5 Cruise Tips I Ignore (And Why)

Every cruiser you ask seems to have a good “cruise tip” to pass on to you.

Some of these are useful, but I totally ignore others because I just don’t agree with them.

Here are some of the “useful” cruise tips I ignore:

#1. “You MUST Book A Balcony Cabin”

Many people will tell you that balconies are essential, you can’t possibly enjoy the cruise experience without one.

I totally disagree with that.

Yes, it is nice to have a balcony, and on certain sailings, such as to Norway or Alaska, it might be worth splashing out. For other sailings, it might not be worth the money.

If you are going to Northern Europe in winter or taking a transatlantic crossing, for example, it could be a waste of time, you are unlikely to spend much time on the balcony anyway.

I often book the cheapest cabins onboard, just because I want to get onboard that ship.

I can still use all the public areas and facitlites, and I don’t expect to spend much time in my cabin anyway.

I would rather spend the extra money on drinks – or better still, another cheap cruise!

Have a look at what you are likely to get for your money if you book the cheapest inside cabin in the video below:

#2. “Always Get The Drinks Package”

People say it saves money to get a drinks package, and many like the fact that all expenses are taken care of in advance.

I fully appreciate that some people will get their money’s worth out of the package, but the majority won’t.

The bottom line is that cruise lines wouldn’t sell drinks packages if they didn’t make good money on them.

I find myself trying to drink more than I would normally to try to justify the cost of the package.

I don’t really drink much alcohol anyway, so drink packages just aren’t worth the money for me.

I would urge anyone considering booking a drinks package to read this article before you do:

Buying a Drinks Package? 5 Things Many People Don’t Realise Until It’s Too Late

3. “You Have To “Do” Every Port”

You might want to get off at every port to explore, but don’t think you must.

It is quite nice to stay onboard the ship. Everywhere will be quiet, you might get the pool or the spa to yourself, and you can have a really relaxing time.

If, for instance, I was going on a cruise with a port stop at Le Havre in France. I would use that day to catch up on my work or enjoy the onboard facilities while they are quiet.

I have been there many times before. It is an industrial port, and the town was rebuilt after the Second World War. I think I have seen everything there I want to see. I might get off for a short walk, but that is about it.

Find out more about that here:

Do You HAVE to Get Off the Ship in Every Port? Here’s the Truth

4. “Pack For Every Possible Situation”

Lots of people swear by overpacking “just in case”.

I don’t do that. I don’t want to be carrying extra clothes around, only to bring them all back home clean again.

I tend to pack the clothes I wear regularly. When they come out of the wash, I put them straight in the case.

I have a few “cruise dresses” I can quicklly grab out of the wardrobe, I pack some neutral sandals and a pair of trainers, and I am mostly good to go.

The one thing I do make sure of is that I have a well-stocked toiletry bag with headache tablets, plasters, seasickness tablets and any other pills or potions that I could need.

I take this on every cruise, so i always have what i need to hand, on the rare occasion i need to take something or treat something.

Have a look at suggestions about first aid items and medicines you might want to pack here:

Staying Healthy When You Cruise, Avoiding Seasickness – Medications and First Aid Items to Pack

I always think that that with the majority of places i travel too, as long as i have my passport and my credit card, I can always buy anything i have forgotten.

5. “Always Book Excursions Through The Cruise Line”

People say it’s “safer” to book excursions through the cruiseline, as if they are delayed, the ship will wait for you to return.

If I were travelling in some far away destination, like Asia for example, I might book a cruise line excursion.

If I am going to Europe, I am much happier doing my own thing, using public transport or booking an excursion through an independent company.

Cruise line excursions are often far more expensive ( and much less flexible) than excursions with independent companies.

I use my Cruise Globe app to research and find out what excursions are available in the ports I’m visiting.

By entering your future cruise, it can work out where you will be on each date, and suggest suitable excursions.

You can find out more about the Cruise Globe, and download the app – if you haven’t already – below.

The Cruise Globe

Often, I will do some research and do my own thing. You can often catch a “hop on hop off” bus from close to the port, and that will enable you to explore all of the main sights in a more cheap and efficient way.

Obviously, if you are a nervous or first-time traveller, you might want to play it safe with a cruise line excursion. Just don’t think that is the only option!

If you do want to pick up some really useful hints and tips for cruising, I have made this comprehensive video below that should help.

Before You Go

Find some useful hints and tips for dining when onboard here:

10 Dining Tips for Your Best Cruise Yet – Buffet Hacks, Reservations & More!

If you do decide you want to get off the ship in port, read this useful guide to make sure you have a successful day out.

Getting Off The Cruise Ship in Port – What To Expect, What To Take – And Other Useful Hints and Tips For A Successful Day Out!