Discover the best of Norwegian Jade & Sky Princess with our ultimate cruise reviews & tips. We cover everything you need to know to set sail.
Gallivanting Like A Royal presents Cruises Reviews & Tips 🚢by Duchess DJ Love: Author, Blogger, Caregiver, Frequent Traveler, Influencer, Digital Creator, Mentor, Photographer, and Podcaster.
Uncover the best of Norwegian and Sky Princess with our comprehensive cruise review blog. We provide ship reviews and port reviews. We also cover dining and entertainment. You’ll find everything you need to know to plan your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, our blog has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the world’s most beautiful destinations and share our experiences on the high seas
Cruising is a unique and exciting way to travel. It offers a wide range of experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an adventure-packed journey, a cruise vacation can provide the perfect balance. It offers comfort, convenience, and exploration.
Cruising offers a variety of destinations, activities, and amenities to choose from. It’s a great way to see the world. You can enjoy all the comforts of home. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be transported to a world of luxury. You will find relaxation and adventure unlike anything else. So why not set sail on your next vacation and experience the magic of cruising for yourself?
Why Cruise? Cruise reviews and tips…
Cruising is a unique and exciting way to travel that offers a variety of benefits over other modes of transportation. Here are some reasons why you should consider booking a cruise:
All-inclusive experience: Cruises offer an all-inclusive experience that includes accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transportation to multiple destinations. This makes it easier to budget for your trip and enjoy a hassle-free vacation.
Convenience: Cruises are convenient because you only have to unpack once. You can visit multiple destinations without needing additional transportation. This saves time and money while allowing you to explore more places.
Variety: Cruises offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment options that cater to different interests and age groups. From live shows and casinos to water parks and rock climbing walls, there is something for everyone on a cruise.
Family-friendly: Cruises are a great option for families. They offer a range of activities for both adults and children. Additionally, they provide entertainment options that cater to everyone. Many cruises also offer kids’ clubs and babysitting services, allowing parents to enjoy some time alone.
Scenic views: Cruises provide stunning views of the ocean. They offer ports of call not available on other modes of transportation. This makes cruising a great option for those who enjoy scenic views and photography.
Socializing: Cruises offer a unique opportunity to meet new people and socialize with other passengers. Many cruises offer organized activities and events that allow passengers to connect with others who share similar interests.
Environmental impact: Cruising has a lower environmental impact compared to other modes of transportation such as flying or driving. Cruise ships are designed to be energy-efficient and use advanced technologies to reduce emissions and waste.
While there are many other reasons to book a cruise, these are some of the most compelling. If you’re looking for a distinctive and exhilarating way to travel, a cruise might be the perfect option for you! 🛳️
Cruise Tips for First-Timers
Here are some tips for your first cruise:
Arrive at your departure port a day ahead of schedule: This is the only way to ensure you won’t miss your ship — something that happens to cruisers more often than you would think. If you’re delayed in your arrival at the port, the ship will not wait for you. If you’re traveling overseas for a cruise, we recommend traveling to the port two or even three days in advance. This isn’t just so you don’t miss the ship. It’s also so you have some time to recover from jet lag.
Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on: When you first arrive at a ship, before you even get on board, you’ll likely be greeted by porters who will whisk away your luggage. It will be delivered to your room later in the day. This is a great convenience, as there’s no need to haul your bags through the entire check-in progress. However, if you want to take a dip in the pool or hot tub, you’ll need to wait until your luggage arrives. To avoid this, pack your bathing suit in your carry-on bag so you can hit the pool as soon as you board.
Understand what’s included and what’s not before you step aboard: Before you embark on your cruise, make sure you understand what is included in your fare and what is not. This will help you avoid any unexpected expenses during your trip. For example, some cruise lines include drinks and gratuities in the fare, while others do not. Some cruise lines also charge extra for specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and spa treatments.
Get the lay of the land ASAP: Once you’re on board, take some time to explore the ship and get your bearings. This will help you avoid getting lost and missing out on any activities or events. You can also use this time to locate the dining venues, bars, and other amenities on board.
Book shore excursions in advance: If you’re planning to take a shore excursion during your cruise, it’s a good idea to book it in advance. This will help you avoid long lines and ensure that you get the excursion you want. You can usually book shore excursions through the cruise line’s website or by calling their customer service department.
Don’t overlook night time excursions: Many shore excursions are offered during the day, but some of the most memorable experiences can be had at night. For example, you might be able to take a nighttime tour of a city or go stargazing on a remote beach. Check with your cruise line to see what nighttime excursions are available.
Bring your own drinks: Most cruise lines allow you to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages on board. This can be a great way to save money and ensure that you have your favorite drinks on hand. Just make sure to check with your cruise line to see what their policy is on bringing drinks on board.
Use the spa on port days: If you’re planning to visit the spa during your cruise, try to schedule your appointments on port days. This is when most passengers are off the ship, so you’ll have the spa to yourself. You may also be able to get a better deal on spa treatments on port days.
