1. The minimum age to travel on a cruise ship is generally 12-months.

Many cruise ships are unable to accommodate infants younger than this
due to limited neo-natal facilities on board and at ports of call.
2. The season in which you choose to
travel will essentially affect the cost of
your cruise. It will greatly determine cabin
prices, with the high season and school
holidays generally being more expensive.
If you are on a budget, you may want to
consider cruising in the off-peak season.

7. Size does matter! Before booking

your cabin, decide how much
room you are going to need to feel
comfortable in, and what kind of bed
you wish to sleep in.

8. Windowless = Cheerless.

3. If you arent keen on cruising around

with a bunch of kids aboard, steer clear of
cruising during school holiday periods.

Unless you are on a tight budget or all

other cabins have sold out, opt for an
outside cabin rather than being stuck
inside.

4. Check your visa and passport

requirements before you book your
cruise. These documents can take some
time so you will need to ensure they will
be ready and available before you set
sail.

9. Cruise passengers travelling with

their family and/or young children are
best to select the earlier dining time
options. If the kids get hungry its
best to feed them before they start
complaining.

5. Verify with your doctor any

vaccinations you may need before you
cruise.

10. If you dont like to rush while

eating, its best to choose the later
dining time. The second seating
is usually slower paced and more
relaxed as the staff dont have to prep
another seating.

6. Forget the days of Titanic, where the

rich were treated like royalty and the poor
were shoved in the back. Todays cruises
are not divided into different classes and
everyone has equal access to onboard
facilities and amenities.

11. Not an early riser? Choose the second seating to dine for
breakfast and enjoy the extra hour or two to sleep in.
12. Book as early as possible to ensure you get the cabin you want
and the dining times that suit you best.
13. As much as you would love to bring your furry friends along,
cruise ships do not accommodate pets.
14. Thinking about cruising by yourself as a single? Be prepared
to pay somewhere between 140 to 175% of the per-person doubleoccupancy fare for your own cabin.
15. On many cruise ships, anyone aged under 21 must be
accompanied by an adult.
16. Tie a big bow or ribbon to your
luggage before you board. It will make
your luggage stand out from the crowd.
17. Book a cabin on the port side of the ship to ensure you get the first view of the ports of call you are
visiting.
18. If you have any specific dietary requirements, let the cruise line know in advance so they can
accommodate to your needs.
19. The boarding time for a cruise ship stops 1 hour before departure. It is best to arrive at the port
several hours before the ship is set to sail.
20. If your flight is delayed, you get caught in traffic and you dont make it in time for departure,
chances are, the cruise ship is not going to wait for you. You will need to arrange a flight to the first port
of call and this will usually come at your own expense.
21. Depending on what kind of cruise you are taking, keep in mind that when you return you may need
a few days or so to recover from your holiday. Endless activities and fun are sure to tire you out.

22. Essentials to pack in your hand luggage when both embarking and disembarking include your
duty-free purchases, GST tax invoices, valuables and fragile items, medications and prescriptions and
your travel insurance policy, visa and passport details.

23. Pack a spare pair of clothes and anything you may need on the first day of your cruise.
If your luggage happens to get lost for the first day, you wont be put out.
24. Fill out all your travel forms and documents before you arrive at the embarking port.
This will speed up the process of getting all of the passengers onboard.
25. Alcohol is generally not allowed to be taken onboard a cruise ship. Alcohol purchased
at ports of call during the cruise will be retained until the completion of the cruise. Some
cruise lines allow you to consume the alcohol in restaurants or state rooms; however a
hefty corkage fee applies.
26. Passengers CAN bring their own sporting equipment along (i.e.
snorkelling gear, tennis racquets etc.). But first, check out the ships rental availability and
prices to see if its worth using up all that extra room in your luggage.
27. Baby equipment is available onboard family friendly ships, but you
should bring your own necessities like diapers and baby food.
28. Scared of the dark? Have a habit of tripping over things in an
unknown area? Bring a nightlight to plug into the wall of your cabin
especially if youre bringing the kids.
29. Air Freshener, Air Freshener and more Air
Freshener. The toilets on cruise ships arent vented, so if you want to
keep your cabin smelling fresh, this is a must.
30. Bring your cruise line voucher and maps along with you,
rather than relying on the one that is given to you when you embark.
They are usually more reliable.

