Seven Tips for First Time Cruisers

Sail with your Age Group: And here is a quick rule of thumb on finding your own kind; If it's cold, they're old. Alaskan cruises typically have an older crowd and in general, the longer cruises have older passengers. Any cruise that is longer than seven days will typically have an older crowd. Younger passengers usually can't afford longer cruises nor do they have vacation time to take them. Three and four day cruises are party cruises and typically have a younger crowd, especially in the Caribbean. Two day cruises to nowhere are especially popular with the party crowd. If you are looking for an older, more relaxed crowd, look for longer voyages, especially in colder climates. If you want to party with a younger crowd, look for shorter voyages in warmer climates. 

Dining Matters. If you have assigned seating in the dining rooms, then the secret about the people you sit with is that they are likely very similar to you. The Maître D intentionally seats similar people together; couples with couples, singles with singles, seniors with seniors. Realize that these people may become your new best friends on the cruise.

Set Your Watch. Remember to set your watch to "ship time," which may or may not change when you cross time zones.

Don't be Late. The ship will only wait about fifteen minutes after its scheduled sailing time. Each cruise line has a port agent that can help if you do miss the ship. Most people fly to the next port to meet the ship there, but you'll pay for all extra expenses.

Bring Ear Plugs. They make sleeping on the airplane easier. They also allow you to sleep through all the noise that happens in the corridors and from the neighboring cabins.

Captain's Word is Law. Remember that the captain has the authority to kick you off the ship if he thinks you're endangering his crew or the other passengers.

Chatting Up Crewmembers. To strike up conversation with a crewmember, don't ask lame questions. Crewmembers get these questions everyday and they get sick of hearing it. The crew do live on the ship. Contracts are typically six months followed by six weeks of vacation and they can get off in port. Remember that the first question or comment that comes to mind is usually one that countless others have already asked or said. So go deeper.

Booking your cruise through a travel agent will insure a smotth and enjoyable cruise.