22 Do's and Don'ts for Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship

22 Do's and Don'ts for Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship

Long-time cruisers often have an embarkation day routine. Some make a beeline for the atrium or poolside bar, while others head to the buffet. Some like to explore the ship, posting photos online to make Facebook and Twitter friends jealous. Others meticulously spray down their cabins with Lysol, start popping seasickness medicines and unpack all their belongings into their proper places. If you're a first-timer or haven't settled into a familiar cruise routine, here's a list of embarkation day do's and don'ts picked up over the years. DO start your vacation off with a tropical drink in a colorful glass with umbrellas and plastic monkeys a-plenty. Just don't assume that drink proffered by a waiter is free ... or that you can't get it cheaper by opting for a regular, non-souvenir glass. DO tour the ship, get your bearings, and identify which bars and eateries you want to hit first. We recommend starting at the top and working your way down ... unless you want to get in a workout by climbing all the stairs. DON'T head straight to the buffet -- it's one of the most crowded places onboard on embarkation day because everyone comes hungry for lunch. Instead, check out your dining options. Sometimes other venues are open for a first-day lunch, and they aren't such madhouses. DO take photos -- lots of them. Get that first "Hooray, I'm on vacation" shot of your family by the ship's rail; snap a pic of your cabin in pristine condition before it's wrecked with daily schedules, towel animals and your assorted laundry; capture interesting spots onboard before they're overrun with passengers; and do feel free to post them online to make your friends drool. DON'T take the elevator if you don't need to. The lifts are super-slow on embark day and crowded with passengers and crew ferrying luggage between decks. Take the stairs. Then have no guilt when you tuck into dessert at dinner. DO arrange your  spa and salon appointments, as the most popular treatment times book up quickly. Not sure what you want? Take a spa tour. You might get to sample a massage or win a free treatment in the first-day raffle. DON'T spend the day in your winter, workday or travel clothes. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on so you don't have to wait for your luggage to arrive for you to slip into sandals, shorts or swimsuits. DO take a dip in the pool or hot tub. They're often uncrowded on the first day because many people haven't followed the advice above and brought a change of clothes. But why wait to begin your vacation? The pool is open! DO make specialty dining reservations if you haven't done so online before your trip. Choice dining times can sell out. DON'T forget to check in at the kids club and sign up your little ones for the onboard camp activities. There's often an introductory session for kids and parents to meet the counselors and get acquainted with the facilities. Better to sign up on day one, even if you're not sure your kids will want to go; there's no requirement to attend. DO book shore excursions, and ask the tour desk any questions you might have. Some tours have limited space and sell out, so book early (if you haven't pre-booked). DO buy a soda card or alcohol package to get the most use out of them on your cruise. Just do the math beforehand to make sure the packages will actually save you money. DON'T settle for unacceptable dinner seatings. The maitre d' is typically available to take questions and make changes, if possible, on embarkation day. If you wanted early dining but got a late seating, want to switch from set-seating to flexible dining or just want to find out if you're at a two-top or 10-top, make a visit to the dining room a top priority. It's also good to check in with the maitre d' if you have dietary restrictions to make sure you'll be taken care of onboard. DO reserve space on any fee-extra sun decks (such as Princess' Sanctuary) or cabanas, especially if you want to book them for a sea day. Space is limited and can sell out. DO make your last phone calls, texts and tweets while your phone can access land-based cell towers and you're not paying sky-high satellite Internet and roaming fees. DON'T assume your cabin is pristine and in working order, if you tend to worry about such things. Test out the TV, the toilet and the lights; check for bed bugs; sanitize anything you need to. Set your mind at ease early. Then go and enjoy your vacation. DO unpack your suitcases, and get that task (and your luggage) out of the way early. Decorate your cabin and door if you like to personalize your home for the vacation. DO meet your cabin steward and make any requests you have. Some travelers like to tip their cabin stewards on day one to ensure good service throughout the cruise (but this isn't necessary). DON'T skip the muster drill. It will provide important information in case of an emergency. Plus it's mandatory, even if you have cruised before. DO take a nap or lounge on your balcony (even if the view is just of an ugly port building). It's your vacation; you can be as active or as laid-back as you want. DO head up on deck for sail-a-way. It's festive, with live music and flowing drinks, and it's a fun way to kick off your cruise. DON'T automatically eat dinner in the main dining room. Embarkation day can be a great night to dine out in the specialty restaurants, as they're often less crowded and, on some lines, carry a reduced cover charge. DO watch the sun set over the ocean, go to the welcome show, hit the casino, sing karaoke and shake your booty at the disco -- your cruise starts tonight!

When a good Travel Agent Makes ALL the Difference

I received an interesting call from a woman today who wanted to know if I could help her. She had booked directly with a cruise line, air, hotel, tour and purchased the cruise line insurance as well.

When she FINALLY received her air schedule it was apparent to her that there was no room for any delays and that she would be arriving at her point of departure less than 90 minutes prior to the sailing time for her transatlantic cruise. When she called the cruise line they wanted $150 per person to make the required changes.

This became an issue when her plane was held up in Charlotte and they were still sitting on the ground as the ship apparently was pulling away from the dock in Ft. Lauderdale. She had called the cruise line from the plane and said they were less than helpful (call back at 5P to see if they will hold the ship for you) and then suggesting that "she and her husband disembark their current flight, pay for tickets to Portugal, find a nice hotel and enjoy themselves for 6 days while waiting to catch up with the ship, oh, and by the way, here is the phone number for the insurance company, they will POSSIBLY reimburse you for the tickets to Portugal and the ensuing hotel bills."

Well, unfortunately, because I had not booked her cruise, flights or hotel, I cannot help her, although I did try to give her some "guidance". Had I been her agent there are several things that I could have done:

I would have checked her air schedule the moment it came to my desk and would have realized that the air schedule would not allow for the client to make it to the ship on time if there were any issues or delays and I would have been able to go to the cruise line and fight for a better schedule for them.

1. I would have made sure that she understood that, according to the cruise line contract, cruise ships are not required to wait for late arrivals, even if they have booked the flights. This is a common misconception and it is usually assumed that the ship will wait for you if you are late arriving via plane or shore excursion that was arranged by the cruise line.
2. I would have recommended that the client purchase 3rd party travel protection insurance because a 3rd party vendor works for the client and has a vested interest in helping them whereas the insurance sold by the cruise line is not nearly as comprehensive nor do they really work for the client
3. I would have made sure that this "trip delay" did not happen because I would have recommended my clients fly in a day before the ship left so that they had time in the event there were any delays.

As it stands now, this woman receive an e-mail from the cruise line stating that she had CANCELLED her trip by being a "No Show" and the likelihood of her receiving any compensation has been lessened because of this. I hope that she has kept the phone records of her calls and that she has documentation from the plane delay but chances are slim to none that she will be fully compensated for her cruise, air and hotel.

Recently one of MY clients was traveling in Scotland where he was involved in an accident and ended up in the hospital requiring major surgery.  Due to the time difference it was almost impossible for him to communicate with the insurance company and called me (I am available to my international travelers via cell phone 24/7) to assist with all the details.

1. I called the insurance company to start a claim and turned it over to their international department who then was able to contact my client during the daytime hours in Scotland.  Because of my recommendation for VERY GOOD travel protection, his hospital bills are covered, his non-refundable hotel bills and non-refundable air are being reimbursed.  Additionally his extended stay in Scotland AND his UPGRADED AIR to Business class for his return flight to the US and required assisted transfers to the airport in Scotland and from the airport in his home town were covered as well.
2. I contacted family members when, again due to the time difference, he had been unable to connect with them.
3. I called him daily to let him know he was not out there alone and ask if there was anything else that I could do for him.

Without a travel professional and the recommendation to purchase travel protection for his 3 1/2 week long trek around Europe, he may have been out thousands of dollars, left to his own devices and lonely and injured in a foreign country.

We travel agents do so much more than just book your trip and then "FORGET ABOUT YOU" which is what can very easily happen if you just book on line.

TRAVEL PROTECTION ... well worth the cost.

Think you don't need travel protection because you have every intention of going on that trip.

Well, you may be fully in control of your situation but you have no control over delayed flights, cancelled flights, unseen health problems or accidents.

