Sometimes even experienced sailors learn something that improves their cruising. It may be something small.
On a recent trip, for example, I discovered that on a Celebrity Cruises ship I've booked several times, an area above the bed is for storage. It looked decorative, but I opened it and, if I had been browsing with a roommate, it would have been useful additional storage space.
Related: Come Cruise With Me: All Your Cruise Questions Answered
The little things make a big difference when you travel. They can be tips that make your cruise easier, tricks that help you do something on board, or just the little things that experienced cruisers learn.
Not all tips, tricks and tricks apply to all cruises. I generally travel alone, so space-saving tricks usually don't matter to me. (Of course, I'll share them if I see them.)
I also don't use the balcony much, although I often have it because I like to be surrounded by people. Apart from a couple of photographs, I rarely use my balcony.
Here are a few ideas, not intended to be game-changers, but rather little things I've found that make your cruise a little better, a little easier, or a little more fun.
Image source: Daniel Kline/TheStreet
If you don't like your drink, say something (but softly).
Royal Caribbean's Schooner Bar has an old-fashioned toasted marshmallow garnished with three mini toasted marshmallows. I really wanted to try it when it first appeared on menus, but I found it too sweet.
The waiter asked me what I thought and I told him the truth. I told him I liked the idea, but the execution was too sweet for my palate. He immediately took the drink away from me and made me a less sweet version. He also told me to order it with “less syrup” in case I wanted one when he wasn't working or was on another boat.
Tip early and often
I usually know I'm going to spend a lot of my time in a few places. Generally, these will include the bar closest to or next to the adult pool area, the cafeteria, the casino bar and a nighttime music venue.
When I find a bar or other place where I know I'll be quite often, I tip at least $5 on my first drink. At the bar near the adult pool, I usually tip $20 the first day before putting my wallet in my room. This is because that's the bar where you're least likely to have cash in the future (although you can ask for a receipt so you can tip when you don't have your wallet).
You don't need to tip. Drink packages or individual drink sales come with an 18% prepaid tip, but tips will turn good service into great service.
Cruise ship waiters and waiters are almost always excellent and deserve extra recognition, and when you give it to them, they will go above and beyond for you.
On a recent Celebrity trip, for example, I was watching an NBA playoff game in the casino bar because it was the only place it was shown. A bartender at the Ensemble Lounge, the bar I usually frequent to watch live music, saw me and brought me a glass of the bourbon he had been drinking there because the casino bar didn't have it.
It wasn't necessary, but I appreciated the gesture. It's pretty typical how well you're treated when you tip generously.
You can't do it all on a cruise; Do not try
Unless you sail for several weeks on a boat with the same itinerary, it is impossible to do it all. And if you try, you will get stressed. Instead of trying to fit everything in, plan to do the things you're most excited about before your trip.
It's okay to miss things. That's why people go back to sailing. You'll have more fun doing the things you really care about, rather than trying to experience everything.
Do you have any tips you would like to share? send it to [email protected].
