Cruise tips: how to get the most enjoyment out of your ocean or river cruise
This is the first post in a series of adventures with Viking Cruises – Nordic Cruise “Homelands.”
The world of cruising can be mysterious to those who have not been on a cruise ship. I recently returned home from a fabulous Nordic cruise this month with Viking Cruises, sailing the Baltic Sea on a new ocean cruise ship. It was my first ocean cruise and, although I have done a river cruise on the Danube with Viking a few years ago, I knew I would be in good hands on this ocean voyage.
About to board the Viking Cruises’ Viking Mars ship in Stockhom, Sweden for a Nordic voyage
The nature of cruising is that you move from port to port and might be in a different country every day or every other day. There are some things to be mindful or you might not have thought of before your ship sails.
For cruise newbies, here are some tips to get the most enjoyment out of your cruise:
1). Pack light and utilize the laundry services. Some ships have self-serve laundry facilities and also full-service facilities. If you end up needing a sweater, jacket or anything else, you can always buy it.
2). Be aware of time zone changes from port to port. As you move from port to port, you may need to adjust your cell phone from automatic to manual time zone because the time may not change on your phone automatically.
Viking Mars ship in port in Stockholm
3). Mind the alcohol or you might heave when the waters get choppy.
4). When out on excursions, plan to return to the ship in advance of the time the ship indicates you need to be back on board, because when that ship sails, your ship has really sailed.
5). Plan ahead for currency used in the different countries included in ports of call. For example, not all EU countries use the euro.
Viking Mars in Stockholm harbour
6). Get a lanyard for your stateroom key, either one that attaches to your belt or hangs around the neck. You will need access to it several times a day, including getting off and on the ship for excursions. Stateroom keys are easy to misplace.
7). Learn a few important phrases in the languages of the countries you are visiting such as: please, thank you, women’s washroom/toilet and men’s washroom/toilet.
8). Dietary restrictions can be easily handled by the cruise staff. If you are a vegetarian (as I am), consider referring to yourself as a vegan because the idea of vegetarianism varies wherever you go. The vegan term seems to be clearer.
Healthy breakfast options
9). If you have an early morning, you can ask guest services for a wake-up call.
10). Order room service in advance for breakfast on days you have an early start. This allows you to eat as you get ready for those early morning shore excursions.
11). Pay attention to emergency drills you are asked to participate in, such as learning to put on a lifejacket in the event of an emergency.
It could save your life.
12). Take photos of the ship’s contact information and keep it in your phone. This includes the phrase “take me back to the ship” in the language of the country you are visiting, if provided by your cruise ship in their daily itineraries that are provided to passengers.
Stockholm’s “Old Town” shore excursion
13). Get a powerbank for your phone, especially if you use it for shooting photos and video, and ensure it is always charged.
Powerbank
14). Orientate yourself when you first get on the ship. Take a walk and familiarize yourself with where the ship’s main restaurants, guest services, shops, gym, and other key facilities are located.
15). Familiarize yourself with cruise ship terminology and lingo in advance of your cruise, such as starboard vs port side of the ship, and aft.
Main swimming pool on the Viking Mars
16). Prior to departure, check with your cell phone provider about long distance/data packages and turn off data roaming or you might be hit with a whopping bill when you return from your trip.
17). The busiest times in restaurants are the breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, but if you can eat your meals around those times, you could avoid the crowd.
Sunset and champagne on the Baltic Sea
18). Be aware that cleaning staff will enter your stateroom a few times a day, to clean and to put information about the next day’s sailing. You might want to be mindful of what you have lying around.
19). Fitness – bring your fitness routine onto the ship. Utilize the gym and walking or jogging track to get your daily steps in and burn calories. Swim if there is a pool and the temperature is warm enough. Take yoga or other fitness classes if offered. Some shore excursions can be physical, so you can get in some physical activity on your adventures.
Sailing the Swedish coast, walking the promenade
20). How to watch your weight: try everything, but instead of eating entire dishes, just taste and experiment and eat enough so that you are satisfied.
21). Avoid watching the movie Titanic, or any news about imploding submersibles before your voyage.
I was a guest of Viking Cruises. All opinions my own.
Shannon Skinner is an inspirational TV host and producer, writer and speaker covering luxury travel, wine and wellness for women.
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