Matt Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Working on a blog post to share the very best cruise tips and tricks, and I'm curious to know what is one tip/hack/trick/secret you pretty much swear by? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelKaps Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 1. Arrive to the port early. You are paying for your day 1 and the sooner you get on the ship, the sooner you can start your vacation. 2. Bring a USB port outlet for more charging space. Do not confuse this with a surge protector, since it most likely will be confiscated. 3. Be friendly to the crew and chat with them. Room stewards, for instance, enjoy when we have conversations with them because their jobs are very repetitive and have to clean up after us. It can really make someone's day. Zipitidoda, RWDW1204, S.Marie and 11 others 11 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 13 minutes ago, MelKaps said: 1. Arrive to the port early. You are paying for your day 1 and the sooner you get on the ship, the sooner you can start your vacation. I know this is making it in there as @Matt is an early arriver..but it is absolutely my #1 tip for everyone. We are fortunate that Royal doesn't make us adhere to the assigned boarding times like some of the other cruise lines do. Take advantage of that always! raahc, Matt, MelKaps and 2 others 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodgestang Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Kids wear bathing suits and/or their suits are packed in the carry around back pack. We get to the port early, get on fast, and they are in pool before I've even gotten my first beer. RWDW1204 and raahc 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TinaLouise Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Someone told me to shower at the gym. The showers are bigger. raahc, S.Marie and PRebecca 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 If booking cruise through UK site either use Top cash back to get £££ paid back into your bank account or tell TA the amount you can get back in cash so they lower their price by the amount you would receive True scotsman.....its all about the £££ and tighter than 2 coats of paint lol DJsMrs and MamaBurgs 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmar02 Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Bring your patience. Some people will act rude, but go into the trip with a vacation state of mind, and any absurd actions from other passengers will roll easier off your back. RWDW1204, Neesa, GeorgiaGirl85 and 7 others 8 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Avoiding standing outside (on the smaller ships) during muster drill. Once the drill is starting, go to the person who is scanning the sea pass cards, have your cards scanned and then go inside and have a seat ! One of the crew will be demonstrating the life vest and you have a comfortable place to sit and wait for the crowds to diminish after the drill ends OR be ready to dash to the elevators once the Captain has completed his remarks. raahc, SteveinSC, cobra614 and 4 others 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sushitex Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 My daughter gave me a set of packing cubes for Christmas @ 2 years ago, and at first, I was rather leery about using them. Two cruises later, I am sold! I roll my “like “ clothes ( t-shirts, for example) before putting them into the cubes. The best part is when I unpack, by simply taking the cubes out of my suitcase and placing them into the drawers of our stateroom. It takes just a few moments, then all that’s left to do is to tuck our suitcases under the bed or in a closet. Dh had a small set of cubes that we received for renewing a membership this past spring, which he used during our June/July cruise. After the cruise ended, I realized that he needed more cubes, so during Amazon Prime Days I ordered him another set. My tip is to try using packing cubes. If you don’t like them, somebody you know may gladly take them off your hands. raahc, ddmcruiser and GeorgiaGirl85 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeSD Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Once onboard put your phone in airplane mode ChessE4, raahc, Vwjo and 7 others 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 44 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Avoiding standing outside (on the smaller ships) during muster drill. Once the drill is starting, go to the person who is scanning the sea pass cards, have your cards scanned and then go inside and have a seat ! One of the crew will be demonstrating the life vest and you have a comfortable place to sit and wait for the crowds to diminish after the drill ends OR be ready to dash to the elevators once the Captain has completed his remarks. Haha! If you have screaming kids, que the tantrums and give it about 2-3 minutes and you will be ushered out of the drill and told to go stand by the exit. Works every single time. DJsMrs, WAAAYTOOO, PRebecca and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 5 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said: Haha! If you have screaming kids, que the tantrums and give it about 2-3 minutes and you will be ushered out of the drill and told to go stand by the exit. Works every single time. Can I rent a kid from Adventure Ocean for 30 minutes on day one? hayley_bopp, KristiZ, DJsMrs and 10 others 1 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodgestang Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 17 minutes ago, tonyfsu21 said: Haha! If you have screaming kids, que the tantrums and give it about 2-3 minutes and you will be ushered out of the drill and told to go stand by the exit. Works every single time. That's what I get for teaching my kids to behave in public and be respectful at all times.....damnit. PRebecca, ChrisK2793, tonyfsu21 and 5 others 2 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobra614 Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Take care of those who take care of you... I'm talking tips. Works everywhere... PRebecca, S.Marie, RWDW1204 and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noonstar Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Bring a pen and a highlighter with you. You never know when you want to write a thank you note and you most definitely want to mark out those activities that you don’t want to miss on your cruise compass. Baked Alaska, Lilly, ddmcruiser and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockerDom31 Posted November 5, 2019 Report Share Posted November 5, 2019 Using your stateroom attendant’s business card (or even a sheet of paper folded into the size