7 Cruise Tips No One Talks About

Cruising is one of my favorite types of vacation. I’ve utilized all of these tips during my various past cruises. I’ve noticed many people don’t share these cruise tips. If you are planning a cruise, check out these 7 cruise tips that one one really talks about. 

Cruise Tip #1: You Can Get Doubles in The Dining Room

This is one of my favorite cruise tips. In addition to the multiple eating options, each night your cruise has a nice sit down dinner in the restaurant where you can order off of a nice menu. There are multiple options to chose from. Use this as an opportunity to try different things. Although your server will not openly announce it, you’re able to ask for multiple items. For example, if you can’t decide between the steamed mussels or Caesar salad, get them both. Can’t decide between the garlic shrimp  or the prime rib, get them both. You and also order an appetizer for your dinner or vice versa. 

Cruise Tip #2: Any Card Can Turn Your Cabin Lights On

Typically your room key serves many purposes including making purchasing and controlling the lights in your cabin. There is a slot near your cabin’s door to place your key to turn on the light. It is often inconvenient to have to remove your card from its holder, your wallet, or your key chain any time you want to turn the light on. Instead of using the “recommended” key card, you can use any kind of card. If you’re like me, you will have a random expired gift card in your wallet. Use that card instead. You can keep it in the slot for the duration of your cruise. All you have to do now is turn on the switch for immediate light. 

Cruise Tip #3: Buy Gift Cards Prior to Your Cruise

Paying for your cruise doesn’t have to be a hard task. This cruise tip can make saving and purchasing your cruise easy. Take advantage of purchasing cruise gift cards. Discounted gift cards can be purchased from your local grocery store or membership club. Some stores such as Kroger also often fuel points for the purchase of gift cards. Although fuel points are great, they are only one advantage of purchasing gift cards. Cruise gift cards can be used to pay for cruise or to make purchases onboard. As a way to spread out the purchase of your cruise, consider purchasing a gift card each time you go to the grocery store. You can also tell your family and friends that you would like to receive a gift card for your birthday and Christmas. 

Cruise Tip #4: Tip Early

Cruise ship employees are some of the most hardest working people in the world. They are often working on a long contract and they are away from their families. Although I have always received top notch service from my room stewards, I always give them at least a $20.00 tip when I meet them on the first day. I want them to know they are appreciated. Some guests give the stewards small gifts of items. From my experience and discussions with stewards, CASH is preferred. Their living quarters are small and they have no room for gifts. But CASH is always king and greatly appreciated. 

Cruise Tip #5: Avoid Taking a Million Pictures

I don’t know what type of sorcery the cruise photographers use, but their work is absolutely stunning. All of my professional cruise photos look like I stepped off a runway. The more pictures you take, the more tempted you are to buy more. I literally have exactly 8745 cruise photos from past cruises sitting in a storage box. Now, I no longer take a million pictures.

Cruise Tip #6: Avoid The Pressure of Sales Pitches

One of the many things I love about going on a cruise is all of the on board activities. From the ice sculpturing demonstration to the wellness clinic at the spa, its fun to enjoy all of the ships activities. But, if you can’t handle the pressure of a sales pitch, opt out of some of the presentations. 

Cruise Tip #7: Brand Loyalty Pays Off

Cruise brand loyalty definitely pays off. The more you travel on a particular cruise line, the more you are offered in deals, upgrades, and even bonuses. Your status with the cruise increases with each cruise you take. I paid only $110.00 for the last cruise I took to Cozumel Mexico, and the cruise line also gave me $125 on board credit. If you find a cruise line you like, stick with it.

Bonus Tip: Excursions

When I first started cruising, I always purchased my excursions through the cruise line. I felt it was safer and it was easy to purchase. While on those excursions, I discovered that many of the people purchased their tickets directly through the vendor and at a smaller cost. I only recommend purchasing your excursion tickets with resort directly if you are traveling to a safe place and the company is reputable. For a large family, you can literally save hundreds of dollars.

I hope these cruise tips provided you with useful information. What are some of the tips you use when cruising. Please leave any questions or suggestions in the comment section below. I would love to hear about your experiences. 

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