1. Use an experienced cruise travel agent, especially if you are taking your first cruise. More than any other form of travel, cruises involve a lot of paperwork and details. Their services are free to you, why not take advantage of them.
2. Be sure you understand the payment deadlines and the cancellation policy. If you have booked far in advance to save money, you do not want to lose your cabin because you forgot to send the check.
3. If you want a quieter cruise, do not sail when school is out (spring break, fall
break, etc.).
4. Buy travel insurance. You may be in perfect health right now, but even a broken leg could put a real damper on your cruising fun.
5. Booking your airfare separately can usually save a lot of money.
6. Taking a cab from the airport to the ship port is usually cheaper and less time-consuming than using the cruise transfer service.
7. You can save even more money by booking shore excursions through independent agents, rather than through the cruise line.
8. Arrive the day prior to your departure. Delayed flights could mean that you miss the ship.
9. Unless someone needs to eat early, take the second dinner seating. It will give you more time for shore excursions, shows, etc.
10. Unless you are planning a romantic secluded cruise for two, request a large table for dinner. You will make plenty of new friends.
11. Pack post-its to leave notes for your cabin steward and a nightlight to help you get around in the cabin.
12. Do not overpack on clothes. Cabins are small and no one is going to care if you wear an outfit more than once. Along the same lines, make sure you understand the dress code for the cruise and pack accordingly.
13. Once you are on board, locate your cabin. Most ships use color-coding to help you out. Memorize you color pattern so that you don't spend valuable vac
14. Read the daily list of activities the night before to plan your day. You don't want to miss out on something fun because you didn't know about it.
15. Join the cruise line's repeat cruiser club. You will get discounts and coupons for your next cruise.
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