Cruising with Brad

Tag: cruise tips

  • 10 Essential Tips Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know

    10 Essential Tips Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know

    If you’re booked on your very first cruise, congratulations! Here’s hoping you love it as much as I do. I started cruising back in 2004, and I wish someone had clued me in on some things ahead of time. 

    So, as you prepare to set sail, here are 10 essential tips to make your very first cruise smoother and more enjoyable.

    1. Arrive a Day Early

    Most cruises depart by mid-to-late afternoon, but that doesn’t mean you can take your sweet time to get to the port. If you don’t live next to the departure port, you’ll need to ensure you arrive early enough to not miss the ship.

    Things happen. Flights get delayed or cancelled. Weather causes a 50-car pileup on the interstate. A herd of buffalo blocks your train. The best way to avoid the possibility of being left behind is by arriving a day early and grabbing a night at a hotel. 

    I’ve come far too close to missing a ship due to a delayed flight, and now I’ll never show up on the same day. I’ve had clients actually miss their departure, which is where their travel insurance really came in handy (ask me about that)!

    2. Download the Cruise Line’s App

    Are you attached to your phone? Many people are, and the cruise lines are taking advantage of improvements in technology to make your life onboard even easier. With your own phone, you can make dining reservations, book a spa appointment, buy shore excursion tickets, buy internet access, and more. You can also access cruise chats and the daily schedule. It brings convenience to a whole new level, so get that downloaded before you arrive to the ship. Here’s a pro tip: download at home on your Wi-Fi. Cruise terminals don’t always have the best service.

    3. Pack a Carry-On Bag

    You may have packed the entirety of your closet in a giant suitcase that weighs as much as a baby hippo, but you won’t have access to it right away. Truthfully, it can take a few hours for your bag to get to you after handing it off to a porter. So, pack a carry-on and bring it with you through security. You’ll want to include your medications, swimsuits, chargers, and perhaps a change of clothes. If you’re heading to the pool, maybe carry sunglasses and sunscreen too!

    4. Don’t Overpack

    It’s really easy to overpack, and you really don’t need to pack your entire closet with you. Try to pack efficiently if you can. You don’t need three or four outfits per day. Consider bringing clothes that you can re-wear, and if that just seems gross, you can either use the ship’s laundry rooms or send your clothes off with your cabin attendant to be cleaned. I almost always use the wash and fold laundry service offered by the ship, and as such, you might see me wear the same thing a couple of times over seven days. Keep in mind that there are formal/elegant nights on board, so bring something classy with you!

    5. Know What’s Included vs. Extra

    If you’re a fan of sodas or alcohol, you should know that those things cost extra on board. Specialty dining and excursions will be additional as well. The cruise lines do sometimes run promotions for cheaper drink packages, spa services, or excursions ahead of time, so it’s worth checking out your booking online to see what you can purchase in advance for a discount.

    6. Budget for Gratuities

    Let’s talk about something cruisers passionately debate. It’s customary to provide gratuities for all the staff on board the ship – the ones you see, and those you don’t. The cruise lines make it easy by automatically adding those gratuities to your shipboard account near the end of your cruise. Depending on your cabin type, it can be anywhere from $15-20 per person per day. That number varies from cruise line to cruise line, but it’s a good rule of thumb. 

    Yes, you can have the Guest Services desk remove or reduce those gratuities, but I recommend leaving it as is. The crews work exceptionally hard to make our cruises amazing, and it’s important that the people behind the scenes that you never see are recognized for the work they do specifically for you. If there’s someone that really knocks it out of the park for you, consider giving them an additional cash tip before the end of the cruise.

    Don’t be surprised by the gratuities, and make sure you budget for it while enjoying your cruise!

    7. Book Your Excursions Early

    The cruise lines offer a wide variety of excursions for every destination, but there’s not always going to be enough space for everyone to do a particular tour. The popular ones sell out early, so my recommendation is that you start looking at excursions as soon as you can after booking. If the one you love is sold out, that happens sometimes, but you can always keep checking back to see if more tickets become available.

    8. Explore the Ship on Day One

    The moment I get on a new ship, I explore all the public areas before it gets crazy busy. This is a great way to learn the layout and discover places you may want to visit over the course of your cruise. You’re going to want to know where the dining room is… or the spa… or the adults-only deck… or the hot tubs. Take that time to familiarize yourself with the ship. You will have maps available in most elevator lobbies and also your cruise app!

    9. Carry Your Passport & Documents

    I don’t know why I made this number nine, but it’s probably the most important thing. DO NOT PACK YOUR PASSPORT AND DOCUMENTS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. Carry them with you. If you hand your bag off to the porter, and your passport is in it, you’re going to really struggle to get on the ship and may get turned away. Before arriving at the port, put your boarding pass and passport or other documents in your carry-on or in a safe, easy-to-reach pocket. 

