Cruise Port Navigator

Tips for a Successful Cruise

Cruise Excursions

Cruise excursions are essential in certain ports, especially where the excursion takes you to faraway locations. Keep in mind that the cruise ship will only wait for passengers who have booked the ship’s official excursions. If you decide to explore independently:

  • Note the telephone number of the cruise ship or its local port agent.
  • If you're in a foreign port with different alphabets, have someone write down the port’s location in the local language for easy communication with taxi drivers.
  • Always carry the daily cruise program, which contains essential information like ship contact details and return times.
  • Consider hiring a local taxi for a tour to support the local economy. Always chat with the driver beforehand to assess their language skills.

Cruise Ship Organized Excursions

These excursions tend to be expensive but come with the assurance that the ship will wait for your return. In general:

  • Tours canceled by guests less than 48 hours before arrival are non-refundable.
  • If the cruise line cancels a tour, passengers receive a full refund.
  • It pays to compare cruise line offerings with alternatives like Viator and GetYourGuide, which are often about 30% cheaper.

Hop-On/Hop-Off Tours

These are very popular among cruise passengers. In subtropical or tropical climates, it's best to wait until the afternoon to take these tours, as many shops and museums close in the morning, making the buses less crowded later in the day.

Shuttles

Cruise lines often delay announcing their shuttle services to avoid interfering with their excursion sales. Research ahead of time or ask at the excursion desk for shuttle details.

Financial Tips & Safety

Protecting Your Wallet

Both cruise lines and pickpockets are keen on your money:

  • Never carry your wallet in your back pocket—hide it somewhere more secure.
  • Make photocopies of your passport and store the original in your stateroom safe. Losing your passport abroad can be a nightmare.

Using ATMs

  • Use only official bank ATMs.
  • Avoid high-fee machines like Travelex, Euronet, Moneybox, Cardpoint, and Cashzone.
  • Never use onboard ATMs as their fees are generally exorbitant.

Credit Cards

When using a foreign credit card and offered the choice to pay in home or local currency, always select local currency to avoid poor exchange rates. Some cruise lines employ Dynamic Currency Conversion, which results in unnecessary extra charges.

Transportation in Port

Taxis

  • In cities with metered taxis, insist that the meter is turned on.
  • If negotiating a price, confirm details like currency, per-person vs. per-cab charges.
  • If overcharged, act as if calling the police while speaking in an unfamiliar language; this often resolves disputes.
  • Always exit the taxi before paying to maintain control over the transaction.

Car Rentals

  • Read this guide on avoiding car rental scams.
  • Take photos of any existing damage before driving off.

Onboard and Portside Tips

Internet and Wi-Fi

Onboard Wi-Fi is often slow and costly. Follow the crew to local cafes for affordable connections or ask them where to go. Crew members return earlier than passengers, so early access to their Wi-Fi spots can mean faster speeds.

Bringing Alcohol Onboard

Most cruise lines strictly control alcohol policies:

  • Soda and beer in moderate quantities are usually allowed.
  • Hard liquor is often confiscated unless port security, rather than the cruise line, is handling baggage checks.

Smoking

Smoking is typically restricted to designated deck areas. Only a few cruise lines, such as Costa and Fred Olsen, still allow smoking on balconies.

Dining and Drinking

Onboard Dining

  • Second seating is quieter and less rushed.
  • On sea days, wake up early for breakfast to avoid long lines.
  • Tap water is safe to drink but may taste different when the ship makes its own supply.

Dining Ashore

  • Check the restaurant’s bathroom before ordering—it often reflects the cleanliness of the kitchen.
  • Always carry tissues, as some public restrooms may not have toilet paper.

Disembarkation and Booking Strategies

Disembarkation Day

The night before disembarkation is a good time to tip your cabin steward and ask for a late checkout.

When to Book

Cruise ships aim for 100% occupancy, meaning last-minute deals can be great in the off-season. Compare prices across different agencies for the best deal.

Onboard Shopping & Entertainment

Shopping

  • Tobacco products are often the only good deal onboard.
  • Liquor, jewelry, and other goods are usually overpriced.
  • In Europe, duty-free shopping is only available if the ship visits a non-EU port during the itinerary.

Gambling

  • Casinos onboard generally have poor odds compared to land-based casinos.
  • Roulette tables often have two zeroes, reducing player odds.
  • Slot machines have low payout rates.

Cruise Lingo & Navigation

Common Cruise Terminology

  • Friends of Dorothy: LGBTQ+ meetup onboard.
  • Friends of Bill W: Alcoholics Anonymous-style meetings.
  • Aft: Rear section of the ship.
  • Bow: Front section of the ship.
  • Starboard: Right side when facing the bow.
  • Port: Left side when facing the bow.

Passports and Visas

Ensure you have the correct documents before boarding. Holland America Line provides a helpful checklist.

Final Tip: Enjoy Yourself!

A cruise should be a stress-free experience. Follow these tips, plan wisely, and most importantly—have fun!