The ABCs of Cruising

Cruise passengers unpack just once yet repeatedly wake up in different destinations. It’s a magical formula for exploration, even before factoring in the watery vistas! And ensuring a smooth sail is as simple as knowing your ABCs.

A – Apps

They’re like downloading pocket-size, personal cruise directors! Printed planners detailing daily activities still exist, but apps are making them obsolete by offering additional research functions, deck plans, destination maps, messaging and reservation capabilities, bill tracking and more. Some even control features such as cabin lights and shades.

B – Budget

Curtail onboard spending with packages purchased prior to boarding. Look for deals on beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions and internet, but always check the math while bearing usage in mind.

C – Cabins

Like on land, shipboard real estate is about location. Cabins on upper decks cost more than the exact same cabins on lower decks. Plus, you’ll pay for being centrally situated. Windowless inside cabins are undeniable bargains, if used simply for sleeping, but nothing delivers a worthwhile sense-of-place better than a private balcony. So, splurge assuredly! Avoid anything below the pool deck or near noisy entertainment venues, elevators and the anchor. For less motion, go midship on a lower deck. And, when traveling with a group of friends or family, ask if balcony partitions can be removed to make a communal outdoor space.

D – Dining

Fee-based specialty restaurants can be a gourmand’s nirvana, where culinary excellence melds with amazing showmanship — like Celebrity Cruises’ animated Le Petit Chef experience, Norwegian Cruise Line’s theatrical teppanyaki tables and Royal Caribbean’s whimsical, down-the-rabbit-hole Wonderland eatery — but it’s hard to beat the elegance and grandeur of the main dining room on a ship. And everything is included. So, give the escargot a try, along with other bites you might have passed on for fear of disliking them and wasting money. If you end up hating something, just swap for something else. There’s no better opportunity to broaden your palate.

E – Embarking

Arrive early or late, but don’t get stuck in the middle where serpentine lines choke out cruise spirit! Also, since you’ll be separated from checked luggage for a while, bring a carry-on with essentials and a bathing suit if you plan to hit the pool deck. If there’s an escorted ship tour, take it.

Royal Caribbean -- Anthem of the Seas, bumper cars, sails from NJ — Bumper cars on Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas.

F – FOMO is real

Accept the fact that you can’t do everything, especially right away. The decks of megaships from Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are stacked with wild attractions. Picture roller coasters, water parks, go-karts, skydiving simulators, ziplines, slides and more. Some ships even stage licensed Broadway shows. Daily activity rosters propose everything from enrichment lectures to line dancing. Live music is always on tap, and with the exception of Disney and Viking, you’re bound to find a casino calling.

G – Gratuities

Most cruise lines charge a daily fee covering food servers and cabin stewards, alleviating the need to tip directly. Automatic gratuities on bar and spa bills are another trend, so be aware to avoid double tipping.

NCL -Norwegian Prima, sailing from NYC 2 — The Norwegian Prima, sailing from NYC.

H – Homeports

Skip the stress of flying and sail from a convenient, drive-to homeport, where you can parlay the savings into an upgraded experience or maybe a second cruise. Homeports in the Northeast include Boston, Bayonne, N.J., (Cape Liberty) and two in New York City (Manhattan and Brooklyn).

I – Itinerary

Nothing beats the calm wash of the Caribbean for testing one’s sea legs. It’s cruising’s most popular destination, promising year-round itineraries of all lengths. Alaska ranks second among American travelers, but a growing demand for world cruises proves the entire globe is in play.

J – Join

Participating in group activities is a surefire way to meet like-minded travelers, especially if cruising solo. Joining communal dining tables is another easy icebreaker. Plus, online platforms help acquaint passengers even before boarding.

K – Kids

The gangway’s open, and not just on Disney ships. Mainstream lines have dedicated kids’ clubs brimming with toys and tech gadgets. Supervised, age-specific programming is the norm, including hip haunts for teens. You’ll even find luxury lines catering to kids during school breaks. Viking’s adult-only ships are the exception.

L – Lingo

Embrace some sailor-speak, especially directional nautical terms such as port (left) and starboard (right). Tendering, the process of using small boats (tenders) to access the shore from a ship at anchor, is key, too. Logistically, tendering takes extra time and presents accessibility challenges to consider.

M – Multigenerational

There’s something for everybody aboard today’s big boats. Family members can scatter to pursue individual interests and then easily come together for shared meals, family-friendly shows and agreed-upon activities.

N – Naps

Schedule some, because nothing compares to the awesome snoozing only the cradle of the sea can induce.

O – Opinions

Everybody has one, but when it comes to cruise planning, the advice of a seasoned travel advisor is priceless. Aside from facilitating a good lifestyle fit with a line and ship, your advisor can help address pop-up issues and secure perks. Onboard, engage the crew. They’re well-traveled, know the ship and love sharing insights.

P – Packing

Go light or you may likely go home regretting it. Cruising has become less formal, although it’s still a fun opportunity to don a dazzling outfit. Bring space-saving storage, such as hanging toiletry bags and magnetic hooks, which work great because ships are mostly metal. Avoiding overpacking also leaves room for acquired treasures!

Q – Quiet

Even on energetic, city-size ships peaceful nooks abound, but intimate ships can elevate quiet moments to an art form.

R – Reservations

Don’t wait till you board to book shore excursions, special occasion dates at alternative restaurants, spa appointments on sea days and even seats for some shows. With online and app portals to make reservations in advance, popular slots go quickly.

S – Size

It matters, and age isn’t just a number. The biggest and newest ships sport all the eye-popping amenities lines love to tout. However, if you’re seeking pure seafaring luxury and personalized service, smaller ships from Oceania, Regent, Seabourn and Viking excel.

T – Tours

Ship-organized shore excursions are the safest and most convenient (but not necessarily least expensive) way to tour ports. Exploring independently, while preferable in easy-to-navigate ports, requires research and good time-management. Ships will wait for passengers on a late-returning shore excursion but won’t extend that courtesy to those touring independently.

U – Unplug

For sanity and to spare unexpected roaming fees, turn your phone off. Or, at least put it on airplane mode.

V – Views

Some ships are so commanding you can forget you’re at sea. From the bow, watch the slippery edge of the horizon disappear. Then, head aft, where the ship’s lacey wake stretches out like a roadway marking your journey. Savor every sail-in/sail-out.

NCL - Norwigian Prima, Ocean Boulevard infinity pool 2 — Infinity pool on Norwegian Prima.

W – Wellness

Beyond the bountiful buffets and the lido lounge chairs, spectacular fitness facilities beckon. Look for gyms sporting the latest equipment (Peloton bikes, Pilates apparatus, etc.), boxing rings, rope courses, yoga classes, meditation sessions and spas adorned with thalassotherapy pools. Sea-salt scrubs are so apropos! Plus, spa-centric staterooms and dedicated spa restaurants make getting fit while afloat an immersive affair.

X – Xanadu

Cruise line private islands fit the bill. They stand out as the most popular stops on Caribbean voyages.

Y – Yes

Just say it and set sail. Statistics show you won’t regret the decision.

Z – Zen

Find yours. From the latest leviathans to sublime small ships, riverboats to rugged expedition vessels, there’s a cruise line and a soulmate ship for anyone who wants to sail away.

Plan your next cruise vacation with a AAA travel advisor. It’s a free service with your membership, so take advantage!

Tell us your favorite thing about cruising in the comments below.

Featured image: Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas.