Let’s talk honeymoon! When the wedding is over and you finally stand aboard your honeymoon cruise ship and watch the waves lap against the side of the boat, it will all wash over you: This could be the best day of your life!
But before that day comes, you need to prepare. If you have cruised before, you may have your favorite routines for your first hours aboard your floating honeymoon hotel. If you have never been on a cruise ship, there are a few pointers you can take to get the most enjoyment out of your first day of sailing.
Once again learning from Cruise Critic, let’s look at Do’s and Don’ts for your first day onboard a cruise ship – starting with how to pack!
Do pack swimsuits, shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top or sun dress into your carry-on so you can change in your room before your luggage arrives. It takes a few hours for the attendants to get everyone’s luggage to their rooms, and you don’t want to be stuck in winter, work, or travel clothes the whole time. So throw essential beach bum clothing into your carry-on, and you’re set to start your tropical vacation in style!
Don’t head straight to the buffet. It’s one of the most noisy, crowded areas on board on embarkation day. Instead, pack granola bars in your purse for emergency hunger pangs and check out your dining options. Other venues aboard may be open for embarkation day lunch, and they usually aren’t as packed.
Do take TONS of photos. Take selfies, take pictures of your cabin, snap pricess shots of funny faces, and, of course, of the infamous towel animals. And don’t stop. It’s hard to fathom, but sometimes you get so caught up in activity you can forget to take pictures. Don’t do that. Snap, shoot, and take photos your whole way through the honeymoon.
Don’t skip the muster drill. Not fun, but it provides crucial information in case of emergency. And it’s mandatory – even if you have cruised before.
Do immediately begin your honeymoon with a fruity tropical drink served with an umbrella. It’s an absolute must! They aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it. If you’ve cruised before, skip the souvenir glass. If this is your first time, go for it.
Don’t forget to tour the ship to get your bearings, check out your room to ensure cleanliness, and head up to the lido deck for the sail-away party to enjoy the live music, fun dancing, flowing drinks, and festive atmosphere.
Do take a dip in the hot tub or pool. While people are gathering at the buffet, you can be relaxing in the pool. The pools are usually uncrowded on the first day because most people didn’t bring their bathing suits aboard in their carry-on like you did – if you took the advice listed above!
Don’t forget to book tours and excursions you want to take. Many of them have limited space and sell out early.
Do watch the sunset. Do go to the welcome show. Do laugh loud. Do shake your booty. Do sing, kiss, drink, enjoy – your cruise starts now!
For all 22 do’s and don’t for your first day onboard a cruise ship, go here, to Cruise Critic.
