Three Easy Cruise Tips Everyone Should Know!

Cruise Lines work hard to differentiate themselves thru their passenger experience (see comparison). For example, Cunard is renowned for Luxury, while Carnival is notably the 'Family Fun Ship.' Regardless of which cruise line you select, there are 3 common concerns with all of them, and my below traveling tips will help your vacation getaway is the best.

Plan for Walking:

Cruise ships are really big, and they are getting bigger. This means a lot of walking is required. So, plan your cruise as you would plan for 'sight seeing!'

Cabin location- Cruise cabins located, mid-ship and closer to the main dining /entertaining decks are generally the best. These save countless minutes of walking. You can compound the time savings by being as close to the elevators or stairways as possible (see BLUE outline in diagram below)

Comfortable Non-slip shoes- Other than the occasional 'Formal Nights,' most cruise lines are very casual, and decks are often slippery, so comfortable sneakers, or water shoes with great non-slip soles are perfect

Tote bag- To reduce frequent trips to your cabin, carry a tote bag with everything you may need for the day, including a water bottle!

Plan for Rocking:

Most modern ships are engineered to reduce sea sickness and even have large stabilizers that pop out from the bottom of the ship like giant fins to keep the ship as level as possible while at sea, but a small percentage of folks may still experience it, and here is how to avoid cruise sea sickness.

Motion Sickness Meds- Over the counter medications like Dramamine and Bonine can substantially help prevent the onset

Stay Hydrated- Bring a water bottle with you! It is very easy to dehydrate aboard a cruise

Cabin location- Inside and mid-ship cabins generally rock the least, as they are most centrally located, (see bottom row of cabins in BLUE outline below)

Plan for Sleeping:

With endless excursions, onboard entertainment, amazing food and beverages, a day of cruising can be tiring, and so it is important to get a good night sleep.

Cabin location- If you are comfortable without windows, you can sleep better and save money, as these cabins nestled between corridors have much less foot traffic (see GREEN outline in diagram below)

If you must have a balcony, then try a cabin inside one of these corridors and on a deck nearest to the entertainment, dining and pool (see YELLOW outline in diagram below), and when located close to the lido deck, you can quickly get to and from all of the action!

Special Needs: Showers & Lavatories- Cruise ships for people with disabilities or larger persons may be uncomfortable as the shower and lavatories are small. Cruise Companies can provide larger accommodations however proper proof of special needs may be required, as special needs rooms are limited