Get ready for a trip to remember with these helpful cruise tips from industry experts.
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Some30 million peopleboardcruise shipsevery year to hit the high seas in style.
But not just from us.
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Here are 21 cruise tips and tricks from insiders to help you have thebest sailing of your life.
Review the schedules to see when you may be able to avoid lines for certain activities on board.
Not only are they nice and quiet, but they offer wonderful sweeping views of the ocean or port.
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Quiet and secluded, the observation deck is a wonderful place for a spectacular view.
Andrea Galvez, director and expedition cruise expert,Craft Travel Group
Dont overlook night time excursions.
Pay attention to the described physical activity levels when booking excursions.
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My best packing tip for long trips at sea is to take advantage of the laundry services onboard.
Kelly Cochrane
And verify to pack important items in your carry-on luggage.
Keep in mind that it takes at least several hours to deliver your baggage to you.
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Also, don’t forget to pack some fun items.
Sean Harris, managing editor,Family Destinations Guide
Dont limit your vacation to the sailing dates.
“Be sure to pick destinations that easily allow for extension trips.
Another example is visiting mainland Ecuador in combination with a cruise around the Galapagos Islands.
What’s more, some cruises include one night at a hotel before embarking.
Andrea Galvez
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Share your special moments with the crew ahead of time.
Carol Cabezas, president,Azamara
Always read the daily itineraries.
Keep an eye out for the ever-changing activities and food offerings onboard, especially during sea days.
On Azamara, youll find these in your Insider delivered to your room daily.
Ryzsard Gusmann, hotel director on Azamara Quest
Let yourself enjoy a full day at sea.
Cruises are so destination-focused that travelers often overlook those at sea days in the itinerary.
But, as the saying goes, getting there is half the fun!
Carlos Caicedo, Marketing Manager,Luxury Cruise Connections
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Tip accordingly.
You have two options: you might prepay the tips before the cruise and not worry about that.
Those are tipping guidelines.
Fernando Diez, marketing director,Quasar Expeditions,
Have dietary restrictions?
Speak directly to the chef.
On a special diet, or have a food allergy/sensitivity that can make travel difficult?
Chris Dodds
Book specialty dining as soon as possible.
Always venture to book specialty dining as early as possible.
That was also the same time the ship was scheduled to sail through the Giudecca Canal in Venice.
Ben Souza, editor,Cruise Fever
Ask about a chefs table experience.
If you love immersive culinary experiences, see if your ship has a chef’s table.
Lauren Quirk, owner,Travel With Character
Bring a converter just in case.
Bring a European travel plug adapter.
The Wi-Fi on ships is slow, unreliable, and expensive.
Buy your museum/attraction/tour tickets in advance.
Alissa Musto,cruise ship entertainer
Traveling with kids?
If you have a larger family, check out connecting room options.
This has worked out really well for our family with children.
Usually, one adult and one or two children can be assigned to each room.
Michelle Schomp, founder,Passport Explorers