Here are a couple of examples:

1. My client stepped off a curb in Scotland just as someone sped around a corner without stopping.  My client dove out of the way only to fracture his wrist, ending up in the hospital and requiring major surgery.  Travel protection picked up the tab for all the medical costs, the non-refundable hotel and air fares, additional weeks stay in Scotland until he was able to travel and upgraded BUSINESS CLASS air for his return flight so that he had room to hold his arm in the correct position.  They were in constant contact with my client as was I so that he didn't feel alone in a foreign country.
2. My fellow Cruise Specialist and good friend Amber Blecker posted this to her blog and I think it is worthy of reprinting.
   
   I have had to personally use my travel protection plan for many reasons from having my luggage munched to breaking an elbow and an ankle but this is something that could happen to anyone no matter how well you plan your life and your trip:
   
   The Accidental Medical Tourist
   Some trips are just meant to be more memorable. And this one was. As I planned for Australia and New Zealand, I had it all figured out. A mixture of an amazing cruise on Crystal, land tours hitting spots I’d longed to see and which weren’t included in the cruise itinerary. Big adventure combined with total indulgence.
   
   My article on a day of bungee jumping followed by an evening of complete pampering at one of Conde Nast’s top 10 spas in the world was already sketched out in my mind. Two days of wine touring in some of the best wine regions in the world. Maori culture. Snorkeling with whale sharks and dolphins. And penguins too! A heap of new knowledge with which to help my clients. Plus a visit with my best friend. Who wouldn’t be excited? I t didn’t work out that way.
   
   Instead, I got a reminder about how things can change. And practice in dealing with some of the worst that can be thrown at a traveler. Coping my way through it all on my own. Where was my travel agent when I needed her? In all honesty, even with all the resources I had at my disposal, I can’t imagine going through everything without an agent on my side. Even if that agent had to be me.
   
   I thought of and tried out a lot of potential titles for this article. When bad things happen to good travel agents? Nope, that’s a bit too conceited. Up in the air and down under? Cute, but not right. The Accidental Medical Tourist. Yes, that’s the one.
   
   Medical tourism is a huge market and growing every year. I just didn’t expect to be included in those numbers. Not now. Not without coming home looking “rested” or at least nipped and tucked.
   
   My long time readers and clients will know that I’m a huge proponent of travel insurance for a number of reasons many of which are due to personal experience. Heading down to South America a couple years ago, a flight got cancelled and I had to be put up for 24 hours and re-arrange the schedule. Before that, in China, I’d contracted pneumonia and bronchitis, ended up on IV antibiotics in Beijing and had to stay over several extra days until ready to fly. Along with other assorted personal travel glitches. Not to mention everything from noro incidents, hurricanes, missed port calls with cancelled excursions, and family emergencies which my clients have faced. Now I have yet another reason to help those on the fence about trip insurance realize it really is an important part of travel for everyone.
   
   For years, I’ve talked with my clients facing long plane rides about strategies to make it safer and easier on them. Limit alcohol and caffeine. Drink lots of water. Move around as much as possible. Choose airlines with as much leg room as you can. Upgrades using points as the best use of all those accumulated miles in your account if you can. Purel everything. And so forth. I’ve personally flown the two longest non-stop flights in the world (Los Angeles to Singapore and Singapore to Newark)… four times. I think of a Transatlantic flight as only one good James Patterson novel in length. So you think I’d be fine on a routine flight from San Francisco to Sydney, especially with a lay-flat business class seat, right? Wrong. Long story very short, when I arrived in Sydney and deplaned, I couldn’t breathe. Had a hint of something not quite right on the plane, but it became painfully clear (pardon the pun) when I exited the plane and started walking to immigration. Was taken on a gurney by paramedics straight from the luggage hall in Sydney International to the closest hospital, exiting out through the back halls of customs with a personal customs officer as my escort. It was definitely one way to get around the sometimes onerous agricultural inspections in Australia. But I wouldn’t recommend it.
   
