Post Cruise Disorder - Tips
On-board the cruise ship
So you have made it aboard the ship. what do you do first? Make your way to the buffets and get either a late lunch or snack to hold you over until dinner. If you planned it right there may be several hours prior to embarking to explore the ship and get your bearings.
Cabins are generally not ready for occupancy until about an hour prior to embarkation and luggage may not arrive until several hours after that so if the pool is beckoning just duck into a restroom and put on your swimsuit or better yet, have it on beneath your clothing and enjoy.
While onboard the ship fun and relaxation are the theme of the day. You should never feel that you are required to do anything. Let me back up; there is one thing you are required to participate in and that is the muster drill. This still a maritime law that is required prior to the ship leaving the dock. The drill is actually quite painless if you don't mind feeling like a sardine. Do not think you can hide in your cabin as the crew will check every cabin to assure 100% compliance. There have been stories where this was tried and the occupants were caught in rather compromising situations.
Is there a place to keep my valuables? Every stateroom has a mini-safe. Most often it is secured in a closet. Older ships use a keypad and code combination. Newer ships have a magnetic strip reader attached. The card that is used to program the lock is the only card able to open the safe. A word of warning; do not use your Sail and Sign card, the card you use when ordering a drink or sometimes used as your door key, as this will allow anyone from the staff access to the safe.
Am I required to eat dinner in the dining room. No, you may eat dinner at the buffet or some ships now have reservation only themed restaurants onboard. It is a good idea to place your reservations as soon as possible as the restaurants have limited seating. I would suggest enjoying the dining room at least once during your cruise. Seating is normally assigned and this makes for meeting new people and most often lively conversation. Sometimes there will be a situation where a person wishes to be moved due to incompatibilities with dining partners or even just the location of the table. Just go see the Maître 'd and request a change. They will be as accommodating as possible.
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