Article written by: Cindy Bokma

I’ve posted a lot about cruising because my husband loves to cruise, and we’ve been on an embarrassing number of them at this point. My first ever cruise was with a friend when I turned eighteen, and I had no clue about cruising let alone tipping, excursions, how to pack properly, etc. I was so young and inexperienced back then!

My second cruise was to Bermuda when my son was fifteen months old, and my husband fell in love with the idea of cruises. He loved getting away to different places, packing and unpacking once, eating the mood strikes, having a delicious multi-course dinner, not having to drive anywhere and getting away from everything.

As the years have passed, I have learned more about photography, and now all my excursions are based on where I can take the best photos.

Since our first trip, we have visited many, many places usually on Royal Caribbean and occasionally Celebrity. I’m curious about other lines, but since we’ve always had good luck with these, we haven’t strayed.

Here are a few 5StarTips🌟 and thoughts on cruising, especially for first-time cruisers:

🌟 Gluten or Food Allergies:

Do you have a gluten or food allergy?

I do….and I have found it very difficult to eat at the buffet where not much is gluten-free, and cross-contamination is happening. Often you don’t know what ingredients are in the foods available which can get tricky. This is a constant source of frustration for me, and I try to flag down a manager to figure out what’s in sauces and gravies, but by the time I get answers, my family is done eating. Most of the time I stick to a salad with olive oil.

Desserts are very hard to find, most of what is available are pudding, jello, and ice cream. I hope the cruise lines make a note of this issue because I have heard others express their disappointment over the lack of gluten-free desserts.

Brown rice flour, tapioca, gluten-free flour blends, and coconut flour can all be used in gluten-free baking. Aside from the dining room which isn’t open all of the time, it’s tricky to eat gluten-free. There have been many times when I can’t find anything aside from salad.

5StarTips🌟:

As you can see it can be challenging to eat gluten-free while on a cruise. Here are a couple of suggestions that have helped me:

• See the head waiter in the dining room on the first night so they can make a note of your allergy.
• Pack snacks to take with you in case the buffet options do not offer enough gluten-free choices.

🌟 Schedule an Extra Day:

We always fly in one day early to give us a cushion in case flights are delayed or canceled or for unforeseen things happening.

Once there was a wildfire in Southern California, and the cruise left port leaving guests stranded. Consider buying travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen problems.

🌟 Luggage Tips:

The first step is getting your suitcases on board, there will be porters to help you with larger bags, and you will get your luggage to your room by midnight.

My advice is to pack an extra travel bag that you keep with you and do not check. This bag will have your necessities or anything you don’t want to part with like electronics, cameras, money, jewelry, a change of clothes or bathing suit.

🌟 Explore the Ship and Grab a Snack:

Once you get on board, you take some time to explore the ship or grab some food since the buffet will be open. It never ceases to amaze me how everyone grabs a cocktail and heads to the pool area where you can expect a steel drum band to be playing (unless you go to Alaska). When you first check-in it is an excellent time to get a feel of the layout of the ship and where everything is located.

🌟 Research Your Port of Call to Plan for the Best Excursions:

If you are a first-time cruiser, I highly recommend researching your ports of call before leaving home and determining what excursions are available.

🌟 Time Management:

Take into consideration the length of time it takes to get from where the cruise docks to where you want to go.

I was not prepared for a long bus ride to get to the famously beautiful Butchart Gardens and was bus sick from the long ride. Always keep motion sickness pills with you if you are prone to feeling queasy.

Other times I decided not to do an excursion because the transportation to get to where we wanted to go was so long. On the other hand, how many times will you get to visit places like Costa Rica, Belize, Jamaica? A forty-minute bus ride might not be so bad if there’s something you really want to see. I cannot stress it enough to do your research and look at the details!

🌟 Advantages to Booking Excursions with the Cruise Line:

We almost always book excursions through the cruise ship, this way we are guaranteed to be back on the ship in time. Once we were on a cruise and a few people were so late back to the ship that they were running down the gangway yelling and screaming for the ship to wait!

🌟 Purchase a Beverage Package:

Other things to consider before leaving home are drink packages, Wi-Fi, wine/bar packages. The cost of drinks at the bar is very high! Cocktails are quite expensive so count on spending a lot if you plan on being a frequent visitor to the bar.

Research the various packages available online before you get on board. I buy a bottle or two of wine at the beginning of the trip and have a glass each night with my dinner (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc!).

