Cruising with 9Travel brings you the best tips and tricks plus everything you need to know, from self-confessed cruise addict, Honida Beram aka Cruising With Honey. She has sailed the seven continents of the world, on a seafaring mission to uncover the globe and share her adventures. The first time I booked a cruise I really had no idea.
I didn't know what type of cabin to choose, what I needed to pack and what to expect onboard. But the ads on TV sure looked tempting to a tired mum of three kids under three and a cruise seemed to tick all the boxes. I wanted to sleep through the night, one whole night.
READ MORE: The 'one thing' you have to do in Paris, according to Catriona Rowntree I wanted to eat without having to cook, I didn't want to clean, I wanted to enjoy a cocktail. Looking back now, my criteria for a few nights away were pretty low. Without much thought, I went online, found the shortest cruise - a two-nighter from Sydney to Melbourne - and booked the cheapest cabin.
No one in my inner circle had cruised before, so I was, literally, testing the waters. Stepping aboard a ship for the first time, the Dawn Princess, I was pretty clueless. Clearly, my zealous watching of the TV show The Love Boat back in the 80s left me quite unprepared.
Purser Gopher, aren't you supposed to tick me off a list on your clipboard and lead me to Aloha Deck in my smart, shoulder-padded pant suit? As I was about to discover, a television show rarely imitates real life. While I still enjoyed myself on that very first cruise, in hindsight - and now having cruised over 50 times across the seven continents of the world – I wish I had a checklist back then to help me before booking and embarking on a cruise holiday. Now, as a self-proclaimed cruise addict, the least I could do is put together my top tips for first-time cruisers.
However, these tips aren't just for first timers. Even if you have cruised before, I'm certain there'll be something here that you'll find helpful. Heck, I'm still learning new hints.
READ MORE: These are the best cruise lines according to social media users The first question to ask yourself is 'what is my budget?' Cabins on cruise ships range from inside (cheapest) right up to penthouse suites (most expensive). Set yourself a budget and decide what your wish list is for your cabin. Is it just a place to sleep and shower or do you want your own private retreat? Do you prefer a balcony or will an oceanview (window) cabin do? The next question to consider is how many people you'll be sharing with and who are your cabin buddies.
Your partner, children, friends? Depending on who your companions are – and how comfortable you are living in close proximity – will help you decide if you're happy with cosy quarters or would prefer a sweet suite. It's your holiday. Just remember, most regular cruise cabin bathrooms are on the smallish side.
For instance, if you're planning a girls' cruise, four ladies sharing a bathroom could be an issue, so I'd suggest you cough up for two cabins. I should preface this with a confession: I'm an over-packer. The first reason is that I like having options.
The second is that there really isn't a weight limit for your luggage on a cruise. However, I have learned that I no longer have to take seven pairs of shoes on a cruise. Yes, I took SEVEN pairs on my first two-night cruise.
Nowadays, I use my '3 Cs' rule: comfort, climate and coordinates. While there are some cruise lines that do have stricter dress codes (check before cruising if more formal attire is required for certain dining venues) most cruises are very relaxed. Comfort: You want casual clothes for every-day activities around the ship and on port days when out exploring.
This includes comfy walking shoes. Climate: Suitable clothes for the destinations you're visiting. Keep in mind, this might include modest clothing for religious/cultural sites you might visit.
On board, you want to take something warm, as no matter the weather, a jacket or thick scarf comes in handy on those late-night deck strolls. Coordinates : Pack clothes you can mix and match. This way you can have several ensembles rather than rotating the same outfits.
Pack at least one formal outfit. And don't forget your swimsuit or bikini. In addition, things I don't leave home without include: hair conditioner, several hats, lots of scarves and fake jewellery.
Why inexpensive jewellery you might ask? Well, it means I can add sparkle and pizzazz without the risk of losing expensive diamond earrings snorkelling with stingrays in French Polynesia. (True story. It didn't only happen to Kim Kardashian).
On the subject of toiletries and medication, take all you think you'll need, plus a bit more. Yes, soap, shampoo and sometimes lotions are included in cabins, however very rarely have I used the typically supplied 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner and proclaimed that my hair looks lustrous and frizz-free. Also, take a small first aid kit.
If you forget something, you can buy essentials onboard, but be warned, the prices can sting. I've paid $15 for one pack of sanitary pads. If you scour any social media page online, the question on whether or not to buy a drinks package is by far the most asked.
Simply and succinctly, figure out how much you drink and how money you want to spend on alcohol. Also, book before you cruise as it is typically cheaper than once onboard. It is important to read the fine print to understand what is included, the quantity and variety.
Some cruisers like to pay-as-they-go and others don't want a nasty surprise when they settle their account on the last day and prefer the convenience of a package. Again, it's your choice, your holiday. Still confused? Here's a simple breakdown.
For example, a drinks package costs $120 per day. You are going on a 10-day cruise. Would you spend $1200 on drinks (alcohol, juice, coffee, mocktails etc?).
And will you be drinking every day, even during port days when you'll spend much of the day on land? Embarkation day is exciting, and I still get butterflies as I cross the gangway. If your cabin is ready, drop off your hand luggage – your large bags will be delivered to your cabin during the afternoon – and go and explore the ship. You'll be approached by crew offering drinks, dining and spa packages, tours of the gym, free health consultations and more.
By all means, stop and chat but there is no rush to decide then and there. By now, you're probably hungry and thirsty. As tempting as the call of the buffet might be, trust me on this tip: head to the main dining room.
Take a seat and enjoy a relaxed, leisurely lunch minus the mass of bodies in the buffet. You can thank me later. You've checked out the ship, unpacked your bags, eaten lunch and you might even have had a nap.
Suddenly, you think you can feel movement. You look out and yes, the ship is pulling away from the dock. It's time for sailaway! Whatever you do, do not miss sailaway.
This moment marks the official beginning of your holiday. Grab a cocktail, find a spot on deck and immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere. Feel all the stresses of the world fade as land slowly slips away.
Congratulations, you're cruising! Stay tuned for more expert advice in the next instalment of Cruising with 9Travel. .
