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Your Cruise Ship Key Card: The Only ‘Wallet’ You’ll Need Onboard
One of my favorite things about cruising? You can leave your wallet in the safe! When you check in, you’ll get what looks like a regular room key, but it’s actually your ticket to everything on the ship. If you check in online (highly recommend!), you might find it waiting for you in a little envelope by your cabin door.
Think of this key card like your cruise ship credit card. Want a poolside margarita? Flash your card. Found the perfect souvenir? Just swipe. It’s all linked to your shipboard account, so no need to carry cash around.
The only time you’ll need actual cash is when you’re exploring ports of call, but don’t worry—I can help you figure out exactly how much to bring for those adventures.
One piece of advice from someone who learned the hard way: keep that card close! You definitely don’t want to lose it and have to make a trip to Guest Services. Got any questions about managing money on your cruise? Let me know!
Wait For People to Exit the Elevators Before Trying to Get In
With thousands of passengers on board, the elevators can get crowded. Always wait for others to exit before you try to get in. This simple courtesy makes it easier to get on and off and ensures everyone has space to move.
Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode Once on the Ship
Avoid those horror stories of unexpected phone charges after your cruise! The key reason for sky-high bills is your phone connecting to roaming towers or using data without you knowing, like downloading messages or updating apps. To avoid surprises, make sure to put your phone on airplane mode before you set sail.
Don’t forget to turn on wi-fi—it’ll let you connect for free to the cruise line’s app. If you want full access to the internet, you can pay for the ship’s wi-fi and use your phone just like normal.
Interior Cabins: A Great Option for First-Time Cruisers
For many first-time cruisers, the decision between an interior cabin and a balcony room feels huge. Interior cabins are a smart choice for newcomers.
First-timers typically spend little time in their rooms. With so much to explore on the ship, the room’s just a place to sleep. Interior cabins are usually 40-50% less expensive than balcony rooms, meaning you can put that savings toward cool experiences like more specialty dining or shore excursions.
Also, being in the interior means less motion during rough seas—plus, the complete darkness when the lights are off makes for great sleep, helping you adjust to new time zones.
Balcony cabins have their charm, but an interior room is a great way to experience cruising without spending too much on a room you may barely use.
Your cruise experience is mostly about what you do outside your cabin—exploring the ship, meeting new people, and making memories. An interior cabin keeps you comfy and saves you money for the good stuff!
The Magic of Balcony Rooms: Your Private Sanctuary at Sea
Now, let’s talk about the magic of balcony rooms. If you can swing it, splurging on one can really elevate your cruise.
Imagine waking up, cozy in a robe, sipping your coffee or a mimosa while watching the sunrise over the ocean. Having your own outdoor space to relax in? It’s priceless.
Balcony rooms are perfect for those who enjoy quiet moments, like reading in the fresh sea breeze or sipping wine under the stars. Yes, they’re pricier, but those views—port arrivals, sea days, sunsets—they’re the memories that stay with you long after the cruise ends.
If you’ve tried both interior and balcony rooms, I’d love to hear what you preferred. What was your experience?
Main Dining Room Serves Breakfast and Lunch, Too
Most people flock to the main dining room for dinner, but did you know they also serve breakfast and lunch? While the buffet is quick and convenient, the dining room offers a fresher, higher-quality experience if you’re in the mood for something a little better.
No Bill to Sign (or Tip to Leave) in the Dining Room
Tipping is part of cruising life, but don’t worry—it’s already taken care of! Many cruise lines include gratuities with your fare or charge them daily to your account, so when you eat in the free restaurants (like the buffet or main dining room), there’s no bill to sign or tip to leave.
It might feel a little strange at first, but once you’re done with dinner, you simply get up and walk out.
Just a heads-up: this doesn’t apply to specialty restaurants that have a fee. If you eat there, you’ll need to sign the bill, and the gratuity will be added to the price.
It’s Okay to Order Multiple Items in the Main Dining Room
A little-known tip: the cruise lines will often let you order multiple items from the menu. So if you’re craving two appetizers, why choose? Order them both!
It’s a great way to try new dishes without commitment. If you don’t like it, no biggie—it’s all included (although some lines may charge a small fee for multiple entrees).
Ports of Call Aren’t Always Disneyland
It’s easy to think every port of call will be as perfect as the ship itself, but it’s important to remember that while the touristy areas are safe, other parts of town might not be. So, always be aware of your surroundings, avoid flaunting cash or fancy jewelry, and keep your wits about you—especially after a drink or two. Most of the time, you won’t find any trouble, but better safe than sorry.
Be Ready for Itinerary Changes
Excited for Cozumel or your private island stop? Just know that cruise itineraries can change, sometimes for reasons like weather or unexpected issues with the ship. While this is pretty rare, it can happen, and some ports might get replaced or skipped altogether.
Don’t Use Cruise Line Transfers to the Port They’re a Lousey Deal
If you’re flying in for your cruise, skip the cruise line shuttle—it’s often overpriced. For example, Carnival charges about $23 per person for a shuttle from Miami International to the port, which is only a 15-minute ride. But an Uber or Lyft for the same trip costs about $25. For a family of four, the cruise shuttle would run you $184 round trip, while an Uber would be only around $50. Save your money!
