Table Of Content
- Always pack a wad of $1 bills for tipping
- Research your cruise ports
- Many hotels near the port will offer free (or discounted) cruise parking and/or shuttles to the ship
- Those “all you can drink” packages aren’t a good deal, unless…
- Save money by looking for happy hour specials
- Go to Speciality Restaurants the first day
Various cruise payment plans are available for Carnival cruisers who need them. The newsletter should also list contact information for the port agent in every destination you visit. Should you have a problem in port and not make it back to the ship before it sails, the agent can help you figure out next steps. Independent tours also can take you to places that Royal Caribbean-organized tours don't. Often, independent tours will be much more intimate than the tours offered directly through Royal Caribbean. Cruises aren't this way — at least if you want to get the most out of them.
Always pack a wad of $1 bills for tipping
This means throngs of hungry people make a mad dash to the cruise ship buffet. Do your research when purchasing a cruise line drinks package, though. There are often several options, some just including soft drinks, some are for kids and others include everything from specialty tea and coffee to wines, beers and spirits. Some are more restrictive, too, only including certain drinks, brands or varieties. That's why we've compiled our decades of cruising experience to make sure that you have the first-time cruise tips you need to ace your adventure.
Research your cruise ports
Some lines will let you sign up for shows, tours and other activities (including meals at specialty restaurants) in advance of sailing using online portals. If you want to be sure that you get a seat for a specific show on a specific night, or a specific tour or restaurant reservation time, it's a good idea to do this. It's not uncommon with some ships to find that some shows, tours and restaurant reservation times book up in advance. However, if you plan to enjoy that specialty meal on embarkation day itself, you will find that most of the posh restaurants on the cruise ship are much less crowded. This is because everyone is busy settling in to their cabins and exploring the cruise ship, planning to enjoy that gourmet dinner later on in the cruise. Driving to your cruise port can save you money over flying.
Many hotels near the port will offer free (or discounted) cruise parking and/or shuttles to the ship
For example, Carnival charges $23 per person one-way to get you from the Miami airport to the Port of Miami — a 10-mile ride. Compare that to a taxi or Uber, which will charge you about $25-30 each way for up to four passengers. Meanwhile, with a taxi or other transportation, you aren’t tied to the cruise shuttle’s schedule.
Fly to your cruise port a day or two early
You’ll often get a better signal when you are closer to the routers. Read our guide to cruise ship Wi-Fi for more details on internet at sea. The drills usually take place just before the ship sets sail. Your attendance is mandatory, and you should take it seriously. Be forewarned, crew members do come around to check that people are not still in the cabin. In some cases, though not many, when several passengers are delayed, a ship's departure might be postponed.
It's one way to save money when cruising, as drink prices on ships can be high. Like many cruise lines these days, Royal Caribbean often offers its best pricing for any given cruise at the moment the sailing opens for booking. Then, as the cruise starts filling up, the line will slowly raise prices for the remaining inventory of cabins.
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But if you are worried about it, then look for a cabin that is as low and close to the middle of the ship as possible. If you’ve been tempted by the drink packages, do the math before you buy it. Drink packages seem like good deals, but the rules can make them quite pricey. For instance, many cruise lines force each person in a cabin to buy the package if any passenger buys it. As well, you have to buy the package for the entire cruise.
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Cruise taxes (Gov fees and port charges) cover services like tolling, vessel inspections, harbor pilotage, security, baggage handling (at homeports). Also are included IRS charges, immigration/naturalization costs, shore excursions' expenses (VAT/flight/land transportation/hotel). Government taxes and port fees are additional and can't be avoided. Fuel surcharges are added when fuel prices go up - major passenger shipping companies charge additional USD 5-10 pp per day, to cover fuel costs. Just like restaurants on land, cruise ships sailing from the United States undergo regular health inspections.
Go to Speciality Restaurants the first day
In this case, you select your room type (interior, balcony, etc.), but the cruise selects the actual spot. In return, you can save a decent chunk of change on the room. Not only are cruise lines cautious of keeping the room from smelling like smoke for future guests, but the biggest fear on a cruise ship is fire. You’ll notice that most things that produce heat or flame are prohibited. But in the interest of safety, smoking in your cabin where an accidental fire could be an issue is not allowed.
However, we’ve found that the duty-free alcohol can be a really great deal. The ship will sell full liter bottles (compared to 750ml at home) for a price 30% less. You’ll pick up your purchase on the last day of the voyage (or some companies will deliver them to your stateroom). Note that the porters are employees of the port, NOT the cruise line and they tend to operate on their own schedule. This means you may not have access to your checked luggage for several hours. Put anything of value and anything you might need right away (a swimsuit, sunscreen, etc.) in your hand luggage or a small bag to take with you.
However, there are some classic choices which will be available every night. For more Cruise Cabin Hacks and some seriously good tips to help organize your cabin, check out THIS POST. I can avoid sending my clothing items to press by using this and a bit of shower steam if needed.
Offer complimentary lunches, or you can enjoy Emeril's New Orleans fare or sushi for an extra charge. The Carnival HUB app is essential for planning your cruise both before and after you're on board. It allows you to make reservations for dinner and purchase tours, spa treatments and onboard Wi-Fi.
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