Our advisors are among the most knowledgeable and well-traveled people you’ll meet. Many have sailed on multiple itineraries with different cruise lines and give some of the most unbiased recommendations out there. So when we asked them for the secrets that separate a good cruise from a great one, they didn’t hold back sharing their ship smarts. From suite-only sanctuaries that feel like private resorts to unlisted perks and timing tricks that turn small moments into standout memories, keep reading to discover tips to make the most of your voyage.
How to Choose Your Cabin
In our line of work, much of our time is spent getting to know the product. We visit new ships as they’re launched and do a full inspection so that we can share that knowledge with our clients. We know ships, deckplans, room types and can help you understand your options. We can tell you which cabins have a slightly larger balcony or layout to better suit your needs. Do you want to be near the stairs or elevators for easy access? Or do you want to be closer to the bow or stern? Is it important to you to be near the theater or main dining room?
Different rooms offer different amenities and inclusions
©Viking
The Haven's private pool
©Norwegian Cruise Line
What You Should Know About Suites
Here’s something the glossy brochures whisper but don’t quite explain: Suite Class, the cruise industry’s best-kept open secret. Think of it as a ship within a ship. Norwegian’s The Haven, Celebrity’s Retreat and MSC’s Yacht Club all create a private enclave within the larger vessel: keycard-only elevators, a secluded pool deck, an exclusive restaurant where your coffee arrives before you realize you wanted it. On Cunard, the Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites come with a private dining room and butlers who seem telepathic.
Prepare for Smooth Sailing
As soon as you put down your deposit, consider booking specialty dining reservations and shore excursions as some popular ones sell out early. We also recommend that you arrive at your departure port one day early. It prevents stress of possible travel delays and gives you a chance to explore the city. And if your departure is overseas, the extra day will give you a chance to get acclimated to the time zone. If you’re sailing on a line with self-service laundromats (Princess, Holland America and Disney all have them), pack detergent sheets instead of liquid. They’re TSA-friendly and don’t leak.
Try local cuisine in port
Crew members are always there to help
©AmaWaterways
Tap into The Crew
While sailing, the crew is laser focused on providing excellent service for you. Introduce yourself and don’t be afraid to ask them what their favorite dishes are or even a “don’t miss” spot when in port. They know the ship inside and out and can tell you informative hints like which nights are best for which shows and where you can find a quiet reading nook.
One More Thing
If your dates are flexible, ask about a repositioning cruise. These are one-way sailings from one region to another, often with lower rates and more at-sea days than a typical cruise, allowing you to enjoy the amenities that your ship offers — from the spa, to seminars, to relaxing days at the pool.
