare of missing the ship’s departure is a common one, and our expert has had her share of close calls. She vividly recalls a frantic dash back to the ship after a taxi driver got lost, leading to a costly phone call and a stern lecture from a first officer.
The lesson? Always give yourself more time than you think you need to return to the ship on port days.
It’s better to be early and relaxed than to be sprinting down the pier.