of a business card) to keep the lights on in your stateroom. Of course, take it out when you are going to be out of the room but at least it lessens the chance that you forget your sea pass card! RWDW1204 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatsFanBrian Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 Study the Compass before the day starts. You will likely find an activity you'll end up enjoying that you would have missed otherwise. Srp431, raahc, KristiZ and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiki Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 Be knowledgeable about your cruise ship selection. Yes, there is a lot of hype surrounding the mega ships with every bell and whistle imaginable. However, I love the nostalgia that you can immerse yourself with cruise ships such as the Explorer of the Seas and smaller ships. I am reminiscing of the days where interpersonal relationships, interesting conversation about destinations and culture with fellow travelers, superseded ziplines and trampolines. There is a true value of being on a non retrofitted ship that allows for simplistic fun and activities without being loud, mass manufactured, and overbearing. Sometimes real beauty lies in excellent service, a suite with a beautiful view, and like minded travelers. The exploration of different foods and specialty restaurants can be a wonderful culinary experience especially with staff conversation from around the globe. I also feel that the more traditional cruise experience allows for appreciation of the arts, the destination, the people, and appreciation of the architecture of the ship and staff. This type of personal or more intimate experience is invaluable. thepants, KristiZ, RickinSTL and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnshortie21 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 1. Magnetic hooks! Its a room saver. Great to hang swim suits, cruise compass, hats, lanyards, etc... 2. If you do not have a drink package, bring a reusable water bottle. Less trips to get beverages. 3. Go to trivia. It's fun and if you think you are smart, someone there will prove you wrong! LOL. raahc and RWDW1204 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Srp431 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 2 hours ago, PatsFanBrian said: Study the Compass before the day starts. You will likely find an activity you'll end up enjoying that you would have missed otherwise. We sometimes use a highlighter on the paper compass to help us remember what activities we don't want to miss later raahc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK6404 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 Love this thread! So many good tips! Just a couple of things I’ve learned from this blog over the years... (1) If something is not as expected or disappointing, don’t just accept it and let it ruin your experience or even your whole cruise. Speak up at that time (be nice) and ask questions. The crew members want to make your cruise amazing and will do what they can to make it right. (2) If you find a food, wine, etc., that you really like in one restaurant, but it’s not on the menu in another or that specific evening (MDR), ask the waiter. I’ve heard with notice, especially in the MDR, that if you tell the waitstaff that you like a specific meal or appetizer that was offered on another evening, they will have it prepared for you as long as they still have the ingredients. We experienced a little bit of this on our last cruise. We found a wine that we all enjoyed in Chops Grille, but it was not available in Giovanni’s. We mentioned it to the waiter and he had someone run over to Chops Grille to grab a couple of bottles for our table! Good use of our DBP! RWDW1204 and raahc 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabarwolf Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 Reprice, reprice, reprice. Dollar Store Haul. Magnets for the walls in the stateroom. S.Marie and raahc 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeWhoWaits Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 14 hours ago, tonyfsu21 said: Haha! If you have screaming kids, que the tantrums and give it about 2-3 minutes and you will be ushered out of the drill and told to go stand by the exit. Works every single time. On Freedom in June, the horn sounding scared our 20 month old grandson awake (despite having two sets of hands covering his ears) and he screamed the rest of the drill. None of us were given the opportunity to take him away from the crowd and noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChessE4 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 17 hours ago, Matt said: Working on a blog post to share the very best cruise tips and tricks, and I'm curious to know what is one tip/hack/trick/secret you pretty much swear by? Always check the room safe before you leave the stateroom -- sometimes the "closed" door bounces open if you don't keep pressure on it while it locks. This seems to happen to me at least once on every cruise. Other than that, arrive at desired venues early for best seating (we go with 30 minutes early). raahc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk8erguy1978 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 14 hours ago, cobra614 said: Take care of those who take care of you... I'm talking tips. Works everywhere... This is the point of my tip (pun?) ... Save singles and fives in an envelope at home, or go to the bank and ask. Having a stack of singles and fives makes tipping easier. Also, if you're running low, the casino cashier has limited lines (no winners? LOL) and more than happy to break a bill. raahc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiralqueen Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 Don’t just look at the cruise planner during advertised sales. I feel like a ton of the lowest prices I’ve found (esp for excursions) are at a random midweek time outside of a sale. I tend to make it part of my morning routine to spend 3 mins checking the prices on the CP of the things I’m interested in. More broadly than that, BOOK THINGS IN ADVANCE VIA THE CRUISE PLANNER. Sounds so simple, but even things like booking MTD times. You can always change it on board and at least you lock something in. KristiZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alibou3193 Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 16 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said: Avoiding standing outside (on the smaller ships) during muster drill. Once the drill is starting, go to the person who is scanning the sea pass cards, have your cards scanned and then go inside and have a seat ! One of the crew will be demonstrating the life vest and you have a comfortable place to sit and wait for the crowds to diminish after the drill ends OR be ready to dash to the elevators once the Captain has completed his remarks. Where inside is this demonstrated? