First Time Cruisers

 By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

For a first-time cruiser, the experience can be somewhat intimidating. But just like anything else, it’s the fear of the unknown that really creates those stomach butterflies.

CruiseCritic.com asked a mixture of first time travelers, just returning from their first cruise, as well as a few veteran cruisers for their advice to those about to embark on their maiden voyage. They mentioned things like packing, cocktails, ports and dining. Here are some of their tips in no particular order:



Get to know the ship on your first day aboard.
For a first-timer, the prospect of navigating a 3,100-passenger, 15-deck mega-ship can be daunting. Kathy, a California resident who's been on seven cruises, has a novel solution. A few days before embarkation, she creates her own ship tour, gathering information on the whereabouts of lounges and alternative restaurants from cruise ship deck plans, message boards and ship reviews. So, while others wander aimlessly on their first day aboard, Kathy, husband in tow, tours the ship like an old pro.

Research Ports You Will Visit in Advance
One responder said this, "Read as much as you possibly can before your cruise ... otherwise you might end up in a decent-sized port [especially in Europe], overwhelmed and without the slightest clue of what to do for the next eight hours." If you rely on the locals or even the cruise line as your sole sources of information, you may be directed to a series of shops and tourists traps that you will find at every port. Instead, with limited time in port, it pays to hit the books before you go. And even if you've booked an excursion, after that three-hour snorkel trip, you might find yourself with several hours to kill.

Courtesy Visit Turkey

Research each port to see what activities or places of interest you want to see or do. Plan your time ashore, including excursions and even some free time to explore. The point is, this may be the only time in your life you will visit this destination. Your time there will be relatively short, so make the best of it by planning ahead.

Be Gratuity Conscious
I’m a big proponent of tipping service people but don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. For example, most cruise lines will automatically charge your ship account for daily gratuities that cover housekeeping and dining staff. Also, it’s common practice to have a service charge added to your bar tab, specialty dining and room service. You may feel adding a little extra, results in better service but unless the service was spectacular, there's no need to add another tip on top. The key is to be aware of the cruise line’s tipping policies and at least be informed before you pay extra.

Courtesy jpetsnj.us

Be a Smart Packer
Dress for the climate and anticipate likely weather scenarios. For example, although the Caribbean is famous for beautiful sunshine and moderate temperatures, it does rain there, frequently. Even if it’s just a quick summer afternoon downpour, you don’t want to get caught off ship without a light rain jacket or poncho.

In the colder climes such as Alaska and northern Europe, it’s smart o dress in layers, especially if you will be away from the ship for hours at a time. Most first time travelers tend to overpack. Taking advantage of the ships’ dry cleaning and laundry service will save you time, aggravation and even money for excessive baggage fees.

courtesy Pinitrest.com

Work Off the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
A common fear of first time cruisers is gaining weight because of the all marvelous and readily available food. It’s true, if you overeat and don’t do something to work off those extra calories, you most likely will gain weight.

The good news is, cruise ships have plenty opportunities and facilities to help you burn those extra calories and stay healthy. If you are really concerned with remaining healthy and not overdoing, here are some helpful hints:

-Visit the ship’s workout facility and or spa daily. It’s fully equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, stationery bikes, saunas and everything else you find at the gym back home. If you prefer the outdoors, most ship’s have promenade decks for walking and outdoor tracks for walking and running. If swimming is your thing, outdoor and indoor pools are usually available.

-Every ship will offer activities such as climbing walls and exercise classes too. And, of course you can skip the elevators and climb the stairs instead!

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If exercising isn’t your thing, here are some tips to avoid overeating or at least keeping it in check:

-Main dining rooms offer -- and servers encourage -- multi-course meals. Don't order an appetizer, soup, salad, entree and dessert every night. Stick to two or three courses to limit caloric intake.

-Agree with travel companions to order the same number of courses. Otherwise, a planned two-course meal can become four. Even if you limit yourself while others order more, you could find yourself reaching for the bread basket again while waiting for them to finish.

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-Select the spa dinner menu -- especially if you ate a pancake breakfast and lunchtime burger. Or, order one or two spa courses, and indulge in one dish on the regular menu. Think balance, not deprivation.

-Tell the server no bread basket. Or, take one roll (whole-grain, preferably) and request the basket's removal (or that the server not bring it round a second time).

-Avoid salads with cream-based dressings. Same goes for cream-based soups.

-Request salad dressing on the side. Add sparingly, or dip your fork into the dressing, and then the salad. The flavor comes through with way less calories. Do the same with sauces.

-Vegetarian isn't synonymous with low-calorie. Many such dishes contain rich dairy. Nut-based vegan meals can be high-calorie, too.

-Unless you are gluten-intolerant, skip gluten-free bread. You may think it's healthier, but it often has more calories than regular bread.

oceaniacruise.com

-Stick to fish, preferably grilled or broiled. If sauteed, ask the chef to minimize oil or butter.

-Choose one meal per day to splurge, and eat mindfully at others.

What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way!

Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!

Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.