20 Cruise Tips, Tricks and Hacks for 2023

You have found our helpful list of 20 cruise tips, tricks, and hacks for 2023.

A cruise vacation tip, trick, or hack refers to a piece of advice or strategy aimed at enhancing the overall cruise experience, whether by simplifying travel preparations, saving money, maximizing enjoyment of onboard activities, or making the most of port stops. These tips often offer practical insights, such as what to pack, how to secure the best deals, or how to navigate the intricacies of cruise travel, empowering passengers to make informed choices and derive greater satisfaction from their cruise vacation. Such tips, often shared by experienced cruisers or travel experts, can range from pre-cruise planning suggestions to onboard and excursion-related advice, ultimately contributing to a smoother, more enjoyable cruise journey.

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  • Tips, Tricks and Hacks you can use on a cruise vacation
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Let’s go to the list!

20 cruise tips, tricks, and hacks for 2023

Here is our list of cruise vacation tips, tricks, and hacks you can use that typically offer a wealth of practical and strategic guidance to help travelers make the most of their cruise experience. This information can include advice on what to pack, how to save money on bookings and onboard expenses, ways to maximize onboard amenities and activities, dining strategies, tips for shore excursions and port exploration, insights into navigating cruise line policies, and suggestions for enhancing overall comfort and enjoyment during the voyage. These tips may cover a wide spectrum of topics, catering to both first-time cruisers seeking essential guidance and experienced travelers looking for ways to elevate their cruise adventures.

1. Arrive at your departure port a day ahead of schedule

Arriving a day early provides a buffer against travel delays and ensures you won’t miss your cruise, offering peace of mind and a stress-free start to your vacation.

2. Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on

By packing your swimsuit in your carry-on luggage, you can take a refreshing dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub as soon as you board, even before your main luggage arrives at your cabin.

3. Don’t overpack

Packing efficiently helps you avoid excessive baggage fees, streamlines your travel experience, and leaves room for souvenirs you might pick up during your cruise.

4. Bring your own drinks on board

Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages, which can save you money on drinks while enjoying your time at sea.

5. Bring extra toiletries

Having backup toiletries ensures you won’t run out during your cruise and allows you to maintain your preferred level of comfort and hygiene throughout the trip.

6. Bring Clorox wipes, room freshener, a foldable shoe rack, a highlighter, and a lanyard

These items enhance your cruise experience by helping you maintain a clean cabin, stay organized, mark important activities in your daily schedule, and keep your cruise key card easily accessible.

7. Skip the buffet on your first day on board

Buffets tend to be crowded on embarkation day. Opt for a quieter dining option to start your cruise more leisurely and avoid the initial rush.

8. Research ports in advance

Familiarizing yourself with the ports of call allows you to plan excursions or explore independently with confidence, maximizing your enjoyment of each destination.

9. Join a Facebook group for your line

Being part of a cruise line’s Facebook group provides a platform to gather tips, share experiences, and potentially connect with fellow passengers before your voyage begins.

10. Sign up for private tours

Private tours often offer a more personalized and flexible experience compared to cruise line-sponsored excursions, allowing you to tailor your activities to your preferences.

11. Sign up for activities in advance or soon after boarding

Popular onboard activities can fill up quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you won’t miss out on the entertainment and experiences that interest you.

12. Always carry the ship’s contact information with you

Carrying this information ensures you can quickly reach the ship if you get separated from your group or encounter any unexpected issues during your shore excursions.

13. Keep your phone in airplane mode

Using airplane mode prevents unexpected roaming charges while still allowing you to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi for communication and internet access.

14. Download the cruise app

Cruise apps provide valuable information about onboard activities, dining options, and even chat features to stay in touch with fellow passengers, enhancing your overall cruise experience.

15. Use a travel agent to book

Travel agents can help you find the best cruise deals, navigate cabin options, and offer expert insights into various cruise lines, making the booking process smoother and more informed.

16. Consider travel insurance

Travel insurance can safeguard your investment by providing coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and unforeseen incidents, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.

17. Don’t book a cabin near an elevator

Choosing a cabin away from elevators can help you enjoy a quieter atmosphere and a more restful sleep, as cabins near elevators may experience more noise from foot traffic.

18. Use a points card for onboard spending

Using a credit card that earns rewards or points for onboard spending can help you maximize the benefits of your cruise while earning points for future travel.

19. Don’t tip twice for drinks and spa treatments

Many cruise lines automatically include gratuities for drinks and spa services in your bill, so double-check before adding additional tips to ensure you’re not over-tipping.

20. Use points to get to your cruise

If you have travel reward points or miles, consider using them to offset the cost of airfare or transportation to the departure port, making your cruise vacation more cost-effective.

Conclusion

Using ideas from a list of cruise tips, tricks, and hacks is a fantastic idea because it empowers travelers with insider knowledge and proven strategies to enhance their cruise vacation. These tips can help passengers make informed choices, save money, and streamline their travel preparations, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience from start to finish. Whether it’s optimizing packing, finding hidden perks, or making the most of onboard amenities, these insights can transform a standard cruise into an exceptional and memorable journey, allowing travelers to make the most of their time at sea and explore new destinations with confidence and convenience.

FAQ: 20 Cruise Tips, Tricks and Hacks for 2023

Here are some frequently asked questions about 20 Cruise Tips, Tricks and Hacks for 2023

What is a cruise vacation tip, trick or hack?

A cruise vacation tip, trick, or hack is a nugget of insider knowledge or a clever strategy that savvy travelers share to enhance the overall cruise experience. These insights can range from practical packing advice and money-saving tactics to navigating cruise line policies, maximizing onboard amenities, and optimizing shore excursions. They provide valuable shortcuts and wisdom to make the most of a cruise vacation, empowering passengers to enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable journey and get the most value out of their cruise investment. Whether for first-time cruisers or seasoned travelers, these tips and tricks are valuable tools for elevating the cruise experience.

How can a cruise tip, trick or hack help me?

A cruise tip, trick, or hack can help you in several ways during your cruise vacation. Firstly, it can enhance your overall experience by providing insights into packing efficiently, navigating the ship, and making the most of onboard amenities and entertainment. Secondly, it can save you money by offering strategies to secure the best deals on bookings, onboard expenses, and excursions. Additionally, these tips can increase convenience by simplifying travel preparations, such as passport and documentation requirements. Lastly, they empower you with the knowledge to make informed choices, whether it’s about dining options, shore excursions, or navigating cruise line policies, ensuring you have a smoother, more enjoyable cruise journey from start to finish.

What sorts of things can a cruise tip, trick, or hack help me with?

A cruise tip, trick, or hack can assist you in optimizing various aspects of your cruise experience. These insights can help you save money by finding discounts, navigating the often complex booking process, and making the most of onboard amenities without overspending. They can also enhance your overall enjoyment by suggesting strategies for avoiding crowds, securing the best dining reservations, and maximizing your shore excursions. Additionally, these tips can aid in packing efficiently, ensuring you have all the essentials for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, cruise tips and tricks can significantly enhance your voyage by offering valuable insights and insider knowledge.