Pack for a theme party – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

If you really want to get into the spirit of a cruise, you’ll want to participate in any theme parties or special events on board.

Before departing, contact the cruise line to find out what will be offered on your cruise. Toga parties require a gown made of bed sheets, of course, while shamrocks and green hats are appropriate for a St. Patrick’s celebration. Beads, feathers and masks are in order for a Mardi Gras parade, and pirate garb would be appropriate for any pirate-themed celebration.

You can sometimes buy the items aboard ship to make your costume, but why spend the money? Pack your own outfit and save your cash for a Hurricane cocktail.

Related: Choose a themed cruise – Cruise tip

Don’t forget to pack a snorkel – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Whenever we go on a cruise, my husband and I always plan to snorkel on at least one island. On our first cruise, we went on a shore excursion that provided the snorkel, but then we got smart.

Instead of signing up for a snorkeling excursion, we pack our own snorkels and head to the beach. You can buy cheap snorkels anywhere, and they don’t take up much luggage space. At the island, we simply walk to the beach and start swimming — no time limit or groups to slow us down.

And the money we save? It buys lunch at a local restaurant.

Sail from local ports to save on airfare – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

As a resident of Richmond, Virginia, I discovered that cruise ships leave from Norfolk after being refurbished at a shipyard in Newport News. When they leave port, the rooms have been thoroughly cleaned and upgraded. The ships are like new again.

The best part is that you can hop on board and cruise down to the Caribbean. The trips usually come back to Norfolk, so you can save on airfare both ways. For each person that cruises, you can save as much as $200 on airfare.

Take advantage of lessons and lectures – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Many cruise ships offer free lectures and lessons, and they regularly bring aboard one or more specialists to educate guests.

When on my own cruise, my favorite lecturer was the wildlife expert. He spent a week aboard the ship, lecturing once a day or more. During his discussions, he talked about animals native to the ports we were about to visit. His discussions were fun and didn’t feel at all like “school.”

Ultimately, he helped make my shore excursions much more fun. Learning about what I was seeing while ashore made my adventure all the more enjoyable.

How to lose weight on a cruise – Cruise tip

by Gadling Staff on

Avoid the elevators, and use the stairs.

Ships have lots of decks with lots of stairwells – and stairs. But don’t think of them as stairs; think of them as giant, sea-going step-climbers.

Bonus: These step-climbers are carpeted and surrounded by museum-quality art!