Some General Tips

Cruise/vacation reviews common complaints are:

-Too many old people

-Too many young people/partiers (avoid spring break anywhere)

-No loungers open at pool/chairs savers

-Hard to find tables to sit at buffet food areas (Windjammer RCL)

-Ship rocks/windy/skipped port or island stops

-Quality of food/service/embark/disembark

-Too many people trying to sell you something on the ship or in ports

-Medical evacuations or ship delayed/turned around – Be Thankful it was not you or someone in your family!

Unfortunately, vacationing anywhere will have these same complaints.  We are now caught up in a world where they nickel and dime you for everything as it is no longer included.  Sad that we need to lower our expectations.  We are also living in a time where instant gratification is expected and “it’s all about me”.

If you are still with me here is some basic tips to get the most out of your vacation:

-Take a few breaths, expect to wait to check in, get food, service, etc no different than at home, restaurant, store or hotel

-Common courtesy for all, hold the elevator or door, move out of the way, assist someone who needs help, respect that not everyone wants to talk or hear you talk loud

-Greet service staff, make conversation with them:

            “It must be just crazy in here for a few hours checking us all in – do you all go out for a drink after”

            “Hi, how is your day going”

            “I see that you have been so busy, how challenging that must be every day”

            “Looks like we all had the same idea to come and get a drink from you”

            “How often do you get back home/see family/get off the ship”

We had a competition going with one room steward over towel animals and would jazz it up for him the next day!  An epic ending we left for him when we left the ship.  Another’s family member just had a stroke and she was thankful that her home town was one of the ports so she could visit him.

-I know they charge service charges but plan to bring extra cash.  We always give $ to the room steward at the beginning I like ice cold water and drinks – so I would have that in my room twice a day.  Tip the bartenders, they remember your favorite drink and would get it too you faster.  Reward again at the end if you so choose.  I find the same people who are stingy to restaurant wait staff are the same on a cruise, hotel etc.

-If you want to relax don’t feel like you have to do everything - out of the way lounge chairs/areas are the best. Likewise if you are looking to find people your age seek them out, stop by all bars, clubs, lounges, activities – practice the art of conversations, have some key questions to ask.  Your vacation is what you make of it and your attitude.

-Remember to enjoy the time off, relax and spend time with the ones you are with, after all isn’t that why you went on vacation.