Wanderlust Wednesday: Cruise Edition

With spring break here, or nearly here, and our own cruise vacation right around the corner, I thought this week's Wanderlust Wednesday would focus on some cruise tips. I have been on just a few cruises and absolutely love it. I know it tends to be a love or hate situation. What I love about it is the carefree and stress free vacation. There is very little planning once you are on the boat, we book our excursions in advance and the rest of the time just go with the flow. You don't have to decide where to eat, how to get there, what hotels to stay in etc. The other great thing is that with beachy destinations, there typically is not a large agenda that must be fulfilled.  In my opinion, cruises are especially great for group vacations. While I am not an expert and I am sure many have cruised much more frequently than I, here is a list of tips  I have learned or wish I knew before boarding!

 I mean who doesn't love these views? (St. Thomas, USVI).

1. Bring a water bottle- this may seem basic but water and other drinks are not available all over the boat and it can be a pain to run back to the buffet area to get a glass of water. This is also helpful to fill up before you head out of the boat at a port of call. We waited in line for about 30 minutes in Starbucks to get a bottle of water on our last cruise, which could have been easily avoided by the water bottle. This one will be joining me on our trip. I believe you are also permitted to bring cases of water on board with you but depending on the amount/means of travel you have before arriving at the ship that may not be the most convenient option.
2. Bring small bills. We heard from friends that it is best to leave a few dollars each day for your room steward as a token of appreciation. You want to have small bills on hand to leave tips at the end of your vacation as well. You can do this on your onboard account as well but everyone likes a little cash.
3. Bring sunscreen, SPF lip-balm, a hat, and all other sun essentials. You can always get these onboard but there will certainly be an up charge and you won't want to waste your vacation running around the ports of call trying to gather these items. I always forget the SPF lip balm and my lips always burn.
4. Board the ship early or very late. I know there are two schools of thought on this. I abide by the first, board the boat as early as possible, eat lunch, sneak in a pre-sailaway nap, and enjoy yourself. Otherwise you will wait in line for hours on end and you will be agitated when you finally board. Or choose to board late, not too late that you miss the boat, but late enough that you have missed all the traffic of families and groups boarding.
5. If you are going to do excursions, book them before you board. We have done this every time and it makes it so easy. By the time you are onboard you have a rough agenda and no issues with excursions being full, not having any plans (unless you prefer that) and not waiting in lines or stressing out when your relaxing trip is underway. The line at the excursion counter on our last cruise was about a mile long the first morning of the cruise. No. thank. you. (I guess I may as well add that I hate waiting in line).
6. Bring a bottle of wine or champagne. On most cruise lines adults are allowed to bring one standard 750ml bottle of wine or champagne. If you drink this at dinner they will charge you a corking fee (assuming you bring the bottle with you, even if they do not open it), if you drink it in your room or around the ship (not at a dining location), no one will care.  Carry this on the ship with you and you will have no problems. I cant wait to be sipping some non-cruise line priced mimosas from our balcony!
7. Make friends. Especially if you are seated with strangers at dinner, enjoy the company and chit chat. This can sometimes be awkward but in my experience, everyone is on vacation and up for some fun. It is amazing what you will learn from the variety of cruisers and it is fun to see each other throughout the ship and in port and borrow each other's tips and tricks for the week. Embrace it.
8. Carry your luggage off the ship. If you can, do this. It will eliminate so much of that dreaded wait time. We decided to carry our own luggage and originally had planned to sleep in but we were up early and then just jumped off the ship early with no waiting, no traffic, and we were so happy. Added bonus: zero chance of lost or confused baggage.
9.  Bring hand sanitizer. This probably doesn't need a lot of explanation but bring some. Keep it in your beach bag.
10. Check the daily itinerary the night before. On most cruises this is delivered to your state room at night with the turn down service. Make sure to plan dinner around the shows etc. The comedy shows are usually hysterical and often have a few show times. The itinerary also has things you may miss, dance lessons, rock climbing times etc. A lot of activities have time restrictions so this helps make sure you get to fit in everything you want with no disappointment!

Needless to say, I am counting down the days to crystal clear waters, relaxation, and being completely unplugged!

Do you avid cruisers agree with these tips? What are some of your own?