There's nothing like being on a cruise ship for the first time. Now that you've overcome the long lines at check-in desks and the stress of taking off your coat and belt through security, it's time to relax and spend a few days, or even weeks, traveling the world.
But even with the opportunity for rest and relaxation at hand, passengers should follow one tip I've learned from more than 10 cruise trips:
Depending on boarding time, passengers may be told that their cabins are still being deep cleaned and cannot be accessed for the first few hours on board.
Therefore, it is important for passengers to remember to pack wisely before heading to the cruise terminal. Most luggage is checked in, similar to what you would encounter at an airport, but everything you need, such as sunglasses, medicine, and a cell phone charger, should be placed in a small bag that travelers can bring on board themselves. must be kept.
However, to avoid having to carry a large suitcase on board on what is probably the busiest day, we recommend choosing a smaller bag that can be carried over your shoulder or on your back.
Many passengers do the exact same thing while waiting for their cabins to be cleared. Head straight to the cruise ship's main buffet for snacks.
The large dining area is an ideal place to quickly grab a hearty meal, but cruise passengers looking for a slightly more secluded spot to enjoy lunch may want to avoid it and take a stroll around the ship. is recommended.
Many of the ship's dining rooms and specialty restaurants are open, even on embarkation day, which most passengers are not yet aware of. As a result, passengers get plenty of attention and a particularly impressive meal without risking crowding.
Even if you're full, don't forget your adventurous spirit and continue exploring the ship. Doing so not only burns calories, but also helps tourists find the best attractions on board.
Almost all cruisers have an onboard pool or theater, but many of the newer ships also feature all kinds of movie theaters, basketball courts, and even amusement park rides.
These attractions are often the busiest parts of the ship, especially on sea day trips, and tourists who first discover these attractions are given plenty of time to enjoy them before setting sail. Masu.
Finally, perhaps the most important thing that every passenger must do during the first few hours on board a cruise ship is collective training. This is a presentation that shows passengers exactly what they need to do in the event of an emergency on board.
Previously, most cruise lines required all passengers to wear life jackets and leave for the meeting point at the same time. However, since COVID-19, passengers are often able to watch safety videos on their mobile phones or on-board TVs and check-in at designated meeting points.
Passengers may think they can get away without watching a short video, but staff are not trained and keep records of all passengers who cannot legally leave the port until everyone is finished .