Whether you’re planning a cruise or you’ve already booked your cruise, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible. When researching, you’ve probably seen the common cruise tips about booking your excursions in advance and arriving early on embarkation day.
However, many practical cruise tips are often overlooked, and seasoned cruisers swear by them.
With that said, here are 8 not so obvious cruise tips that every cruiser needs to know.
1. Take Advantage of Complimentary Room Service
Complimentary continental room service is standard across most major cruise lines. Although it may not always be obvious, look for a room service menu to enjoy breakfast from your cabin.
On a recent Carnival cruise, we were surprised to see how few people took advantage of this complimentary offering. This cruise tip is rarely discussed and is a great way to start your day on the right foot.
2. Pack a Carry-On Bag For Embarkation Day
On embarkation day, having a carry-on bag with your important documents, cruise essentials, and any clothing you may need for your first day is a good idea. From a bathing suit and flip-flops to a dinner outfit, packing a carry-on is so important!
Many new cruisers may not realize that getting your luggage can take time. Pack a carry-on and enjoy your first day instead of waiting for your luggage to arrive in your cruise cabin.
3. Booking Perks in Advance is a Great Way to Save Money
When booking your cruise, look out for deals on additional perks. From Wi-Fi to drink packages and spa services, cruise lines often offer promotions before the cruise for these perks.
On several occasions, I’ve made the mistake of waiting till I’m onboard to book these perks just to pay 15% more. If you know you’ll purchase a perk anyway, buying it in advance is best.
4. Main Dining Room Food is Unlimited (most of the time)
A cruise tip that is rarely talked about is that most cruise lines allow you to order as much food as you want in the main dining room. Although some cruise lines have set limits on how much food you can order, many cruise lines still allow cruise passengers to order as much food as they want.
This is great for cruisers who want to try new foods, or have a large appetite. As a foodie, I love being able to order multiple appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.
5. You Don’t Have to Tip After Every Drink
If you’re new to cruising, you may think tipping is required every time you order a drink. However, this is false.
Cruising differs greatly from restaurants, bars, and land vacations where tipping is standard. Tipping is not required on a cruise, and it is quite rare.
It’s worth noting that some cruisers will tip when they have the same bartender or if they get very good service. However, tipping is completely optional.
6. Cruise Toilets Are Different
Compared to on land, toilets onboard a cruise ship are a bit different. It often surprises new cruisers when they flush the toilet for the first time, and they are met with an incredibly loud noise.
Similarly to airplanes, cruise ships use a vacuum system for toilets, which causes a loud noise. Although this is a minor difference compared to a land-based vacation, it’s a small change that always surprises new cruisers.
7. Balconies Create Wind Tunnels
If you’re staying in a balcony cabin for the first time, it’s important to be aware of the wind tunnel effect. The wind tunnel effect is created when the balcony and cruise cabin doors are opened simultaneously.
When both doors are open simultaneously, a strong draft will enter the cruise cabin, causing the door to slam shut. Being in the middle of the wind tunnel will be extremely noisy, and the wind can blow your personal belongings around your cruise cabin.
The wind tunnel effect can be scary for young children or new cruisers who are unsuspecting. To avoid creating a wind tunnel, it’s important to ensure your balcony and cruise cabin doors are never opened simultaneously.
Furthermore, never open your balcony door when you’re not in your cabin.
8. Self Disembarkation Saves Time
Whether it’s to catch an early flight or you want to get off the cruise ship as soon as possible on disembarkation day, self-disembarkation is the fastest way off of the cruise ship. Instead of setting your luggage out the night before disembarkation day, cruise passengers can walk off with their luggage.
Sure, carrying some luggage off the cruise ship can be a hassle. However, if you’re physically capable and don’t mind waiting for the elevators, walking off with your luggage will save you time.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
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