20 Cruising Do’s and Don’ts to Ensure Smooth Sailing

Make a List: Check it Twice

Lists save lives. Maybe not in the literal sense but I use them for everything.

My lists come in handy at the grocery store, when budgeting and most important to this blog…when cruising.

The worst thing is to forget an important document or break a cruise rule that you were not aware of.

This is where this list of cruising do’s and don’ts come in.

10 DO’S OF CRUISING

1. Compare the cost of the interior (usually the lowest) cabin with the ocean view.

If it’s $200 or less, the upgrade is worth it. Take it a step further and do the same with the balcony.

TIP: The earlier you upgrade the better. Cabins may be sold out closer to the sail date.

2. Explore excursion options at each port.

You can search directly with the cruise line, Trip Advisor, Expedia, Priceline, and Viator.com, etc.

TIP: When booking any excursion outside of the cruise line ensure you have ample time to return before the ship leaves.

They tend to not wait for late arrivals that are not on their excursions.

You don’t have to do have an excursion at each port.

Make sure to get off the ship and explore.

TIP: Book spa packages before cruising for discounted offers. Or attend cruise raffle on embarkation day for better deals!

I usually do an excursion per port. By the time the cruise is over, I’m super tired.

A relaxing massage is a great way to get all of the kinks out.

*Gratuity is added on the day of your massage.

YOLO

3. Book specialty dining.

The Steakhouse is a unique cruising experience that can’t be missed.

You’re spending a fraction of what a land steakhouse would cost.

On certain Carnival ships where steakhouses are not available, there’s a Chef’s Table option which is a multi-course meal hosted by the ship’s chef.

This includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the galley.

The Chef’s Table costs more than the steakhouse. Alcoholic drinks are available at an extra cost for both.

I consider myself to be a picky eater and enjoyed everything on the Chef’s Table menu. Most of the dishes looked like art but were definitely edible.

TIP: Go on an empty stomach! All those seemingly small portions catch up to you quickly.

4. Buy bottled water through the cruise line in advance.

You’re not allowed (Carnival) to bring your own water.

TIP: Limit your intake of the cruise’s water if you have a sodium-restricted diet. The water used on the ship may be generated from the sea then processed.

I take a bottle with me every time I leave my cabin.

TIP: Carnival allows one bottle of wine per adult in the cabin. Each person is allowed a 12 pack of canned soda.

TIP: Make sure to ‘carry on’ beverages to avoid confiscation in checked luggage. 

5. Bring your own cup.

The cups used at breakfast and lunch are ‘kiddie’ sized.

I also bring a mug for tea/coffee.

TIP: Bring cups/mugs filled with ice/liquids to always have something to drink off the ship.

First Things First

6. While checking-in online, choose the option to add a credit/debit card to your account for charges.

It’s more convenient and you won’t have to stand in line on the ship to add cash.

TIP: A hold of up to $200 is placed on the card according to the days of the cruise.

7. If you’re a social media addict like I am, get the social media internet package.

It’s the most basic choice at about $7 per day.

Don’t expect the wifi speed to mirror what you’re used to at home.

Of course, it’s faster when fewer people are using it (late nights, early mornings and port days).

8. You can carry all your luggage straight to your cabin.

The cruise/port employees will make it a point to stress checking in your luggage. But if you’re paranoid that your stuff may get lost and you don’t mind lugging them…they can’t force you to check-in!

TIP: Make sure that it’s closer to boarding time when you check-in so that your cabin will be ready. If you do check-in, $1 per luggage is the standard tip for the porters.

No Signal

9. Do place your phone in airplane mode once the ship leaves the port.

I worked for a major cell phone company and it never failed.

There was always one customer calling after a cruise who thought all of their incoming calls, emails, and texts would not be considered roaming.

Those charges add up but it only takes a second to avoid being in this situation!

10. Bring your own lanyard to place your keycard in.

I prefer a wristlet. I’m wearing it in the pic below.

It has a space for multiple cards on the inside and a buttoned compartment.

The outside middle is a see-through plastic and that’s where I store the room’s key.

It’s good to have the keycard close because you’ll need it to get into your cabin and whenever you’re making an onboard purchase.

10 DONT’S OF CRUISING

1. Don’t pack anything in checked luggage that you will need immediate access to.

Ex: medications/IDs/passports/check-in documents.

2. Always have a change of wardrobe/underwear in your carry-on in case luggage is lost or delayed.

3. Don’t forget to download the cruise’s app.

No wifi package is needed to access it.

This where you can see billing info, pictures, ship/day itinerary, special offers, and the ship’s map.

You can also use the paper version that is delivered nightly to the cabin.

Say Cheese

4. If you love pictures like me, you can use your onboard credit towards their purchase.

I now limit myself to the boarding picture and maybe a couple of the formal night(s).

These make great souvenirs of your trip.

TIP: You can visit each photo backdrop to have a variety of poses/backgrounds to choose from.

5. In case of any injuries, take pictures and notify a member of the crew ASAP.

6. You’ve paid your money to have a great time, don’t skip on actively participating in the ship’s activities.

Carnival has a fun squad and the app will always tell you where you can meet them.

Most ships have karaoke, BINGO, dance contests, night clubs, games and more.

Your fun is in your hands.

Comic Relief

7. Don’t miss the comedy!

Carnival usually has the shows broken down into a clean and adult version.

I have yet to hear a ‘bad’ comedian. It’s actually one of my favorite parts of the cruise.

I like going to the latest comedy show and ending my night with laughs!

TIP: If you have toilet tissue skin, this may not be the activity for you!

8. Don’t pass on donating to St. Jude.

St. Jude is the only private organization that offers FREE health care to terminally ill children.

Their families receive free food, housing, and transportation.

During the last days of the cruise, Carnival has a drive called “Groove for St. Jude”. Based on your donation amount, you can get a T-shirt, teddy bear or combo of both

9. Don’t be afraid to tip your attendant/servers extra if you opted for pre-paid gratuities.

They work hard and don’t earn that much. I try to add a little more.

10. Don’t take your next cruise without reading these other travel tip blogs.

Bonus Cruising Packing List:

• Toothbrush holder
• Toothpaste
• Shower cap
• Soap (theirs is in a liquid dispenser)
• Shower shoes
• Dirty laundry bag

I believe you should be ready for anything as a traveler. Lists have helped me to stay on task and cruise worry-free.

I don’t have to wonder if I’ve forgotten something important because I have my list to guide me.

I hope you find these do’s and don’ts helpful on all of your upcoming cruises.

*I’m a frequent Carnival cruiser, each cruise line’s policies/procedures may be different*

~Poof…Bee Gone

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