Comments on: 25 Tips to Ensure Valium-free Cruising

By: Anne Campbell

Anne Campbell — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:39:17 +0000

Especially in the Caribbean and Mexico you can set up your own shore excursions … simply go to the island/port’s website and you’ll find companies that offer snorkeling, yachting trips at much lower prices than the cruise line. A low-cost way for a family to spend the day in port is to head for a local resort and pay a nominal day rate to hang out at the pool or beach.

By: JC

JC — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:54:19 +0000

18 contradicts 12. If you want to save money, stay the heck away from the overpriced spa and alternative dining that cost extra. Or avoid all 3 of these to save even more. Well at that rate maybe shouldn’t do shore excursions either.

Maybe better yet is to be an adult and buget to do all the things you want to do.

Always pack duct tape. Fly in the day before you sail.

By: Cruisegle

Cruisegle — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:40:41 +0000

Don’t sleep on the top bunk if you have a back problem; I did once and it took 4 people to get me down!!!

By: Anne Campbell

Anne Campbell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Donna….great idea! I’ll use this one myself next time I cruise (actually today, on the new Carnival Dream!).

By: Donna Hull

Donna Hull — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:37:34 +0000

Pack a plastic shoe bag with hooks to hang over the bathroom door for storing toiletries and other items. Keeps you organized plus de-clutters the bathroom counters and shelves. Give it to your cabin steward for their use when the cruise is over.

By: Erika

Erika — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:27:58 +0000

I never ever post but this time I will,Thanks alot for the great blog.

By: Former Asst Ship's Shop Manager

Former Asst Ship's Shop Manager — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:33:13 +0000

I agree with everything but DON’T wait til the last day to buy your ships’s Tshirts. Your size might not be available. Check out what you want to buy early on. If stock looks limited BUY NOW. Do your souvenir shopping mid way – to second to last night of your cruise. You will not have to stand in line with a ship load of frantic passengers on the last night and you will get what you want (in the size that you want.)

All I can remember from one ship I worked on was on the last night of every cruise, a 3 foot high pile of Tshirts that passengers threw on the floor looking for their size. We were up til 1am folding what was left…. (Usually the Xsmall size) Take this tip from one who knows, buy early.

PS. Do the shop staff a favour – If you unfold it, fold back up and put it where you got it from.
And Be nice to the shop staff.

By: Cruise Ready

Cruise Ready — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:11:02 +0000

Here’s another:
If cruising during hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) ALWAYS plan to arrive at your port of embarkation a day early, even if it’s a “drive-to” port for you.
If a hurricane is approaching your departure port, not only can air schedules be disrupted, causing delays, but the port authority may ORDER all ships out to sea hours early. If that happens, and you have plannd to arrive arrive with only only several hours to spare, you ship could very well sail without you… and you could be stuck in a hotel for the durataion of the storm.

By: admin

admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:39:53 +0000

Thank you Andy! This has always been one of my biggest tips and I simply forgot to list it. And, since air travel has become so chaotic, it’s definitely a NEW RULE.

By: Andy Page

Andy Page — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:15:41 +0000

I suggest if flying to a port, that you travel the day before. You are so much more relaxed when you aren’t rushing to meet the ship. Additionally, if you have airline problems , they are easier to solve if you have an additional day to get to the port.