Whether you’re a first-time cruise enthusiast or just haven’t gotten used to the routine of a cruise, here’s a list of your favorite embarkation day dos and don’ts, acquired over many years. cruise, as well as the contributions of our site from the happy Cruise Critic. facebook fans

Due to last year’s international health and communicable disease crises, cruise ships are super diligent about germs. Your hands will be physically sprayed each time you approach the dining rooms, each time you return to the ship, and at other prudent times. They want you to have a germ-free experience, so cruise ship cabins have already been Lysoled before you check in, but if you feel better doing it yourself, spray cabin surfaces and nether regions, then:

DO dive into the tote bag where you put extra clothes and hygiene products, and ditch your work week clothes for something light, shiny, and new. The holidays start now.

TAKE a tour of the places on board that interest you the most. Perhaps the dining rooms, entertainment centers, and hot tubs and spa facilities? Starting on the bridge platform and working your way down for your first look will be less strenuous than climbing 11 flights of stairs for the scouting journey. You’ll want to skip the decks with only cruise ship cabins.

DO NOT skip the emergency lifeguard drill. No one plans to bust this voyage, but information is important, and the gathering on deck is fun and an ice breaker on all cruises.

MAKE SURE your cruise agency transferred your dinner reservations. Select meal times may be overbooked. Take note of when the dinner is formal; the best cruises vary according to those ritual moments.

DO NOT try to navigate to a buffet right away because of the crowds ahead of you. You can take a quick look around and if it looks like a bargain day at David’s Bridal, opt for one of the smaller restaurants situated around the ship where you can banish your hunger pangs and save the buffet for after rush hour. It is constantly renewed; cruise ships never run out of food, so you’ll still need to buy a larger size once home.

Take time to kick back in a lounge chair and check out the shore excursion options. Ask questions about them at the tour desk; they are their speciality. If you have children with you, there will be trips for them and other adult trips to leave the child with the ship’s childcare services.

DON’T forget to browse your ship’s purchase levels for fine designer clothing, jewelry, and other exclusive items that can be purchased at a discount and tax-free. Spirits are in that category, but you’ll need to leave those purchases with the ship until you return to your home port. They want you to buy their bottles and drinks in the ship’s lounges, not in your private hideaway.

DO the math beforehand to make sure the ship’s soda and alcohol packs will actually save you money, and if so, buy one now before you’ve had a drink

DO NOT forget to reserve space in paid cabins or special terraces for sunbathing, especially for a day at sea when more is sought and enjoyed. Get familiar with the adult pools as well.

YES head out on deck to sail. It’s festive, with live music and drinks flowing, and the view as you leave the port is exciting and memorable. It is a tradition among frequent cruise passengers to make that moment of navigation.

DON’T MISS the ship’s televised announcements in your stateroom as you unpack and make your nest. Interesting and useful information is transmitted for your edification.

DO watch the sunset over the ocean, go to the welcome aboard show, go to the casino, sing karaoke and shake your booty at the disco. Did we mention the neon tropical drink that is the trademark of your particular ship with a souvenir glass? –