How do you fully enjoy a cruise?

Listed below are some important points you can consider if you want to take your cruise experience to the next level:

1. Pack your luggage wisely:

One must choose to travel light for a cruise, especially if you have multiple ports falling into your itinerary. Transporting compact luggage is much easier as compared to multiple luggage. Consider carrying packing cubes and mini toiletries to save luggage space. Pack a limited number of garments and footwear. This would allow you to organize your items efficiently while traveling between the cruise ship and shore destinations. 

2. Arrive a day early at your scheduled departure port:

Reaching the departure port a day ahead saves a lot of effort, especially if you’re traveling overseas for the cruise. It is recommended to reach a day in advance of the ship’s scheduled departure. This allows you to board the ship on time without any unforeseen delay. You can find several accommodations at your respective cruise port. During your stay at the port, you can also explore the local culture of the region since ports are filled with souvenir shops and eateries selling delicious seafood. 

3. Explore your ship:

To plan out your schedule onboard, take yourself on a self-guided ship tour. Allow yourself to know the various facilities you can find on the ship. Some of the mainstream cruise lines offer designated apps that would allow you to navigate through the ship efficiently. Explore the different venues on the cruise ship, including restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and activity setups. This way, you can choose to experience the amenity that excites you the most, be it a venue or an event. 

4. Invest in onboard beverage packages:

To enjoy a range of beverages while being on a budget, you can buy an onboard beverage package. The packages are offered by almost every cruise line at an affordable price. The beverages comprise a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You can also find discounts and additional benefits on these packages. Be sure to check the variety of beverage packages offered onboard, since the prices and packages can vary according to each cruise line. 

5. Book a specialty restaurant:

Specialty restaurants on a cruise ship include gourmet dining venues, including steakhouses, cafes, and restaurants serving multicultural cuisines. To experience exceptional dining, it is a must to book yourself a table at an onboard specialty restaurant. Cruise lines often partner with renowned chefs. As a result, you can also experience chef’s special dishes at a specialty restaurant. These restaurants are much quieter and more luxurious as compared to the main restaurants onboard. 

6. Book an onboard spa treatment:

Spas at cruise ships offer a variety of services, including beauty treatments, massages, facials, and body wraps. If you want to find a retreat from a long day of excursion and onboard activities, it is a must to book an onboard spa treatment. You can find exclusive packages comprising multiple spa services. These may also include discounts and complimentary services. Be sure to check with the available spa services before purchasing a package. You can also find beauty and wellness spa products on some of the cruise ships.