October is National Plan a Cruise Month and the time of year when people start thinking about a winter vacation, so it’s a great time for both new and old cruisers to plan their next getaway. When going on a cruise, it can be difficult to know what to expect. Itineraries and amenities can change drastically between cruise lines, and the task of choosing from all the options can become daunting. Even when you’re a seasoned veteran, any bit of information can help. Here are some tips that will help you have an amazing experience and ensure you’re getting the most out of every single cruise.
For starters, subscribe to your chosen ship’s newsletter to stay up to date on all the activities and entertainment available to you. Following them on social media is also a smart and convenient way to stay informed. By making a list of all the activities that sound interesting, you can phase out the unexciting stuff. Then, after the list is complete, highlight the events you absolutely can’t miss. That way, you can be aware of conflicting times and plan accordingly.
With all the available activities and other stimuli, don’t forget to leave at least a little bit of time to relax.
Most people tend to make the mistake of trying to fit absolutely everything they can into their itinerary, which can be fun, but also a bit draining. In order to leave your vacation feeling rejuvenated and ready to go back to the real world, be sure to schedule time to sit back and take your mind off things. Maybe even try some on-deck meditation while you’re at it!
Finances can sometimes be a stressful topic while planning a vacation, but there are plenty of ways to save money on your next cruise. However, if you plan on having more than 3 drinks a day and intend on eating on the ship a majority of the time, then you may want to consider booking with an all-inclusive cruise. Having the cost of food, drinks, and activities included in the overall ticket price can help reduce surprise fees and the stress that comes with them. Also, be sure to check with your cruise line to see if tips are included in the prices so you can avoid double tipping.
When booking, try to be as open as possible about destinations. That can save you a little money while giving you an experience you’d never expect. You may also want to spend a bit of time considering what kind of cabin you want. If you only have intentions of using your room to sleep, then it wouldn’t be wise to pay double for a barely-used balcony.
You should always be open to trying new things, but even more-so when it comes to your cruise. Stepping out of your comfort zone can help you find new hobbies, create a small, but healthy amount of stress, and even improve brain function. Try a yoga class, play some pool volleyball, go to an interesting show that you wouldn’t normally choose. There’s this sense of freedom when you’re on vacation where you can leave your ordinary routine at home and do whatever you want. After all, nobody knows you barring the people you came with, so you’re free from judgement. And who knows? You might even make some new friends while you’re at it.
A vacation isn’t an excuse to put your healthy habits on hold.
Although all the many different food options might be tempting, you should do your best to eat a balanced meal every meal. In terms of exercise, it shouldn’t be much of a problem considering most cruises have excellent facilities. Whether you prefer to get your workouts done in a gym, in your cabin, or in the pool, a cruise shouldn’t stop you from getting it done. And as stated before, trying out yoga or fitness classes offered could be a gateway to a new and fun way of staying in shape.
Cruises are a great option for people looking for excitement, relaxation and sight-seeing all in one package. By keeping this information in mind, you should be able to get the most out of your vacation without ending up feeling drained afterward. For those 1-st timers out there, don’t wait till after your first cruise to find out what they’re like. There are plenty of travel resources with valuable information people like you can use when planning. For those with more cruise experience, please be sure to share your interesting cruising stories or tips below!
