10 tips: make the most of your first day on a cruise ship

Blog Layout

10 tips: make the most of your first day on a cruise ship

Randall Shirley • Aug 05, 2014

Experienced cruisers know that getting settled onboard can help make the entire vacation a lot nicer and smoother. Here are Editor Randall’s tips to make the most of your first day on a cruise ship.

Before you sail off into the sunset, set yourself up for a great cruise experience with our cruise ship tips. Photo: Randall Shirley

Arrive in your embarkation port at least one day early! Never risk traveling to the port on embarkation day, especially if you have to fly to get there. Spend the night in the embarkation city, ideally in a hotel close to the pier.
Don’t be in a rush to board the ship. But don’t wait until the last minute, either; there can be a lineup in either case. We generally head for the ship about 3 hours prior to the scheduled sailing time.
Keep the following in your carry on bags: medications, basic toiletries, a change of clothes, your swimsuit. If, for some reason, your larger luggage is severely delayed in arriving at your room, at least you won’t be stuck completely without options.
Make sure everything works in your room, and if you’re unhappy with your room, call customer service. They should be able to tell you if there are options available. Remember a dose of kindness goes further than rude or demanding behavior.
Find out where and when the LGBT gathering will be held. If it’s not in the printed program in your stateroom, call guest services and ask about it!
Walk around the ship and explore the public areas. This is your chance to see all the facilities—including upcharge areas like the spa—making it easier to decide if they’re worth paying for. The spa may offer a multi-day package that lets you use certain facilities; do the math and really think it through to ensure it’s worth it for you.

Dining in the ship’s speciality restaurants can be a real highlight, as it was on the NCL Pride of America, Jefferson’s Bistro. Photo: Randall Shirley
Unpack—especially on a trip of 7 or more nights. Completely unpack. It makes the trip so much more pleasant.
Hang your clothes, use the drawers. Keep in mind that cruise staterooms have many clever storage spots—there are sometimes drawers as part of the TV/vanity, in your nightstands, and more. The bathroom will also usually have lots of hidden nooks and shelves, too. Check to see if the mirror opens up.
If you’re traveling with coats or other items you won’t need during the cruise, put them in your suitcases. Then slide your suitcases under the bed.
Check to see if any of the specialty restaurants are offering discounts on the first night, and take advantage if they are. You might also be able to buy a multi-visit package for the speciality restaurants; ask!
Start meeting people! When you meet someone you’d like to spend more time with during the cruise, be sure you know how to get in touch with each other—especially challenging on big ships.
If there’s a special request you’d like—constant fresh ice and larger glasses in your room, perhaps—let your cabin attendant know. And offer him/her a gratuity on day one ($20 perhaps), stating that you’re looking forward to a lovely cruise. It may improve your overall experience.
BONUS item! Be sure to attend the show on the first night! It’s often a variety show, showcasing the various acts that will appear during the cruise. It’s often hosted by the cruise director, and may give you insight into many things that will happen during your itinerary.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

A New Captain at MeetMeOnboard

By Adam Martindale • 15 Sep, 2022

MeetMeOnBoard, the premier brand dedicated solely to LGBTQ+ cruise enthusiasts families, and allies, is handing over the helm of the brand. The new “Captain” will be Adam Martindale, of Martindale Travel and Tours LLC, dba Cruise Planners.