Planning and preparing for a cruise is an exciting process. You’ll sail from one horizon to the next and enjoy breathtaking sunsets almost every day. On the flip side, planning your first cruise can be intimidating. Large ships can be 16 stories high with a capacity of 3500 – 5000 passengers – they are like small towns.
Cruises include people from different regions with different cultures and preferences. As such, cruise companies try to appeal to the masses by providing a mix of everything. While the mix offers an unforgettable experience, you need to learn a couple of things in readiness.
Below are things to know before you embark on your first cruise, which will help in your preparation.
There is Secret Cruise Code Language
Crew members use coded language to communicate with each other when things go wrong discreetly. It’s crucial to keep guests from freaking out,
Some coded words they use include:
- 30-30 and PVI – some stomachs aren’t made for the sea. As such, PVI is a common code used to communicate public vomiting. Other general mishaps are covered by 30-30.
- Bravo and Kilo – when you see crew members rushing to specific areas on the cruise ship at once, do not freak out. They have predetermined posts they report to in urgent situations. To signal this, they use ‘Kilo.’ ‘Bravo’ signals a fire on the ship.
- Charlie, Charlie, Charlie – this alerts the crew to a serious security threat on board. But you shouldn’t worry as the cruise crew undergoes regular training to handle such emergencies.
- Alpha and Operation Bright Star – Alpha refers to a medical emergency where a stretcher is needed. On the other hand, ‘operation bright star’ communicates death or severe medical emergencies.
How to get the best deal on a cruise
It helps to know when cruises are at their cheapest. Different seasons attract different prices. Generally, cruises are cheaper in fall and late winter because kids are in school, adults are working. But this also differs with regions. For instance, Caribbean cruises are cheaper in the fall, while Canada and New England Cruises are most expensive.
You can also save money by booking your cruise early. A couple of months in advance will suffice. When you sign up for a cruise line newsletter, you’ll receive notifications when they have special sales.
Some cabins rooms don’t have windows
It’s easy to get caught up in the grandeur of cruise ships that you forget some cabin rooms aren’t glamorous and don’t have windows. If you have a problem being in a tiny closed space, you should spend more time researching room amenities. Pick one that meets your needs and is within your budget.
Don’t tip double on alcohol
Tipping good service is good practice unless it’s factored into the price of the product or service. Big cruise ships automatically add a 15% service charge to bar bills. So unless the service was exceptional, there’s no point in adding another tip.
Invest in travel insurance
Travel insurance isn’t only for travelers in bad health, those packing valuable items, or those going on extravagant trips. On the contrary, travel insurance policies can bail you out in different situations, including:
- Trip interruptions – when ships develop mechanical problems that lead to the voyage’s cancellation, you’ll spend extra to get home. Cruise ship companies often assist in such situations, but travel insurance policies reimburse unexpected expenses.
- Trip cancellation – if something happens and you have to cancel, you’ll receive an expensive cancellation penalty. Travel insurance will reimburse some of these costs.
- Trip delay – when mechanical delays result in you missing your connecting flight, travel insurance covers the expense.
Other situations it covers include:
- Baggage loss or delay
- Medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation
- Terrorism or war
Sign up for activities in advance
Some cruise lines allow you to sign up for tours, shows, and other fun activities online before sailing. If you want to secure a spot for specific shows, advance booking is always a good idea. Don’t be shocked when some restaurant reservations, tours, or shows book up before sailing. If you don’t manage to sign up before sailing, do it immediately, you board the ship.
As you plan and prepare for the cruise, make necessary work plans. The last thing you want is to spend time solving crises on your vacation. With planning, you’ll be much happier.