Home : travel : Common Mistakes To Avoid While On A Cruise

Common Mistakes to Avoid While on a Cruise

Common Mistakes to Avoid While on a Cruise

Cruise vacations are becoming increasingly popular, with several cruise lines entering the business. Established names in this industry, like Silversea Cruises, offer exciting European packages to exotic destinations in the continent, which are excellent for unwinding with friends and family. But unfortunately, many travelers make mistakes that prevent them from enjoying their time aboard. Here are a few mistakes to avoid, whether you’re a first-timer on a cruise or someone who enjoys voyages often.

Staying inside the cabin all day
Vacation cruises host plenty of entertainment and adventurous activities throughout the day. For instance, you may find fitness centers, spas, game areas, and cooking demonstrations by experienced chefs. Some ships organize sports like table tennis, shuffleboard, and water volleyball. There may also be a play or a movie screening in the ship’s theaters for evening fun. Participating in these onboard activities will make your holiday more memorable than staying in the cabin. So, read the daily event schedule on the cruise line’s app and plan your time accordingly. Some popular activities may require a prior reservation as they get booked quickly.

Not exploring other food options
A common mistake most passengers make is not exploring the different eateries on the ship. Cruises are not limited to the traditional buffet. A bit of research will help you find other casual dining alternatives. For instance, you may find a café, burger joint, burrito shop, or pool grill for a peaceful dining experience. Most ships have dining rooms where you can go dressed up in smart casuals and enjoy the food, which is much better than the buffet. Some also host special dining events like a meal with the chef or specialty food tasting. While such activities usually cost extra, they’re worth every penny. So, skip the buffet, especially on the embarkation day, when you’ll find yourself waiting in long lines and searching for an empty table.

Not opting for shore excursions
All cruise ships offer shore excursions, allowing you to explore new places along the way. Usually, these are extra packages to improve your travel experience, something you shouldn’t miss. Pre-booking is critical for shore excursions, as the tickets for the most popular ports tend to sell out quickly. Also, these activities are limited to groups of 12 to 15 passengers, so it’s best not to wait until the last minute. While you can go for excursions on your own or book a third-party package, it will cost more. To add to it, you’ll have to spend your quality time fearing that the ship might leave without you. On the other hand, if you go on the cruise line’s official excursion, you can be assured of returning to the ship. The cruise will wait for you or at least arrange for you to catch up.

Taking the elevator
Cruises have elevators for moving to different decks. But wasting your time waiting for the elevator is a mistake to avoid. Elevators often get crowded and stop at every floor, so reaching your deck can take forever. Skipping the elevator makes sense in many ways. For instance, if you’re able-bodied, you can free up the elevator space for passengers with strollers or wheelchairs who have no choice. Taking the stairs is also a great way to digest those delicious meals while getting a glimpse of the splendid interiors of the ship. Of course, you’ll also reach your deck faster with less traffic on the stairs.

Not putting your devices in airplane mode
Using your smartphone, tablet, or other gadgets at sea can incur huge charges. Certain apps running in the background may consume mobile data even if you’re not using your phone but have left it switched on. So, set your phone to airplane mode or connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges. Some cruise companies allow you to purchase a ship Wi-Fi package, while others offer free Wi-Fi to their guests. Even if your provider offers international coverage, the connection may not be strong on the ship.

Not booking your next cruise while still on the ship
Most travelers make the mistake of not booking their next trip while still on the ship. There’s no harm in thinking and planning about your next voyage while aboard. Many travel companies offer extra incentives for booking another trip before the current one ends. Once you leave the ship, you may miss out on many free onboard credits like reduced deposits, cabin category upgrades, loyalty points, and access to new itineraries that aren’t yet open to all.

Avoiding the above mistakes will help you flawlessly execute your entire cruise vacation. But you must first board the ship on time. Many make the mistake of flying to the embarkation port the same day the cruise departs. If your flight is delayed or canceled due to bad weather or mechanical issues, the ship will leave without you. So, arrive a day before to eliminate the chances of missing the ship. This will give you peace of mind, and you can start your cruise holiday relaxed. In fact, cruise lines also recommend arriving a day early at the embarkation port. When planning your commute to the port, factor in the time required to travel to the airport, navigate the airport security, and get on the ship. Nobody can predict the delays you might encounter on the way.

If you want to embark on a voyage with just your loved ones, you can charter a private ship. Sunset Sail Key West is a popular company that offers private and shared sailing boats. They arrange the best sailors and crew to serve you so that you have a peaceful vacation. Many cruise lines also organize private cocktail cruises or dinner cruises for a group of people or a firm’s employees, apart from the usual sightseeing voyages.

Most Popular

4 useful tips for managing migraines

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.

Popular Articles

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats
health
01

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats

Many people decorate their homes with indoor plants. But if you are a cat parent, your plant obsession can inadvertently harm your feline friend. Most plants are safe for cats to play and prod, but a few are dangerous. Eating or coming into contact with them can lead to unexpected consequences, mainly because of their poisonous compounds. Below we have listed seven such toxic plants that you must keep out of your cat’s reach: Azaleas A part of the rhododendron family, Azaleas are one of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your living space. However, the slightest nibbles out of their leaves can cause serious heart problems in your cat. It can sometimes aggravate into a coma and even be fatal. Milder side effects of rhododendron ingestion include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, drooling, and a lack of apatite. Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are common in flower arrangements in home gardens. Although the plant is toxic to cats because of its chemical content, it is not as dangerous. Only ingesting a large amount of the plant can cause damage. Nevertheless, they pose a threat, so avoid having them around your pets. If you grow hydrangeas in your garden, ensure your cat never wanders near it and keeps a safe distance.
Read More
Tips to prevent and manage prostate cancer
health
02

Tips to prevent and manage prostate cancer

The prostate is a gland found in males. When unhealthy cells start to grow and multiply abnormally in that area, it leads to prostate cancer. There are various types of cancers that develop in the prostate gland, like small cell carcinomas, transitional cell carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors. It is essential to learn the signs and symptoms for timely treatment. Here are some ways of managing the condition and preventive methods to reduce the risk: Treatment options There are several treatment options available to manage prostate cancer, and each of the options has its possible risks or side effects. After a careful diagnosis and discussion with a health professional, they may suggest one of these: DR-TEST Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a test in which the doctor inserts a lubricated and gloved finger inside the rectum to examine the prostate by touch. If they find any abnormalities in the prostate, the doctor can immediately suggest any more tests and make a treatment plan. Xofigo This is an invasive treatment option advised when other options like hormonal or surgical methods have not been successful in lowering the testosterone levels in the body. It is also used when cancer has specifically spread to the bone and no other parts of the body.
Read More
4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas
health
03

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.
Read More