How To Avoid Cruising Mistakes

Picture this: the sun is shining, the sea breeze gently caresses your face, and you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of excitement. You’re about to embark on a cruise holiday – a journey filled with endless possibilities, relaxation, and adventure.

But hold on! Before you set sail, there’s something crucial you need to know. Avoiding common blunders can be the difference between a mediocre trip and an unforgettable experience. And that’s where your Cruise Guru comes in.

Say goodbye to rookie mistakes and hello to smooth sailing! Rock The Boat is your go-to UK-based cruise travel agency, ready to provide personalised assistance and expert guidance every step of the way. We believe that even though cruising should be fun and exciting, it doesn’t hurt to have a safety net for those unexpected hiccups along the voyage.

So buckle up (metaphorically speaking) as we take you through 9 cruise ship blunders that are best avoided. Are you ready? Anchors aweigh!

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#1 Picking the Perfect Ship: Avoid Setting Sail on a Sea of Regret!

Imagine stepping onto what you think is your dream cruise ship.  But wait… what’s that sinking feeling in your stomach? Oh no, you’ve picked the wrong ship! Fear not, my fellow sailors. Let’s navigate our way out of these stormy waters and ensure smooth sailing ahead.

Cruise ships are as diverse as the open sea itself. Some offer thrilling water slides and mini golf courses for family fun in the sun, while others boast exquisite dining options fit for a foodie paradise. It’s crucial to find the vessel that’s right for you.

To avoid ending up seasick with disappointment, start with a checklist of must-have features. Are you longing for lively onboard entertainment or seeking serenity in adults-only areas? Do spacious cabins top your wish list or would you prefer cosy quarters? By identifying these essentials beforehand, you’ll have a compass to steer you towards the perfect ship.

When it comes to finding that ideal match made at sea, Rock The Boat is here to save the day. Our team of seasoned sailors use their expertise to chart a course through countless cruise options and help you discover the ship that ticks all your boxes.

Don’t let yourself be swept away by just any old ship; choose wisely and set sail on an extraordinary adventure that’s right for you.

#2 Only looking at the price when you book

Have you ever heard the cautionary tale of Stan the Thrifty Traveller? Stan was determined to find the cheapest cruise deal out there, so he booked a trip solely based on price. Little did he know that his decision would lead to cramped quarters and limited activities onboard.

You see, when it comes to booking a cruise, price is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s essential to weigh it against other important factors like itinerary, room type, ship age, and onboard entertainment options. After all, what good is saving money if you’re stuck in a tiny cabin with no view or terrible food?

Instead of being lured by rock-bottom prices alone, consider looking into shoulder seasons for better deals without sacrificing quality experiences. These off-peak times can offer significant savings while still providing fantastic amenities and memorable adventures.

If navigating through these considerations seems overwhelming, Rock The Boat has got your back. Our team of Cruise Gurus take into account all relevant factors when assisting guests in finding exceptional value for their money. They’ll help you uncover hidden gems within various cruise lines and guide you towards the perfect balance between affordability and an unforgettable experience.

So don’t let the allure of cheap prices steer you away from making informed decisions when booking a cruise. Consider all the factors at play and let Rock The Boat be your compass in finding extraordinary value without compromising on enjoyment.

#3 Booking at the Last Minute

You’ve decided to embark on a dream cruise holiday, but instead of planning in advance, you wait until the very last minute to book. Dun dun dun! As you frantically scramble to secure a spot onboard, your heart sinks as you realise that prices have skyrocketed and there’s little to no availability left. Talk about a nail-biting experience!

Think about your Christmas day lunch.  You could go and buy your turkey in advance.  Or rush to the supermarket 5 minutes before closing on Christmas Eve and hope they have something left.  You could grab yourself a bargain turkey.  Or, more than likely, you’ll be having frozen lasagna for Christmas.  Cruise ships are exactly the same.

Here’s the key takeaway: booking early is essential if you want to avoid these panic-inducing scenarios. By reserving your cabin well in advance, you not only have a wider range of stateroom options available but also gain access to better fares, bonuses, perks, and even more choices for cabin selection.

At Rock The Boat, we understand the importance of stress-free experiences. That’s why our team is dedicated to helping you secure those early bookings with added benefits.

#4 Booking Through Dodgy Websites: A Recipe for Disaster

You’re sitting in front of your computer, browsing the internet for the best cruise deals. Excitement fills the air as you stumble upon a website promising unbelievable discounts and jaw-dropping offers. Tempted by the promise of saving a few bucks, you hastily click that “Book Now” button without a second thought.

But hold on just a minute! Booking through dodgy websites is like playing Russian roulette with your dream holiday. Countless horror stories abound about those who have fallen into this trap, only to find themselves facing missed opportunities and lackluster experiences.

