A relaxing vacation on a cruise for a week is indeed a thrilling experience. It is a great way to explore exotic destinations and islands. Cruise liners also take special care and offer well-chalked procedures and guidelines for the convenience of passengers. But adjusting to a new environment on the cruise ship can be challenging. However, there are a few basic tips that will help you have a pleasant stay on board:

Avoid delays in booking shore excursions
Space is a constraint, so excursions are often limited to groups of about 15 passengers. With more than 1,000 passengers on a ship, the capacity of the tours fills up quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to book the tours along with cruise bookings. You can also opt for the tours once you board the cruise ship. Excursions are the best opportunity to explore new places, so make the most of them.

Avoid restricted areas
Certain areas are restricted for public use to ensure the security and protection of passengers. Step away from prohibited areas while on board to avoid embarrassing and unforeseen situations. Also, keep yourself from sneaking into the “crew only area” where access is forbidden to prevent mishaps. Do not breach the rules laid down by the management of the cruise ship and jeopardize your safety. Every cruise has a strict conduct policy which you might have signed before boarding. You might be levied a heavy penalty if you do not adhere to the terms mentioned in the policy.

Avoid altercations with the staff
Always have polite and positive conversations with the cruise officials and staff. Put forth your requests in a respectful manner. Do not take liberties and bend the rules during your stay. It is best to refrain from doing any activity that officials on the cruise do not recommend. The captain and his crew have complete authority on the ship and can de-board you and leave you stranded in a foreign land. If there is any discord of sorts with the ship officials, it is best to put forth your arguments and resolve issues when you reach your homeland.

Avoid choosing the wrong rooms
Cruise brands usually offer a variety of cabins that differ in size, amenities, views, and features. Choose a cabin that is ideal for your personal travel comfort and style. Individual cabin location is also an important parameter to consider before booking. Also, keep an eye on the reservation system. You can easily book your rooms when the system opens. If you plan on exploring the ship and being on board for most of your sailing time, avoid spending exorbitantly by reserving an expensive top-tier suite. Also, if you’re seasick, do not opt for lower-level rooms. In addition, look for rooms with an open balcony so that you can lift your nauseous feeling with a breath of fresh air. If you’re still unsure about the rooms, you can directly contact customer service for recommendations and guidance. Choosing the right cabin will help you get your money’s worth.

Avoid leaning on the railings
Do not lean or bend over the railings to gaze at the spectacular ocean. The waves below the deck may appear soft and gentle and inviting. However, one should never get tempted to jump off the deck for a swim. It is dangerous, and you might land up getting hurt. Even if you are a good swimmer, it would be difficult to get back on board, and you will be left behind, especially if the ship is moving. Some ships also leave you with a heavy penalty.

Avoid overeating
Refrain from overordering and indulging in all the complementary courses. Do not get tempted by the abundant food choices displayed in the lavish buffets. Overeating on a cruise ship can cause food poisoning, sea sickness, or serious stomach distress. Also, skip midnight binge eating as this can affect your gut health. In case of a health scare, never delay going to the clinic on the ship. Do not have a laid-back attitude regarding your health.

Avoid taking local excursions
Most ships already have a planned itinerary, including excursions with verified operators. It is best to pre-book these authorized excursions through them to have a pleasant travel experience. These in-house planned excursions have a time period, so the ship might wait for the arrival of all the passengers before leaving the port. However, if you book on your own for a personal trip to the port and run late, the ship may sail without you. Ensure you keep track of time to avoid inconvenient delays and loss of money.

Avoid leaving the data plan on
Cellular data rates soar high in the middle of the sea. You can rack up your phone data within seconds. This will result in a lot of unnecessary expenses. Therefore, turn off your mobile data plan or switch on the airplane mode to prevent hefty roaming charges.

Whether a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, it is important to avoid certain pitfalls to ensure a pleasant and relaxed cruising experience.

Explore the best oceanic voyages to destinations ranging from the Mediterranean to Asia, Australia, and Europe. Azamara Cruises also feature Panama Canal Voyages, World cruise packages, and exclusive Transoceanic adventures.