Attention Cruisers! Sharing a few of my favorite secrets (well, maybe not so secret) about cruise ships you may NOT know or a good reminder if you do!
- The stateroom walls are metal, so why is this information you need? Pack a few small magnets, even a clip magnet to hang up the daily schedule, a baseball hat, and any smaller items. Keeps the cabin more organized. I’m all about being organized! 😊
- Look closely at the carpet outside your stateroom! Yes, the carpets on the stateroom decks on most cruise ships have a specific design on the port side (left side facing forward) and a different design on the starboard side (right side of the ship facing forward), so it’s easier to find your stateroom. Be sure to pay attention on embarkation day, as it will save you lots of extra steps. 😉
- Most ships have more than one pool, and some have an adult-only pool. Be sure to look closely at the map of the ship to see all those extra gems. The aft pool is usually the most chill and relaxed on a ship! It’s my FAV!
- Pools are filled with seawater. Duh right? You would be surprised how many guests ask this question. You are sitting on a ship in the ocean. Bonus there are no sand or sea creatures in the pool. If it’s too rough at sea, they will close the pool for safety.
- Food is served all day, 24/7 actually! Just because you may have a certain schedule for breakfast or dinner, you can grab an array of food throughout the day and never go hungry. Room service is always available too. Pizza at 2am, why not?
- Bring your own Bevie. You are allowed to bring up to two bottles of 750ml per adult guest in your stateroom. You can also bring unopened bottled water and a 12-pack of seltzer water or soda. (Definitely confirm with the cruise line website before sailing to confirm)
- If you are a new cruiser, be sure to sign up for the frequent cruiser program. If you are already a member, check out the perks, like priority boarding, Wi-Fi minutes, or onboard credit. I love perks! Oh, and you can book a future cruise while you are onboard and get some extra onboard credit.
- Don’t bring an iron, steamer or a candle either…. It’s a fire hazard. There are laundry facilities for ironing on some cruises, or you can have clothing washed or dry-cleaned. (for a fee)
- Don’t get into too much trouble because ships do have a “BRIG” (small holding area) for those troublemakers! (only serious offenders, like breaking the law)
- Where’s Deck 13? Similar to hotels and high-rise buildings, superstitions are the real deal on international waters too! MSC Cruises, an Italian line, does have a Deck 13 but not a Deck 17. The reason for the superstition is that in Italy, the Roman Number 17 (XV11) can be rearranged to VIXI, which translates to “I have lived”/ “My life is over,” past tense suggesting death, therefore bad luck.
- The ship will sail without you, so be aware! Now, if you purchase a shore excursion with the cruise line, it will NOT sail without the tour back onboard. If you decide to book with an independent operator (which is definitely acceptable), the captain will not hold the ship for you. I don’t recommend missing the ship as it’s a pain in the you know what to get yourself to the next port of call.
Who’s ready to book their cruise? I’m ready! If you have any other burning cruise questions or just want to chat about travel, please send me a message.