First Time Cruise Tips

For most people going on a first time cruise, the idea can make you feel a little intimidated. How do I book a cruise? Where can I find some really good first time cruise tips? What should I wear to dinner? What’s the tips procedure?

Check out these first time cruise tips for more details.

1. Do I have to let a travel agent book my cruise?

Go straight to the cruise line Web site. Booking your own trip is very possible. How do you find the right cruise for you? Do you prefer the nightlife or would you prefer a family friendly cruise? Will you need childcare, organized arts or activities for your teen?

Researching more first time cruise tips and what each ship offers can be done at Web sites like CruiseCritic.com or TripAdvisor.com.

2. What accessories do I bring?

It’s always a good idea to pack flip-flops or other slip-on shoes along with a robe or cover-up for going from the pool to your cabin. Find out the local weather forecast. A New York-Caribbean trip in winter means some cold days at sea.

A lot of cruise lines provide self-serve washing machines and dryers. Using the ship’s laundry can be expensive. Be sure to pack enough clothing for your cruise or locate a coin-op laundry in port.

Do you think you’ll need a clock by your bedside? Pack one. Not every room has them (though you can always arrange a wake-up call). The stateroom bathroom will have shampoo and soap, but maybe not free moisturizer and conditioner, like you’d have in a hotel.

3. What’s included in my cruise price?

Your cruise fare should include the room, food and some beverages. No-cost drinks should include coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade and — with breakfast — juice.

Wine or liquor should be added at no cost on most luxury cruise lines. On some other cruises, you can’t even receive a free soda, but you can purchase drink packages with unlimited soda ($6 a day is typical).

You can go through a lot of cash on alcohol, casinos, spas, Internet access, video games and shopping.

If you have to watch every penny, go with the free activities — pool, gym, shows and — in port — a stroll through town or the beach instead of that costly helicopter ride.

For those interested in shore excursions, you’ll find vendors providing tours in each port. They may cost less than what the cruise ship charges for similar outings.

Book in advance via the cruise line and know that it’s money well-spent. Popular tours book quickly.

4. Who should I be tipping?

Many luxury cruise ships don’t allow tipping. Many other ship lines suggest certain amounts. Some provide advance gratuity options or include a service charge for the dining room crew and the person who takes care of your room.

The usual tip for stateroom staffer is $3.50 a day; dining room employee tips average $5-$10 per day, with that amount shared by your waiter, wine steward and maitre d’.

With included tips, you’re charged a gratuity for each person in your party, for each day of the cruise. So even if your kids never eat in the formal dining room, advance tips will be provided to the servers on their behalf. It could be a wiser decision to decide on tips at the end of your cruise, in case it makes more sense to tip a buffet worker who delighted your children each night at dinner with a magic trick.

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