Take advantage of the ship’s entertainment: Most cruise lines offer a variety of entertainment options on board, from Broadway-style shows to comedy acts. Make sure to check the ship’s daily schedule to see what’s available and plan your day accordingly.
Be prepared for motion sickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, make sure to bring some medication with you. You can also try to avoid getting seasick by booking a cabin in the middle of the ship, where there is less motion, and by avoiding alcohol and greasy foods.
My guest, Shannon, shared tips and advice of how to make the most out of your cruise experience. Watch the replay on Facebook: Gallivanting Like A Royal or streaming live here or on my YouTube channel. The show originally aired Sunday, January 29, 2023. The replay is available below. Check it out.
Must Know Cruise Tips
Cruising is a wonderful way to explore the world, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for first-timers. Here are some cruise tips that can help you make the most of your sea experience:
Arrive early at your departure port. You don’t want to miss your ship because of flight delays, traffic jams, or other unforeseen circumstances. Plan to arrive at least a day before your cruise departs, or even earlier if you’re traveling overseas. This way, you can also enjoy some sightseeing in the port city and adjust to the time zone.
Pack smartly. You don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe for a cruise, but you also don’t want to forget any essentials. Check the dress code and the weather forecast for your cruise and pack accordingly. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and comfortable shoes. You may also want to bring a power adapter, a reusable water bottle, a small backpack, and some Ziplock bags. And remember to pack your passport, cruise documents, and medications in your carry-on.
Explore the ship and its amenities. Cruise ships are like floating cities, with plenty of activities, entertainment, dining, and shopping options. On the first day of your cruise, take some time to familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout and facilities. You may also want to book any spa treatments, specialty restaurants, or shore excursions that interest you, as they can fill up quickly. Don’t forget to check the daily newsletter and the app for the schedule of events and activities.
Enjoy the ports of call. One of the best parts of cruising is visiting different destinations and cultures. Do some research before your cruise and decide what you want to see and do in each port. You can either join a guided tour offered by the cruise line or explore on your own. Either way, make sure you know the local currency, language, customs, and safety tips. And always keep an eye on the time, as the ship will not wait for you if you’re late.
Have fun and relax. Cruising is supposed to be fun, so don’t stress too much about the details. Be flexible, adventurous, and open-minded. Try new things, meet new people, and enjoy the scenery. And don’t forget to relax and pamper yourself. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, reading a book, watching a show, or sipping a cocktail, find your own way to unwind and savor the moment.
Expanding on the cruise reviews and tips shared earlier:
Arrive at your departure port a day or two ahead of schedule to avoid missing the ship due to flight delays or traffic jams.
Pack your bathing suit, sunscreen, and other essentials in your carry-on so you can enjoy the pool and sun deck as soon as you board.
Bring your own power adapter or extension cord to have more outlets in your cabin, as they are often limited and hard to reach.
Compare prices and reviews of shore excursions online before booking them through the cruise line or a third-party provider.
Take advantage of freebies and discounts offered by the cruise line, such as loyalty programs, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, and onboard credit.
Check the daily newsletter and app for the schedule of activities, events, and entertainment on board, and plan your day accordingly.
Explore the ship and its amenities on the first day, and familiarize yourself with the layout, locations, and opening hours of the restaurants, bars, shops, and services.
Be flexible and adaptable to changes in weather, itinerary, or plans, and have a positive attitude and a sense of adventure.
Vlogs of my cruises
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Cruise Reviews Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re planning your first cruise, there are a few cruise reviews and tips you should keep in mind. I hope these tips will help you have a wonderful cruise. First, make sure you arrive at your departure port a day ahead of schedule to avoid missing your ship. Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on bag so you can hit the pool as soon as you board.
Also understand what is included in your fare and what is not before you embark on your cruise. Get the lay of the land as soon as possible to avoid getting lost and missing out on any activities or events. Book shore excursions in advance to avoid long lines and ensure that you get the excursion you want. Don’t overlook night time excursions, as some of the most memorable experiences can be had at night.
Notable: bring your own non-alcoholic beverages on board to save money and ensure that you have your favorite drinks on hand. Use the spa on port days to avoid crowds and potentially get a better deal on spa treatments.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the ship’s entertainment by checking the daily schedule to see what’s available. Finally, be prepared for motion sickness by bringing medication and avoiding alcohol and greasy foods.
I hope this blog helps you prepare for your first cruise. Share in the comments your tips and let me know if you found this blog beneficial. We have another cruise coming up and Shannon cruises frequently, so subscribe to know when she appears on the podcast sharing her experiences again. Bon voyage! 🚢
For more travel tips, read my blog outlining over 40 of TravelTude’s must know gems and take with you my eBook, The Budget Traveler’s Blueprint with Insider Tips for Thrifty Adventurers.
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