31. Girls and guys alike: play it safe and bring along a few clothes you have pushed
aside to the fat side of your wardrobe. Those few extra centimeters in your clothes
may be a welcome relief after a week of cruising.
32. Take a camera that has rechargeable batteries. The cost of batteries onboard will have your eyes
popping out of their sockets.
33. Each cabin has just one electrical outlet, which only has two plugs. If you think you are going to
need more than two at one time, bring your own power board, surge protector or extension cord. Check
at the time you are booking your cruise as to the type of electrical sockets onboard and if you would be
required to bring your own adaptor.
34. If you can spare some room in your luggage, bring extra clothes hangers. There are
often not enough clothes hangers in your cabin and extras will come in handy to hang everything up.
35. There is no need to bring beach towels along on your cruise. These will be provided for your use
both on the cruise ship and at shore locations.
36. Bring your own alarm clock as these are not provided in your cabin. While a wake-up call can be
arranged, it is often easier to simply set your own alarm.
37. Dont forget to pack and USE your sunscreen. Bad sunburn will make for an unpleasant cruise and
the price of sunscreen on board is almost twice as much as you would pay at home.
38. An insulated/travel mug with a lid will keep your coffee hot as you laze by the pool. Fill it at the
beverage station or buffet and you wont even have to worry about spills.
39. Pack a small flashlight to ensure you dont get lost late at night. You never know when it may
come in handy.
40. Place all items you think may leak in a plastic, zip-top bag to ensure your clothes and luggage
stay in good condition.
41. A hairdryer is available in every cabin. Save space in your luggage and dont bring your own
from home.

42. As much as you will want to take your brand new DSLR ashore at a port of call, sometimes it isnt
the best idea. Unless you are going to be carrying it around your neck the whole time, it is better to take
a disposable camera to capture your time here. This is especially the case if you are getting someone
else to take a photo of you.
43. Avoid carrying belongings in a bum bag when exploring ports of call. It makes you stand out as a
tourist like a sore thumb, making you an easy target for thieves and pick-pockets.
44. While ashore, put your partying ways aside and stay sober. Alcohol can affect your judgment and
sense of time and you dont want to miss the departure of your ship.
45. Research your ports of call before departing on your cruise. Eight hours is a lot of time to fill and a
three-hour shore excursion just might not cut it.
46. Shore tours run rain, hail and shine. Unless there is something drastic on the horizon, be prepared
to undertake the tour no matter what the weather conditions.
47. Photocopy all important documents before you set sail and take these ashore on ports of call,
instead of the originals.
48. Be aware of water quality at your destinations. Play it safe and take bottled water ashore. It would
be horrible to spend the remainder of your cruise cooped up by the toilet.
49. Ask the cruise staff about tipping policies at your port of call destinations. Proper etiquette is
expected when visiting these places.
50. If you decide to hire your own taxi to be shown around the
township of your port of call, make sure you both agree on a
price before you depart. This way you wont get ripped off!

51. One of the best things about cruising, compared to staying in motels, is that you
only have to unpack once!
52. Most cruise ships offer passengers the convenience of being able to charge
all of their expenses to their cabin. An itemized statement will be delivered to your
cabin number prior to disembarkation.
53. Each cruise ship will have at least one medical centre on board. To save time, bring
your own medications, supplies and prescriptions.
54. Most cruise ships offer childcare centers from early morning, to late at night. Afterhours care can also be arranged for an additional cost.
55. Prevent burns by avoiding to iron your clothes in your cabin. There are plenty of selfservice laundries onboard, providing irons and ironing boards for your convenience.
56. The initial safety drill IS mandatory. Dont try to sneakily hide in your cabinyou will
be found!
57. Make an effort to live without Facebook and Twitter while cruising. Roaming fees
on mobile phones can be costly and using the internet on computers at onboard internet
cafes comes at an astronomical price.
58. Tipping is highly recommended, in fact expected. Each cruise lines gratuity policies
vary, so be sure to check these out before sail, to work them into your onboard budget.
59. Motion sickness is more common than sea sickness when travelling on a cruise. The
motion of the ship is generally mild so constant sickness throughout the trip can easily be
avoided.
60. Prevent motion sickness and avoid looking out your cabin window or the windows in
the lounges. The up-down motion can make you nauseous.
61. To assist further, take an anti-seasick pill before departure and while cruising if
needed. These will allow you to enjoy your cruise more.
62. Smoking is permitted onboard but only in designated areas.

63. Befriend the person

who cleans and makes up your room 64. Befriend your regular waiter in the dining hall they show you how to make things with your serviettes
and give you treats!

they give you

chocolates on your pillow.

