Cruise Line Tips

  • Dining

    Visit guest relations on the first day of the cruise to view the pre-planned dining menus. This way you can plan which days you want to visit the specialty venues and on which days you want to dine in the main dining room. Most cruisers don’t miss out on any themed nights at the Main Dining Room.

    Specialty restaurants on Celebrity cruises may offer discounted dining on the first night of the cruise. Take advantage of this experience to enjoy unique menus. This also serves as a good way to sample and find out venues you would like to visit again during your cruise.

    Spa

    The spa, just like specialty restaurants, may also offer discounted deals on the first day aboard the ship. Save by visiting the spa on your first day. Besides, after the travels of the day, this will be a welcomed break.

  • Pirate Night

    One of the highlights of a Disney Cruise is Pirate Night. This themed evening includes special dining and entertainment, including a swashbuckling show on deck complete with fireworks. Disney will distribute branded pirate bandanas to guests, but many take extra time in planning their Pirate Night wardrobe. Whether you require an eye-patch or a vest, be sure to plan ahead for this fun night.

    Fish Extenders

    When you begin planning your first Disney cruise, one of the many things you’re going to come across while researching online is the term “Fish Extender.” This simple gift exchange, similar to a Secret Santa arrangement, began back in 2005 as a way to swap little gifts with each other when onboard the ship. Over the years, cruisers have created many different types of hanging pockets with string at the top that would easily fit over the metal fish or seahorse essentially extending it. You can even find elaborate hand-sewn, personalized Fish Extenders for sale in many Etsy shops.

    Gifts can be as small or as large as you like and can be homemade or purchased. You might give one gift or several smaller ones. Some cruisers theme the gifts they give after their hometown or state, Disney characters, Pirates, Disney Cruise Line, or the beach. Gifts can be given all at once, or can be spread out over the course of the cruise. Things that I have given and received include: small bottles of hand sanitizer or sunscreen, flashlights decorated with the name of the ship, tote bag with the Disney Cruise Line logo, door magnets with names and Disney characters, and Disney Cruise Line t-shirts.

    How do you join a Fish Extender group? Search your ship and sail date on Facebook, and most likely you will find a group to join. And someone in that Facebook group is usually excited to start putting FE groups together! You’ll be asked to fill out information including the names, ages, and sizes of everyone in your stateroom.

  • Orange Party

    Holland America guests can enjoy an Orange Party at some point during your cruise. As a nod to their Dutch heritage, guests enjoy live bands, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. You’re encouraged to bring fun orange accessories to wear - everything from bow ties to feather boas to funny hats.

  • All Hours Dining

    O’Sheehan’s is a table-service restaurant themed as an Irish sports bar. Seating options include high-top bar tables and limited bar seats as well as booths and tables away from the bar area. Not only is O’Sheehan’s  open 24/7, but they have some seriously good pub food. On my last RCCL cruise, it was the perfect spot to get some work done during the day.

    Pre-Booking Entertainment

    NCL allows guests to make reservations in advance for the various shows taking place in the main theater. Those in The Haven or suites will be permitted to make entertainment reservations up to 26 days in advance, as will those who’ve reached at least the Platinum level of the loyalty program. Reservations will open for everyone else at the 21 day mark.

    Check your on-line portal to determine which shows are available to book and when you can book them.

  • Coming soon!

  • Afternoon Tea

    Take advantage of Afternoon Tea. Guests have a choice of 2 options, the complimentary service in the main dining room and a more intimate experience called Royal Afternoon Tea (for a small fee). 

    Pub Lunch

    Princess offers a Pub Lunch, which is very popular with guests. On select ship days, cruisers can enjoy a traditional British pub lunch. This is normally served in Wheelhouse Bar or Crown Grille. Best of all, Pub Lunch is offered at no extra cost! You can expect to indulge in Fish & Chips, bangers and mash, prawns, and ploughman's lunch. Longtime Princess cruisers rave about the Pub Lunch, so make sure you indulge when it's offered.

  • Dining

    Even if your party is registered for My Time Dining for dinner, you can still make reservations once you’re onboard the ship. Peak dinner time is between 6:30pm and 8:00pm, so if you plan to dine during these times, reservations are so important. By having a reservation, you will be seated faster. The larger the group, the more important having a reservation is to limiting the wait times.

    Embarkation/Disembarkation

    Porters are available to assist with your luggage, so don’t hesitate to ask for one if it makes the embarkation or disembarkation process easier for you. Their services are complimentary, although a tip is expected for their trouble. Commonly it is expected to tip somewhere around $1-$2 per bag.

    Not only can a porter help take a load off of you, they can greatly assist with disembarkation and getting you through the terminal faster. In many ports, porters have a special line for Customs that allows you to get through it all faster.

    Entertainment

    Guest may pre-reserve shows online using Cruise Planner 30 days prior to the guests sail date. They will be able to view all the shows, view the by date and time or select the individual show they desire. Entertainment reservations can be made online up to 4 days before the sail date.

    Royal Caribbean does not charge for its shows, nor does it charge for advance reservations.  Take advantage of the opportunity to get tickets and not be stuck in a line waiting to enter the theater or worse, miss out on the show completely.

    Activities

    If you want to try Sky Pad, FlowRider, rock climbing wall or zipline, take advantage of lower waits on the first day of the cruise when many guests are unaware of where the headline attractions are or that they are open on embarkation day.

    If you want to find the best prices for the spa on your cruise, consider booking treatments on port days, early in the morning, or late at night for the best prices.