Make the Most of Your Trip
A cruise can be an incredible way to travel, offering relaxation, entertainment and adventure all in one amazing vacation. However, certain mistakes can ruin your experience—or worse, put you in danger. To make the most of your trip, here are 10 things to never do on a cruise.
1. Ignore Safety Drills
It might be tempting to skip the mandatory safety drill, especially if you’ve cruised before, but these brief sessions provide critical information in case of an emergency. Pay attention to where your muster station is and review the emergency procedures—your safety depends on it. They’re usually very quick and as soon as they’re done, you can get back to enjoying your vacation.
2. Overpack
Cabins on a cruise ship are notoriously small and storage is limited. Bringing too many outfits, multiple pairs of shoes or unnecessary gadgets will clutter your cabin and make it difficult to stay organized. Instead, pack versatile clothing and essentials only. You can do so by taking a look at your itinerary and packing accordingly.
3. Drink Too Much Alcohol
Cruise ships are renowned for their abundant alcohol options, from open bars to drink packages. While this can certainly but a fun part of a vacation, overindulging can lead to less than ideal situations, and in some cases, dangerous ones. Not only can excessive drinking ruin your trip, but it also increases your risk of injury, dehydration and other health issues.
4. Forget to Wash Your Hands
Cruises are notorious for making people sick. With thousands of passengers sharing close quarters, ships can become breeding grounds for germs. Norovirus and other illnesses can spread quickly if passengers don’t practice proper hygiene. Always wash your hands before meals, after using public spaces and carry hand sanitizer.
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5. Leave Your Balcony Door Open
An open balcony door might seem like a great way to enjoy the ocean breeze, but it can create a dangerous wind tunnel effect in your cabin, slamming doors shut unexpectedly. Additionally, it can let in moisture, leading to mold and mildew issues. If you’re going to open your balcony door, make sure to keep an eye on things and don’t keep it open for too long.
6. Skip Travel Insurance
Many people assume they don’t need travel insurance for a cruise, but unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost luggage can turn a dream vacation into a financial nightmare. Most regular health insurance plans won’t cover medical expenses at sea, making travel insurance a wise investment. No one ever plans for a disaster to occur; so make sure you’re prepared in case something does happen.
7. Miss the Ship’s Departure Time
Off-ship excursions can be some of the most enjoyable parts of a cruise. But it also presents risks, as one of the worst things you can do on a cruise is return late from a port excursion and miss the ship’s departure. Cruise ships run on a strict schedule and will not wait for late passengers. Always give yourself extra time to return to the ship, and consider booking excursions through the cruise line to ensure a timely return.
8. Disrespect Crew Members
Cruise staff work long hours to provide guests with an enjoyable experience. Being rude, dismissive or demanding toward the crew won’t earn you any favors. Treat them with kindness and respect, and you’ll likely receive even better service in return.
9. Hog Pool Chairs
A common frustration on cruises is the practice of “chair hogging,” in which passengers reserve pool chairs with towels or personal items for hours at a time. Cruise lines often have policies against this behavior, so be courteous—if you’re not using a chair, don’t hold onto it. Remember that you’re not the only person who wants a good spot by the pool.
10. Spend Too Much Money on Shopping
While cruises often include food and entertainment, there are still plenty of ways to rack up extra charges—specialty dining, spa treatments, gambling, shore excursions and souvenirs can quickly add up. Set a budget before you go and keep track of your expenses to avoid a shocking bill at the end of your trip.