   As you may have guessed, I had developed blood clots in my lungs on the flight. Both lungs. Probably caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my legs or pelvis, but no way to know for sure. Perhaps I didn’t move around enough (I was sleeping very soundly) or wasn’t fully hydrated. Could even be a genetic predisposition to which we were previously unaware. Maybe just one of those things we’ll never know. Regardless, there I was, in the hospital. Alone. In a foreign country where they speak a form of English. Thankfully. This all happened two days after the health care vote in the US. Let’s say treading the mine field of questions asked by the medical professionals who were responsible for my care that first day may have been one of the most difficult parts of the experience. Combine that with the hospital ward to which I was admitted which wasn’t sex-segregated and a young Indian “gentleman” who leered at me across the room from his hospital bed every time his mother left the room, and that first day was rather interesting. I had unintentionally become a medical tourist in a foreign hospital.
   
   Most medical tourism these days is well planned, quite comfortable, and to save money over similar procedures in the US. Not me. I had to do things the hard way. So, being all alone as the solo traveler I usually am, who did I call when I first obtained my diagnosis and was admitted? Did I call family? My closest friend who happens to live in Australia? Of course not. I called my trip insurer. And then emailed them quite a lot while they coordinated my care, discharge, changes in plans and eventual evacuation back home when I was finally cleared to fly again. Oh do I love unlimited Blackberry international email! Not to mention Skype! I have to thank all the individuals who helped make this incident more bearable. The medical staff at both the public and private hospitals were fantastic. The ER physician in particular who wouldn’t give up without a clear diagnosis was amazing. The thoracic physician and his assistant whose descriptions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream almost made up for missing it at the Sydney Opera House. Jean-Philippe, the General Manager of the Sydney Harbour Marriott who, when he learned I had just been discharged from the hospital, brought me slippers and a gift of lovely bath toiletries so I’d feel more comfortable during my stay at his hotel. The wonderful doctor and nurses on Crystal Symphony who brightened my cruise every day at 5P when I’d visit. Roland, Josef and Bart made everything happen and be memorable in the incomparable Crystal way. Of course my new friends from the Avenue Saloon, Sushi Bar and Vintage Room who kept me laughing and sane throughout, and whom I now miss terribly. And Kristin, who though she was on the other side of the continent, listened every time I had an emotional break down and whom I know would have been at my side if I’d really needed her.B ut the good memories and experiences wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for my trip insurance. While yes there were times when I had to navigate the bureaucracy of it all, just like everyone, they still made it work all the while making sure to keep me safe and monitored. I wasn’t alone. They watched out for me. Of all the scenarios involving pulmonary emboli, I was extremely lucky. I know one of my 9 lives is gone forever. I’m thankful to be here. So for those who think they can travel without insurance, think again. This or other medical events can happen to anyone. At any time. On a 14 hour Transpacific flight in business class or a 2-hour hop on Southwest to Ft. Lauderdale. In the car driving to the port. Or to your favorite Aunt Betty at home when you’re on a cruise in St. Thomas. My primary insurance is picking up much of the medical costs, but the trip insurance is covering the tens of thousands of dollars in evacuation expenses to get me home, my considerable deductible, the housing in Sydney while I recuperated, the upgrade to a private hospital and other uncovered medical items, the cancelled flights, excursions and other plans, and the dozens of other miscellanea. I won’t be flying for awhile. But I’m home, recovering, and financially no worse for wear. I have memories which will last me a lifetime. Just very different ones from what was planned. Unlike William Hurt in “The Accidental Tourist” I embrace all the unknowns about travel. I’m always the enthusiastic traveler. As The Accidental Medical Tourist in my own life story, I found the joy in the situation and what unfolded. Not the trip I planned. But probably even more memorable in many ways. I was free to enjoy what could be achieved on this trip thanks to trip insurance. Be an explorer, but be covered. Yes, I did get a lot of new information about Australia and New Zealand. I know Sydney far better than I’d planned (which is a very good thing). I did get to most of the ports and tasted the wine (and chocolate!), even if it wasn’t as much as I’d hoped. I learned more about what my clients who are physically challenged face on a cruise and can now better guide them in these areas. Because I went at a slower pace in ports, I got to talk more with people even as I “did” less. So I ended up learning even more in unexpected places. A successful trip for any travel agent I’d have to say. And even a success for this adventurous traveler. I can’t wait to go back and do all those planned activities and experiences I missed. And I will. I can because I had trip insurance. Maybe now since I’ve already been a medical tourist, I should investigate the nip and tuck in Singapore next time I head out that way… Nah. Not quite yet at least. Ask me again in 10 years.

