Cruise expert shares the ‘one golden rule’ for the first day

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Cruise expert and owner of Blue Cruise, Yasmin Pekel, shared her golden rules for cruise passengers. She said there are a few things passengers need to be aware of before their first cruise.

Yasmin said: “This is the one golden rule for any cruise, be on time for departure. The cruise will not delay setting off if you are late, nor will they refund you, so being on time is imperative.

“You should arrive at the departure port at least one day ahead of schedule. If you need to travel overseas to somewhere with a drastic time difference, accommodate more time.

“Adjusting to jet lag can be difficult, and you don’t want to waste any time visiting the port cities or exploring the ship!”

Timings are so important when it comes to cruise holidays as the ships will not wait for late passengers.

If a guest’s flight is delayed and they miss the ship, they will usually have to fly to the next stop at their own expense.

If the cruise company booked the flights as part of a deal, they may make some allowance for delayed passengers.

However, if possible, it’s a good idea to fly in the day before the cruise ship departs so that guests won’t have to panic.

Jet lag can also be an issue so passengers might want to give themselves a day to adjust to a time difference.

Yasmin added: “While an all-inclusive cruise often refers to a boat that gives you unlimited drinks, food and entertainment, there are several services that you need to factor in.

“Some places might require you to add gratuity, while some ships offer amenities that can be purchased at an extra cost, such as specialty restaurants.

“Some of the ports visited on your cruise may also be expensive, so planning ahead is the best way to be prepared.

“Budgeting additionally allows you to have spare cash in the case of any emergencies, which while unlikely, you should always accommodate for.”

While the majority of cruise lines will have restaurants and a buffet included in the price, passengers may have to pay to dine at specialty restaurants.

These might include restaurants offering a specific type of cuisine or an al fresco dining experience.

It’s a good idea to create a holiday budget before setting off to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises.

Although passengers aren’t required to leave a gratuity, it’s a nice gesture to show their appreciation for the crew.

Yasmin warned: “Do your research. The drinks package, the cities you’ll visit, and the amenities available on the ship.

“These are all crucial things that you want to know before your trip begins! No one wants to feel misled, whether by the ship itself or the route it takes.”

Cruise lines all have their own unique vibe and passengers will need to make sure they choose one that’s right for them.

Some guests are looking to mingle with other passengers while other holidaymakers just want a bit of peace and quiet.

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