Insider Cruise Tips to Follow How to Plan

Insider Cruise Tips to Follow How to Plan

Insider Cruise Tips to Follow - How to Plan Cruises

Cruise Staff Reveal Smooth Sailing Secrets

Getty Images Discover the secrets of those who live on a cruise ship.

Maximize Stateroom Space

Crew members know how to live in tight places. Some space-saving tips: 1. Nest your luggage. Buy incremental sizes that fit inside one another for storage. 2. Use the magnetic walls. Don't want to lose paper notices and schedules? Stick them on the wall with a magnet. 3. Re-wear outfits. Many ships have self-service laundries; pack only enough washable clothes for half your voyage

BYOB

Most ships let you bring one bottle of wine on board during embarkation. And if you open and drink it in your cabin, cruise directors say, you'll avoid a corkage fee.

Ignore the Crowds

If you need a break from the excitement, ship staff say you shouldn't feel that you need to join the crowds and disembark in every port. Stay on board a day or two and enjoy the peace and quiet. Royal Princess cruise director Ron Goodman says, "It feels like your own private yacht."

Avoid Lines

There may be long lines to disembark and reboard at ports, so have fun on the ship till the crowd leaves, then go, cruise directors advise.

Book Smart

When choosing your cabin, remember that the ones midship on lower decks tend to be quiet and least affected by the boat's movement.

Stay Healthy

To ease foot swelling from port walkabouts, use a life jacket to prop up feet at night, says Royal Princess senior doctor Pieter Du Toit. Also: Bring crystallized ginger for seasickness.

Also Of interest

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