Cruise season is here and while travelling on a cruise ship is one of the most hassle-free ways of seeing the world, there are still ways to make your experience easier and less expensive. Check out these brilliant cruise ship hacks before you put on your sailor suit.
1 / 20
Don’t pay for the entire cruise at once
You should pay most things – credit cards, student loans, home loans – off as soon as possible, but a cruise is not one of them. Cruzely suggests that you pay the deposit and then wait a bit before you pay the rest, in case there is a price drop.
2 / 20
Book through a large travel agency
According to Cruzely, cruise prices are pretty much the same no matter which booking website you use. However, if you book through a large travel agency instead, you may save money and score all kinds of perks. It’s an easy way to get last-minute deals too.
3 / 20
Park at a hotel
Cruzely suggests that instead of going for the expensive in-port parking, you should check out hotels nearby. Many of these offer discounted or even free parking for the duration of your cruise if you stay with them the night before.
4 / 20
Pick you cabin wisely to avoid seasickness
If you tend to get seasick, the best cabin to get is one as low as possible and as close as you can to the middle of the ship, where things are more stable, according to Cruzely.
Just in case, don't forget your meds. Here's a handy list of 16 things even the best packers forget.
Just in case, don't forget your meds. Here's a handy list of 16 things even the best packers forget.
5 / 20
Interior cabins are much cheaper
One major cruise tip for first-timers: interior cabins are often hundreds of dollars cheaper than the ones with balconies. Yes, they’re windowless and dark but let’s face it: you’re not going to spend the entire cruise cooped up inside your cabin anyway.
6 / 20
Check out the secret decks
One of the secrets that cruise ships don’t tell you is that there are all kinds of hidden decks that aren’t widely advertised, but still accessible to the public. Cruzely says that these are great spots to get away from the crowds.
7 / 20
Ask the staff about storage
Popsugar suggests that you ask the staff on the ship about the storage your cabin offers. You’ll be surprised at how much space there actually is for your luggage.
Speaking of your baggage, these are the 20 items you should always pack in your carry-on.
Speaking of your baggage, these are the 20 items you should always pack in your carry-on.
8 / 20
Switch off your cell phone roaming
According to Popsugar, you’ll rack up major data costs if you don’t switch off your phone’s roaming service on board. In fact, turn off your phone altogether to make your vacation feel longer.
9 / 20
Bring a night light
Cruise Critic suggests using battery-operated tea lights to create mood lighting in your cabin. You can also pick up a night light when you shop for travel items at the dollar store. This is especially useful if you’ve booked a windowless interior cabin.
10 / 20
Pack seasickness meds
Even the most seasoned sailors can get seasick. Cruzely says that Guest Services will give you seasickness pills for free, but if you can barely stand up, having your own stash right there in your cabin will be a life saver.
11 / 20
Pack a first aid kit
A first aid kit is one of those things you should never travel without. Yes, there is a doctor on board, but do you really want to bother them with minor ailments that you could easily resolve with some headache tablets or bandages?
12 / 20
Bring a power strip
A power strip and plug adapters will keep your gadgets charged. As Popsugar points out, it will also eliminate the need to fight for open outlets if you’re travelling in a group.
13 / 20
Go cordless
Another way not to have to fight for open power outlets is to opt for cordless, battery-operated gadgets where you can. For instance, a cordless curling iron is a great travel beauty hack when you want to avoid bad hair days.
14 / 20
BYOB
If you want to have a nightcap without the hefty price tag, bring your own booze. However, as Popsugar says, there may be a limit to how much you may bring, so check with the cruise line first.
If you really want to feel fancy, don't miss the top 17 ways to get upgraded to first class.
If you really want to feel fancy, don't miss the top 17 ways to get upgraded to first class.
15 / 20
Avoid the “all you can drink” package
When you think of cruise tips and tricks, alcohol is one thing people try to save money on. Cruzely says that those “all you can drink” packages aren’t really a good deal, since you’ll have to drink 7 to 10 drinks every day before you start saving money. Being on the verge of alcohol poisoning for the duration of your vacation is not only expensive but is one of the most dangerous travel mistakes you can make.
16 / 20
Drink for free at the art auctions
A great tip from Cruzely is to head to the art auctions held on the ship. You get to appreciate good and not-so-good art and seem cultured and sophisticated while enjoying the bubbly for free.
17 / 20
Pack lunch for port days
Restaurants close to the port can be expensive tourist traps, so pack your own lunch for days when you’re in port. This will also give you more time to explore the best of the Caribbean islands and other cruise destinations.
18 / 20
Get free snacks at coffee bars
Cruise Critic says that those coffee bars with specialty drinks will charge for your java, but usually not for the snacks. You can get pastries, cakes and even salads or sandwiches for free.
19 / 20
Bring magnetic hooks
There’s more than enough metal in your cabin to justify bringing magnetic hooks. You can use them to create hanging space for your clothes or a makeshift clothes line for drying your stylish celeb-inspired swimsuits.
20 / 20
Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize
According to Cruzely, a cruise ship with thousands of people all in a limited space is one of the best places to spread a virus. Take some immune-boosting supplements and use hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes liberally and frequently to avoid getting ill.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT