Want to truly get away? Cruising is not only relaxing, it is also one of the most cost-effective ways to travel! These 25 cruise secrets can help you find the best deals, discover little-known tips & tricks, and help you make the most of your next cruise vacation.
There’s no getting around it–cruising is a great way to travel. Not only is it a great value and relatively easy to find fantastic deals, it is so relaxing to just get on the ship and have everything taken care of. No hassles, no decisions, no worries.
As a Florida resident, I get to enjoy the added bonus of living relatively close to several different ports, which makes it very easy to take advantage of last-minute deals. I realized it was high time I write a blog post about this topic, not just to list the benefits of cruising (which are many), but to actually share some of the best-kept cruise secrets we’ve learned along the way.
25 Cruise Secrets Everyone Should Know
Here are the 25 “insider” secrets to successful cruising that I think everyone should know.
Booking & Travel
You can guarantee about 80% of the success of your cruise vacation by taking a good amount of time to research and thoroughly plan for your trip in advance.
1. Choose the Right Ship for You
Choosing the right ship is the most important step in determining how successful your cruise vacation will be, and believe me, not all ships are created equal! Take the time to research the amenities of the exact ship you will be cruising on, not just the cruise line. We have cruised on Carnival, Norwegian, Holland-America, Royal Caribbean, and Princess, but our favorite ship so far has been be Carnival Sunshine. (Hard to beat a 4-slide water park and P.Y.O.B. (pour your own beer) on the Lido Deck!)
To avoid the cost of airfare, look for ports within driving distance, whether it be Florida, New York, New Orleans, California, or Seattle. Cruise Critic has an extensive searchable database of cruises where you can sort by destination, ports, special interests and more during specific travel dates. Or, if you are looking for a top rated cruise line, Conde Nast Traveler has an annual Gold List with the best cruise ships based on their readers’ choice ratings.
2. Check for Special Interests
Whether you are interested in a romantic trip for two or a trip the whole family will love, look into cruises that fulfill your and your guests’ special interests. Many cruise lines offer themed cruises or special events for singles, families, music lovers, etc. Carnival is now even offering big name concert events on some of their ships. This concert series, aptly named Carnival Live brings in some of the biggest names in classic rock and country music to do on-board concerts. For just $15 a ticket you can see big names like Lady Antebellum, Daughtry, Chicago, Kansas, and many more. (For $100 you can get a VIP ticket that gets you a front row seat and a chance to meet the band!)
3. Book at the Last Minute
If you are willing to be flexible with your travel plans you can get some amazing deals on last minute cruises! One of the smartest way to book a last minute cruise is to first find out how close to the departure date a traveler can cancel their reservation without a penalty. This time is typically 2-3 months prior to departure, and it is the exact time you will want to call and check back for better deals. Cruise lines will often try to sell any available space at this time by reducing fare. If your cruise is already booked, this is also a good time to call to check for cabin upgrades. On Norwegian we were once able to upgrade our inside cabin to a full suite (complete with butler service) for just $250 per person by calling a month before the cruise to check for cancellations. That same suite normally would have cost several thousands of dollars more had we booked well in advance!
4. Ask for Special Discounts
It doesn’t hurt to ask, and more than likely it will be worth the time it took to ask the question. Just like hotels, cruise lines have incentives for different travelers… seniors, teachers, military, FL resident, etc. Cruise lines master accommodating all types of passengers and love to incentivize you to cruise with them over their competitors.
5. Compare Prices
When you are shopping for a cruise, there are numerous sites such as Priceline that you can use to search for best rates. Find a great deal? Call the cruise line directly to get an even better deal! Sellers will compete to get your business and can often discount the price you see online or give other perks such as on-board credit, free wine at dinner, or priority boarding. And remember, even after you book, keep checking back for additional deals or upgrades!
6. Check in After 2 pm
Most cruisers are eager to get on the ship as early as possible, which means that the cruise terminal can be really busy–and more than a little stressful–during the first few hours of boarding (generally from 11 m-2 pm). And while you may be able to get on the ship that early, chances are you won’t be able to get into your cabin until later in the afternoon, which means your first few hours on board will be spent hauling your stuff around. Not exactly the most relaxing start to a vacation! Instead, avoid the rush and the crowds by waiting to check in until after 2 pm (assuming your ship sets sail at 4 pm or later!) You’ll be able to walk right on without waiting and then go straight to your cabin.
7. Pick the Right Time to Go
Want to get a great deal on a cruise? Book your cruise for just after Labor Day when kids are back in school–the 2nd week in September offers some of the very best deals of the year. Coming in at a close second is the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a time when most people are too busy to travel.
