Trifter

Cruises are one of the best vacation values on the market. My husband and our four sons have been Cruising for years and we have learned many valuable lessons along the way.  I hope these tips will help you.  If you have any questions that I have not answered please feel free to let me know. 

• Do not over-pack.  Each year I bring less and less and I have yet to run out of things to wear.  Packing with a color theme works best.  Last year I did all black and white.  I only had to bring 2 pairs of shoes (1 black / 1 white) and 1 little black purse (my husband was THRILLED)  I was able to mix and match my night clothes.  As far as day wear, keep in mind you will need a few pairs of shorts and tee shirts (for island hopping) and bathing suits and cover-up.  While I typically have flip flops on most of the time, I do bring a pair of walking sneakers in case I am going to take a morning “jog” on deck or if I am going sight seeing.  You should pack a hat or visor and an extra pair of sunglasses.  (If you lose you 1 pair you will be forced to purchase a pair on the ship which tend to be pricey)…once again…..DO NOT OVER-PACK.  Trust me on this. 

• Roll your clothing.  When packing it is best to roll things.  You can fit more in the suitcase and there will be less wrinkles.  Rolling also allows you to fit things in dead corners of your luggage.  Be sure to utilize space (ie: packing your hubby socks inside of his shoes)  I take a spray bottle that I can fill with water to “spritz” out any wrinkles when I unpack.

• Take extra hangers and over door hooks.  I Always toss some plastic hangers in my luggage since they never have enough in the closets.  I also take a few of those over the door hangers so I can hang wet towels or bathing suits.  I also take a fold up hamper (it folds flat in the bottom of my suitcase) so I do not have to use a plastic trash bag in the bottom of my closet for dirty clothing.  When packing to come home, I put the loaded hamper in one suitcase (it fits perfectly) and the other  suitcase is reserved for any clean clothes I am taking home.

• When you first board the ship, take the time to explore all of it.  Get a deck plan at the Pursers Desk (they go fast so be sure to scoop one up right away).  Go to every deck and walk from one end to the other.  Go back to front (Stern to Aft) and find all the eating areas, the pools, the lounges, the bars.  There is SO much to see, SO much to do, don’t miss out on any of it.

• Do be sure to budget for tips when planning your trip (I follow the guidelines in the booklet that comes with the tickets and set that money aside before the trip).  Do set a Casino budget (again, I put that money aside before we leave and keep it in a separate envelope).  Do allow your kids to join the kids “camps” as soon as you get on board (they will love it and you will love having time to yourselves).  Do purchase the soft drink cards for the kids that most Cruise lines offer. (it is well worth it to buy upfront).  Do budget a few dollars to purchase on board photos (these are the best photos I have of my whole clan).  Do order foods you’ve never heard of at dinner (it’s a great way to try things like escargot or vichyssoise)  Do buy one of those disposable underwater cameras (they cost about $15) if you are planning on snorkeling or scuba diving.  Do sign up for your shore excursions ahead of time (online).  Do read the nightly newspaper that is delivered to your cabin each night (it will outline all the activities for the next day).  Do take advantage of things like Welcome Parties, Captains Welcome Party or Art Auctions (drinks or champagne are typically free)

• Do not pack beach towels (they are provided by the ship).  Do not pack a hair dryer (there is one in every cabin)  Do not pack your drivers license or Passport on the way home (you WILL need them to get off the ship) Do not be shy when it comes to participation.  You will never see these people again so go ahead, make a fool of yourself. 

• If traveling with a person with special needs, be sure to contact the Cruise Line (they have a special needs department to help you with equipment rental and other important info)

Once you have cruised with a specific cruise line, be sure to register with them so on your next Cruise you are “welcomed back” as a repeat client which entitles you to extra “goodies” on board.

These are just some of the tips we’ve picked up….if you have any specific worries or concerns, drop me a line and I’ll help if I can.