10 MUST Know Cruise Ship Hacks
If you’ve never been on a cruise, you are missing out! Cruises are not only an excellent way to enjoy many different varying excursions and locations, but it’s also a great way to have something all-inclusive as well.
Imagine being on a boat, with unlimited food options and an ice-cream machine that flows freely 24/7? It’s like a dream come true for many of us. Room service in the middle of the night? Absolutely. Swimming on the ship deck under the stars? Of course!
Cruise ships are actually quite fun for the entire family. There are fun classes and kid-friendly things for the kids to do, and tons of different activities as well for the adults. It’s a great combination of hotel destination meets all-inclusive resort.
If you’ve never taken a cruise before, what are you waiting for? It’s a great time to be had by all and super simple to plan and prepare for. If you are needing a few cruise ship hacks to help prepare you for cruise-life, here are some suggestions for you!
- Some cruise ships may actually let you bring your own alcohol on board. While they may have restrictions and limitations, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Save money where you can by packing your own bottle of wine!
- Board the ship as early as possible to get some free food out of the deal. Often times, cruise ships will let passengers start boarding pretty early the day that the ship is to depart. If you want to score a “free” meal that isn’t part of what you paid for, load up early and head to see if the buffets on the ship are open! Chances are, there may be someplace open on the ship serving some yummy food. Score!
- Sit-down dinners offer unlimited dining options. If you go to the sit-down dinners at night, just know that you can order anything that you want off the menu again, and again, and again…and if you order something that you don’t care for, you can just order something else. Yep, even their sit-down dinners are all you can eat!
- Wait until your cruise ship departs to hit the gift shops. Some purchases are duty-free and everything seems to be a bit cheaper on the open waters!
- Pack your germ-x with you wherever you go. Sharing is caring often times when it comes to sickness on a cruise ship.
- Your cruise cabin will come with a safe. Use it! Why leave your valuables out in the open? Keep them locked up and safeguarded at all times in your room.
- Don’t believe people who tell you there is nothing to do on a cruise ship. There is literally SOMETHING going on all the time on a cruise ship. Outdoor movie, comedy act, casino…you name it. Be prepared to be busy!
- Can’t afford the cost of alcohol on the cruise? Make certain to pay attention to the free art exhibit on board. They give out free drinks if you come and look at their art!
- There are no weight limits for your bags that you can pack. AND, there are no limits to the amount of bags that you can bring, either. Total opposite of a plane fight, right? Remember though that whatever you pack, you have to haul around to and from your room at the port, so if you are struggling to carry it, it may be too much for you to pack.
- Prepare your wardrobe packing for a change in weather. The weather out on the open water can get a bit chilly at night, so pack a light jacket to wear to stay comfortable when you’re out on the deck viewing the stars.
Taking a cruise is such an awesome idea for a fun vacation! Follow a few of these fun hacks to make certain that you have the most enjoyable time possible. Research where you want your cruise to go, and then have fun preparing for your upcoming departure. Be prepared to feel relaxed, entertained and well-fed during the entire duration of your cruise. Many people find that the cruise ship is so wonderful that they actually don’t even get off the ship when it ports at the docks. Regardless of your choice, have fun cruising those beautiful open waters!