Cabins
Once you decide on the ship that’s right for you, look into room options that best accommodate you and your guest(s). Then, plan what to bring with you carefully and make yourself at home once you’re there.
8. Spring for a balcony
Room options are typically either Inside (no windows), Outside (window/porthole view to the outside), Balcony (a room with a balcony on the outside of the ship), and Suite (a larger cabin often with separate living and sleeping areas and more amenities). If you plan on taking advantage of in-room dining, have kids who will be taking naps or typically get seasick, you will really appreciate the extra space and killer view you get from a balcony room or suite.
9. Make the most of an interior cabin
If cost is your primary concern, plan on spending most of your awake time enjoying the ship and excursions, making the time spent in your room mostly for sleeping and getting ready. To avoid seasickness, keep the TV turned on to the ship camera which will create the illusion of having a window when you have an inside room.
10. Don’t Take Too Much Stuff!
Make a list of clothing you need on the trip. Then cut that in half! While ship cabins do make the most of a small space, they are still small, especially when you are traveling as a family! No one cares if you wear the same clothes over again, and all ships offer laundry service if necessary. Find out ahead of time how many “formal” nights the cruise has, if any, and also how strict the dress code is. If you don’t like dressing up, you can always choose room service or Lido dining those evenings to avoid having to pack a tux or formal gown.
11. Bring Magnetic Clips
An often forgotten detail about cruise ships–they are made out of metal! These handy magnetic clips make it easy to hang important items, such as your ship card, dining menus, reminders, and even notes to your family and friends if you split up for the day.
12. Take Time to Unpack
Though you’ll see many destinations while on your cruise, you only have to unpack once! Do unpack. Whether you are on a cruise for 3 days or 3 weeks, making yourself at home by unpacking will make your trip (and getting ready for each event) SO much more enjoyable. Room stewards are experts finding out-of-the-way places to stash suitcases, and even the smallest cabins have a surprisingly large number of drawers and closets.
13. Keep Things Tidy
Even “large” quarters on ships are a much smaller space than you are used to living in. Take a few minutes each time you come back to the cabin to keep things tidy in order to avoid feeling like the walls are closing in on you.
Food & Drinks
Cruise ship cuisine is pretty spectacular! It is best enjoyed when you know all of your dining options and take advantage of them.
14. Don’t be Afraid to Order What You Want
You are on vacation! Many first time cruisers don’t realize that even in the main dining room, you can order as many entrees, appetizers, or desserts as you please. And if you have special dietary needs, there are always healthier options you can mix in with the meal of your choice. Ask for a special diet menu that may include lower sodium and lower fat options.
15. Plan Meals Ahead
Ask to see the main dining room menu for the week. That way you can plan your meals accordingly and book specialty restaurants for the evenings that the main dining room fare doesn’t excite you. On Carnival you can receive a free bottle of wine for booking a reservation at the steakhouse on the first day of your cruise.
16. Don’t Miss the Specialty Restaurants
Most cruise lines have now begun offering specialty fare at a slight up charge (between $5 and $25 per person, depending on the restaurant.) While your first inclination may be to skip the specialty dining in favor of all the free options, it is worth setting aside a little extra room in your budget for at least one night of specialty dining. Carnival’s JiJi Asian Bistro ($15 per person) is downright phenomenal, and the steak house on our Norwegian ship was absolutely amazing. Of course not all specialty dining has an added cost, and even some of the premium restaurants are free at lunchtime–just check your ship to see what is offered!
17. Take Advantage of Free Room Service
Most cruise lines offer free room service, which makes for a relaxing evening in. Don’t feel obligated to go to the dining room – this is your vacation! Room service breakfast is also a very nice way to start the day, particularly if you have a balcony room.
18. Drink Smart
While cruising is mostly all-inclusive, drinks are not generally included! Therefore it is smart to get creative on how you partake. A tip for wine drinkers? Bring your own wine. You may be charged a cork fee but it will be significantly cheaper than buying a full bottle on the ship. For non-alcoholic drinks you can typically purchase a drink card that will give you access to unlimited soda.
19. Eat Lunch in the Main Dining Room
For a quieter, more relaxing lunch, try eating lunch at least a few times in the main sit-down dining room rather than the busy Lido deck buffet. The dress code is still casual but the food is usually amazing and the service impeccable. Carnival also offers a Sea-Day Brunch that is absolutely to-die for!
Excursions & Entertainment
Depending on the ship you choose, chances are each day you will wake up in a new place with the option to go onshore and explore or stay on the ship. By knowing what activities are available to you on and offshore, you will be sure to be entertained in a way that’s best for you!
20. Explore Your Ship
There are tons of on-board amenities you can take advantage of when you are out at sea or want to stay on board vs. going on an excursion. In the first couple of days, be sure to walk around and familiarize yourself with the ship and its offerings. Also – ask others what they are looking forward to on the ship or have enjoyed doing thus far.
