Whether a first-timer or seasoned cruiser, booking your spot for a cruise experience is always an exciting feat. Playfully known as “floating hotels”, cruise liners are a fun way to rest and relax while traversing the seas to new destinations without having to reserve separate hotel stays.
The benefit of having all the amenities onboard a ship is another reason why cruise experiences are the new way to travel. For guests, the convenience of being able to wine, dine, and be entertained by a variety of activities as they cruise simplifies the need to pre-plan their holidays. All they have to do is pack the necessities, and it’s anchors aweigh to an unforgettable vacation.
But if you’re new to travelling with a luxury liner, how can you prepare for the best cruise experience? Well, fret not, as we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help turn your cruise experience into the most amazing holiday you’ve had yet.
7 things to know before boarding your cruise ship
From choosing your itinerary to recommendations on what to pack, here are some things you’ll want to prepare before embarking on the cruise that will change the way you travel forever.
Take time to know the type of cruise line you want
Thanks to its rising popularity as an option for a fuss-free holiday, there are now even more cruise lines than ever before. So, whether you’re on the hunt for a trip that will take you to unbeatable beaches or want to sail away to bucket-list worthy destinations, it’s always good to take a moment to learn more about your cruise line of choice.
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While cruise experiences are typically family-friendly, it’s always good to know that selected luxury liners may be adults-only voyages. These details are crucial in helping you choose the best itinerary for yourself, as they determine the style of holiday you can expect. Travelling with family and want to give your little ones a trip they’re never going to forget? Then you’ll want to be sure you’ve reserved a holiday that welcomes guests of all ages.
Subsequently, knowing the duration of your voyage can be just as important in determining if your dream cruise experience is ideal for you. Thankfully, many cruise liners offer a variety of packages that span from a week-long trip to vacations that stretch up to 2 weeks or more. In fact, some voyages may even serve as a short getaway with the same port of embarkation and disembarkation without any stops in between. These cruises to nowhere experiences are the perfect vacation for anyone who wants to disconnect from the usual city rush without having to spend too much time away.
It’s activities aplenty while on board your cruise experience
For many guests, what sets a cruise experience apart is how there’s never a boring moment while you’re onboard. Unlike a vacation where you may find shops or attractions closed on designated days, the activities on a cruise ship often feel like a city that never sleeps. From open-air chess games featuring pieces that are larger than usual to bumper cars and rock-climbing fun spread across the ship, there’s always something for everyone at any time of day.
Feeling adventurous for a little adrenaline? Fun activities such as the first-ever RipCord ® skydiving simulator by iFLY® can be found onboard cruise lines like Spectrum on the Sea by Royal Caribbean® Cruises. Or if you prefer to be closer to water, you can even practice your surf moves on the FlowRider® surf simulators. Furthermore, it’s always best to put on your extroverted cap before heading onboard, as you’ll likely meet plenty of other guests and make new friends during most activities.
Of course, if you’re looking to unwind with pockets of calm, plenty of cruise ships also offer lounge decks where you can relax with a drink in hand. For holidaymakers who prefer to de-stress in private, many cabins onboard come with private balconies so you’re treated to the same gorgeous views of the seas, minus the crowds.
Get to know the itinerary of your dreams
Want to bask in the sun for a relaxing vacation, or hope to pull out your winter jackets by visiting somewhere cooler? Then it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the itinerary of your dreams before stepping aboard. Aside from helping you decide if the luxury liner is ideal for you, knowing the destination also tells you which cruise ship you’ll get to voyage with.
For example, the Radiance of the Seas® liner by Royal Caribbean® Cruise is perfect for guests who want an escape like no other by gazing at the glaciers while sailing through Alaska. Or better yet, why not opt for a truly unforgettable cruise experience onboard the Liberty of the Seas®, where you’ll cruise through the waters of Europe down the waterways of Spain and Portugal in a 10-day, 9-night expedition?
Either way, taking a moment to discover the many itineraries available will help you enjoy your cruise experience more, especially if it’s your first time out at sea. And if you’re travelling with a companion or family, perhaps it’s also a good idea to keep everyone’s interests in mind. If you’re having a tough time choosing, Holiday Tours is always happy to work out the itinerary of your dreams with you.
Stay onboard or explore on-ground: Finding your favourite excursions during a cruise
Also known as “port of call” to frequent cruise-goers, these are stops along the way where you can opt to disembark from the ship to explore a new destination. On most cruises, you’ll get to join the on-ground tours provided, allowing you to discover the hotspots of the city along with a professional guide. These local experiences are a great addition to your cruise experience, as they allow you to see the world through land and sea.