Sure, those flashy websites may offer enticing prices, but what they don’t mention is the absence of personalised help. When booking directly with these questionable sites or even with the cruise line itself, you’ll be left to navigate through murky waters all on your own.

That’s where knowledgeable travel agents like Rock The Boat come to the rescue! Your Cruise Guru knows every nook and cranny of the cruise industry and has access to exclusive discounts, offers, and extra promotions that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

It’s good to know and trust who you’re booking your cruise with. You might think you’re saving money by booking with a lower-quality website, but it’ll cost you in the long run.

We are very grateful to have such amazing customers that always leave us positive feedback. In fact, 96% of our customers said they would recommend Travel Counsellors to a friend and we’re rated 5 stars on Trustpilot. We’ve even won many awards because of them, like being recognised as “Best National Retailer” at the British Travel Awards. And if that wasn’t enough, we topped the Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert poll of best travel firms during Covid in dealing with refunds…twice!

#5 Flying in on Embarkation day

Imagine the horror of flight delays or cancellations on the very day you’re supposed to embark on your cruise. Your carefully crafted itinerary crumbles before your eyes, leaving you stressed and scrambling to catch up with the ship. Trust me, it’s not a pretty sight.

To avoid this potential disaster, we recommend arriving at least one day before your cruise sets sail. Give yourself peace of mind and start your journey relaxed and refreshed. Plus, think about all the extra time you’ll have to explore the port city before boarding!

At Rock The Boat, we highly recommend early arrival as part of our expert advice for a smooth beginning. We can even assist in arranging pre-cruise accommodations tailored to your preferences. Whether it’s a cosy hotel room overlooking the harbour or an adventurous boutique guesthouse tucked away in a charming neighbourhood – we’ve got you covered.  This very much depends on your flight times.  For example, if you’re on the first flight out to Barcelona from London, even with a short delay you’ll still be at the port in time to set sail.  Our cruise packages that include flights come with cruise connection insurance.  So if you did miss the boat, we’ll get you to the ship ASAP.

#6 Skipping Travel Insurance can be Costly

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Better safe than sorry”? Well, when it comes to skipping travel insurance on your cruise holiday, this saying couldn’t be more accurate. 

You’re cruising along, enjoying the sun and sea breeze when suddenly a storm hits out of nowhere. Your dream holiday turns into a nightmare as your belongings get soaked and ruined. Without travel insurance protection, you could be left with huge financial losses.

But that’s not all! Medical emergencies can happen anytime, even while you’re onboard or exploring exotic ports of call. Imagine getting sick or injured abroad without any coverage for potentially high medical costs. It’s like adding insult to injury!

You wouldn’t drive a car uninsured, so why do the same with your holiday?

#7 Not Carrying Cash on Shore Excursions

You’re on a thrilling shore excursion, exploring the hidden gems of a picturesque port city. The sun is shining, the sights are breathtaking, and your heart is full of excitement… until you reach the end of the tour and realise one tiny detail has slipped your mind – cash!

Oh, the frustration! You watch as other tourists tip their knowledgeable guides or purchase unique local souvenirs effortlessly while you stand there with nothing but regrets. It’s like being stranded on a deserted island without a lifeline.

Now, let’s break it down for all future cruisers out there. Having backup funds during shore excursions is not just important; it’s vital! Unexpected situations can arise — an irresistible handmade craft catches your eye or maybe you need some extra cash for emergency purposes.

#8 Managing Phone Usage Onboard

Ah, the joys of modern technology! We’ve all been there – scrolling through our social media feeds, posting envy-inducing photos from our cruise holiday. But beware, fellow cruisers, for there lies a hidden danger in the palm of your hand: excessive roaming costs!

You’re sipping on a fruity cocktail by the poolside, feeling like royalty aboard your floating paradise. Suddenly,bam! -a shocking bill arrives at your doorstep upon returning home.The culprit? Your beloved phone and its insatiable appetite for roaming data.

To avoid falling victim to this financial shipwreck, here’s a simple tip: turn off your phone or activate flight mode as soon as you step foot onboard. Trust me; it’ll save you from unnecessary heartache when those jaw-dropping charges roll in.

But fear not! Cutting yourself off from the digital world doesn’t mean sacrificing connectivity altogether. Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages that allow you to stay connected without breaking the bank. Whether it’s checking important emails or sharing jealous-inducing moments with friends back home (hashtag #nofilter), these packages have got you covered.

#9 Failing to Make Dinner Reservations: The Hungry Stomachs’ Dilemma

Making dinner reservations is like having a golden ticket to foodie paradise. It saves precious time during those prime hours when everyone is craving a delicious meal. Plus, it ensures a seamless dining experience without any unnecessary hunger-induced meltdowns.

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