21. Choose Excursions Wisely
Cruise lines offer shore excursions at every port – from bus tours to activities like snorkeling and zip lining. You may also have the option to tour around yourself, but be mindful of time and language barriers. You are best off reviewing excursions in advance of the cruise and booking them online to avoid any confusion or overbooking the day-of. This will also give you time to carefully read the fine print and excursion restrictions.
22. Don’t Miss the Shows
While the shows do vary from ship to ship, they are almost always really good and very entertaining. You may even have the opportunity to see a big name performer for a concert or comedy show for almost nothing. Because of the smaller size of a cruise venue vs. an arena, these events are more intimate and enjoyable than typical concerts–there is literally not a bad seat in the house!
23. Take Advantage of the Kids Club!
A ship typically has well-organized camps and activities for children, organized by age, typically 3+. (For younger children there are sometimes classes or special babysitting times offered.) These interactive classes and activities will keep the kids entertained while giving parents some free time as well. We have personally been most impressed with the quality of kids club facilities and variety of activities on the Carnival ships we have been on, but all the cruise lines have been very good. The best part is that aside from late night babysitting, it is completely free!
24. Research Ports Ahead of Time
Take the time to find out a little about the ports you will be visiting to find out what you might like to do or see while you are there. You may also find some highly rated excursions at a better price than you would find if you purchased on the ship. Our all-time favorite excursion in Alaska was this Sea Plane excursion to Taku Lodge, which is significantly cheaper when not booked through the ship, and our favorite excursion EVER in was Dolphin Discovery, which we booked online before our cruise. We went to the one in Cozumel, but they have locations all over Mexico and the Caribbean.
25. Find a Favorite Hangout
Every ship is different but all are purposely designed to offer comfortable spaces for a variety of tastes. Often your favorite memories from a cruise will come from having found your “special” place somewhere on the ship, whether it be a particular bar or restaurant, deck chair, or cozy corner in the atrium. The staff assigned to that particular spot on the ship will generally stay the same through the duration of your cruise, which can come in handy, and it is also a good idea to have a designated meeting spot in case you get separated on board, since cell phones don’t usually work at sea!
Whether you plan to cruise for three days or three weeks, knowing some of these “insider” secrets can help make your next cruise your best trip yet. Bon voyage!
Do you have any other cruising secrets to share? What is your favorite ship?
Other helpful resources:
- 20 Smart Ways to Save on a Disney Vacation
- How to Plan a Debt Free Vacation
- 25 Awesome Staycation Ideas
PIN FOR LATER:
Ruth Soukup
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I second the suggestion to use a travel agent. We got way better deals with agents than direct from the cruise.
I agree with every single tip you said. I’ve been on 5 cruises, enjoyed them all immensely, and am about to take my 6th in a couple weeks.
Having breakfast in the main dining room is a great way to go, also. Usually a spectacular view, great service, and you can get such niceties as eggs benedict, or even make unusual off-menu orders. I love the coffee onboard also, and it’s nice to not have to go to a line to get a refill.
Be sure to tell the cruise lines of any special events. Our first cruise ever, we were celebrating our 20th anniversary. The cruise line went out of their way to make it special. We had our own private dinner table in the rear of the ship, with an absolutely glorious view. When our daughter went on her honeymoon, it was the same treatment.
Lastly, when you go on your cruise, turn your cell phone off, throw it in a drawer, and leave the world behind. Plan to completely disconnect, and trust that the world will continue to turn, the people you put in charge WILL manage without you, and relax. Don’t even call. Don’t even try to email. Enjoy your spouse, your time, your food, the entire experience. Sing karoake, even if you stink. Go sit in the hot tub. But you are NOT allowed to turn on your phone. (BTW, it costs like $10 per minute anyway. So don’t do it.)
Great tips! If you get to the port by 10-10:30 am there is not a wait and they will start boarding as soon as the ship is ready, before 11 am! Yes it’s true you can’t get to your room, just pack a beach bag with the essentials and then enjoy lunch on the lido deck, they start serving at 11am! Also walkie talkies are essential!!! you will always be able to get in touch with your group, anywhere they are on the ship the entire week. The walkie talkies were the best investment we made, especially when traveling with a large group of family or friends! Make sure you look at the itinerary for each day, there are often events that do not get announced that are awesome and you would otherwise miss if you do not pay attention, like free liquor tasting a few hours after boarding, on the first day!
What kind of Wilkie talkies did you have?
I would also like to know which walkie talkies people have found to work best. I’m going on Princess alaska cruise and I imagine it will be mostly non school age kids but mine are 13 and 16 and will run off on their own and I’d like to be able to contact them (not sure if I can get my 16 year old to carry a walkie ?)
