These insider cruise tips aren’t one size fits all. In fact, some of this cruise advice goes against popular opinion. However, as someone who has taken over 30 cruises, I know for a fact that they work!
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruiser, these cruise tips and tricks will help you have a better cruise vacation. Furthermore, these cruise tips can save you money since they are different from the ones that everyone is using.
In this post, I share 10 best cruise insider tips that most won’t share.
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10 Controversial Cruise Tips That Go Against Popular Opinion
1. Book an Inside Cabin
Even though I love a balcony cabin, the reality is balcony cabins can cost twice as much as an interior cabin.
Beyond the cost savings, there are some advantages that might make an inside cabin the ideal choice for most cruisers.
For example, if you book a shorter cruise, you’ll likely spend less time in your stateroom and on your balcony. It might be a better idea to save money on your cruise cabin and spend it on shore excursions, specialty dining, and anything else that would enhance your cruise vacation.
If you take a longer cruise, the cost savings will be substantial. While you will spend more time on your balcony during a long cruise, you may also get a bit of cabin fever.
If you book an inside cabin, you can enjoy and fully utilize every part of the cruise ship. Furthermore, when you walk around the cruise ship, you will always be able to find a place to relax with a view of the ocean.
Related: 15 Best Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks & Tips
2. Book an Older Cruise Ship
Older cruise ships don’t get a lot of love. Cruise lines spend a lot of money building and marketing their new cruise ships, as they are more profitable.
Oftentimes, cruise lines will charge double the price for a newer cruise ship than an older one. If you’re cruising in part to visit destinations and you want to save some money, consider booking an older cruise ship.
One of the benefits of going on an older cruise ship is that the cruise ship crew has been working together for a long time. This means that you might get better service and a friendlier, less stressed crew.
At times, going on a brand-new ship can have issues because they still haven’t worked out all the kinks. Although a newer vessel may have amazing bells and whistles, there are many benefits to cruising on an older ship.
Related: The Best New Cruise Ships – 2024
3. Bring a Checked Bag
If you love cruising and traveling carry-on only, this advice is not for you!
However, if you’re somebody who is stressing out about having to pack lighter and pack minimally, it’s essential to know that there is enough storage in your cabin for your cruise outfits and items.
Throughout the years, I’ve met many cruisers who enjoy wearing a different outfit every night, or simply like having choices. While it can be great to pack with only a carry-on bag, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to packing preferences.
If you’re a cruiser who enjoys dressing up while they’re on vacation, then consider bringing checked luggage, along with your cruise embarkation day carry-on bag.
Related: How to Pack Light for a Cruise (or Carry-on Only)
4. Eat in a Cruise Port
Since food is included on a cruise ship, this cruise tip will not save you money. However, one of the best parts of traveling is experiencing local cuisine.
Going to a local restaurant and trying food you’ve never eaten is a fantastic experience. Plus, eating in a local restaurant is a great way to experience a different culture.
Whether you have a famous fish sandwich on toasted raisin bread in Bermuda or a delicious plate of pasta or pizza in Rome, it’s unlikely that you’ll regret it!
Related: Pre-Excursion Checklist: 16 Things to Do Before a Cruise Port Day
5. Don’t be Loyal to One Specific Cruise Line
There are some advantages to being loyal to one cruise line, especially when you get higher levels. You’ll get some amazing perks, including a free bag of laundry, priority embarkation, and even free drinks.
However, the best rewards only come after you’ve spent several thousands of dollars over many years.
In the meantime, you could be missing out on promotions, deals and specials with other cruise lines. You could also be missing out on interesting itineraries as some cruise lines are more destination-focused than others.
It’s a good idea to pick two or three cruise lines that fit how you like to cruise and switch between them. This way, you can have different options while still collecting loyalty rewards.
Related: 15 Tips for Planning a Cruise for Your Large Family
6. Stay on the Cruise Ship While in Port
Staying on the cruise ship while you’re in a port of call is a controversial tip that divides the cruise community. However, if you’ve visited the same cruise port many times, or if the weather doesn’t look great, there is nothing wrong with staying on your ship while it’s in port.
If you stay on the ship while it’s in port, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a super quiet ship, have access to spa specials, and try different onboard activities.
Related: Top Reasons to Stay on the Cruise Ship When in Port
7. Eat in the Buffet
In the past, I’ve given advise to go to the main dining room for meals instead of the buffet. However, the buffet is sometimes better than the main dining room.
Firstly, the cruise ship buffet has a wide variety of food options, meaning there is something for everyone. Everybody can pick and choose what they want, the food is fresh, and most cruise ship buffets are very good.
Furthermore, the buffet is the best place to grab a quick meal. Sometimes, you may want to get off the cruise ship quickly, and a buffet is easier than a sit-down meal.
Related: 10 Cruise Buffet Mistakes Cruisers Should Avoid
8. Cruise Line Website Watch Out
Always follow your cruise line’s advice regarding legal documentation and other travel requirements.
However, some of what you see on a cruise line’s website may not reflect the reality of what you’ll see on your cruise ship. This goes from activities that are available, as these will vary cruise ship, to dress codes, which are often less formal than they may appear.
Cruise passengers should read reviews, watch cruise vlogs, join cruise line Facebook groups or message boards, and read cruise blog posts for additional information from a guest perspective.
Related: 10 Dress Code Mistakes You’ll Regret Making on a Cruise
9. Arrive Early on Embarkation Day
A popular cruise tip is to arrive later in the afternoon on embarkation day. However, after arriving early for most of over 30 cruises, I would never follow this advice.
Although arriving later may have some advantages, it also comes with disadvantages. Arriving late means that you will have less time to do your e-muster check-in, unpack, and eat lunch before the Sailaway party begins.
Plus, if you run into traffic on your way to the cruise terminal, you can actually miss your ship!
Furthermore, getting on your cruise ship earlier means your vacation starts earlier!
Related: 14 Tricks to Board Your Cruise Ship Faster on Embarkation Day
10. Use a Travel Agent
A misconception many people have, especially when booking a first cruise, is that using a travel agent is more expensive than booking directly on the cruise line website.
However, when you use a travel agent to book a cruise, you will usually get the same price or better, along with some extra perks (ie. onboard credit). A good travel agent can help determine which cruise line is best for you, choose your cabin, and find you the perfect itinerary.
Related: How to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Direct?
Video: Cruise Tips that Go Against Popular Opinion
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Final Thoughts On Controversial Cruise Tips
These cruise tips aren’t for everyone and may even go against popular opinion. However, what’s important is to choose the right way to travel for you!
What cruise tips are the most helpful for you? If you have a lesser known piece of cruise advice, please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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We always try to dine at the port, especially if we are there long enough to possibly have dinner there. It gives us much more of the “flavor” of the location than just walking around or taking a tour.
Thanks for sharing