A vacation on a cruise feels like a risky endeavor for some of you. A humongous vessel, carrying countless no of people, one can’t be blamed for having flashbacks to Titanic. Then there are things like accommodation, food, a general vibe that worry the most. Many folks hesitate to take the forward step and be a part of their first cruise vacation. You would rather prefer to go to some place on land— even if it’s unfamiliar— than go on a cruise. The thing is cruise vacations are awesome. And you should set aside any trepidations about it and try it if you are interested . There are just certain things as a first timer that you should be aware of. Here are Ten Things To Know Before Your First Cruise.
Choose Not the Best Cruise Line—But the One You Like
There are so many to choose from. So many that are considered the best. But it all comes down to what you prefer. The so called best ones are expensive deals. Do not fall for some travel agent’s word unless you really want what they are selling. Read carefully the cruise brochure and make sure that all the facilities they offer are in-line with your interests.
Make Sure Your Trip is During Non Peak Times
Cruise vacations hit their peak crowd when good weather combined with holiday season falls. This is also the costliest period for cruise vacations. So, for a much cheaper deal, go on vacations during non-peak times. Don’t worry that cheap cruise vacation comes at the expense of terrible weather. It’s not actually. It’s usually chilly when the cruise vacation crowd numbers are not at the peak. But it’s nothing unmanageably awful. Plus, you get to enjoy a cruise vacation with uncrowded ports.
Cell Phone Coverage
Cell phones these days are like a top priority. We take it with ourselves anywhere we go, let alone a cruise trip. You need to know that you just can’t go for a cruise trip and expect all your data/call services to be the same as it is when on land. When there is a signal to make a call, it’s coming from an at-sea service provider, and they aren’t cheap. So you should inform yourself well enough about the call/data packages and cell phone coverage these cruise services are providing. 
The Right Cabin For You
The cabin is the room you are allotted in a cruise ship, not unlike a luxury hotel. But choosing the right cabin is an even more difficult task than choosing a room in a luxury hotel. Someone who can get sea sick, for that person, cabin location is really important. Lower and central area of the ship is more suited for such people. Some people highly prefer sunlight entering their room. For them, upper-deck cabins are the ones they should look for.
Give Cruise Insurance Priority
Going on a cruise could turn out to be a way, way more expensive trip if you face stuff like weather uncertainties, trip cancellation, and god forbid— accidental drowning. So, to somewhat cover these scenarios, it’s vital that one buys a good travel insurance policy.
Carry Some Cash
Yes, most of your cost is covered when you pay for your cruise ship. But it’s a nice practice to carry some cash with you. It’s especially vital when you are shopping, as some gift shops don’t accept credit cards. It’s also very useful when tipping. Now, don’t think of tipping as a waste of money. Cruise line employees are some of the hardest working professionals out there. They deserve a little token of your appreciation. Let it be in the form of a tip.
Pack Efficiently
It is a headache inducing task for the most, but packing is like an integral part of any trip, let alone on a cruise. Make sure to cover essential documents like cruise documents, passport & visas, copy of medicine prescription you are taking, credit cards. Other essentials include sunglasses, maps, reading materials.
Outlet Adapters In the Cruise
Carrying proper outlet adapters on a cruise trip is very important. Cruises vary in design when it comes to the plug socket. Chances are the adapter you usually use is not a fit in the cruise’s plug socket. Therefore, make sure you carry a backup adapter with you. Checking the cruise brochures thoroughly will also give you relevant information regarding the type of adapter you should go with.
Drink On Port to Save Cash Versus Ship
What’s a cruise vacation without a little booze, right? Well, here’s a valuable tip then: Don’t drink on the ship, wait for the port. On the ship, beverages are pretty costly. The port offers you drink at a cheaper rate and will provide a lot of options compared to on board.
Evening Entertainment Possibilities
Don’t miss the communal experience of watching a movie. Just like watching a movie on the big screen theatre, but it’s on a cruise now. They offer both indoor and outdoor theatre experience. Outdoor theatre, among pools, night skies(or bright skies if it’s daytime), and cozy environment is especially unique. Other forms of evening entertainment that will keep you engaged are the jazz club, night club, comedy clubs, bars.
Conclusion
You have to take care of some things before and after you get on a cruise, but that shouldn’t let you from enjoying your experience. Cruising is one of the most relaxing travelling experiences you can have.And by being slightly attentive to these minute things, you are just ensuring that you will have a wonderful experience without any roadblocks.