Cruises used to be considered unattractive, especially among younger people, but today even critics are discovering their numerous advantages. You can visit several places in a short space of time without having to worry about travel or possible visas. In addition, excellent food and a wide range of entertainment options are available on board - so you'll never get bored.
However, there are some important aspects to consider, from booking to daily routines on the high seas. This article explains eight common cruise mistakes and how best to avoid them.
1. Inappropriate cruise ship chosen
AIDAcosma Departure from Dubai
When choosing a cruise ship, many travelers make the mistake of not choosing the right ship. There are significant differences between a mega ship with over 7.000 passengers and a smaller luxury ship that may only accommodate 1.000 to 2.000 guests. This can have an impact on the range of services, quality and comfort.
For families with children, larger ships are usually a better choice as they offer multiple pool complexes, water slides and daily entertainment programs. Those who prefer a quieter experience will appreciate the intimate atmosphere and serenity of a smaller ship. So both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
2. Packed the suitcase incorrectly
When packing your suitcase, there are two main aspects to consider: what does the cruise ship offer and where does the itinerary take you? The newer mega ships in particular have an extensive range of entertainment that can only be fully enjoyed if you wear the right clothing - whether it's relaxing by the pool or skating on the ice rink.
There are also shore excursions to different locations that may require different footwear. Having only flip-flops in your luggage can be a hindrance. In addition, warmer clothing and a rain jacket are recommended in case the weather does not play along. Sufficient hygiene and care products should also not be missing.
3. Missed departure time
Shore excursions are one of the highlights of every cruise, as they allow travelers to not only stretch their legs but also explore exciting places along the route. Although the shipping companies make great efforts to communicate the so-called "back-on-board" time on all channels, problems still arise from time to time.
Some passengers oversleep the departure time or underestimate the time it will take to return. If you miss the departure, you will need the help of the port agent. He may be able to arrange transport to the next port, but the late passenger will have to bear the costs themselves. This could mean losing a day or two of your trip.
4. Wrong food at the buffet
Mein Schiff 7 Anckelmannsplatz buffet restaurant
In general, the food on most cruise ships is excellent and is in no way inferior to that of a good hotel. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you should be careful, as many ingredients are transported on board frozen for a long time. There is also the typical problem that some dishes remain on the buffet for a longer period of time.
Particular caution is therefore required with raw fish (sushi) and seafood, soft-boiled eggs and raw vegetable salads. Food poisoning is unlikely, but an upset stomach can ruin your day. Well-cooked food, bread, pasta or spreads are safer alternatives.
5. Not washing your hands regularly
Viruses and bacteria spread particularly quickly on a cruise ship. After all, thousands of people are in a small space and share many facilities, from the pool to the buffet. This means that outbreaks on cruise ships, which made further travel impossible.
There is no such thing as 20% protection, but regular hand washing can significantly reduce the risk of illness. This applies to both corona and gastrointestinal diseases, which are common on the high seas. XNUMX seconds with soap and warm water is enough - alternatively, you can use the numerous disinfection stations on board.
6. Using public Wi-Fi without protection
Nowadays, almost every modern cruise ship offers WiFi packages that can be added at any time. However, public WiFi on board can pose a danger to passengers, as data is often transmitted unencrypted. Theoretically, anyone on the same network can intercept this data.
A virtual private network (VPN) can prevent this risk. It encrypts all Internet connections, so that you can even use online banking on the high seas without any problems. With a VPN on your mobile phone or laptop, public Wi-Fi can be used safely – hackers then have no chance of stealing sensitive data.
7. Planning the budget too tightly
Beginners in particular often underestimate the total cost of a cruise. This is mainly because on many ships, expenses such as food and drink are already included in the package. But the shore excursions add up: a lunch in a restaurant and a snorkeling tour can cost as much as 100 euros.
Not everything is included on board either. High-quality restaurants, alcoholic drinks and certain entertainment options often cost extra. This can quickly drive up the total bill. Travelers should therefore prepare a realistic budget in advance and prioritize expenses if necessary in order to get the most out of their trip.
8. Neglecting safety drills
As on an airplane, safety instructions are mandatory on a cruise ship. Nevertheless, some passengers skip this exercise or pay little attention to it. But unlike on an airplane, on a ship you are much more responsible in the event of an emergency. Emergencies are rare, but they can never be completely ruled out.
When the sirens sound, every passenger must know what to do. The route to the assembly point is particularly important so as not to lose valuable time. The instructions also help anxious passengers to keep a cool head in an emergency. Participation is therefore mandatory - otherwise the captain can even refuse to allow you to travel.
9. Not taking out travel insurance
Travel insurance can save a lot of money and stress in an emergency. It covers medical costs, lost luggage and trip cancellation, among other things. Many travelers underestimate the importance of good insurance, which can lead to significant problems in the event of illness or other unforeseen events.
10. Ignore the dress code
Many cruise ships have specific dress codes, especially in the upscale restaurants or at special events such as the Captain's Evening. Anyone who ignores the dress code may be barred from visiting certain areas. It is therefore advisable to find out about the dress code in advance and pack appropriate clothing.
11. Ignoring visa regulations at destination ports
Depending on your travel route, different visa requirements may apply at different ports of call. If you ignore these, you may have problems entering the country and may miss out on exciting shore excursions. It is important to find out about the entry requirements of the countries you are visiting before you travel and to apply for the necessary visas if necessary.
12. Ignoring roaming costs
Using your own cell phone on the high seas can lead to high roaming charges. Many travelers are not aware of this and experience a nasty surprise on their phone bill after the trip. It is advisable to book a suitable international tariff in advance, deactivate mobile data roaming or use the on-board WiFi.
13. Neglecting cabin selection
AIDAnova Veranda Cabin Deluxe
The location of the cabin can have a big impact on the cruise experience. Cabins near elevators, nightclubs or engine rooms can be noisier. Those prone to seasickness should choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck, where the ship's movements are less noticeable.
14. Do not book shore excursions in advance
Beliebte Shore excursions can fill up quickly. Those who do not plan and book their excursions in advance may miss the chance to see certain sights. In addition, pre-booked excursions often offer the advantage of better planning and guaranteed availability, allowing travelers to use their time more efficiently.
15. Neglecting sun protection
On a cruise in the Caribbean, the sun's rays are often particularly intense because the water reflects UV rays. Many travelers underestimate this and do not use sufficient sun protection, which can lead to sunburn or heat stroke. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, hats and sunglasses are therefore essential.
16. Do not take seasickness medication and other anti-nausea medication with you
Even if you have never had problems with seasickness before, the movements of a ship can be unfamiliar. It is advisable to have medication or natural anti-nausea remedies with you. Vitamin C can be taken as a preventative measure to reduce histamine (two grams per day). Ginger has a soothing effect on the stomach (500 milligrams every four hours). Acupressure bands can help relieve nausea by applying pressure to the wrist. Antihistamines block the histamine receptor and should be taken beforehand; variants with a calcium antagonist effect make you less tired. Parasympatholytics soothe the stomach but can cause side effects such as tiredness or reduced reaction times.