The 20 Best 'Free' Things to Do on a Cruise

THE 20 BEST "FREE" THINGS TO DO ON A CRUISE

Cruise travelers who feel like they get onboard and immediately start emptying their pockets of nickels and dimes are not alone. Today's mainstream mega-ships offer an ever-increasing number of eating, drinking and entertainment options that levy fees atop the base fare. Long gone are the days when a perilous bar bill was the only onboard financial concern. Surcharges and add-ons are here to stay. But there are plenty of noteworthy experiences still included in the ticket price, including Vegas-style shows, thin crust pizza and simple pleasures like free toothpaste or shaving cream. Sure, (optional) surcharges are the new at-sea reality, but it's still more than possible to find $0.00 on your final bill. Check out our list of the best "free" cruise offerings, and share your own favorites in the comments below. 1. Blue Man Group. Norwegian Epic is one of only a handful of venues in the world where you can watch the confused blue mutes of the Blue Man Group perform their out-of-this-world percussion-and-paint mime melee -- and it's surcharge free. So put on your poncho, and get ready to get splattered. 2. Cruising's Best Pizza. Long prized by Cruise Critic readers for its best-at-sea slices, Carnival gave its cooked-to-order pizza a makeover on Carnival Breeze in 2012. And it got better. We're not talking wood-fired-from-Naples good, but the palate-pleasing pies exhibit an impressive balance of (thin) crust, sauce and cheese -- and they come fresh from the convection oven fee-free. It's rolled out that pizza on numerous ships across the line. 3. Sunset Over the Ocean. It's one of the most beautiful sights in nature, and it doesn't cost a 15-cent piece extra. Grab a loved one's hand (or your favorite cocktail), walk over to the ship's railing, and take a deep breath. You've seen it before, sure, but watching the sunset over the ocean never fails to give you that, "I'm on vacation, and life is good" moment. Enjoy. 4. Ham & Cheese Croissant-wiches. When is a sandwich more than just sliced bread and filling? When it's Royal Caribbean's addictive ham and cheese mini-croissant, a flaky, cheese-y, three-bite morsel topped with lettuce, tomato, mustard and mayo. The fee-free mini-wich has long been a staple in Royal Caribbean's signature 24-hour Cafe Promenade. One word of warning: Post-cruise 'wich withdrawal can be severe. 5. Big-Screen Wii Battles. If you've been honing your video-gaming skills, but never had an audience who could appreciate your expertise, you're in luck. The entire Norwegian Cruise Line fleet is outfitted with Nintendo's interactive gaming system, Wii. "Boxing," "bowling" and other tournaments are offered on most sailings. We recommend you show off properly on the two-story screen in the atrium. 6. All-You-Can Eat Indian. To us, the lack of line for Carnival's fee-free Tandoor dining option is hard to fathom. The aromatic grab-and-go counter, typically open for lunch, serves up Indian comfort food made by the line's Indian cooks. Dig into grilled meats and fish, curries, daals and basmati rice alongside essential accouterments like mint chutney, raita and achar (pickle). 7. Dancing Lessons. Country line-dancing, waltz and tango, the electric slide -- cruise ships are great places to try out a variety of dance genres without enrolling in Arthur Murray classes (which would levy a fee besides). It's okay to have two left feet -- until you try out your new steps during pre-dinner live music. The couples there have been burning up dance floors for decades. And on P&O Cruises there's also the opportunity to learn some moves from the professional dancers of Strictly Come Dancing onboard selected sailings. 8. Milk and Cookies. You're lounging poolside in the afternoon, and all of a sudden you get a craving for something sweet -- but you're perfectly comfortable and don't want to move. What do you do? If you're onboard a Princess cruise, you relax while the waitstaff bring over fresh, soft-baked cookies and ice-cold milk. And then you silently wish that you could afford to employ someone to do the same for you at home. 9. Free Cabin Toiletries. We can't figure out why, but finding Carnival's famous complimentary in-cabin toiletry baskets always inspires a stupid grin. Inclusions rotate, but on our last Carnival cruise, we sucked on cherry Ludens, and kept hair frizz-free with Pantene conditioner and teeth from turning brown with Arm & Hammer whitening toothpaste. It's the little things. 