Cruising is a great way to quickly experience several different places while still having some comforts from home. You might be using the ship as nothing more than a floating hotel, or taking advantage of all the onboard amenities. It doesn’t really matter what your cruise style is. Once you hop aboard one of the best cruise lines in the world you’re always in for a good time! So what are repositioning cruises, how is the food, and what are the best things to do on board? Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or it’s your very first time on the open water, everyone could use these 9 cruise ship tips for their next vacation!
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9 Best Cruise Ship Tips
1. Picking the Best Location
Now this may seem obvious, but we really need to make this our first cruise ship tip! Weather is a huge factor when booking a cruise. So unless you’re purposely sailing though Alaska in winter, then you might as well head for the warm weather.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to limit yourself to the Caribbean (although that is a fantastic choice!) Taking some of the best cruise lines in the world through places like Europe and Southeast Asia can be just as fun and exciting during the right time of year.
2. What are Repositioning Cruises?
So what are repositioning cruises? While on the subject of figuring out where and when to travel this is something you might not have considered.
A couple times a year cruise ships travel far distances making a great migration to a better climate for their cliental. You’ll see these commonly done from North America to Europe, or South America to the Caribbean.
So what are repositioning cruises to you then? Well this is a great option if you want to start your travels in one part of the world, and end in a different one. Also, because these types of cruises are not commonly booked you can get some out of this world discounts!
3. Eat Food on Cruises Freely
If you’ve seen these buffets before you can realistically expect to gain 10 pounds or more on your upcoming cruise! Crazy, right?
So what’s the best way to deal with this inevitable weight gain while eating food on cruises? Honestly, if you’re truly worried about your health then consider getting in shape before you go.
Come on… Who really wants to stuck by the salad bar, or even worse constantly at the gym on your cruise vacation? Another option is to avoid the elevator and hit the stairs.
It might not seem like a huge difference when thinking of things to do on a cruise fitness-wise. However, walking 5-10 flights of stairs every time you leave your room can pay dividends!
4. Wake Up Early
One of the best parts about cruising is hopping from port to port, and the ability to see so many different places in such a short period of time. With that said, it’s really a waste if you don’t make the most out of your trip!
It’s understandable if you want to sleep, especially if you’re sailing on one of the best cruise lines in world.
Yet the best use of your time is to be the first off the boat in the morning, and the last one on at night! Most cruise ships only have a dock to board time of 8am to 5pm so there’s no reason to limit yourself. You can also take advantage of your sea days to rest up. Remember that you’ll likely have multiple days on the water depending on the length of your cruise.
5. Save Your Money for Port
While it may be tempting to purchase onboard drink and dinner packages they can often be expensive and not worth the money. Take advantage of free amenities when looking for things to do on a cruise!
Whether it’s room service pizza, free raffles, or glasses champagne at the art show, free is free! This not only saves you money, but opens up your budget for when you’re in port to sample all the tasty local food.
6. Order Breakfast in Bed
While we’re on the topic of food on cruises… This is surprisingly is one of the least taken advantage of perks and cruise ship tips when sailing the high seas. Who doesn’t love being hand delivered breakfast in bed? I mean you’re on vacation. At least order a coffee to wake yourself up!
This is an especially great cruise ship tip if you have a room with a window or beautiful balcony. Of course you can sign up for the fancy dinners, but this is truly eating in style.
Just fill out the room service card and put it on your door before you head to sleep. If breakfast in bed doesn’t start your day off right then we’re not sure what will!
7. Enjoy the Onboard Activities
If there’s one thing the best cruise lines in the world know how to do it’s keep you entertained! Inside your daily newsletter you will have a long list of activities for the next day.
During sea days and at night this can be great way to pass time and enjoy yourself. These fun things to do on a cruise range from an evening magic show to cooking classes, and even salsa dancing lessons. Whatever the case, there’s always something fun to do at night on a cruise ship!
8. Gambling Cruise Credits
On the surface this must seem like a bad cruise ship tip. Who wants to waste their money at the casino on your dream vacation? Well we have something that cruise ships probably don’t want you to know.
Typically cruisers are given onboard credit as an incentive when booking their trip. What they don’t tell you is that you can actually take it to the casino and use the credits to gamble.
We’re not ones to blow money. However, if you’re not spending it on overpriced drinks, specialty dinners, or other food on cruises, why not try and turn your $100 credit into $1,000 real dollars? You’re playing with house money!
9. Rent a Vehicle
Port days are the highlight for most cruisers, but make sure not to follow the crowds when planning your off board activities. As soon as you exit the boat you will likely have the option to rent cars, bicycles, mopeds, or anything else that will get you mobile.
If you’re with a group of people we would highly recommend renting a vehicle for the day. With a car or motorbike you’ll be able to get to places quickly that you might have otherwise not seen. Not only will it be a cheap afternoon, but you can explore destinations at your own pace.
Hopefully, we answered all your questions like what are repositioning cruises, and gave you some ideas for your next vacation. Have any of your own cruise ship tips to share? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Travel Planning
Information: Explore dozens of amazing destinations around the world, travel planning tips, itineraries, street food guides, and so much more.
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner. That’s how we flew from Norway to Poland for under $20 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars for renting vehicles. A quick travel tip is to ask for a discounted weekly rate rather than booking 2-3 days.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around the world. From food tours to skip the line entry passes!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