    Again, for the folks in the back… CARRY YOUR PASSPORT AND DOCS WITH YOU!

    10. Be Flexible

    One of the reasons people go on vacation is to relax, and part of that relaxation is dependent on being flexible when things change. Weather can suddenly send your ship to Canada instead of the Caribbean. Embrace the idea that some things are outside of your control, and that a “go with the flow” attitude will greatly enhance your time away. Yes, things go wrong sometimes, and when it does, the staff will do everything in their power to help and keep you safe. Instead of blowing your top at the Guest Services desk (or the beleaguered John Heald, if you’re a Carnival guest), take a moment to bring the anger down a notch first. Be flexible and forgiving and know that the cruise lines are there to provide amazing vacations while keeping you safe. 

    Here’s a bonus tip! You’ll hear lots of advice from others on Facebook groups for your sailings, so be sure to check those out as well. And don’t forget, you can also find the Cruising with Brad Facebook page where I share cruise tips and tricks.

    Congrats on your very first cruise! I hope to see you on board soon!

    If you haven’t booked yet, I’d love to help you plan the perfect cruise.

  • What Should I Pack for a Cruise?

    What Should I Pack for a Cruise?

    Packing for a cruise can be exciting and stressful at the same time. You don’t want to forget anything, but you also don’t want to drag your wardrobe onto the ship. Cabins don’t have a ton of storage space, and trust me — you’ll regret overpacking when you’re trying to squeeze your suitcase under the bed. I’ve been cruising since 2004, and I’ve learned what actually makes it into my suitcase every time (and what just ends up being dead weight).

    Here’s my go-to cruise packing guide.

    The Absolute Must-Haves

    • Passport and boarding documents: Don’t even think about putting these in checked luggage. Keep them with you at all times. When you’re on the ship, store these in your safe.
    • Medications: In your carry-on, not your checked bag. Bonus tip — bring a few extra days’ worth just in case. You never know.
    • Wallet stuff: Credit card, a little cash, and your room key once you’re onboard. You don’t need those department store cards. Maybe thin your wallet out before traveling.

    Clothes That Actually Get Worn

    Here’s the thing: you’re not going to wear four outfits a day. I promise.

    • Daywear: Swimsuits, shorts, tees, and a cover-up for walking around the ship.
    • Evenings: Most nights are casual, but there are usually one or two “elegant” or “formal” nights. Pack at least one outfit that makes you feel sharp.
    • Layers: A light sweater or jacket — theaters and dining rooms can feel like the Arctic. If you’re sailing to the Arctic, this will just feel like normal.
    • Excursion gear: Comfortable walking shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting sweaty in. Pay attention to requirements on some of the excursions. Some may require closed-toe shoes.

    Pro tip: I use the ship’s wash-and-fold laundry service almost every cruise. It saves space in my suitcase and keeps me from hauling home a mountain of dirty clothes.

    Shoes (Don’t Go Overboard)

    • Flip-flops or sandals for the pool deck.
    • Walking shoes for exploring in port.
    • Dress shoes if you’re hitting formal night or specialty dining.
      That’s it — you don’t need six pairs.
    • Try to keep it to three pair if you can, and remember that you’re wearing one of those three when you leave the house.

    Toiletries & “Save the Day” Items

    Cruise cabins have soap and shampoo, but it’s not always the best. Here’s what I bring:

    • Sunscreen (don’t pay ship prices).
    • Aloe gel (because sunburns happen).
    • Seasickness remedies (patches, bands, or pills — even if you think you don’t get seasick).
    • Travel-sized toiletries and deodorant. I can’t live without my loofah.
    • A mini first-aid kit with basics like band-aids and pain relievers.

    Tech & Handy Extras

    What NOT to Pack

    Don’t waste suitcase space on stuff that’ll get confiscated at security or never see the light of day:

    • Irons, steamers, and surge protectors.
    • Candles or incense.
    • Weapons (yes, even little pocket knives).
    • Drugs, and I’m not talking about Tylenol. Don’t even try this. People will report you. You will get kicked off the ship and banned for life.
    • Too many clothes. Seriously. This isn’t Project Runway.

    Final Thoughts

    Packing for a cruise doesn’t need to be stressful. Keep it simple, pack smart, and focus on the things that will make your trip more comfortable. Forget something? Don’t panic — you can usually buy it onboard or in port.

    And if you’re sailing as one of my clients, I’ve got custom packing checklists based on where you’re going — because Alaska looks a whole lot different than the Caribbean.

    When you’re ready to plan your cruise, I’d love to help you get booked and make sure you’re ready to set sail without overstuffing your suitcase.