Everything you Need to Know About Cruise Ships

Are you considering taking a fun-filled vacation on a cruise ship soon? Or have you already booked a stateroom on a luxury vessel and you want to get a better idea of what to expect so you can get the most out of your getaway? Either way, you can save time and avoid potential pitfalls if you know some details about the ship you will be enjoying. While every vessel is different, here are some basic pointers about cruise ships. Coming Aboard The boarding dock of a cruise ship is set up much like an airport terminal. You will have to check your luggage, pass through a security checkpoint, and allow your carry-on items to be scanned or inspected. Then you will walk along a gangplank which leads to the deck of the ship.You will need to present a picture ID at various stages during the boarding process. A driver’s license is usually fine, but you should carry your passport with you if you plan on disembarking when the ship arrives at any foreign ports of call. During your cruise, when you leave and return to the ship you must get your ID scanned (like a boarding pass at an airport) so the ship’s crew knows not to leave without you. (Some ships issue you a personal “ship card” expressly for this purpose.) Your Stateroom You will be given a map which will help direct you to your living quarters on the ship. Your luggage will be delivered directly to your stateroom. It may even be waiting for you when you get there!there are two basic types of staterooms: an inside room and an outside room. An outside room borders the perimeter of the ship and will usually have a balcony from which you can view the scenery during your voyage. An inside room sits in the interior of the ship and does not have a window or balcony, but usually costs less than an outside room. Each type of stateroom is cozy but efficient, with a queen bed (or two full-size beds), nightstands, TV, closet area and lavatory. Your Steward Shortly after you arrive at your stateroom, you will receive a visit from your personal steward. He or she is your point person for whatever services you will need while on the cruise. Stewards provide turndown service, bring you room-service meals, answer questions about onboard activities, solve any problems you might have, and do much, much more. You do not have to tip your steward every time he or she comes to your room – but it is important to provide an appropriate gratuity to him or her when you receive your final bill at the end of the cruise. Food Service One of the main advantages of taking a cruise is enjoying a wide variety of cuisines, most of which is included in the price of your ticket. But it is important to note two things about cruise food service: not all of it is free, and most dining venues are only open during certain hours. It is a good idea to plan your meals according to the operating schedules of the dining venues you wish to frequent. These are listed in the materials in your stateroom. The ship usually has a few after-hours dining choices, so know where those are located if you think you might need them. Also, some cruise ships offer specialty restaurants which require either a flat “entry fee” or price their items a la carte. Pool Areas Most cruise advertisements portray lavish poolside scenes, so you’ll probably want to check out these areas during your stay. The ship may provide outdoor or indoor pools, which may or may not have lifeguards. Some may have kid-appropriate pools nearby, while others may be close to hot tubs. But they will all have poolside chairs and towels available.Most of the time, pool areas will be staffed with attendants who will be happy to bring you a cool, refreshing beverage if you wish. But you should know ahead of time whether or not these drinks are included in the price of your stateroom. Also, many pool areas offer floats, toys, or other recreational items for their guests to use or rent. Entertainment, Activities and Amenities While it is not necessary (nor recommended) to precisely schedule every hour of your cruise vacation, it does help to have a general idea of what is going on at various times during the day and throughout your stay. You will be provided with a master schedule of all of the onboard shows and activities, as well as the hours of operation of the onboard amenities like the spa, salon, golf simulator, kids’ clubs, game rooms, and nightclubs. You will also receive a daily schedule of activities every morning from your steward. A good strategy is to pick out a few things on the schedules that you definitely want to see or do and plan your stay around them. Some activities take place at the same time each day, while others are only offered once or a few times during each cruise. So you should make note of when your favorite choices are scheduled to make sure that they don’t conflict with your planned meals, onshore excursions or other activities.Knowing what to expect from your ship before you climb aboard will help maximize your enjoyment of your entire cruise experience!