There are many methods for leisure travel, whether by plane, train, car, bike, scooter or on foot — but especially in Florida — boating takes a large part of the spotlight. Cruising, in particular, shines brightly in the Sunshine State.
With ports in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa and Port Canaveral, there is no shortage of options for embarking on an ocean voyage.
I recently set off on my second cruise ever, and my first in more than a decade. As a relative newcomer to the sailing scene, I got onto the MSC Meraviglia with wide eyes and excitement. On the way, I learned more about the ins and outs of cruising that may not seem obvious at first.
I quickly figured out that, at least on my voyage, the buffet is free and open to everyone and everyone has an assigned restaurant and seating time. My travel partner and I wasted no time figuring out what our drink package included, or what offerings were available at the spa. We wandered the ship counting hot tubs and picking out a perfect spot to relax by the pool.
In the process, it also became clear some of the logistical headaches with getting on the ship, connecting payment methods and navigating excursions. For example, each passenger has an arrival time and while it’s OK to show up early, it might be best to show up during your designated embarkation window.
Here are some tips and insights I gleaned during a three-night trip as a cruising newbie.
1. Pack smartly.
Much like traveling on an airplane, it’s possible to check a bag or two that can be dropped off at the terminal and delivered to your stateroom. However, it’s wise not to overpack.
Staterooms, even with balcony upgrades, tend to be small and have limited closet space. Plan ahead to have casual outfits for wandering the ship, two or three pairs of shoes, at least two swimsuits and one or two formal outfits for dinner. It’s likely that some days will require multiple changes of attire.
Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen and a small bag to take off the ship for excursions. With that said, don’t pack too many options or you’ll be dealing with heavy bags and cramped quarters.
2. Make a plan, but leave room in the schedule.
Every cruise line should offer a daily planner delivered to staterooms daily. This is helpful for figuring out both port information, arrival and departure times and daily activities on the ship. Is there a show you’re eager to see? Perhaps an evening karaoke night worth checking out? Many cruise lines also offer apps where you can create a custom itinerary.
It’s also worth looking ahead to learn more about ports and excursions, which can be booked through the cruise line for convenience and the reassurance that you’ll get back to the ship in time.
Spa experiences and specialty dining should also be reserved ahead for the best chances of getting preferred times. But vacation shouldn’t be stressful or overscheduled, so make sure to leave holes in the day for time by the pool or drinks while lounging in the sun. Perhaps the casino or arcade will call your name.
Ideally, the cruise line should make it easy to plan outings while leaving plenty of time to relax. Good service and amenities sure help with that.
3. Know what’s included in your package, and take full use of it.
Whether booking through a travel agent or direct with a cruise line, packages often bundle specialty dining experiences and drink packages so that many costs are factored in before the trip begins.
There may be a chance to spend money and support local tourism economies while in ports, but at sea, your options are only so many for getting a drink or a bite. Because of this, it makes sense to upgrade with a drink or dining bundle. It’s also wise to be aware of exactly what’s included in that package and take full advantage of it. After paying for something upfront, it’s a shame to have it go to waste.
Five piña coladas in one afternoon? On a cruise ship, the world is your oyster.
4. Remember the cost of all the extras.
When browsing offers and advertisements from cruise lines, some numbers jump out, making an appeal to those looking for an affordable vacation. “7 nights from $180″ or “from $199 per person” are some of the offers that pop up.
Those prices don’t factor in government fees, taxes and port charges, which often total more than $100. The incentives can be nice, such as kids sailing for free, free balcony upgrades or onboard credit. But going on vacation shouldn’t require sacrificing luxuries, ideally, and the extras can add up. Be sure to factor in what the grand total might be before getting baited by advertisements that seem almost too good to be true.
Pack some cash for tips, though some cruise lines include a service charge on bar bills. It’s generally a good idea to prepay for most packages and excursions ahead of time so that finances aren’t a worry during the trip — your total cost is already mostly behind you.
5. Take advantage of the ship’s amenities.
On embarkation day, it’s a good idea to walk around the ship and get a sense for the amenities. Until boarding one of these modern-day floating behemoths, it’s hard to fathom that a ship can contain a roller coaster, waterslides, go-karts, wind tunnel sky diving, zip lines and a surf simulator (not necessarily all on one ship).
Those are all real-world but potentially more extreme examples. Even without seeking the most extreme amenities, many ships have plenty of shops, shows, restaurants, casinos, arcades, pools and bars to explore.
Depending on the length of the cruise and the number of ports, you’ll be spending a decent amount of time on the ship. Time spent relaxing in the stateroom or by the pool can be nice, but take advantage of everything these luxury liners have to offer.
When pulling into port at the end of your journey, it might also make sense to stay on the ship until others have disembarked. If you’re not in a hurry, soak up a little more time on one of these megaships and savor every minute of the experience.
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Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com . For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram , Facebook and Twitter .
