1. Don't Overindulge on the Specialty Eating Establishments
Recently, a growing number of celebrity cooks have entered the gangway, installing sea-based expansions of their land-based empires, and the effects are decidedly mixed. The fanfare and price (averaging about $30--$40 per person for a 3 course meal) of many of these entrees do not always equal the worth provided. Why pay up to $40 when the menus at the included dining rooms are equally as economical? The major dining-room is included in the regular fare and offers a rotating menu, often with big-ticket selections, for example, lobster night and filet mignon. Shockingly, you'll find the quality on par with the specialty dining establishments and a standard of service met throughout the ship. While a night or 2 in a specialty restaurant provides a nice change of scenery, don't pass your limit sampling all of them.
2. Don't Book Spa Treatments Onboard
The very first day on any cruise is always the craziest for the spa, as hundreds of men and women attempt to schedule massages, facial treatments, and other specialized treatments. Research the spa's services and make your reservation beforehand, just before boarding, to guarantee placement and avoid the long queue that forms at the reception desk. If you're shopping for some extended relaxation for the duration of your voyage, decide on a spa pass, but because quantities are limited, make the reservation prior to boarding.
3. If a Concert is Sold Out, Don't Worry
You can only plan so much on a sea trip before it starts to feel stressful. With mainstage comedy shows, concerts, and Broadway-style performances onboard, most cruise lines push you to reserve your spot ahead of time, usually requiring guests to stand in long lines to make reservations. Take comfort in knowing that for all of these must-see events, impulsiveness is encouraged with a standby line that forms about a half hour prior to curtain. These temporary lines are practically a guarantee into the night's entertainment, as a large portion of those who have reserved their spot are absences. Don't fret because you didn't book beforehand; grab a cocktail and relax in the queue.
4. Don't Be Fooled By the Exercise Center
The fitness facilities on cruises often feature state-of-the-art exercise equipment and panoramic views of the sea. It's good to take note that the fitness instructors available are there to sell the cruise's health products. Stay skeptical of the health regimes and any sort of secret to a much healthier being. The major goal is get you to buy into very expensive health programs that often tout extreme fat loss and wellness through natural herbal supplements. Spend your money on a fitness class instead and save your skepticism for a local trainer or nutritional expert.
5. Don't Skip Breakfast in the Morning
Throughout your excursion, the smartest way to arrange for a wake-up call is to obtain room service the night prior-- easiest on a printed menu to specify specialty requests. Your custom omelet and fresh baked sweets start the day off right as you're awoken by a knock on your cabin door. Note that room service is cut off the morning of arrival at your last port. When you arrive at your last destination, take note of the breakfast selections and seize the opportunity for one last meal. Unfortunately, you can't take any food off the ship, per customs regulations, so be sure to gobble up enough onboard.
6. Don't Restrict Yourself to Shore Excursions
Colorful leaflets and brochures fill each ship with attractive excursions that promise adventure, exploration, and discovery within the span of several hours. Often overpriced and underwhelming, it's usually the beach tours that vary widest in value. While all ports are unique, many in the Caribbean dock a few miles from the more popular beaches. Seek out the sand on your own accord with the help of a locally governed taxi cab, lined up at the port for a fraction of the cost of a guided tour (and be sure to make arrangements with your driver for a return ride after your fun ends). It is crucial to note that when you buy into the formal cruise excursions, the cruise doesn't depart until you're on board-- not the same policy when you venture off on your own. Just be sure to keep an eye on the time and anticipate rush hour traffic.
7. Don't Shop in Port Shops
Brought to life upon the cruise ship's arrival, port cities thrive on the thousands of tourists that leap off the ship demanding fine jewelry, souvenirs, and a taste of local bargaining. Well-tread salesmen know the score and have a predisposition for fabricating truths to make the sale. For the best prices on gifts and local goods, avoid the inner-port shops, as their premium rent costs are passed on to the potential customer. Seek out stalls and shops in the town hall for a wider variety of genuine goods at lower prices.
8. Don't Leave Your Balcony Door Open
It's nice to have a balcony in your room-- you can take in the sunrise and sunset, enjoy room service waterside, and get the most ideal views of the day's port in privacy. When you're not in the cabin or when you're going to bed for the night, make sure you shut your balcony door. The lull of the waves might be difficult to resist, there is a real risk in leaving the doors open as insects, bad weather, and wind tunnels can be dangerous. It's an industry criterion that balcony doors remain shut for those reasons, aside from preventing wasted energy.
9. Don't Play Bingo
Age-old cruise ship endeavors such as shuffleboard, ping-pong, and hot tubs remain steadfast musts on every cruise. A word to the pennywise: Many ships' bingo affairs have lost their charm. Ushering in a new era of technologically advanced gaming, many ships have installed electronic bingo game cards that function automatically. With the machine taking control of your board, the players listlessly sit there, expecting their machine to alert them of a winning card. Effortless, and remarkably expensive per game, you're better taking the money you'd invest in bingo and playing it in the casino, where there's a lively atmosphere and the high-tech slot machines grow more interactive by the year.
10. Don't Get Your Teeth Whitened
Among the many enticing spa treatments that are standard on every voyage, watch out for the teeth-whitening bundles that assure to brighten your smile. There's conjecture over their effectiveness, but more importantly, the bleach used can affect your gums' sensitivity for several days after the treatment. With weakened gums, cruise enjoyment plummets as the endless food options become painful to take in. If you're seeking out a quick cosmetic fix at the spa, opt for one of the eyebrow specialists to transform your face, or a spray tan that will supply a healthy-looking base for your skin.
