How to Cruise Like a Pro

So, you're planning to purchase tickets for a cruise? From deciding on what kind of cruise is right for you and useful tips that will let you get to know other guests onboard to avoid paying for additional charges, this guide's here to help you! Read on for a quick introduction to the world of cruising.

Step One – Choosing Your Kind of Cruise

If you're new to cruising, the first thing with which you need to get familiar is the different types of cruises that are out there for you to choose from. The most famous kind that may come to mind when one says the word 'cruise' is a huge cruise ship that can house hundreds of people, which travels across international waters, taking people from Europe and America over to the tropical waters such as those of the Caribbean. These kinds of cruise ships are simply massive, and because they need to cater to a large number of people for many days, weeks, or even as long as a month, they tend to come equipped with a lot of amenities to keep all kinds of guests satisfied. Facilities aboard the cruise ships like these usually range from all and sundry, with it being commonplace to find anything from pools, spas, gyms and rec rooms to casinos, tennis courts, ballrooms and more.

However, if that kind of mainstream holiday cruise is not what you're after, you can consider more intimate cruises as well. These tend to be on smaller vessels, with many limiting their ports of call to just one or two destinations. Many of the stops on these smaller cruises are normally located within the same country or neighbouring countries. Take for example the Mekong Kingdoms cruises, which offer a range of small vessels for cruise-goers to enjoy. Let's say you sign up for a Mekong river cruise Luang Prabang has to offer. It would allow you to explore the local area, which is one of Laos' UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Or you could sign up for a cruise that takes you across borders from Laos to Thailand and back. These kinds of cruises are understandably shorter than the international-kind mentioned above. But they also tend to be more intimate and are a great way to explore a local region, as opposed to touring the world.

Step Two – Being Smart About Additional Expenses

While most cruises tend to be all-inclusive, this does not hold true every time. For example, it may not include alcoholic beverages or things ordered as part of room service or at certain outlets on the ship, or even menu items ordered at your usual restaurant in between the stipulated mealtimes. Therefore, it's always good to check what exactly is included in the package, and for what things you would incur an additional charge so that you can avoid incurring extra expenses unknowingly. If you check ahead of time, you would be able to bring along some of your own alcohol or snacks on board. However, do remember that some cruise ships limit the amount of alcohol you can carry onboard, so do check with your particular cruise operator before you pack. However, when it comes to non-alcoholic consumables such as mixers and snacks, there is usually no restriction. Other things you might want to consider packing include power strips, which would enable you and whoever is sharing a room with you to charge many of your electronics simultaneously. If you don't take one with you, you might have to go without or end up buying it on the ship, which can be pricey.

Step 3 – Make it Interactive

Whether you're going on a cruise as part of a couple, with the family, or as a solo traveller, one of the best things about a cruise can be the part where you get to know your fellow guests. So, make it a point to take a step out of that comfort zone and open up to new people and experiences. For some, approaching a stranger and striking up a conversation comes naturally. If that doesn't sound like you, however, there's no harm in preparing a few tricks up your sleeves to break the ice. For example, if you're on a standard cruise ship, chances are many of the furnishings in and around your cabin, including the door might feature some metal in them. Take advantage of this by packing a small magnetic whiteboard! You can hang it on the outside of your door and leave fun questions on it for other guests to see and respond to as they pass your room on their way down the ship's corridors. This can make for a great conversation starter for when you meet them later in the cruise ship's communal spaces.