How To Have The Best Cruise Experience
You’ve booked your first cruise, now here’s what to expect
Congratulations, you have booked a cruise – one of the most fun, easy and value-packed vacations on the planet!
You have chosen a stress-free experience where you will be pampered by a warm and friendly crew and visit exciting places. Now that you’ve decided where you are going and picked the ship that’s right for you, it is time to plan some of the things you will do on your cruise.
Purchase in advance for an all-inclsuive experience
A big bonus of a cruise vacation is your accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment are all included in your cruise fare. For an even better value experience, you can go online to check what bundles and pre-purchase packages might be available through your cruise line, including drinks, specialty restaurant dining, Wi-Fi packages, spa appointments and more.
Even if you don’t buy a package, you will want to check out popular onboard experiences like specialty dining options, many of which feature menus designed by celebrity chefs exclusively for the cruise line, or the alluring array of spa treatments to further treat yourself.
Tours and shore excursions
Cruise itineraries include some of the world’s most desirable destinations where local experts are eager to welcome you and help you make the most of your time in the ports of call. You can choose from any number of incredible sights and tours to see all the wonders and attractions that make these destinations so special. Whether you are looking for time on a dreamy beach, cultural immersion or a heart-pounding family adventure, there is a shore excursion for you. Many tours include accessible options. It’s best to purchase shore excursions pre-cruise to ensure you get your first choices.
If you prefer to explore on your own, a little preparation will go a long way, especially if transportation is required. Be mindful of when you need to be back onboard – you don’t want to miss the ship’s departure time!
Packing
A big benefit of cruising is that you only have to unpack once regardless of how many places you visit. That said, some people are unsure about what to pack for a cruise. Luckily, it’s easier than you think.
During the day on the ship, almost anything goes – except bathing suits generally aren’t allowed in sit-down restaurants. Make sure to pack clothes appropriate for whatever you have planned on shore. Back on the ship at night, how much you dress up – or don’t – is completely up to you. Some people like to go all out, while others prefer to dress down in casual garb. Be sure to check with the cruise line regarding any suggested dress codes for specialty restaurants or special events.
A packing list is on your cruise line’s website, including tips for any fun theme nights they might have planned. You may also find hints on what people wear on your ship by checking social media.
Daytime activities
On board, you will find more amenities than you dreamed of: pools, theaters, clubs, casinos, bars, and in some cases water parks, roller coasters and so much more. You’ll also find a jam-packed activities roster of things to do from the brainy to the-just-plain fun.
On most ships, kids will have their own camp-like activities, hosted by experienced staff in kids’ playrooms, leaving grownups with time to play on their own. Don’t overlook the allure of mani-pedis and massages in the spa, table games and slots in the casino, and duty-free deals in the shops.
To keep track of what’s happening, before you leave home, download your cruise line’s app. Once on the ship, the app will give you quick and easy access to the ship’s daily activities and entertainment schedule with a range of fun ways to maximize your time on board.
Don’t worry…if lounging next to the pool is more your speed, there are also plenty of places to simply hang out and relax; sitting in a lounger in the sun is the perfect cruise vacation for some travelers.
Exciting nights
Dinner is a main event on cruise ships. When you make your cruise reservation, you can choose how you want to dine in the main dining room, whether on a set schedule or whenever you please. You also have a range of additional dining options, including casual dining or specialty cuisine. Regardless of your choice, the food will be delicious and likely a highlight of your cruise.
At night, the ship’s entertainment team gets to strut their stuff, with live music and shows in many forms, including bands, comedy sets, cabaret shows, and musical show productions with cool high-tech enhancements. For grownups ready to party, DJ-hosted dance parties and other late-night happenings continue into the wee hours.
A cruise with one of Carnival Corporation’s world-class cruise lines is the ultimate escape, so plan to make the most of the experience!
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