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These insider cruise tips aren't one size fits all. In fact, some of this cruise advice goes against popular opinion. But as someone who has been on over 30 cruises, I know it works!
Whether you're a new cruiser or an experienced cruiser, these cruising tips and tricks will help you have a better cruise vacation. Plus, these cruise tips will save you money because they're different from what everyone else is using.
In this post, we share 10 of the best cruise insider tips that most don't share.
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10 controversial cruise tips that go against popular opinion
![Unpopular Cruise Tips](https://lifewellcruised.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/unpopular-cruise-tips-YT-600-x-400-px.png)
1. Internal room reservation
Although I love balcony cabins, the reality is that balcony cabins can be twice as expensive as interior cabins.
Aside from cost savings, there are several advantages to interior cabins that make them an ideal choice for most cruisers.
For example, if you book a shorter cruise, you'll spend less time in your stateroom and balcony. It may be a better idea to save money on your cruise cabin and spend it on shore excursions, special meals, and anything else that can enhance your cruise vacation.
If you take a longer cruise, the cost savings can be significant. During long cruises, you'll spend more time on the balcony, but you may also feel a little cabin fever.
Booking an inside cabin allows you to enjoy every part of your cruise ship and make the most of it. Also, if you take a walk around the cruise ship, you can always find a space to relax while looking out at the sea.
Related: 15 Best Cruise Cabin Interior Hacks and Tips
2. Book an old cruise ship
Old cruise ships don't get much love. Cruise companies spend a lot of money building and marketing new cruise ships because they are more profitable.
Often, cruise companies charge double the price for newer cruise ships than for older cruise ships. If you're taking a partial cruise to visit a destination and want to save money, consider booking on an older cruise ship.
One of the advantages of going on an older cruise ship is that the cruise ship crews have been working together for a long time. This means you get better service and friendlier, less stressful crew.
Sometimes you may run into problems boarding a new ship. Because not all issues have been resolved yet. Newer ships may have amazing features, but sailing on an older ship has many advantages.
Related: Best New Cruise Ships of 2024
3. Bring checked baggage
If you like cruises and carry-on travel, this advice is not for you!
But if you're someone who's stressed about packing lighter and packing minimally, it's important to know that there's plenty of storage space in the cabin for your cruise attire and items.
Over the years I've met many cruisers who enjoy wearing something different each night or simply like having options. While it may be a good idea to pack only your carry-on bag, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to your packing preferences.
If you're a cruiser who enjoys dressing up on vacation, consider bringing a checked bag along with your carry-on bag the day you board your cruise.
Related: How to Pack Lightly for a Cruise (Or Just a Carry-On)
4. Dining at the cruise port
Food is included on cruise ships, so this cruise tip: ~ no Save money. But one of the best things about traveling is experiencing the local food.
Going to a local restaurant and trying food you've never tried before is a fantastic experience. Plus, eating at local restaurants is a great way to experience another culture.
Whether you eat the famous fish sandwich on toasted raisin bread in Bermuda or a delicious pasta or pizza in Rome, you won't regret it!
Related: Pre-Travel Checklist: 16 Things to Do Before Your Cruise Port Date
5. Don’t be loyal to one specific cruise line
Sticking to one cruise line has several advantages. Especially when you get higher levels. Enjoy amazing benefits like free laundry bags, priority boarding, free drinks, and more.
But the best rewards can only be achieved after spending thousands of dollars over many years.
In the meantime, you may miss out on promotions, deals, and specials from other cruise lines. Some cruise lines focus more on destinations than others, so you may miss out on some exciting itineraries.
It is recommended that you select 2-3 cruise lines and switch routes to suit your preferred cruise line. This allows you to have a variety of options while also collecting loyalty rewards.
Related: 15 Tips for Planning a Cruise for a Large Family
6. Stay on a cruise ship while in port.
Staying on a cruise ship while in port of call is a controversial tip that is dividing the cruise community. However, if you have been to the same cruise port multiple times or the weather is bad, there is no problem staying on the ship while in port.
Staying on board while in port allows you to enjoy a very quiet ship, take advantage of spa specials, and try a variety of onboard activities.
Related: Top reasons to stay on your cruise ship when in port
7. Eat at the buffet
In the past, I've advised people to go to the main dining room to eat instead of the buffet. But sometimes a buffet is better than the main dining room.
First, cruise ship buffets have a variety of food options, so there's something for everyone. Everyone can pick and choose what they want, the food is fresh, and most cruise ship buffets are very good.
Plus, the buffet is the best place to enjoy a quick meal. Sometimes you want to get off the cruise quickly, and sometimes a buffet is more convenient than a sit-down meal.
Related: 10 Cruise Buffet Mistakes Cruisers Should Avoid
8. Cruise line website be careful
Always follow the cruise company's advice regarding legal documentation and other travel requirements.
However, some of what you see on cruise line websites may not reflect the reality seen on cruise ships. These range from available activities that vary depending on the cruise ship to dress codes that are less formal than they appear.
Cruise passengers should read reviews, watch cruise video blogs, join cruise line Facebook groups or message boards, and read cruise blog posts for additional information from a customer's perspective.
Related: 10 Dress Code Mistakes You'll Regret on a Cruise
9. Arrive early on boarding day
A popular cruise tip is to arrive late in the afternoon on your embarkation day. But on most of my 30+ cruise trips, I would never follow this advice after arriving early.
While arriving late may have some advantages, it also has disadvantages. Arriving late will give you less time to e-convene check-in, unpack, and eat lunch before your sailing party begins.
Plus, if you get stuck in traffic on the way to the cruise terminal, you could actually miss your ship!
Plus, boarding your cruise ship early means your vacation starts even earlier!
Related: 14 Tips to Board Your Cruise Ship Faster on Boarding Day
10. Use a travel agency
A misconception many people have, especially when booking their first cruise, is that using a travel agent is more expensive than booking directly on a cruise website.
However, if you book a cruise through a travel agent, you will usually receive the same price or a better price along with additional benefits (e.g. onboard credit). A good travel agent can help you decide which cruise line is best for you, choose your cabin, and find the perfect itinerary.
Related: How to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Directly?
Video: Cruise tips that go against popular opinion
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Final Thoughts on Controversial Cruise Tips
These cruise tips aren't for everyone and may go against popular opinion. But the important thing is to choose the travel method that's right for you!
Which cruise tips will help you the most? If you have any lesser-known cruise advice, please let us know in the comments below.
Happy cruise!
Ethan
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