New to Cruising

Luxury Cruising

Congratulations! You have booked yourself onto your very first cruise, and you are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Every day you wake up in sweet anticipation, and think to yourself that you are one day closer to the holiday you have dreamed of for so long.
However, if you have never been on a cruise before, you will likely have a lot of questions about how the whole cruising experience works. If you are new to cruising, we have some tips and information for you.

What to Pack

Many of our visitors who are new to cruising are not quite sure what to pack in regard to the dress codes on the ship. To clear up any confusion, the dress code on the ship in the daytime is casual, and at night time it can be informal (shirt and jacket) or formal (jacket and tie for men and evening gown for women) depending on the event. If you are new to cruising, you likely won't own your own tuxedo, however that is totally fine. It is recommended that men pack at least one dark coloured suit which will cover most evening events, and if a tuxedo is needed they can rent one aboard the ship. Women should bring cocktail dresses and at least one full length formal dress.

For the rest of your clothing, consider the climate of the region you will be cruising in, and pack accordingly. Don't forget your swimsuit for the ship's pool!

It will also prove handy to bring a collection of coins and small bills for easy and convenient tipping. Sometimes cruises include a service fee in the price, and some don't, so find out in advance so you know whether to tip or not.

Don't forget to check your passport; it must be valid for at least six months after the end of the cruise holiday. You might need some inoculations for the countries you are travelling to, and you can find this information by asking your family doctor or health professional. It is a good idea to make copies of all your important travel documents such as your passport, credit card, drivers licence, and keep them in a safe place on your person or in your room. If something occurs where you need them, you have all your information easily accessible.

Before you Get on the Boat

At the terminal, you will see many friendly cruise ship staff, who are there to point you in the right direction. You will recognize them by their nametags and clipboards. If you are not sure where to go, don't be afraid to ask. A cruise ship can be a big and confusing place for someone who is new to cruising, and it is easy to get lost at first. Remember to bring all of the forms and documents that you were sent previously, as you will need to submit these once you are aboard the ship whether you are new to cruising or a frequent cruiser. You will be issued a boarding card that also works as the key to your room and a charge card to be used in any of the shops on the ship. You will also have to pass through a security check, and this is similar to the type at an airport where your hand luggage will be x-rayed.

Safety First

At the beginning of your voyage, everyone on board must attend a mandatory Lifeboat Drill, also known as a Muster. It is not a very arduous undertaking; it is simply a brief safety orientation to inform you of what to do in an emergency, and of the safety features of the ship. Those who are new to cruising sometimes assume it is optional, but it is required. You must attend this, so don't try to sneak away as it is a strict Coast Guard policy, and your name and cabin number will be checked off and you will be found if you are roaming elsewhere about the ship!

Hopefully this information has left you feeling better prepared for your voyage, especially if you are new to cruising. If you have any other questions about the cruising experience, please feel free to contact us.