5 Tips for First-Time Cruisers, From a Crew Member Who’s Spent 20 Years at Sea

In truth, Galzy says he cherished his time in Asia a lot, he determined to maneuver to Bali, the place he’s lived for the previous six years. 

What’s the most scenic port you have ever sailed into? 

The French metropolis of Bordeaux is amongst “probably the most scenic, lovely ports I’ve had the pleasure of crusing into,” Galzy says. With its Gothic and Romanesque buildings sitting proper on the water’s edge, to not point out the area’s plentiful chateaux and vineyards, cruisers will need to guarantee they’re on-deck to soak up the vista whereas docking within the metropolis, which itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Which a part of the ship has one of the best views? 

When searching for one of the best views on board, first-timer cruisers may be tempted to go all the way in which to the highest deck. However, in keeping with Galzy, it’s the alternative. “The guts of the ship presents one of the best views,” he says. On decrease, extra central decks you’ll be able to look out over the waterline, and you’ve got a greater probability of recognizing sea life like leaping dolphins—thought of a great omen amongst sailors. The guts of Galzy’s ship, Seven Seas Splendor, is dwelling to his Common Supervisor’s workplace and reception, but it surely additionally homes the ship’s sweeping atrium, a cocktail lounge, passenger-favorite restaurant Pacific Rim, and an infinity pool off the aft deck for uninterrupted views of the vessel’s wake, ocean, and sundown.

What’s your greatest packing tip for lengthy journeys at sea? 

Strategic packing will be important to having fun with a cruise. Passengers ought to deal with packing their garments in a approach to keep away from wrinkles, in keeping with Galzy, and produce “a great e-book to learn poolside or earlier than bedtime.” 

Avoiding wrinkles is essential when packing for a cruise, as irons aren’t allowed in staterooms (and the price of laundering and urgent garments will be exorbitant). Savvy cruisers know to unpack as quickly as they arrive on board in addition to to carry wrinkle-release spray to keep away from trying rumpled. Some frequent cruisers additionally carry over-the-door organizers with a view to maximize closet and space for storing. Different essential items to bring on a cruise embody a refillable water bottle, a rain jacket, and a journey plug adapter.

And don’t fear in case you overlook your e-book or don’t have room for a chunky tome in your suitcase: many cruise ships include lending libraries the place passengers can discover a wide range of reading material, from thrillers to historic biographies and journey books on upcoming locations.

What cruise tour ought to each cruiser ought to do not less than as soon as? 

Though some veteran cruisers skip shore excursions to get pleasure from ship facilities just like the spa or swimming pools with fewer crowds current, some excursions are unmissable, in keeping with Galzy. One that each passenger ought to take? “Al-Khazneh [also known as the Treasury building], situated in Petra, Jordan, which was voted one of many New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007,” he says. “I like to recommend arriving on the temple ‘Indiana Jones’ fashion—on horseback!”