20 Tips for First Time Cruisers

While chatting over sushi and wasabi cocktails the last day at sea our party of six, first time cruisers, came up with our Top 20 Tips for First Time Cruisers! Some of our tips are things we did and some are things we wished we had done. First I want to introduce you to the cruisers... then we will share our TOP 20!

 Count down to the

Top 20 Tips for First Time Cruisers:

 Created by First Time Cruisers for First Time Cruisers
Tip # 20
Pack an extra bottle or two of sunscreen! You don't want to end up paying for over priced SPF!
 

Tip # 19

Bring a HIGHLIGHTER. This would've been helpful to help us remember which events and shows we wanted to most attend.

 

Tip # 18

There will be so much to do, but don't let yourself get overly tired! Take time for naps if you

need them!

 

Tip # 17

Take your own bottle for water and fill it daily at the main buffet. This saves you a lot of money!

 

 Tip # 16

Which then brings me to my next tip.. CAFFINE! I am a very sleepy kind of person so I brought along a pack of Stay Awake. One tablet is equal to a cup of coffee so if some of us were super tired on a day we were headed out to port we just took a little Stay Awake OR drank a cup or two of coffee!

 

Tip # 15

Beverages...

On our cruise our meals were included in our paid price; however, drinks like sodas, cocktails, alcohol, cappuccinos, ect were not. We suggest doing one of two things. Either buy a drink package or budget according to how much you plan on splurging outside of water and juices offered at the buffet. Jonace, Brandon, Ashley and Marcus did the package route, where as Nick and I budgeted. It totally depends on you and what your plans are! All of us were happy with what we chose.

 

Tip # 14

Make Friends! Tons of friends. The best part about a cruise is everyone is there to have fun, relax and enjoy life. Most of the people you meet are at their best so it's a great time to chat, mingle and socialize! Here is Jo dancing to "Dancing Queen" with her newly acquainted cruise mate!

 

Tip # 13

Help old folks with their luggage.

While on the walk from the Venice train station to the port we meet a couple named Bob and Amanda. They didn't know they could've had their luggage transferred for them and so we each grabbed a bag. Throughout the week we saw Bob and Amanda and every time they said "Thank you again for helping us with our bags!" Small acts of kindness really go a long way! I wish we had gotten a photo with them! :(

 

 Tip # 12

I think all of us really enjoyed the complimentary dinning buffets; however, we encourage you to spurge a night or two at a specialty restaurant! Make a reservation because they fill up fast! We made our reservation as soon as we walked onto the ship Saturday morning. Our reservation was Thursday when we celebrated our 4 year anniversary as well as Brandon's promotion to Staff Sergeant!  We went to the hibachi grill one night and then to the sushi bar for lunch. It was great! The hibachi was so much fun and delicious does not come close to describing the food!

 

Tip # 11

Do the touristy things, even if it's not something you would normally do or even enjoy!

I definitely did not enjoy having fish eat my toes or riding an angry donkey up the hill but I am glad I did it...and lived through it! haha

 

 

 Tip # 10

Coming from a life long dieter...DON'T diet on the cruise! Just enjoy the food! On the days we were at sea all day we hit the on board gym and the days we ported we did lots of walking, climbing and sweating so that counted as exercise!

 

 Tip # 9

If your cruising destinations have rocky beaches pack along water shoes! Most

 of us were just used to sandy beaches and while the beach was absolutely breath taking the rocks were brutal on our poor feet!

 

Tip # 8

Pass the camera around! If the same person is behind the lens the whole trip then they won't be in any of the photos! Take turns being the photographer! If it's just you or a duo ask a friendly traveler to snap the shot and return the favor, and don't worry about trying to find someone who speaks English, the word "Photo" seems to be universal!

 

 

Tip # 7

You don't want to leave the ship without a bottle of water and your camera! Drawstring back packs are perfect for this! They aren't bulky and are a little more breezy than a regular backpack.

 

 

 Tip # 6

Be 20-30 minutes early for the shows your cruise liner puts on each night! Especially the one's that are very popular. You will want a good seat!

 

Tip # 5

Go OUT of your comfort zone! Mix it up, have fun, let your hair down, do something you normally wouldn't do on a regular day or a regular vacation!

 

 

Tip # 4

Plan for a day time outfit and a night time outfit! So if you are going on a 7 day cruise you should pack at least 14 outfits and then a few extra. If you are worried about space mix up the outfits to wear a different pair of shorts with another top and vies versa. A special tip form Brandon "Pack extra underwear!"

The girls enjoyed getting a little more jazzed up at night so don't forget your beauty products and some dresses!

 

Tip # 3

If you enjoy exploring and like to set out at your own pace don't worry about booking excursions. Those can get pretty pricey, especially for a family! Research your ports before the cruise begins and find out what the "Must Sees" are for each destination. You can use many travel sites such as Rick Steves, Trip Advisor and just Googling!

If you go to the destinations we did then RENT ATV's in Santorini and Mykonos! It is so much fun and worth it! You should be able to rent them for the day for 20 Euro.

 

Tip #2

Post-It Notes!

This would have been pretty helpful at times! With a party of six sometimes it was hard to check in with each other. A quick sticky note left on your cruise mates door would've been a great way to say "At the pool till 4. See you for dinner at 6!" That would've saved many lost minutes searching the huge ship for each other!

 

Tip #1

I'm not sure if cruise liners allow walkie talkies but if they do take some! Since we had no cell service it was hard to keep up with each other, like I said above!

 

I hope our Top 20 Tips help you plan for your amazing upcoming cruise! We had sooo much fun on the Norweign Jade and recommend it to all! The staff were so nice and friendly! Please comment below with any tips you would love to share!

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