65. Tip the bar tenders and night club staff as

soon as you get on the cruise ship. This will ensure
immediate alcohol service and will get you in their good books.
66. It never hurts to flirt a little with the bar tenders and wait staff.
They will then remember you and will start remembering what you order.
67. When moving around the ship, particularly in empty corridors, always travel with a companion. Its always safer to
stay in pairs.
68. Keep your cabin locked when inside and out. Always make sure it closes securely and dont just assume it will
lock automatically.
69. Carry around a small bottle of hand sanitizer if you are one of those people that freaks out about germs. Like any
public place, everything you touch is most likely to be unhygienic.
70. After an out-of-the-way retreat in order to escape the noise of the crowds? Ask one of the cruise ships friendly
staff to direct you to one. Chances are they know the quietest nooks and crannies of the ship the best.
71. Be prepared for a tight squeeze in the elevators around dinner and show times. This is when everyone is moving
around the ship, so why not avoid the stampede and head to a bar first for a sneaky cocktail or two.
72. Drink alcohol in moderation. No one likes a sloppy drunk and just remember that you are stuck with these people
for the next week or so.

73. Food is free, copious and around the clock! Make the most of it.
74. Yes, room service is available at all times!
75. Be prepared to gain a few kilos during your cruise.
Food is plentiful and who actually wants to use the gym for
a vigorous daily workout while on vacation?
76. With all the extra food you are eating, why not make a start at working it off
and use the stairs instead of the elevators on board.
77. Dont rock up in jeans and a tank top to the Formal Night on your cruise.
While tuxedos or ball gowns arent necessary, it is expected that you wear something
classy.

78. Contracting Noroviruses on cruise ships is

actually not as common as one may think. The best
way to avoid it is to frequently wash your hands.
79. Nine out of 10 outbreaks of Norovirus take
place at land-based locations, usually in places like
hospitals, schools and day care centers.
80. Unless youve got money to burn, dont
stop and have your photo taken by professional
photographers. They charge an arm and a leg. Save
your money and take your own happy snaps.

81. Unless you are insanely drunk/ have

a decent voice, avoid Karaoke if you
embarrass easily. Remember, youre
stuck with these people for the entirety of
your cruise and if you cant handle some
good-natured ridicule, perhaps Karaoke
isnt for you.

82. Make use of the safe in your room. Dont just leave valuables lying around on your bed. If you have extremely
valuable items, use the ships safe to store them; they will be locked here for safe storage throughout the duration of
your cruise.
83. Sea air tends to make people especially hungry and sleepy. Take a power nap in the afternoon so you are fresh
and ready for the excitement of the evening activities.
84. You will be asked to place your luggage outside your cabin the night before you disembark. Ensure you have
packed a spare pair of clothes in your hand luggage so you arent wandering around the final day of your cruise in
your PJs.
85. Save some time and avoid the crowds at
the end of the cruise and pay your onboard
account early.
86. At the end of your cruise you will be
asked to fill out a comment card. If you
received particularly good service while
onboard, take note of the names of those
staff members and include these in the
comments.

87.

If pirates board the ship,

unless they are Johnny Depp,
call security!

88. Berth a ships cabin, with built in beds and bunks.

The number corresponding to the berth generally
indicates how many passengers the cabin can sleep.
89. Bow the very front of the ship.
90. Bulkhead the wall or partition separating cabins and compartments.
91. CHOGS short for Chair HOGS.
92. Disembark to unload passengers from a ship, marking the end of the journey.
93. Embark to go onboard the cruise ship and begin the journey.
94. Knot one nautical mile per hour (this is around 15% faster than one mile per
hour)
95. Leeward the side of the ship away from the wind (opposed to the Windward)
96. Muster to come together or gather. This may be for an inspection or roll call.
97. Port the left-hand side of a ship as one faces forward (opposed to the
starboard side). So named because it is the side towards the dock (port).
98. Purser the ships officer in charge of accounts, freight, tickets etc. This person
will generally handle all your money.
99. Starboard the right-hand side of the ship as one faces forward (opposed to the
port side.)
100. Tender a boat for carrying passengers to or from a ship close to shore.
101. Windward the side of the ship on which the wind blows (opposed to the
Leeward side)

Deck Chair Cruising Australia

Phone:

Mail:

1800-839-499
+61 7 3442 2990
PO Box 270
Springwood
QLD 4127
Australia

Web:

www.dccruising.com.au

Email:

reservations@dccruising.com.au

Please visit :

www.dccruising.com.au

for more information on cruises and holiday ideas!