There’s nothing quite so luxurious or adventurous as a cruise vacation. You get the thrill of the high seas combined with the comfort of a five-star hotel. Dubai, with its strategic position by the Arabian Sea, serves a s a port of call to many such cruises, from quick jaunts to Oman to long voyages across the East. While a cruise is an invitation to kick back and relax, you’ll be able to make the most of your cruise with a little planning first. Here are our tips to fully help you to Make the most of your Cruise..
Pack light
Your storage area on the ship is likely to be a bit cramped. Because of this, we recommend sticking to the basics when you pack – swimsuits, lounge wear and light walking outfits. One area we do recommend packing a bit extra for? Cocktail attire. A cruise liner provides a unique opportunity to really dress up for the evening and add some glamor to the sun and sail.
Know the layout early
You don’t want to get lost while on holiday. When you first board, take the time to familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship. Chat with the stewards and learn the quickest ways to get to the main areas of the ship – you’ll be thankful you did so.
Research your ports-of-call
Once the ship comes to dock, you’ll have a chance to disembark and explore. You don’t want to miss the opportunity, so your best bet is to sign up for a local walking tour. Not only will you get to really immerse yourself in the city, you’ll appreciate the chance to properly stretch your legs after being on deck for so long. Free Tours by Foot offers a selection of walking tours in Dubai and other major cities throughout the world.
Make new friends
People generally choose to go on a cruise with friends and family. However, the cruise ship will attract people from all over the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand your horizons and meet new people. Their unique perspective will enhance your own experience.
Know the tipping policy
Different cruise liners have different tipping procedures. Some require cash, others use specialized cruise cards and others have a no-tip policy. To avoid embarrassment or overpaying, we recommend making some inquiries beforehand. This will ensure a smooth stay on board.
Watch out for water
Whether it’s the spray of the sea, the splash of a pool or the spill of a cocktail, cruise-goers are at risk of having their electronics harmed by water. We recommend investing in a cheap, water-proof camera, that will allow you to take pictures in splash-zones without having to worry. Also, make sure to pack a few Ziploc bags, which will allow you to carry your phone and any other electronic device without worrying about potential water damage.
Take care with time-zones
As you sail, you might end up crossing time-zones. It’s important to keep track as you move along, especially if you make plans to meet up with friends, or if you want to catch one of the on-board entertainment shows.
Plan for slow Internet
When out on the high seas, you’ll be relying on satellite Internet, which can be painfully slow. Therefore, for any projects and tasks that require a high bandwidth, make sure to complete them ahead of time, or plan to only work on them whenever the ship has docked.
Be prepared for sun and sea
The weather conditions on a cruise ship can be harsh. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin when lounging by the pool. Also, as the sea air can be quite drying, try and pack some extra hair conditioner as well – your locks will thank you.
A cruise vacation is a chance for you to have some fun. With these tips, you can be sure to enjoy it to the fullest. Then, all that’s left is for you to don your sunglasses, grab a lounge chair and let the waves take you forward.