Hello! Welcome back to Byte Size Cruises. We are a small travel agency looking to give you all the information on cruising so you can plan your best vacation. Today we are going to share some cruise tips we heard that are silly, overrated, or just plain horrible advice so you don’t waste your time. Let’s get into it.
Bad Tip #1: Don’t Overpack
To a degree, we agree with this. If you are going on a cruise where the environment is more casual and laid back, all you need to do is bring the things you are going to use for the few days you are away. For most people, a few bathing suits, some shorts, pants and shirts are plenty for your time away. However, if you are going to Europe or on a cruise that has a dress code, be sure to double check and pack accordingly. The last thing you want to do is wind up in a situation where you cannot go to a restaurant or attend an event because you packed too light. Also, keep in mind, if you are driving to the port vs. flying you have a lot more flexibility with what you choose to bring with you!
Bad Tip #2: Get Cheap Internet
This is a tip we flat out disagree with. Either go ahead and get the full internet package or choose to take a break from social media while away and go without internet while on the ship. If you are able to completely unplug, that is amazing and enjoy your vacation! Likely there will be the option to connect to the internet for free at a cafe or restaurant while at port. However, if it is not practical for you to disconnect for a week or so, go ahead and get the upgraded internet package. In our experience, the “browse internet” option tends to be awful and not worth the money or frustration.
Bad Tip #3: BYOB
Cruise ships will allow you to bring a certain amount of alcoholic beverages with you onto the ship (check your cruise line for specific details). Often travel agents will suggest you take advantage of this however, on this one, we say hard pass. We have seen so many bottles of wine brake and cans of soda explode while people are trying to carry them onto the ship and in the end we say it is simply not worth the hassle. Do yourself a favor and instead of lugging all of that around with you, choose your drink packages wisely instead.
Bad Tip #4: Book an Early Flight Home
This is a HORRIBLE tip! Do not book a 10am flight home from your cruise. It most likely will take you longer to get off the ship than you think it will and the stress and panic is not worth it. All the time we watch people book early flights and then miss them because they’ve misjudged the amount of time they need to disembark and get to the airport. Don’t book a flight before noon on the day you are traveling home. This ensures you plenty of time to get where you need to go without running from place to place in a panic.
Bad Tip #5: Book an Ocean View Cabin
Honestly, we aren’t quite sure why people are so hung up on booking cabins with an “ocean view.” Here’s the reality: it’s an inside cabin with a tiny window where you can see a fraction of the ocean. That tiny window will not give you a great view. We recommend that if you want to avoid feeling claustrophobic, simply leave your room! Spend time on deck, relaxing by the pool, and having a great time aboard. On cruises, most people overestimate the amount of time they will spend in their cabin. Remember, it’s not like a hotel. We recommend saving the money and booking an inside cabin or going all out and getting a balcony room.
Bad Tip #6: Leave the ship AS SOON as you get to port.
This tip makes us cringe. Don’t do it! All the time we see this huge line early in the morning with people waiting to get off the ship at port. If you just wait a half hour, the line will be gone and you won’t have to wait. Also, remember, breakfast on the ship is included in your cruise! We recommend you take a moment, maybe eat something, and then walk off the ship at your leisure after everyone else has left.
Bad Tip #7: Get to Port Early
Along the same lines as the above tip, this one we also dislike. Here’s the deal: if you show up early to board your ship most likely you will wind up waiting around for hours until the check in time. Cruise lines will not let you board the ship early, so don’t show up early. Arrive on time and the process will be easy and simple for you.
Bad Tip #8: Buy Toiletries on the Ship
Hard NO! Don’t do this. First off, buying toiletries on the ship will be far more expensive than if you purchased them at home and brought them with you. Secondly, they may run out of things on the ship! The last thing you want is to be counting on being able to purchase toothpaste and then having none available to you for days. All in all, we say, bring your things with you.
Bad Tip #9: Just Buy a Drink Package
There are compelling reasons to buy a drink package, especially when you mentally want to check out of worrying about it while you’re on vacation. However, we encourage you to do the math on this one and break the cost of the drink package down to the day. With most drink packages, you’ll be paying on average $70 to $90 per day. Now, if you know you’re going to drink that amount of soda and alcoholic beverages each day then definitely go for it. For many of us though, that is not realistic and the drink package will wind up being a waste of money. Now, if money is no object and you don’t want to think about it, then go for it! Otherwise, break down the cost and purchase drinks ala carte. Don’t just purchase the package blindly.
Bad Tip #10: Go to Guest Services Right Away
Our last piece of terrible advice is to go to guest services with any questions immediately upon embarking. Don’t do this! This is the busiest time at guest services and most likely you will wind up standing in a long line. In general, during the day guest services tends to be busy but remember, they’re open 24/7! If you don’t want to wait in line, visit them early in the morning or late at night.
Those are our 10 Silly and Overrated cruising tips. Have you ever done these things? What other terrible cruise tips have you heard? Comment below!