Taking a cruise is one of the most fun and enjoyable ways you can spend a vacation. One of the things that make cruising such a blast is the sheer amount of choice you have when it comes to activities. On any given day, you could hit up the Sports Deck, swim in one of the pools, check out the arcade, or do any number of things… In the end, it can be pretty hard to decide what to do!
But, just as it can be hard to decide what to do, there are definitely some things that you shouldn’t do when you’re aboard a cruise ship. Below, we’re going to share our top 15 cruise ship mistakes that you should avoid making yourself. Likely, you’ll already know a few of these, but there will definitely be some that you don’t. So, take a look and commit to avoiding these mistakes. You’ll have a much happier cruising vacation if you do!
1. Skipping Breakfast
With all the activities you can participate in, it’s important to keep your energy levels up. That’s why skipping breakfast is a no-no… It’s the most important meal of the day!
2. Eating “Fourth” Meal
Likewise, try to resist the temptation to eat really late at night and especially right before you go to bed. Doing so will make you tired in the morning and could exacerbate problems like seasickness.
3. Not Planning Ahead
There’s a lot going on each and every day aboard a cruise ship. If you don’t plan ahead, then you’re likely to miss out on a lot of stuff that you and yours really would have enjoyed.
4. Not Booking Spa Treatments Ahead of Time
If you book your spa treatment on board the ship, it’s going to be a lot more expensive than it would’ve been had you booked it prior to boarding.
5. Getting Drunk on Rough Days
The weather is rough, the sea is choppy. Better get good and drunk! Nope. Don’t do this. It’s a recipe for giving yourself a bad case of seasickness.
6. Not Getting Vaccinated
When you’re in close quarters with strangers for weeks at a time, disease spreads. If you’re not up to date with your vaccines, you could be susceptible.
7. Sticking to Your Diet
Hey, if you’re a health nut, then just skip over this one. But, most people should leave their diets back on shore… Don’t you want to enjoy all the delicious food and drink?
8. Relying on the Elevators
We’re not saying that you shouldn’t use the elevators, but avoid them as much as possible. Otherwise, you’ll be spending a lot of time waiting for them…
9. Forgetting Online Check In
Online check-in is a heck of a convenience when you fly, isn’t it? Well, it’s even more of a convenience when you’re cruising.
10. Getting Your Teeth Whitened
It’s a treatment that many ships offer, and it’s one you should avoid. Do you really want to waste days of your vacation with sensitive teeth?
11. Not Locking Up
Just like you would in a hotel, always make sure your cabin door is locked – even if you’re just stepping out for a quick second.
12. Forgetting Sunscreen
Out in the middle of the ocean, you will get absolutely burnt if you forget to wear sunscreen. So don’t forget!
13. Deck Chair Squatting
You want to save that deck chair; we get it. But, squatting the deck chairs – and especially leaving your belongings on them in order to hold them – is frowned upon.
14. Not Using Your Credits
It’s free money, essentially, yet so many people let their credits go to waste… Don’t be one of those people!
15. Bringing Your Stress
Really enjoy your cruise, and let the stresses of home be the stresses of home. You’re out in the ocean inside of a floating pleasure palace. Enjoy that while you can!