Are you considering going on a cruise? It’s one of the cheapest and most luxurious ways to see a range of cities in a short amount of time. You get to relax and enjoy yourself, as well as learn about other cultures on day-trips.
But us Canadians don’t usually know how to make the most out of a first-time cruise. We get excited about spending time in the hot sun, but don’t really know what else to expect. Many people end up wasting time because they simply didn't plan ahead.
Also, while cruises can be a cheap option, if you're not careful you can end up spending far more than planned. Make sure to get the most out of your Canadian travel credit cards (money.ca) when you go. This way, you save money and earn points for the next big trip.
Here are 3 tips for making the most of your first-ever cruise.
1. Befriend The Staff
People who work on a cruise either love it or hate it. But those who hate it don’t last. Few people can keep going out to sea if they're dreading every moment of it. Therefore, the staff who have been there for a while are generally quite passionate about it.
They love getting to know passengers and they also understand what makes a cruise so much fun. You would do well to take advantage of these two things. Start chatting with them. Even if you're usually an introvert, you'll find they're easy to get to know. This is what they do day in and day out, after all. Crew often comes from all over the world, but if you can find a Canadian, they'll know exactly what you’re going to enjoy most.
They are also bound by certain rules and any signs that they're becoming too familiar will get them sent home. So don’t worry about being stuck with them.
By the end of the cruise, you'll be amazed at how much you would have missed out on without having made their acquaintance.
2. Buy Drink Packages
Not a big drinker? You might be considering paying per drink rather than buying a drinks package. It could seem like a nice way to save money.
However, you're probably going to end up drinking way more than you expected. That's the nature of a cruise, since you're spending so much time relaxing. And one of the things that can hinder your relaxation more than any other is having to worry about how much things cost.
Checking to see if you can afford another cocktail will really take the wind out of your sails. Take the plunge and get a drinks package. You'll find yourself very thankful you did.
3. Get Out Of Your Cabin
A cruise can get a little overwhelming. Being out there with so many people around you at all times is tiring for a lot of us. But at the same time, it’s all too easy to settle into your comfort zone and spend a lot of time in your cabin.
Take time outs in your cabin when necessary, but as soon as you're refreshed, get out on deck again. Even if you don’t plan on chatting with anyone or using any of the facilities, take your book out on deck and take advantage the sun.
The best thing you can do on a cruise is to stretch your boundaries. You'll meet a bunch of new people and learn things about yourself you never suspected. Your first ever cruise will exceed your expectations, and you’ll soon be out at sea again.