SHIP
SHAPE.
12 things your travel agent needed you to know before you stepped foot on that ship. You’re welcome.
Don’t link your real debit or credit card to your onboard account if you can help it. Load a set amount onto a ship card instead. That’s your cruise budget. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Your bank account stays safe.
Your dining room servers work hard. Cash tips go directly to them. And here’s the key — reconcile your account before disembarkation day. If you don’t, the ship will add automatic gratuities to your account whether you tipped already or not.
Cabin showers are… cozy. If you need room to actually move, the gym showers are bigger, cleaner, and usually empty. Go early morning. You’re welcome.
The drink package only pays off if you’re drinking 7+ alcoholic drinks a day. Non-drinker? Skip it. Light drinker? Skip it. Pay as you go and keep your coins.
Before you leave, download WhatsApp and make sure everyone back home has it too. Wi-Fi calling and video through WhatsApp = free. International texting = not free. Get the cruise Wi-Fi package if you have kids or dependents at home who need to reach you.
They sell out. Period. Book through the cruise line — yes it costs a little more. But if the excursion runs late, the ship will wait for you. Book with an outside company and the ship will sail without you. That’s not a threat. That’s a fact.
Dock parking fees add up fast over a 5–7 day trip. Carpool. Uber. Drop-off only. Save that money for the actual trip.
Even if you live an hour away — get a hotel near the port the night before embarkation. Traffic. Delays. Car trouble. Life. Don’t risk missing your ship over something preventable.
You will not wear all those clothes. Versatile outfits only — same bottoms, switch the top. Same top, switch the bottom. You’re on a ship, not a runway. Also: one wine bottle per bag is allowed. Wrap it in plastic, secure it well, don’t risk breakage.
Take your multivitamins. Bring immune-boosting teas. Drink lots of water — and order your bottled water cases for your cabin weeks before you board. They run out. One case per person is enough for trips under 7 days. That’s 12 bottles.
The main dining room is fancy and included. The buffet? Included. Outdoor grill, burgers, pizza? Included. Entertainment? Included. You’ll get a full schedule when you board. Some specialty restaurants cost extra — just know the difference.
There’s a triage. There’s a jail. If you wouldn’t do it alone at 2am in a strange city — don’t do it on this ship. Keep valuables in the in-room safe every time you leave. Don’t sleep in public spaces. Don’t walk alone at night. Common sense travels too.
CHECK IN 2–3 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE. PRINT YOUR BOARDING DOCS. DON’T MISS THAT EMAIL.