6 Mistakes to Avoid While on a Luxury Cruise
Ever experienced gazing into the endless expanse of the sea and bidding adieu to your woes? Now, imagine spending days on end at sea even while enjoying homely comfort. Yes, we’re talking about creating unforgettable memories on a luxury cruise! But like every other endeavor, embarking on such a journey entails dos and don’ts. So, here’s how you stay afloat by checking out these things to avoid while you’re on board your cruise:
Avoiding Socialization
A wise man once said it’s better to read a man than ten books. Well, truer words were perhaps never spoken. Humans are reservoirs of stories, and the more you interact, the more you discover about life. And what’s better than a cruise filled with individuals from various cultural backgrounds? Besides, a ship is like a floating city, and you never know when you will need help to navigate. Establishing casual conversations with your fellow travelers always helps. You could start by enquiring about their hometown, mother tongue, food preferences, family, etc., to break the ice, eventually allowing the exchange to take its course. At the same time, allow yourself sufficient time to get to know those around you before delving into too many personal details. Staying in your room all day defeats the purpose of experiencing what official Viking river cruises and other lines have on offer.
Overlooking Dress Codes
Typically, luxury cruises have clearly stated dress codes that help passengers blend well with the events. While overlooking a dress code may not always have repercussions, wearing considerably different ensembles than your fellow travelers can pose challenges to your social interactions on board. Feeling left out is not the best situation, particularly at sea. So, chiming in with the others—even in terms of your outfits—can only make you feel more at home and in sync. Before you set off on your cruise, check the dress codes specified, and if such information isn’t readily available, inquire about acceptable and typical attire. Allocate some time to shopping for your cruise, stocking on essentials and ensembles based on the dress code.
Not Exploring New Lands
Yes, your ship may resemble a city, but the fact remains that no cruise holds a candle to an actual city or town! So, when your ship docks at a port, ensure to pack your cameras, get off the ship, and explore to the best extent possible. It helps to assimilate with the city or town’s culture as a tourist and engage in the various activities that it is known for. Preparing an itinerary and following it through while in a new land can prevent you from wandering. Cruises offered by liners like Viking take you across beautiful river towns across Europe and Asia.
Staying Dehydrated and Eating Too Much
Although a doctor and an official team are on board luxury cruises like Viking, it is extremely difficult to manage serious health conditions on cruises. Moreover, traveling by sea for days on end without a stretch of land in sight makes one vulnerable to seasickness. The best solutions to maintain good health on board are having enough water and controlling food intake. Avoid certain types of foods, such as overly spicy preparations, foods containing ingredients you are allergic to, and those that are cross-contaminated or may have been left in the open for long periods. Regardless of how delectable the spread may seem, not filling up is always a good idea. Lastly, dehydration is a key contributing factor to seasickness; therefore, ensure to sip on water and healthy liquids now and then.
Not Planning Special Events in Advance
Several families and friend groups plan cruises around special events such as birthdays and anniversaries, seizing the perfect opportunity to surprise their loved ones. However, in such cases, it is important to ensure that the event remains a surprise only for those it is intended for! In other words, avoid planning such celebrations at the last moment while on board, as it can cause an inconvenience to the crew and a scarcity of materials needed to set up the event. Although last-minute plans can be materialized on cruises, it is best to coordinate with your official point-of-contact before boarding on ships by Viking and other luxury river and ocean cruises. Once on board, reach out to the reception desk to ensure that the concerned crew members, such as the chefs and decorators, are at work to organize your event. Above all, it helps to understand when the crew cannot fulfill some of your requests due to the infeasibility of the request or genuine time constraints.
Packing Too Much and Too Little
While you may have a fair idea of the activities on board and at different tourist destinations, some leeway is necessary for last-minute plans and sudden schedule changes. Moreover, the weather is often unpredictable at sea, so carry different types of clothes for humid and chilly weather conditions. At the same time, overpacking can lead to unnecessary hassles while embarking and disembarking. The key is to pack adequate sets of ensembles, neither too many nor too few.
Embarking on a cruise facilitates quality time with your loved ones and practical strangers who eventually become familiar faces. It provides you with the opportunity to shed your comfort zone, perceive the world from various perspectives, and re-discover yourself in the process. Moreover, it teaches one to adapt, adjust, and assimilate under different circumstances. Consider a few aspects and adhere to certain basic guidelines. Bon voyage ! We hope you enjoy your next trip!