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRebecca Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 My one tip is to use a good trusted Travel Agent. No matter how well versed you are at booking vacations online, Travel Agents are great to save you time and money MikeK 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveinSC Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 LEARN/KNOW WHAT TYPE OF CRUISER YOU ARE. Knowing what you like to do on a cruise dictates EVERYTHING! Are you an active, out and about person, or a room dweller? Are you in it for the ports, or are you in it for the ship? Are you a foody, or are you fine with just the MDR and Windjammer? Knowing what you like impacts everything from your room selection, to your excursions, to your daily planning.....I know its sounds like a broad "tip or trick" but its the single most important thing to know. Other than that, I make sure to wear my trunks on embarkation, and carry a backpack with sunscreen, and other essentials. I dont want to be dependent upon my luggage and room getting ready. I want to enjoy my day on the ship. Mrs. RoyalMoyal, RWDW1204 and S.Marie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBryant Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 18 hours ago, MelKaps said: 3. Be friendly to the crew and chat with them. Room stewards, for instance, enjoy when we have conversations with them because their jobs are very repetitive and have to clean up after us. It can really make someone's day. Especially ask them how long since they've been home. Everyone likes talking about their home when they've been gone for several months. I've always learned something and they remember you. RWDW1204, KristiZ, NJCruisers and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 1 hour ago, Alibou3193 said: Where inside is this demonstrated? It depends on the ship. On Grandeur, it is in the Centrum area on Deck 5 next to Guest Services. On some ships it can be in the Schooner Bar. Hint: look for older people or people in scooters/wheel chairs. Whever they are gathering, that will be the place where they will demonstrate the life vests inside. Close to muster time they may try and shoo you out. Just tell them that your Seapass cards have already been scanned and stay put. As long as you get your Seapass card scanned, listen to the presentation and see the life vest demonstration you are compliant. JennyJenny 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBryant Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 18 hours ago, MelKaps said: 3. Be friendly to the crew and chat with them. Room stewards, for instance, enjoy when we have conversations with them because their jobs are very repetitive and have to clean up after us. It can really make someone's day. Especially ask them how long since they've been home. Everyone likes talking about their home when they've been gone for several months. I've always learned something and they remember you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBryant Posted November 6, 2019 Report Share Posted November 6, 2019 18 hours ago, MelKaps said: 3. Be friendly to the crew and chat with them. Room stewards, for instance, enjoy when we have conversations with them because their jobs are very repetitive and have to clean up after us. It can really make someone's day. Especially ask them how long since they've been home. Everyone likes talking about their home when they've been gone for several months. I've always learned something and they remember you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomBryant Posted November 7, 2019 Report Share Posted November 7, 2019 Sorry about the multiple entries for my response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted November 7, 2019 Report Share Posted November 7, 2019 No worries. It happens all the time TomBryant 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingfish Posted November 7, 2019 Report Share Posted November 7, 2019 Make a few copies of your passport. Keep a paper copy in your suitcase and then email a copy to yourself and someone in your family who is NOT on the cruise with you. SSprouse, S.Marie, raahc and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micahd Posted November 7, 2019 Report Share Posted November 7, 2019 Nobody ever says this one; bring a watch set to ships time. It gives us ultimate peace of mind when in port and out on excursions. Cell phones can change time when the connect to the cell network at port and for us, we prefer to leave the phones off and locked up in the safe anyway. USCG Teacher, SSprouse, Mrs. RoyalMoyal and 4 others 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Candyman Posted November 10, 2019 Report Share Posted November 10, 2019 · If you use the cabin safe, put small items in a Ziplock bag so you don’t mistakenly leave them behind raahc and LilLady 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilLady Posted November 10, 2019 Report Share Posted November 10, 2019 Some have been mentioned already, but here goes: Chat with the crew! We love seeing them light up when they talk about their families and home. Remember to put your phones on Airplane mode or better yet, turn them off and lock them in the safe if you can! Nothing screams a vacation than being unplugged! Take time to check out a "new" activity, music performance or show. If you don't like it, you can always leave early. More than likely you will find one or two things you didn't know you would enjoy Take the time to "sample" new foods. The great thing about cruising is that if you don't like something, they will bring you something more to your liking or you can head back up to the buffet for another plate, and it won't cost you any extra. Explore the ship! Every cruise we take a walk around the entire ship, usually more than once. By doing this, we have found little "gems" that are often overlooked and also find some quieter spots where DH and I can spend some time away from the crowds. Above all else....Be courteous! To the crew, your room steward, and the fellow passengers! A smile and a thank you goes a long way! As the saying goes "If you see someone without a smile, give them yours!" RWDW1204, raahc, S.Marie and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickinSTL Posted November 10, 2019 Report Share Posted November 10, 2019 This is the best thread ever! dancingfish 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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