Every cruise is a small miracle. You check in, find your state room, unpack, and that’s it. Every day you open your curtains, and a whole new destination awaits you outside.
Be Realistic About Seasickness
You never forget your first bout with seasickness. I’ve crossed some of the world’s most treacherous stretches of sea, including the infamous Drake Passage. This pinch-point between the southern tip of South America and the outstretched arm of the Antarctic Peninsula regularly showcases some of the wildest wind and waves on Earth.Once, crossing the Drake and steaming to the frozen continent on an old research vessel carrying just 60 guests, we sailed into a huge storm. Thirty-five-foot waves and hurricane-force gusts violently rocked the hardy little ship. Gamely, we went to dinner. Just as we were seated, a massive wave hit us broadside, smashing dishes, scattering silverware, and throwing a few people from their chairs.
But in none of these cases did I get sick. Because after getting queasy on one of my first voyages—a sunny little luxury cruise in the Caribbean—I had a frank discussion with my pharmacist. And that’s what I recommend for you, too—tell them what you’re doing, where you’re going, and what they’d recommend. And I’d add that it’s helpful to have an option for medium seas and a heavy-duty go-to for rough ones.
Ask for a Tour
It’s a cliche, but it’s also true—today’s largest cruise ships are floating cities. Literally dozens of restaurants and swimming pools and, in some cases, roller coasters and go-cart tracks. And many thousands of fellow guests and staff of all stripes.But even on smaller ships, it’s easy to miss something. For example: on a medium-small vessel with about 800 on board, I once didn’t discover a beautiful jacuzzi area on the stern until the final day of the voyage. Another time, on a very small expedition ship, a staff member showed me a hidden library that I never would’ve found myself.
Ask for an Upgrade
Once everyone is checked in and on board, the ship often isn’t entirely full. Expensive suites, especially, sometimes remain unsold. Once, I was on board a medium-sized ship that was sailing at a little less than half-capacity. I spoke with the hotel director, who asked me to wait an hour, and then elevated my accommodation from a small, simple entry level state room to a giant suite on the stern. Not only did it offer a living room, dining room, dressing chamber, and big bedroom, I had copious amounts of outdoor space on a wrap-around balcony. I ended up spending many hours out there on the day bed, watching the Mediterranean go by.Buy the Package
Let me tell you, if you’re trying to mind your budget and save money, a cruise is not the best place to do it. Most ships charge extra for things like alcoholic drinks, speciality coffee, premium internet access, and so on. And they also usually offer an all-inclusive package that offers unlimited amounts of each of these.Make the Most of Your Sea Days
Many novice cruisers dread days-at-sea, but they’re actually my favorite. Think about it: You’re staying in a floating hotel, and everything you could ever need is no more than a five-minute walk away. Fancy a hot fudge sundae, a steaming slice of pizza, or a massage? It’s all here, for your cruising pleasure, along with a pool and a jacuzzi and a well-stocked bar. Or free movies in your room, if you’re feeling lazy.And ships will often offer special activities to keep guests busy on sea days. From goofy scavenger hunts to enrichment talks in the theatre with various experts. So have a close look at your schedule, balance relaxation and activity, and enjoy your day on board sailing the high seas, with so much fun ahead.
