7 Things to Avoid Doing on a Cruise

A vacation on a cruise can be a wonderful experience, especially if you choose to go on a luxurious all-inclusive cruise. However, missteps can interfere with your vacation plans and make the trip less enjoyable. Further, avoidable lapses like overlooking safety measures and key guidelines can make the experience difficult. So, let’s discuss a few things you should avoid doing on a cruise so that you can make the most of your vacation.

Skipping the safety briefing
After boarding a cruise ship, the first thing you should do is attend the mandatory safety briefing. During this important meeting, the crew will explain the safety protocols, evacuation plans, and essential information about being onboard. In addition, the crew will let you know where the life jackets are and how to put them on during an emergency. This briefing is not just a formality; it is essential for your safety onboard. It is also important to take note of your muster station, a dedicated spot for an emergency, like a fire or a shipwreck. So, it is advisable to attend the safety briefing and pay attention to all instructions. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout during the safety briefing. That way, in an emergency, you will know how to get to the nearest exit or muster station. 

Overpacking
When packing for the cruise, it is crucial to prioritize the essentials. Overloading your travel bag can result in additional stress and hassle when boarding the cruise ship, as you will have to fit your luggage into a small cabin. So, many cruise ships enforce a two-bag rule. Your first bag should have all the everyday items, such as toiletries and clothing, while the other should contain just a few things you might need during your cruise. You should pack only the essentials, such as a few outfits, comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, basic toiletries, and supplements. Remember to pack for a formal night or special event on the cruise. Also, some cruise ships offer laundry services for a fee, so if you have multiple days at sea, you could always use this service to keep your wardrobe clean and fresh. Avoid packing too many electronics and expensive items like jewelry, which you can’t afford to lose on the ship. Remember to carry all the items required for shore excursions or sightseeing. Finally, leave some room for souvenirs from your trip.

Overeating
On a cruise voyage, overeating is one thing you should avoid, as it can lead to unpleasant and uncomfortable experiences such as stomach pain, indigestion, and uneasiness. It can be hard to resist the many delicious meals cruises offer in the dining room, leading to overindulgence. To prevent this, practice mindful eating and know your portion sizes. You can also try snacking on healthy foods between meals or ordering smaller dishes at mealtime. Remember that while it may be tempting to order multiple courses, doing so will likely make you feel full.

Arguing with the staff
On a cruise, it is important to remember that the staff is there to make your experience as pleasant as possible. That means you should avoid arguing with them when something goes wrong or if you disagree with an instruction or request. The cruise staff is trained to deal with any situation calmly and professionally, and yelling or getting angry will make the experience unpleasant for everyone involved. You should try to be patient and understanding; if necessary, you can always ask to speak with someone from management who can help resolve the issue. 

Using the elevator
The elevators will let you get from one floor to another of your choosing rather quickly. But if you do this, you might miss out on ongoing attractions on the floors you skip. Instead, use the stairs on the cruise. This way, you will get to the floor you desire after being able to check out and probably enjoy other activities of interest on the way. Additionally, let’s not forget that elevators are usually overcrowded, so you would still have to wait a while before it is your turn to hop on. The stairs also provide a great opportunity to make up for all eating done at the buffet.

Forgetting travel insurance
Boarding a ship without travel insurance is one costly mistake many make. It is also one of the most vital elements to consider before booking and boarding a cruise. While you might be in perfect health before getting on the ship, the change in weather on the trip may also put you at risk of developing an illness. Of course, you would have access to a doctor on the cruise that can offer care to the best of their abilities. With just a few prescribed doses, you might feel better and enjoy the rest of the journey. However, getting treatment on a cruise can be expensive. A simple checkup with a single prescription could cost over $100. So, buying a travel insurance plan in advance could save you a lot of money, especially if you get really sick.

Reserving the loungers
If there is a pool on your cruise, there are bound to be lounge chairs around. Many people try to reserve pool loungers for others by putting a towel or other personal items on them. While it is okay to reserve a chair for yourself, avoid doing that for a friend or family member who is not there yet. It will inconvenience other passengers who are already by the pool. Reserving a lounger may also lead to arguments that could hamper the overall cruise experience.

Additionally, a common mistake is booking cruises on lesser-known, unreliable websites that may overcharge. You should book trips on websites of reliable cruise liners, such as Silversea®, which is known for its European cruise packages. If you are looking for stunning views in the country, you should check out sightseeing cruises in Florida and enjoy watching the sunset in Key West.

Cruise trips can throw up a number of unpleasant surprises, such as cabin confinement, emergency airlifts to airports, and the possibility of cruises missing ports. Since general travel insurance usually does not cover such scenarios on cruise trips, one must buy comprehensive cruise travel insurance. This policy ensures one’s cruise experience is not ruined because of untoward incidents.