A cruise offers a vacation at a terrific value with accommodations, food, and entertainment all built into the price. Make the most of your cruise experience by following our tips!

1. Find the right ship for you.
   Many people downplay choosing the right ship, focusing only on the destination. There's a lot of variety when it comes to ships in terms of onboard facilities, atmosphere, size, layout, clientele, etc. Some are known for their health and wellness amenities, others for their family-friendly orientation. Still others boast their sports facilities, culinary accomplishments or party vibe. This is where a good travel consultant who specializes in cruises can offer valuable assistance matching your preferences with a fitting ship to making the most out of your vacation time, both at port and at sea.


2. Pack light and smart.
   With all the pieces of luggage that are brought onto a cruise ship, it could take a few hours before yours makes its way to your cabin. In the meantime you aren’t going to want to sit around in the cabin twirling your thumbs and waiting for it, you want to start vacationing! So pack smart—put a few items of everything you’ll want to do in the next few hours in a carry-on bag: a bathing suit, something to wear to dinner, a change of undergarments, and flip flops, for example. And don’t forget to buy travel insurance that will cover you for delayed or lost luggage just in case.


3. Do your unpacking at the same time.
   When your luggage arrives, unpack with your cabin-mate. Since the cabins have accommodate the ability to fit a lot in a small area, there are many nooks and crannies into which your “stuff” will go. If you unpack together and coordinate the placement of your items, you’ll both have a better idea of where everything is when one of you can’t find something.


4. Learn the layout.
   Once you’ve unpacked look through the paperwork in your cabin or take a walk down to the front desk and get your hands on a deck plan. Keep it with you to find the pools, restaurants, shops, lounges, gym, spa, your cabin, and any other hidden gem that might be of interest to you. Don't be afraid of looking like a tourist with your ship map—everyone's in the same boat as you (pun intended!). The ship might be even larger than you expected, especially if it's your first cruise. Everyone gets lost at first. Minimize the number of times that happens to you by using your deck plan.


5. Book your shore excursions.
   If you plan to do a shore excursion, first check to see if you can book it online from home prior to your vacation. If you can’t and you are adamant about wanting to do a specific tour, make your reservations as soon as you can after boarding the ship. The popular ones sell out quickly. If you’re more flexible about excursions, wait until the big crowds and long lines dissipate . . . spend that time relaxing at the pool while others are waiting in line.


6. Read the daily bulletin every day.
   Many cruise ships have a daily bulletin that will be in your cabin when you arrive, and then will be delivered every evening after detailing the next day’s activities. Make sure you read this as it will give you a list of all activities along with their time and location. There is likely to be something you would love to do that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. You’ll miss a lot if you throw this away without reading it first.


7. Don’t try to do it all the first day.
   Cruise ships are large and glamorous and very interesting—especially the first day you’re onboard. You’ll probably be dying to see every inch of the ship, try every restaurant and bar, look in every shop and swim in every pool right from the get-go. It can easily overwhelm you. Calm down, you’re going to wear yourself out. You have plenty of time to explore. Use your deck plan and pace yourself. Don't try to see and do it all on the very first day.


8. Get over yourself.
   Don’t think you’re too cool to participate in silly cruise activities. They are cheesy for sure but so what? You’re on vacation—let your hair down and relax! Even if you just watch the corny games, it’s the best place to meet new people. If you don't like it, you can stop but give it a try just once!

Our travel experts are ready to help you find the best ship and itinerary for your wants and needs. Contact us and let's start planning your dream vacation!

AAA TRAVEL EXPERTS