A Cheat Sheet for Making the Most of Your Cruise! #cruisehacks (Part One)

As spring break rolls around and this awful weather keeps sticking around, many people are escaping Jack Frost by going on cruises! I've been on several cruises in the Caribbean and would like to share some things I learned/wish I knew before my first cruise. (Disclaimer, I've only been on Carnival Cruises...)

Carnival Cruise in Cozumel (circa 2008)

Cheapest Cabin: The cheapest room are those that are on the lowest passenger deck on the "inside" (meaning no windows or decks). In my opinion these are the best cabins mostly because I'm the type of traveler who rarely spends any time in my room. Just to sleep, shower, and get ready. On a cruise, you will spend most of your time out on the sunny, warm deck or doing excursions or other activities at the designated ports of call. Sign up for a cruise liner's email list to get last minute deals! If you are a spontaneous traveler, I've heard you can walk up to the ship the night before or morning of and get fantastic deals (since the cruises always try to fill to capacity), although you may run the risk of there being no available rooms, too.

Preparation: Be sure to pack Dramamine or some kind of seasickness medicine. Depending on the size of the ship, you may feel it move slightly more. Look at the schedule to see the evening events. Most cruises do a formal night, so a nice dress or suit may need to be included on your packing list.

Check-in/First Day: Just like an airport, checking in for the cruise creates long lines. Being irritable doesn't make any line go faster. Be prepared with all necessary documents before you step up to the counter. Get there early! That way you can start enjoying all the fantastic amenities a cruise ship has to offer.
When you get on, don't get too comfortable any certain place because you will be called in to a safety meeting and you MUST wear your life vest. Just so you know, depending on the deck your cabin is depends where you will meet.
On the first cruise I went on, I was not aware it takes quite awhile to get your luggage delivered to your room. So while the experienced cruisers were already sun bathing on the deck, I was inside waiting for my bag. Lesson learned! Pack a small carry-on sized bag with all sun bathing essentials: bathing suit, flip flops, sunscreen, hat, book, and a relaxed attitude.

Excursions:  On the first day, the main deck will be packed with people wanting to sign up for excursions. On the first cruise vacation I went on with my family, we didn't know which excursions were offered, the price, etc. etc., so we not only took time to look through the pamphlet to choose, but then we (meaning my awesome dad), got stuck in the very long line to sign up. Also, availability may be an issue if you wait too long. Once again, taking away time from being able to enjoy the sun!!!! Excursions are a hit or miss. They are definitely over-priced, however, they are less of a hassle and they may be worth the convenience if you are needing that.
OR, you can do some research ahead of time about the ports of call, hustle out to town and find a taxi to go on your own excursion that YOU planned. My family chose to do this on one of the cruises and it resulted in an excellent day at the beach!
Always remember, don't put yourself in a situation that will make you a victim. If it looks sketchy, it probably is.

(Part 2 to come soon!)