Whether you're new to cruising or are taking off on your umpteenth cruise vacation, it never hurts to have a little guidance. As cruise ships get more sophisticated, cruisegoers have more and more choices available to them. Where should you go first? What shouldn't you miss? Follow these five cruise tips, and it'll be smooth sailing all the way.

Key takeaways

Packing light helps simplify your cruise experience, especially when many essentials such as robes and select toiletries are already provided onboard.

Dining on a Princess cruise offers flexibility, from casual options to specialty restaurants, with advance reservations recommended for popular venues.

The Princess Patter keeps guests informed about daily activities, entertainment and onboard events, making it easy to plan each day at sea.

Pre-reserving shore excursions ensures availability for top experiences and allows you to prepare appropriately for each destination.

Monitoring onboard promotions and consulting the Princess Shopping Host can help guests find quality purchases and exclusive savings during their voyage.

1. ご乗船前の荷造り

The best mantra to follow when you're packing for your next cruise is this: 荷物は少なめに。You'll want to start with the essentials. Be sure to tuck first-day necessities — medications, swimwear, a change of clothes and travel documents — into your carry-on, since checked luggage may arrive at your stateroom later in the afternoon. If your cell phone can take high-quality photos, leave your camera at home. Where clothes are concerned, pack minimally and bring a wrinkle-releasing product that allows you to wear an outfit more than once. And do your research — if your stateroom will already be supplied with a robe and some toiletries, you can leave those things at home as well. Save space so you can travel light and even bring home a souvenir or two!

A few other packing suggestions:

  • Cabin walls are metal, so a few strong magnetic hooks can instantly create extra hanging space for hats, lanyards or lightweight bags.
  • A non-surge-protected power strip or USB hub can also come in handy for charging devices, as surge-protected strips are typically not permitted on board.
  • It’s also wise to pack a small travel pharmacy with basics like pain reliever, motion sickness remedies, cold medicine and any prescription medication you might need (with extras, just in case), since onboard supplies may be limited.
  • Bring small bills for tipping tour guides or port staff during your time ashore.
  • If possible, save some space in your luggage; if you travel light you’ll have room to bring home a souvenir or two!

2. ダイニング

You'll never go hungry on a cruise ship — and no need to fret over dining options. You can always hit the pizza bar or the buffet if you feel like having a casual evening, or even order room service. A selection of internationally-inspired dining options is always available; don't feel pressured to make an early decision about whether you'll want late or early dining on your cruise. One piece of advice, though: If you think you might like to indulge in fine dining, you'll want to make a reservation ahead of time. Those specialty restaurants tend to book up at the beginning of each cruise.

3. 船上アクティビティ

You won't need to memorize all the activities and events each day. During turn-down service, your cabin steward will leave you a copy of the Princess Patter, a newsletter that will tell you when the casino opens, the hours for the health and fitness center, what pool the volleyball game is taking place in, daily tips for cruising, and an hourly listing of all other happenings on board.

Another thing to be aware of while you’re on board the ship: some cell carriers apply maritime roaming charges. If you want to avoid these extra expenses, switch your phone to airplane mode once on board and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi to stay in touch.

4. Cruise Shore Excursions

One of the most important steps you can take before your next cruise is to do your excursion homework before you depart. It won't take long to navigate through shore excursions to plan your vacation days. Availability for everyone is not guaranteed on each excursion (the most popular ones tend to sell out quickly, but advance booking ensures you’ve got a spot), so you'll want to pre-reserve shore excursions early. The other advantage to planning in advance is making sure you bring anything that an outing might call for, such as hiking boots or water shoes.

5. ショッピング

Keep an eye on the Princess Patter and the Princess Shopping Host — available at the tour office and on your stateroom television — before you make purchases. This is where you'll get insider cruise tips on when there are onboard boutique sales. You can also check with your host about any onshore purchases you are interested in making, that way you'll get the best bargains and quality.

Bonus Tip

Before you even step on board, plan to arrive at your embarkation city at least one day early. This will help you avoid any unexpected travel delays and start your cruise off on the right foot — relaxed, excited and with the energy for adventure!

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