Are you going on a cruise? If so, you need to learn these savvy cruise hacks that many experienced cruisers swear by. It will save you money and time and make your cruise vacation go smoothly.
You Can Bring Wine Onboard
One thing that many new cruisers don’t realize is that some cruise lines will allow you to bring wine or champagne aboard the ship. However, this privilege is only available on embarkation day; if you try to bring alcohol onboard during port days, it will be confiscated.
Each cruise line has its rules regarding this, but most permit one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person—be sure to check your specific cruise line’s policy to confirm. Remember that if you bring the bottle of wine to the main dining room, you will have to pay corkage. Drink it in your cabin!
Your Wine Follows You
Experienced cruisers know not to waste their money on wine by the glass when you can order wine by the bottle at a discount. However, many newcomers are unaware that your wine bottle follows you. This means that if you buy a bottle in one venue on the ship, you can enjoy it in another.
For example, if you order a bottle in the main dining room, you can later access it at the bar that evening. This flexibility takes the pressure off of finishing the whole bottle in one go since you can drink the rest of the wine another day. Just let the bartender or server know, and they’ll help you track down your bottle.
Watch Recordings on TV
Don’t worry if you miss any key talks or seminars while on board the cruise ship. Many of these important sessions, including Port Talks and Disembarkation talks, are recorded and made available for viewing on the cruise TV. So, if you can’t catch a session live, you can always tune in later and watch it at your convenience!
Text on the Cruise App without a WiFi subscription
Many cruise lines’ apps let you text other passengers while you’re on board the ship. The best part is that this chat function on the cruise app is free; you don’t need to buy the cruise WiFi package to text other cruise passengers. This makes coordinating plans with friends and family convenient during sea days!
Set Airplane Mode on Your Phone
Once you board the ship, set your phone to airplane mode. Even if you don’t plan to use your phone, you need to set it on airplane mode because your phone apps are constantly being refreshed, using up roaming data. If you don’t set your phone on airplane mode, you will end up paying a ridiculously high cellphone bill!
Book Shore Excursions Early
Popular cruise shore excursions tend to sell out quickly, and it’s rare for additional spots to become available. To get your first choice shore excursion, make sure to buy the shore excursions as soon as you book your cruise. Remember, you can always cancel your shore excursion if you change your mind!
Attach your Luggage Tags
Once you complete your online check-in, you’ll receive your cruise luggage tags, which you can print from home. It’s important to print out your cruise luggage tag and attach it to your checked luggage before heading to the cruise port. This simple step will help make your check-in process smoother and less stressful, and you’ll avoid the hassle of filling out a luggage tag by hand at the port.
Take Advantage of Cruise Extras Discounts
Many cruise lines will give a discount ranging from 10% to 30% if you buy your cruise extras before boarding the ship. These extras can include shore excursions, drink packages, specialty dining options, WiFi, and more. You have the flexibility to buy these extras months before your embarkation day, allowing you to save money while planning your trip. Check out 21 Smart and Easy Ways to Save Money on a Cruise
Look Up the Dining Room Menu
You can look up the cruise restaurant menus on the cruise app ahead of time. The cruise app will display the menu for the entire cruise, making it easy for you to decide whether to eat at the main dining room or go to the buffet. It’s also useful for planning so you don’t miss out on special evenings like lobster and steak nights, and it helps you identify nights when you might prefer a specialty restaurant or buffet instead. Check out 9 Cruise Main Dining Room Mistakes You’ll Regret Making
You Don’t Need to Buy Cruise Beverage Packages
First time cruisers often mistakenly believe they need to buy the cruise beverage package. But the reality is that the cruise beverage package might not be a good value for most travelers, especially if you’re not a heavy drinker. You need to do the math and compare the daily cost versus the drinks you can realistically consume. Check out my article on 8 Reasons Why Cruise Ship Beverage Packages are a Waste of Money
Pack a Carry-On for Day One Essentials
Make sure you don’t pack everything into your check-in luggage. It’s important to bring a carry-on bag with your essentials for the first day, such as your bathing suit and any medications you may need. Many first-time cruisers are surprised that their check-in luggage won’t arrive in their cabin until later in the evening. Be sure to check out What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag (Free Packing List)
You Can get Free Champagne from the Art Auction
Many first time cruisers don’t realize there are ways to get free champagne and drinks onboard the ship. One easy way to get free champagne is to attend an art auction. The art auction staff will give you complimentary champagne for attending, and there’s no pressure to buy any artwork. For more tips, check out my article 10 Ways to Score Free Champagne at a Cruise (How to Get Free Drinks!)
Skip the Buffet on Embarkation Day
It’s a good idea to avoid the buffet on embarkation day. Lunchtime can turn it into a chaotic scene, making it hard to find a table and long lines. If the main dining room is open, go there instead, or head to an open café or eatery on embarkation day. Check out 16 Cruise Ship Embarkation Hacks (How to Board the Ship Faster)
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Always bring a refillable water bottle when you go on a cruise. This will save you the hassle of constantly going to the buffet or bar for a glass of water. Plus, water stations are available at the buffet, where you can fill up your bottle to have water in your cabin. Check out What Drinks are Free on Cruises?
Free Room Service
Many cruise lines charge a room service fee, but you can still get it for free if you know what to order. Most cruise lines will give you free room service if you order continental breakfast. This includes coffee, tea, cereal, yogurt, Danishes, croissants, a fruit plate, and muffins. Check out What are the Free Room Service Breakfast Items on Cruises?
Port Talks
You don’t need to book a tour at every cruise port. If you plan to explore independently, don’t miss the free cruise Port Talks. These sessions are a great way to get insider tips about the cruise port you’ll be visiting.
The shore excursion team shares valuable tips on attractions to go to, places to eat, where to shop, and local transportation options. Plus, you can stick around after the talk to ask any questions about the port. Check out my guide: 10 Things to Never do in Cruise Ports
Cabin Location is Important
First time cruisers often regret letting the cruise line choose cabins for them. They typically end up in noisy cabins in the worst locations, such as near elevators, under the pool deck, or above the theater. It’s best to choose your cabin. Especially if you’re prone to seasickness, choose a mid-ship cabin and not at the front or back of the ship. Check out my article on What are the Best Cabin Locations on a Cruise Ship?
Arrive at the Cruise Port a Day Early
Experienced cruisers know not to fly in the same day as your cruise departure date. It’s very risky. You risk missing the ship as a result of flight delays and cancellations. Especially during hurricane season, the chances of flight delays are higher. Check out What Happens When Cruise Ports Close as a Result of a Hurricane?
Bring Cash
Even though many cruises are now cashless, you still need to bring some cash. You’ll need it to tip the porter at the cruise terminal and your guide during shore excursions. You will also need cash to pay for cab rides and souvenirs at the local straw market. It’s a good idea to have some small bills ready for these situations. Check out I’ve Been on Over 25 Cruises, Here is How Much Extra Gratuity I Give to the Cruise Staff