10. Surfing at Sea. At-sea surf simulators first debuted on Freedom of the Seas, offering passengers a chance to surf and boogie-board, minus the ocean. It's now on a number of ships throughout the Royal Caribbean fleet. Although it's free to participate, you'll have to sign a waiver, hold on to your bikini top and embrace the possibility of public humiliation by way of wipeout. Not the daredevil type? It's also free to grab a seat on the nearby bleachers and enjoy the spills. 11. AquaSpa Cafe. With its AquaSpa Cafe concept, Celebrity Cruises is out to prove that healthy cruising is not an oxymoron. The bathrobed, post-gym or -spa treatment crowd flock to the fee-free venue, which proffers salads, sushi and other light-fare foods alongside a few a la carte items (grilled pork, poached salmon). The standard location, Celebrity's lovely adults-only, glass-covered Solarium, provides just the right backdrop for the guilt-free offerings. 12. Poolside Milkshakes. Most ships do free soft-serve ice cream, but Oceania Cruises steps it up a notch with three flavors of milkshakes (vanilla, chocolate and strawberry) made to order by the pool deck. The ambience is way nicer than a diner, but the treat is just as tasty. 13. Outdoor Movies. The flicks may not be first-run, but admission is free, and you can bring in treats from your cabin or the buffet without having to smuggle them under your jacket. Lido Deck movie screens are even more romantic than the real deal, with prime viewing from the pool by day and on snuggly loungers covered with warm blankets (and popcorn!) at night. 14. Climbing the Mast. Tall ship line Star Clippers lets you embrace your inner pirate by allowing passengers to climb one of the masts up to a crow's nest lookout. As you sway gently, high above the ocean, you'll get one-of-a-kind views -- if your eyes aren't shut tight in acrophobic terror. (Don't worry though: the line doesn't let anyone climb without a harness.) 15. People-watching. There is no better free entertainment than positioning a chair in a high-traffic zone on the pool deck, promenade or atrium and watching the antics of your shipmates. From fashion snafus to bizarre behavior and juicy conversations overheard, what you witness on a cruise ship can rival the best reality TV. 16. Time to Make Eat the Donuts. Sick of paying extra for sweets at the "specialty cafe"? Step out onto Oasis of the Seas' Coney Island-style Boardwalk, and grab a surcharge-free donut at the onboard, er, donut shop. With a rotating lineup of flavors from glazed to key lime, you're sure to find something you'll like. (Coffee and other items are also available there, but you'll pay up to $4 for them.) 17. Broadway Onboard. In the mood to see a Broadway show without paying Broadway ticket prices? You're in luck. Check out "Hairspray" on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, "Chicago" on Allure of the Seas, "Saturday Night Fever" on Liberty of the Seas, "Rock of Ages" on Norwegian Breakaway or "Legally Blonde: the Musical" on Norwegian Getaway. You can also catch West End and TV stars such as illusionist Derren Brown and classical singing star Russell Watson. And the best thing about this entertainment? -- it's all gratis. 18. Bathrobes for All. Carnival takes a proletariat approach to cabins -- there are no 1,000-square-foot suites with baby grand pianos on the Fun Ships. And everyone, from the inside cabin occupier to the passenger in the modest-sized suite, gets a bathrobe. Who is to decree that only cruisers with money should be able to spend their post-shower moments in comfort? Not Carnival. (Note: Holland America also provides robes to all.) 19. Coronary Burgers. If you're craving a complimentary heart attack on a bun, give one (or several) of Guy Fieri's burgers a try at Guy's Burger Joint. This fee-free venue will be added to the pool decks of 14 Carnival ships through 2015, offering burgers on buttered buns with a choice of toppings like blue cheese crumbles, onion rings and chipotle mayonnaise. 20. Mini-Golf. For anyone who wants to avoid crowds and catch some sun without lazing by the pool, top-deck mini-golf is a great option -- and it's free. Offered on some Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Princess and MSC ships, to name a few, the courses generally aren't a full 18 holes, but they can still be challenging, as your putting will be affected by the ship's movement. For an even more competitive twist, join a mini-golf competition, usually offered once per sailing.