12 Tips for Going on Your First Cruise

You've won a cruise in our Choose Your Cruise Contest and you're getting ready to leave on your adventure.

Are you ready? Are you really ready?

I've had the wonderful opportunity to go on at least 20 cruises over the years, so I thought I would share a little of what I've learned. (By the way, I learned several of these lessons the hard way.:))

I've sailed on cruises of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, New England & Canada,  Bermuda, Alaska and Hawaii. While the destinations have been different, the basics of cruising are pretty similar.

Here are my 12 tips on enjoying your first cruise.

1. Be Prepared for the Size of Your Room. It will be small. Really small. Smaller than you imagined. That's OK, though. Trust me - it'll be just the perfect size. In the end, you really don't spend much time in your room, other than when you are sleeping.

2. Be Ready to Try New Things. Make this an adventure! Try new foods, drinks, and activities. (Oh, there will be a lot of activities!) Meet new people, too!

3. Be Ready to Be On the Water. You will be on a ship. It will be moving. Despite the fact that your ship is HUGE, you will still feel the ocean now and then. Some people have problems with motion sickness. Be prepared just in case with medications or potions. Spending half the cruise curled up on the bathroom floor is not fun. (Me? I love the movement of the ocean. Best sleep ever.)

4. Be Prepared to Not Sleep. Unless That's What You Want to Do. There will be hundreds of things to do on and off your ship. Do them all - or do none of them. It's up to you. One of the advantages of cruising is that you really can do everything or nothing. I'm guessing, though, you might miss at least a few hours of sleep during the week.

5. Know When to Say When. A cruise ship provides the perfect opportunity to eat and drink - a lot. Know your limits so you and everyone else can enjoy this vacation.

6. Be Nice. Be respectful of your fellow guests and of the crew. You're not the only one on vacation, you know. Crew members are people too - treat them that way. They have to serve and whole ship - they're not your personal slaves.

7. Go Ashore When the Ship Docks in a Port. Explore and visit new places - but, be safe. There are always people who are looking to take advantage of unseasoned travelers. Stick to reputable tour operators and NEVER rent a moped or a motorcycle to tour a new country - much too dangerous. At these same time, meet the "locals" and discover and make new acquaintances. Or, Don't. Stay on the ship and enjoy the quiet. A lot of people get off the ship - but some stay on. Having the ship almost to yourself means quiet time or great seats poolside.

8. Take Photos. Some Photos. Sure you want a few memento photos, or something to post on Facebook. Don't spend your whole vacation behind your camera, though. Have some fun!

9. Wear Sunscreen. Hats and sunglasses, too. If you're going to a warm weather destination, the sun is hot. It's no fun trying to sleep in your cabin with a severe sunburn.

10. Bring Something to Read.  While excitement is all around... there may be some quiet times, too. If you like to relax and do nothing - you can do that!

11. Pack smartly. Don't bring too many clothes. (After 20+ cruises, I've not yet mastered this....)

12. Be Prepared for the Bill. What bill? It's a cruise - everything's included, right? Um, nope. The bill will arrive early morning on the last day of your cruise. Check the website of whatever cruise line your traveling with and discover exactly what is included. Generally speaking, you'll be responsible for paying for items like drinks, meals in specialty restaurants, shore excursions, tips or service charges, souvenirs and more. Be prepared and everything will be alright.:)

If you are going on a cruise, and have a question that I can try to help answer, feel free to email me: joe.kelly@townsquaremedia.com