🌟 Plan for Weather:

Don’t forget to pack: an umbrella or rain poncho for inclement weather; most excursions happen whether it’s sunny or pouring. We got caught in a downpour in Alaska during an excursion to a forest, and I was freezing and drenched! I always bring hats and an umbrella especially to Alaska!

🌟 Prepare Ahead for Sea Sickness:

Bring non-drowsy Dramamine and take one tablet daily to keep motion sickness away.

🌟 Medicines to Pack:

Have a plastic Ziplock bag with ibuprofen, activated charcoal tablets (good for stomach aches and indigestion), prescriptions, band-aids, anything else health/medicine related.

🌟 Bring Chargers/Batteries and Cords for Charging Electronic Equipment:

If you like taking photos like I do, consider bringing extra batteries and chargers.

🌟 Create a Comfy and Cozy Environment:

Bring your pillow and blanket if you are sensitive to pillows.

It’s rare that my pillow is fluffy enough for me and I always get cold at night and need a light blanket to stay warm. Bringing these comforts from home is much easier if you don’t have to fly and pack extra bags.

🌟 Don’t Overpack:

You need fewer clothes than you think you will. I am a chronic over packer, so I speak from experience! There’s a lot of downtime on a cruise, especially during sea days.

If you want to utilize the fitness center, you will need workout clothes and sneakers which can be ideal for hanging around during a sea day. Comfort is key! If you are anything like me and like to be alone in your cabin, reading, and napping, sweatpants or yoga pants are perfect. Don’t forget a sweatshirt or a jacket because nights on board can be chilly.

🌟 Clothing Suggestions:

I like sticking with a neutral clothing palette (black and gray), light dresses for the Caribbean, layers for colder climates. Jeans, black jeans, or pants along with a few different tops are ideal along with dresses for evening dinners where people tend to dress up in the dining room. Flip-flops are light and easy to pack. My favorite travel shoes are Birkenstocks since they offer A+ support. Also, bring socks and sneakers for hiking/working out/walking on board.

🌟 Backpacks are a Great Idea!

I have a good backpack (and yes, I look like a typical tourist!) and/or tote bag so I can bring my camera, wallet, snacks, and sunscreen with me everywhere.

🌟 Books are Great for Relaxation!

I load lots of books onto my Kindle/, so I’m not lugging hardcover books with me. Because I love to read, I always check out the ship’s library as soon as I can. You are welcome to check out books during your stay.

🌟 If you Have Hair Needs:

I bring my own blow dryer though there is typically one in the cabin- I prefer my own.

🌟 Check your International Data Plan on Your Cell Phone:

Check before your cruise for the international data plan, so you don’t accumulate crazy cell phone costs.

🌟 20 – Standard Travel Items Not to Forget:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses 
• travel clothesline and pins
• waterproof case for electronics 
• antibacterial wipes 
• sun hat 
• wrinkle release spray 
• bug spray 
• makeup remover 
• safety pins 
• bobby pins 
• band-aids 
• motion sickness pills 
• towel clips for chairs 
• hand sanitizer 
• snacks 
• gum 
• pill holder for small items like earrings
• Ziplock galloon bags – can be used for dirty laundry and all sorts of uses 

🌟 Hydrate for Less:

Bring an empty water bottle to refill so you don’t have to pay $5 for a small bottle during an excursion.

Final Thoughts:

Cruising is a wonderful vacation, especially if you are prepared. If you are just beginning your cruising vacations and/or have a gluten intolerance, I am sure you will find these tips helpful. I have done an extensive amount of research and also cruising, and over time I have learned these valuable travel tips that I am sharing with you!

On Pinterest, I have a board dedicated to packing and travel; you can find that Cindy Bokma Pinterest.

What have I forgotten? Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments below. Thank you!

Other Always5Star articles by Cindy Bokma:

Always5Star Guide To Planning Day Excursions On A New England Cruise

Always5Star Guide to A Day In Los Angeles, California – Top Tips of What To See and Do

Always5Star Guide To The Los Angeles Arboretum

A Peaceful Escape When Visiting Los Angeles – The Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

Always5Star Guide to a Day In Anza-Borrego, California

5StarTip🌟: A Secret Garden in Southern California – Myrtle Creek Nursery in Fallbrook, California

If you enjoyed this article, please pin to your pinterest account! Thank you!

---

---