If you are thinking about cruising for the first time, but aren’t sure what to expect, this is for you! For those who are part of the cruising community, stick around and see if there is something you have been missing and be sure to comment your favorite part of cruising for all those looking at joining the Community!
When going on a cruise, you can expect a variety of experiences and amenities. Here are 6 things you can expect when you finally decide to take that cruise!
1. Accommodations
Your cruise fare will of course include a cabin. There are so many options out there to choose from that there is sure to be something perfect for you. Maybe you all you need is a place to crash at night and an interior is the way to go. Maybe you prefer the luxury of a suite and have the funds to afford one. Whatever you choose, you are going to have a bed, bathroom, closet for your clothes, and there is usually a desk with storage as well. You can expect some amenities in your room like a tv, hair dryer, lamps, and at least a few electric plugs. If you are lucky, there might also be some usb ports! Like everything, do your research and look into cabin types and locations before making your choice.
2. Dining
You will never go hungry on a cruise! From the Main Dining room with its multiple course meals to fast eats and a buffet full of all kinds of foods to choose from, there are plenty of choices. Most ships now have specialty restaurants that offer upscale dining at an additional cost if you want to treat yourself. You will usually be asked to choose what dining time you prefer for the MDR, Early dining or late dining. More and more lines are now offering a third choice of anytime or your time dining that allows you to go to the MDR whenever you choose! No matter which option you choose, on most lines you can always skip the MDR for another option.
3. Entertainment
Cruise ships often have a wide array of entertainment options, such as live performances, Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, movie theaters, and music concerts. Some people even choose their ships based on what entertainment is available! You may also find activities like game shows, dance classes, and sports facilities like swimming pools and gyms. I always like to say, if you are bored on cruise, you are a boring person!
4. Ports of Call
One of the main reasons people choose a cruise, is due to the ports of call. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to visit different ports and explore new destinations. You can go on organized shore excursions, or explore on your own discovering local attractions, culture and cuisine. There are itineraries for almost anywhere you want to go in the world. Anywhere that has a coastal region anyway!
5. Onboard Activities
Cruises offer a wide range of onboard activities to cater to different interests. These can include casinos, shopping boutiques, spa and wellness centers, art auctions, cooking demonstrations, trivia, educational lectures and more. Check out various cruise lines to see what they offer as not every line offers every activity. For instance, Disney doesn’t have casinos, and lines like Carnival, Royal and NCL don’t usually offer educational lectures.
6. Services and Amenities
Cruise ships provide a range of services, including housekeeping, laundry, medical facilities, internet access, as well as onboard shops selling essentials and souvenirs. Think of a cruise ship as a contained little city with everything you need for your vacation.
Remember, each cruise line and ship can have unique features and offerings. It’s a good idea to research the specific cruise line and ship you plan to travel with to understand the amenities, dining options, entertainment, and actives they provide. There are times when someone has gone on a cruise and came away saying that cruising isn’t for them, but it is due to not choosing the right line with the right amenities. Once they find the right cruise line, they fall in love with cruising.
Cruising From The Ozarks 