10 tips to make the most of your cruise
🌅 Enjoying a cruise isn't just about visiting ports of call...
It is also about living aboard a true little floating world, where every day can become an unforgettable memory.
Whether you are on an MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean, or Carnival ship, here are our 10 practical and tested tips to get the most out of every moment on board.
🧳 1. Get off to a good start on the first day
On embarkation day, take the time to:
take a quick tour of the ship to locate the restaurants, bars, and pools, check your show or dining reservations,
and above all, don't try to do everything on the first day!
💡 Tip: bring a carry-on bag with a swimsuit, sunscreen, and documents. Your suitcases may sometimes arrive after several hours.
🍴 2. Explore the restaurants from the start
Buffets are convenient, but the à la carte restaurants are often worth the detour.
Don't hesitate to:
ask for the menu for the week, try a specialty restaurant at least once, or test breakfast in the dining room rather than the buffet (often calmer and more pleasant).
👉 See also our article: How to choose the best cabin for your cruise (without making a mistake)
🌊 3. Plan your days at sea
Days without a port of call are perfect for:
enjoying the spa or the pools, attending the workshops or lectures offered, and why not, taking a nap on deck with a view of the ocean.
💡 Remember to book your treatments or massages as soon as the cruise begins: slots fill up fast!
🎭 4. The evening shows: don't miss them
Every evening, a different show is offered: musical theater, acrobatics, magic, or live music.
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before it starts to get a good seat.
Some ships also offer exclusive shows (On certain MSC or Royal ships for example).
🏝️ 5. Go ashore prepared
If you choose to visit on your own, download before you leave:
offline city maps, addresses for taxis or local shuttles, and above all, the final return time on board ⏰.
📸 6. Capture your best memories
Sunsets, arrivals at port, and the views from the deck are magical moments.
📷 Use the "landscape" mode on your phone, and avoid photos at high noon (the light is too strong).
💡 Create a "Cruise [Ship Name]" folder from the start to file everything easily.
💬 7. Enjoy meeting people on board
Cruises are one of the rare trips where you easily meet people from all over the world 🌍.
Participate in games, themed evenings, or aperitifs on deck:
that is often where the best memories are created.
🎶 8. Let yourself be carried away by the musical atmosphere
Each ship has its own soundtrack: from jazz at the piano bar, to salsa on the pool deck.
And to prolong the magic once you return home... 🎧
👉 Discover our original music: Cruise Party on Spotify, Deezer, etc...
💸 9. Monitor your spending on board
Before leaving, set a small daily budget.
Extras (cocktails, photos, boutiques) can quickly add up.
Use the ship's app or the interactive kiosk to track your expenses in real-time.
💤 10. Disconnect... truly
The greatest luxury of a cruise? Time.
Forget about emails, detach yourself from the Wi-Fi, just look at the horizon...
These moments of calm are the ones you will remember for the longest time. 🌊💙
⚓ In summary
A cruise is not just a trip; it is a complete experience between relaxation, meetings, and discoveries.
With a little preparation and a few good habits, every day on board becomes an adventure in its own right.
📚 Also read:
Why choose a cruise? Discover what we love about this mode of travel <- Right here
MSC cruise in the United States or Europe? Our opinion and comparison <- Right here
Also don't forget our guides available <- Right here
Ulrich & Sidara