June 3, 2024
Most casual cruisers don’t know that there’s a secret society of experts who have unlocked the key to having a perfect cruise. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but there are definitely people out there who have accrued enough cruising experience and done enough research to make the most of their trips. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled some of those best tricks into a convenient list. Here are 7 insider tips to help you cruise like a pro.
- Take time to understand your options.
If you think cruises are limited to routes in between the Caribbean Islands, think again! By the end of 2018, there were a total of 314 cruise ships worldwide, offering a multitude of routes. Cruise lines have taken this variety to the next level by giving their ships unique personalities and atmospheres. Cruise pros understand the cornucopia of options available in this industry and take their time to find the best option to meet their cruise needs. Let the research begin!
- Work with a travel expert to find the best deals.
Let’s face it, nobody wants to pay top dollar for a cruise ticket or any form of travel for that matter. A quick search online for saving big on cruises will yield thousands of results. Some suggestions hold water while others are complete speculation. In reality, working with a reputable travel expert is the most consistent method for saving money on a cruise like a pro.
- Pack the perfect amount of stuff.
Ah, the classic question of how much to pack. Perhaps the most common travel dilemma known to man. Cruises are a little bit trickier since there’s really no restriction on weight or amount. To keep yourself sane (and your back intact) try to limit your stuff to one carry-on bag and a larger, checked piece of luggage. This amount will make flying a breeze for those reaching their departure port by air since most airlines offer the same amount with each ticket.
- Make use of the carry-on option.
After docking, you’ll have a few hours (at least) before your larger pieces of luggage find their way to your cabin. While amateurs might kill this time in their room, cruise pros know how to make the most of their first day. Take advantage of your carry-on by packing enough stuff to last you through the evening. Swimsuits, an extra change of clothes, and any necessary medications should suffice – oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Stay onboard while others go into port.
Not excited about every stop on your route? Here’s an insider tip: stay on board while everyone else heads into port. You’ll have VIP-like access to all attractions on the ship since most passengers decide to head to shore. You might even be able to snag a few deals as some cruises knock down their prices while docked to entice passengers to spend their money on board rather than on land.
- Understand the cruise’s BYOB policies.
Everyone’s heard of a bring-your-own-booze party, but what about a BYOB cruise? Yes, they exist! But many cruises don’t advertise these quirky policies publicly. It’s usually restricted to a bottle of wine per cabin, but you can always pack some mixers or chasers to save extra money while onboard. So whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just want to take advantage of this “loophole”, copy this play from the Pro Cruiser handbook. Just be sure to read your cruise’s specific alcohol policies beforehand.
- Embrace formal night.
Catch a glimpse of what classic cruise ships might have felt like back in the day by embracing the “controversial” formal night. Some cruises set aside one evening where passengers are encouraged to dress up in their finest outfits and partake in a fancy party that looks more like a reenactment of a scene from Love Boat than it does a 21st-century shindig. Other cruises are moving towards a more casual environment. It might sound gimmicky, but if your down for the formal night offered by some cruises, cruise pros know how much fun this night can be. So dust off that graduation dress or tuxedo (if it still fits) and put on your best posh accent – monocles are optional.
If you’re ready to put these pro tips into practice, head on over to our site to get in touch with the travel planning experts from Cl Azumano Travel. For the moments you want, you should only work with experts that know. Good news: that’s us! Our team’s combined expertise and years of experience make us the best source of expert advice and custom travel experiences. We know where you’re going and can cater travel plans to meet your needs and wants.