CRUISING 101
Cruising is a wonderful way to travel, but it does require some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here some essential tips to help make the most of your voyage and create unforgettable memories.
ROOM CARD/ SHIP I.D.
ALWAYS bring your room key/Ship ID with you when you leave your stateroom. This card is used for the following:
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Key to your stateroom
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Cashless on board program for all money transactions.
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Disembarking and reboarding the ship at Ports of call.
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NEVER open your balcony door and the stateroom door at the same time. It creates a vaccuum/wind tunnel effect and causes quite a mess.
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DO NOT hang your wet swim suit or towels on the balcony or leave any belongings out or loose. The weather and wind on ships is unpredictable and loose items can blow away.
If you lose your ship card, go to the Guest Services desk immediately to report it missing. They can assist you further.
Cash is NOT accepted onboard the ship as a form of payment. Use your key card for all purchases to be billed to your room. (Tip: carry your card on a wearable lanyard or utilize the wearable bracelet where available)
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Avoid carrying large amounts of cash in ports-of-call; store it in your front pocket or in an anti-theft wallet or purse for safety.
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While traveling It is recommended to bring cash in small bills. If you like to plan ahead, bring envelopes with your cash divided up according to how you plan on spending it.
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Gratuities included in the cruise fees are shared among all crew members on the ship. Additionally, beverage packages or individual drinks usually already include an 18% gratuity in their prices. While it is not required, tipping extra is appreciated by the crew.
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Crew Tips or Gifts: To express gratitude for the personalized service from your Room Attendant and Head Waiter, it is acceptable and greatly appreciated to provide additional tips or gifts. For example, on a 5-day cruise, you might consider adding $10 per day, amounting to $50 in total.
If you intend to offer a crew member an extra tip or gift, remember to hand it to them directly. They are unable and will not take any items from your cabin, even if they are left out for them.
You can also tip the bar staff, particularly if you have regularly visited a specific bar onboard and have received customer service worthy of additional tips.
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Don't forget! If you intend to give any crew members an extra tip, make sure to do so the day before your departure, as the crew will probably be helping with disembarkation, and you won't have another chance to see them.
CASH HANDLING AND TIPPING
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Certain cruise lines permit each adult to bring one 12-pack of sodas and one 750mL bottle of wine or champagne. These items must be with your carry-on items ONLY!
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Carry hydration packet sleeves to add to your water bottle, especially when you are drinking!
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Factory sealed candies and food are permitted in reasonable quantities on most cruise lines.
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Remember to bring your own coffee creamer! As long as it's sealed, most cruise lines permit you to carry it on board.
Illicit drugs including Marijuana and ALL CBD products are strictly PROHIBITED. Possession of these items even if prescribed will result in denied boarding (Yes, even if you “forgot about it” and it is found by TSA), or forced disembarkation at the next closest port, fines and possible imprisonment as well as a permanent ban from the cruise line. It’s not worth it, just don’t.
Buy a drink package!
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DO NOT attempt to bring any contraband items (*lists of prohibited items are available on all cruise line websites) or concealed alcohol onboard. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased onboard the ship. Certain cruise lines permit each adult to bring one 12-pack of sodas per person and one 750mL bottle of wine or champagne per adult 21+. (*NO fortified wines) These items are carry-on ONLY! You must carry them through security with the rest of your carry-on items.
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