Regarding shore excursions – BE AWARE!!
If you book an excursion through the cruise line, and something happens to delay you, the ship will wait for you!
If you book an excursion through an outside company or group and are delayed getting back to the ship (for whatever reason) you will be watching it sail away without you, and it will be your responsibility to either get yourself home, or get yourself to the next port of call to re-board the cruise.
Is the minimal savings of booking with an outside company really worth the risk?
This is why it is a great idea to book your trip with a Travel Agent – they are there to help you and have loads of knowledge about these kinds of issues!
Oh yeah, we’ve seen people running down the dock as we sailed away. The ship WILL NOT wait for you, and once they’ve closed the door they will not let you on. We’ve seen people standing on the dock as the gangway was pulled up and it didn’t matter.
We booked 3 excursions with http://www.shoreexcursioneer.com in May and it was the best ones we have ever been on! So much better than the overcrowded, overpriced cruise excursions. We had 6 people & 2 crew on a catamaran sail & snorkel in Cozumel, fresh pineapple, guacamole, chips, margaritas, & the best instruction I’ve ever heard on snorkeling! They DO have a guarantee and will pay to get you to next port if anything happens. They wouldn’t be in business for 15 years if they didn’t care about getting cruisers back on time. It is just a scare tactic about booking only with cruise line. Most people that miss the ship have gone out on their own and didn’t allow enough time to get back. I’ll never book with the cruise line again!
Great post! Thanks. I found it on Pinterest and am pinning it to read before my next cruise as a “refresher”! We have been on many cruises and have always only done the excursions from the cruise line. I’ve wanted to choose an independent excursion because of the potential savings, but am nervous about it because of the time guarantees. On our last cruise to Belize, we were more than 4 hours late returning to ship (3 hours after the ship should have already sailed!). It wasn’t really anyone’s fault – just lots of people going to the same places and we lost time. Carnival was very apologetic about it (although I really didn’t feel like anyone needed to apologize) and even joked a little about us setting the record for the latest return of any group they’ve had! An adventure for sure but we would have been out of luck if we had booked on our own. Any other suggestions ?
Our first and only cruise was when our son was 16 months old… and it was awful. He was considered a full priced passenger as the 3rd person in the room because of the “special programs onboard tailored to his age group”, which made sense considering that we pay for him at the swimming pool, children’s museum, etc. Once onboard we realized that there were no programs for him, he wasn’t allowed in any pool including the kiddie pool (not potty trained), and we couldn’t even play with him in the kids area because the area was only for kids programs. We spent the week wandering the halls, looking at the water, and learning how to crawl backwards down the stairs. It was like vacationing in an office building. I would absolutely go again…after the kids are old enough to enjoy being left in the daycare area by themselves (maybe 5yo?)
Not a fair comment. Cruises are definately not the place to bring a 16 month old. There is no way you could possibly enjoy your vacation.
As I said in my comment to the above poster, we really loved our cruise with our 17 month old. You just need to cruise on a ship with a drop-off nursery. We don’t have anyone we could ask to watch our child for several days, and I think we have every right to still be able to go on vacation. Especially if we are sailing a family-oriented cruise line.
I am truly sorry you did not have a good experience! We cruised last winter with our then 17 month old, and although there were a couple things we couldn’t do (like certain excursions and staying up really late) ensuring that we picked a ship that had a drop-off nursery for his age was essential. (Only on Royal Caribbean) They also had a baby splash pad for diapered babies. We spent the mornings having breakfast together, then swimming in the splash pad or off to port, then we split his naptime 50/50, the one who stayed in the room read or napped on the balcony, the other explored the ship. Then after nap he was dropped off to the amazing nursery to play with his new friends until bedtime. And we got to have our alone time. I hope you will consider looking into that program in the future. We all deserve a vacation! And I know that we as parents don’t always have someone who can take our kids for long periods of time.
Please…why would you want to take an infant into a confined ship when they are known for harboring Norovirus? Also I did not save up for a cruise to have a bawling baby onboard
I went onot a Carnival cruise when my son was 19 months & I was able to drop him off at their kids area. They also had a Build-A-Bear workshop for kids (extra $). It was a little chilli for us to swim, but we didn’t have any issues. I even left him with the kids area when we went offshore (b/c the horror stories with kidnapped children in other countries). Of course, leaving him on the ship without me was terrifying as well, but their childcare attendants were awesome.
Royal Caribbean has a sale every so often where kids sail free! Well worth it!!
Definitely a good example of why doing homework or research on a particular cruise is so important. If you booked this one with a travel agent get a new one that was their job