Yes, There’s a Hair Dryer in Your Cabin
No need to pack your hair dryer—each cabin has one. It’s not anything fancy, but it gets the job done. And hey, you could always let the breeze from the top deck dry your hair (just kidding, we all know “sea hair” is real!). You’ll usually find the hair dryer in the built-in console, not in the bathroom.
Cabins Get Very Dark; Bring a Night Light
It’s easy to forget just how dark a cruise cabin can get, especially if you’re in an interior cabin with no windows. If you need to get up in the middle of the night, a simple plug-in nightlight can save you from stubbing your toe on furniture. Trust me, it’s an easy way to avoid an unnecessary stumble in the dark.
Yes, You Can Hear Through the Walls (So Keep it Down)
If you’re concerned about noise traveling through the walls, you’re right to be. While the walls aren’t paper thin, sound does travel—especially if you’re having a lively conversation (or enjoying some quality time with your partner). You’ll also hear people in the hallways through your door, so keep that in mind!
Every Cabin Comes With a Safe; Use It
Whenever you leave your cabin, make sure to store your valuables in the cabin safe. While not perfect, it’s a great deterrent for quick, opportunistic thefts and gives you a little peace of mind. The safes are usually small but can easily hold cash, jewelry, phones, and passports.
To Save Money: Pre-Book Packages
Here’s a money-saving tip that seasoned cruisers swear by: book those extra packages before you set sail! Cruise lines offer pretty sweet discounts through your online account before you depart.
So why do they do this? They hope you’ll commit to spending more upfront (smart, right?). If you’re planning to get unlimited wifi, why not save a bundle by booking early?
Have you ever pre-booked a cruise package? Would love to hear if it was worth the commitment!
Your Balcony Isn’t as Private as You Think
While it’s marketed as a private balcony, it’s not quite as secluded as you might think. The walls separating cabins don’t always go from floor to ceiling, which means your neighbors could peek through or over the sides if they’re trying to be nosy. So, if you’re planning some romantic moments or enjoying a little private time, keep in mind that “private” might not be as private as you imagined.
Don’t Tip Twice! Gratuity Is Usually Automatic
When you grab a drink from the bar, you’ll usually notice that a gratuity (around 18%) is already added to your bill. So, before you write in an extra tip, double-check your receipt to make sure you’re not tipping twice. Unless the service was above and beyond, there’s no need to leave another tip.
You’ll Get Sunburned Much More Quickly in the Tropics
The sun is stronger closer to the equator, so you can burn much faster than you might expect—sometimes in as little as 10 minutes! Be sure to slather on the sunscreen and maybe even pack a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck. You don’t want to end up looking like a lobster on day two of a week-long cruise!
Pack as Much as You Want, But Be Smart
Unlike air travel, where you’re often charged fees for luggage, cruises have no restrictions on how much you can bring on board. Don’t get too carried away—remember that you’ll still have to lug all that luggage around! If you’re packing multiple large bags for a week-long cruise, you might be overdoing it. Lighter is better—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Worried About Seasickness? Here’s What to Know
The good news is that modern cruise ships are so stable that most passengers don’t feel the ocean’s movements much. While there might be occasional rocking, it’s usually not enough to make you feel seasick. However, if you’re worried, consider motion sickness medication or patches. Choosing a cabin close to the middle of the ship (as low as possible) can also help minimize the rocking motion.
Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship
Cheap flip-flops can be a safety hazard on the ship, especially near the pool or in wet areas. Upgrade to sandals with a rubberized sole and plenty of tread to avoid slipping on puddles or wet decks. Your feet (and your balance) will thank you!
What to Take Into Port With You
When heading into port, you only need a few essentials: your ship keycard (for check-in and check-out) and a photo ID if you’re 16 or older. Passports aren’t usually required. For a beach day, pack sunscreen, cash, a hat, walking shoes, and a towel (the ship provides these to take ashore).
Invest in a Good Dry-Bag For Shore Days
A dry-bag is a game-changer if you’re heading to the beach or doing water-based activities. It keeps your valuables, like your wallet, phone, and camera, safe and dry while you swim or play in the water. It’s a small investment that will save you from worrying about soggy electronics or important documents.
Go Ahead, Splurge on Shore Excursions (Worth It)
Shore excursions can seem pricey but they’re one of the best ways to experience something unique during your cruise. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins or taking a submarine ride under the Caribbean, these experiences are often unforgettable. You’ll probably forget how much you spent, but you’ll always remember the adventure!
Always Pack Some Cool-Weather Gear
Even if you’re heading to the Caribbean, it’s wise to pack some warm clothes. The ship can get chilly in the evenings with the breeze, especially on the deck. Many indoor areas are also heavily air-conditioned. A light sweater or jacket is a good idea just in case.
It’s a Ship, Not a Boat 🙂
It’s a small detail, but you’ll sound like a true cruiser if you remember that it’s a cruise ship—not a boat. Calling it a boat during the trip might get you some funny looks. Ships are large, ocean-going vessels, and no matter what cruise ship you’re on, it definitely fits that definition!
