Tips for First Time Cruisers

What a thrill! You're going on your first cruise. A cruise adventure is just a little different than your typical land vacation, so here are a few tips I usually share with first-timers.

*Really excited and want to start your vacation a little early? If you don't mind the possibility of having to wait for a bit at the port after check-in, arrive much earlier than your documents indicate. It's not unusual for first-timers to board the ship mid-afternoon to see all the old-timers lazing around the pool like they've been there all day - because they have! Arrive by 11 a.m. and you should be onboard in time to take advantage of lunch. Yes, you'll have to haul your carry-on around with you until your cabin is ready (usually around 1:30 or so), but it gives you a few extra hours to explore your new home.

*On the downside, be prepared to leave very early the day of debarkation (the day you get off the ship). You'll hear the ship pulling into port around 6 a.m. and they'll be encouraging you to leave your room as early as 8 a.m.

*Study your ports before the cruise. Average port time is about 8 hours. Don't assume you'll be able to just wing it in every stop and make good use of your time. A well-planned excursion based on your interests and what that area is known for makes for a fun day. And some excursions really do sell out in advance! If you plan a 3 to 4 hour excursion, you still may have several hours to kill. Have a plan. Will you go back to the ship for lunch first then back out to port? Will you shop downtown or around the port? Are you tendering or walking off a pier? If tendering (being shuttled back and forth to a pier because the water is too shallow for the ship to dock), allow about 20 to 30 minutes total time each way for lines and tender time. If you've never been to a port before, you might want to consider using the ship's excursion instead of venturing off on your own. It's a safe way to learn about the surrounding area.

*Beware of a cell phone onboard the ship! The ship towers typically take over your cell phone with roaming charges even when in port in the U.S. These charges are VERY expensive! Call your cell phone provider before your leave home and find out how much they charge per minute in each port of call. It will probably be less expensive than making or receiving calls from the ship. You may want to consider an international calling plan for a month. Texting is usually much less expensive from onboard the ship but more expensive than from home. People have been shocked by their cell phone bills when arriving home. Prepare in advance!

*Tipping is part of the cruising culture. All cruise lines will add an automatic gratuity to your bill at the end of the cruise in the amount of about $10 to $12 per person in your cabin per day. This gratuity is divided among the staff who directly served you - your cabin steward, waiters in the dining room, etc. Don't forget to take plenty of $1.00 bills along with you to tip luggage porters. Those dollar bills just seem to come in handy when making small purchases - especially in the Caribbean.

*Yes, cruising is almost all-inclusive, but there are a few basics not included that could really have you walking off the ship with a hefty bill. Bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol are all extra costs. I like to save my spending money for the fun things like excursions and shopping, so I always go to the trouble to pack bottled water and soft drinks. It can save you a bundle depending on your family. I have a daughter who is addicted to Mr. Pibb, so into the bags go her allotted number of cans for the week! Also, if you have a craving for a particular brand, check the ship and make sure it will be available. Don't try to smuggle alcohol onboard the ship without checking their policy. They will confiscate it if not allowed. Some cruise lines will allow you to bring a bottle of wine onboard your carry-on. Remember, your luggage is going through security!

*Pack your carry-on with everything you will need that first day on the ship. Your checked luggage may not arrive until after dinner. Mine almost always arrives mid-afternoon but there are no guarantees. I suggest making sure both people in the cabin have a few things in the carry-on to protect against lost luggage. 1st day suggestions: bathing suit if you plan to go to pool, clothes for dinner that night, always pack all valuables and medication in your carry-on.

*Use a TSA approved lock for your checked luggage.

*Packing Tips: Pack a sweater or jacket no matter the destination or the time of year. The ships are often VERY cold! If you are an ambitious type, don't forget your exercise shoes and clothes for the gym or taking a jog around the ship up on deck. Power strips, tote bags for the pool and excursions, and travel alarms come in handy. Women may find a very lightweight over shoulder bag or lanyard (for key card) convenient for around the ship if packing clothes without pockets.

*Remember: The ship is a cashless system. You will charge everything with your key card which will be secured by a charge card or you may put a certain amount of cash on your account when you board the ship.

*Have fun! Explore the ship the first day. Ask the porter's desk if there are any behind the scene tours being offered. Participate in some activities but find time to relax!