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But don’t fret if tour groups are not your thing, because you’re always welcome to explore on your own. Perfect for guests who prefer to craft their own adventures or want a moment away from the crowd, these self-excursions are just as popular among cruise-goers. Do note that you’ll have to plan your own transfers to your favourite destinations and be sure to return to the ship at a designated time. To avoid being left behind, we always recommend making your way back onto the cruise liner at least 30 minutes to an hour before the stipulated time in case of bad traffic or other disruptions.
Subsequently, you’ll also find many guests who would stay onboard even when the ship is docked. For many, this is a great time to enjoy the amenities available on the cruise ship with just a fraction of the usual cruise crowd. Of course, this choice is always accessible to all guests, as long as you don’t mind skipping out on a new destination.
What to pack for a great cruise experience
Photo by Next, you’ll want to think about what you’re bringing on your voyage. While some cruise ships may come with limited space, there are also plenty of luxury cruises where there’s plenty of room to spare in your cabin, even when your luggage is left wide open. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll want to overpack your bags, so knowing what’s necessary is key to preparing for your voyage.
For starters, you’ll want to think about the laundry situation while you’re on the cruise. With a lack of access to a personal washing machine or dryer, being smart with what you wear during your entire cruise duration is important. This is why many guests opt for clothes that are easy to dry, even if they were to handwash them in their rooms. Of course, paid laundry services are always available to help keep your outfits fresh and pressed at all times.
Aside from your regular clothes, it’s good to consider other apparel you may need while on board. From bathing suits to comfortable clothes to lounge in, these are the little things that can add to your cruise experience. Some cruise ships would also host special fine dining dinners on the final night of the voyage to mark the end of the trip, so bringing along a set of formal wear for this occasion is also a good idea.
On top of wearables, we recommend considering items you may need for excursions when you disembark. For example, it’s always a good idea to bring a small bag that you can take along with you as you explore a new destination, allowing you to store any shopping or other necessities, such as sunscreen or cabin keys. Don’t forget to keep some local currency at hand or have a credit card that’s pre-approved for international use, as you wouldn’t want to be caught without cash when you need it. And if you’re new to cruising, we’d also recommend bringing along medicine to combat seasickness or other travelling discomforts.
Stay connected even when you’re disconnected
In the past, embarking on cruise voyages would mean you wouldn’t be reachable because of the lack of connectivity while at sea. And while vacations are all about being disconnected from the real world, it can be a challenge for most holidaymakers to go completely off-grid. For many, this becomes a deterring factor when considering cruise excursions, especially if they want to stay connected with friends and family during a long trip.
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Thankfully, the modernising of luxury liners today means there’s a whole new way to travel and enjoy your cruise experience, even when you’re disconnected. This is because high-speed WiFi is now readily available at a small fee on all Royal Caribbean® cruise ships today, offering guests the option to frequently stay in touch with their loved ones right from the comforts of their cabins. Separately, cruise guests who prefer to hop online using a computer but don’t have access to laptops may also head over to the onboard wired internet stations. The location for each of these stations will vary on every cruise liner, but it provides options for a more convenient and comfortable way to stay connected.
Of course, we would still recommend that you have a roaming service available on your personal devices when you’re travelling. This is useful during on-ground excursions, especially if you’re looking to head out on personal explorations rather than to stick with the tour group. From booking e-hailing rides to accessing translation apps when necessary, you’ll simply enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’ll never have to scramble for WiFi in a foreign country.
You don’t have to worry about dietary restrictions while on board
Aside from a variety of exciting activities, many guests are just as happy to enjoy the array of wine and dine options on board a cruise ship. Offering the best dining experiences, there’s always something for everyone’s palate at any time of day. Craving for a sweet treat in the middle of the night? The friendly staff on the cruise liner are always glad to fix you up with an unforgettable dessert delivered straight to your cabin.
Moreover, most luxury liners also offer vegetarian and vegan options to guests with specific dietary needs. This inclusive detail ensures that everyone on board can enjoy their vacation without worries. Advanced booking isn’t necessary as you’ll find the ingredients clearly listed on the menu in sit-down restaurants or on place cards for buffets.
These dining modifications also extend to guests who are looking for Halal meal options. Exclusive to cruise experiences that are departing from Singapore and Dubai, Muslim guests can dine worry-free at the main dining room thanks to the availability of Halal meat, including chicken, beef steaks, and lamb. Other meal items such as poultry, seafood, and vegetarian dishes are also available to Muslim guests who wish to enjoy their cruise experience to the fullest.
Get ready to cruise with Royal Caribbean® Cruises
All set to embark on an unforgettable cruise experience? Well, in conjunction with Holiday Tours’ 50th Anniversary, you can now set sail with exclusive deals on selected Royal Caribbean® Cruises and enjoy all-in fares for a twin cabin that sleeps two. What’s more, you’ll even get up to 100 USD credit to use while you’re onboard and gain extra perks when travelling to selected destinations.