Saying "bon voyage" to your everyday life and setting sail on a cruise ship vacation is an ideal way to see lots of different destinations while getting the most out of your time off from the real world. Cruises are literally boatloads of fun! They are full of exciting activities, delicious food, interesting people, and the most incredible views.
Narrowing down what to do, eat and see with your limited time on and off the boat though is no easy task. Luckily, cruise ship staff are there to help! If you're curious about something, just ask! Staff will happily answer most questions, but for reference, we made a list of 15 things your cruise ship staff will happily tell you if you simply just ask.
15 Perks Of Their Job
Cruise ship employees always seem chipper and it is mainly because they have many perks of their job. Imagine traveling to some of the prettiest places and get paid to do it! They also have access to some of the same amenities you do on their off time.
14 For You Adventure Junkies- The Best Activities On-Site
If you are overwhelmed with all the options for activities on board, then you can simply ask any employee what they recommend as the best option. You can either hear their personal choice or let them know what kind of activities you are interested in and they would know first hand the best choices for you.
13 And The Best Activities Off-Site
While being docked, make sure you ask an employee the best off-site activities because they will happily tell you. They probably have done the same rotation of stops hundreds of times so they would definitely know the best activities.
12 Best Views
Looking for some breathtaking scenery? Or maybe just the most Instagram-worthy spot? Well then look no further and simply ask a cruise ship employee what kind of view you are looking for. Chances are they already know the best spots for your travel pics.
11 Where To Exchange Money
While some tourists come fully prepared with local currencies, you never know when you will need a little more. Don't fall prey to high exchange rates, so make sure you ask around through the employees where the best places to exchange your money off the ship would be.
10 How To Get The Most Relaxing Trip
You might have planned on a relaxing vacation, but cruise ships can be overwhelming and hectic at times, so sometimes you just want a private deck all to yourselves. Employees would know where and when the most secluded activities or spots are for your relaxation purposes.
9 Places To Avoid
Even though the staff would know the best activities, they also would know places you should avoid. Make sure to ask someone what scenery or activities are a waste of your limited time off the ship.
8 Tourist Traps
On the same note, you also probably want to avoid tourist traps since they are always super busy and goods and services at these locations usually cost more than usual. It also can be hard to absorb the local culture when these traps are oversaturated with tourists.
7 How To Blend In Like A Local
One of the biggest pitfalls of traveling is falling prey to tourist traps and wasting money. By blending in with the locals you can slide right past tourist traps and a cruise ship staff member would be able to help achieve local status.
Related: 20 Photos Taken By Passengers Aboard Princess Cruises
6 Best Authentic Eats Off-Site
A great way to enjoy the local culture is to enjoy the local cuisine. While you could just check online reviews, it would be a lot simpler to ask your cruise staff where the best eats are off the boat for the most authentic flavors.
5 And The Best Food On The Boat
Cruise ships are known for their abundance of food with so many dining options, which can be overwhelming to choose which option is best for your tummy. Why not ask the staff where the best chef and food is located? Your taste buds will thank you for it.
Related: 20 Strange But True Facts About The Food On Cruises
4 How To Get The Best Service
This may seem obvious, but sometimes simply asking your staff how to get the best service will come with an honest reply. Chances are they will say give a generous tip, but sometimes they just want a passenger to hear their stories or trust their opinions on the best activities or food.
3 Please, This One Is For Instagram
All employees are more than willing to take your photo for you, and if you ask them they will tell you if they are comfortable with you even taking a photo with them. It actually is more common than you think, people like to keep their memories alive, and they are generally happy to be part of it.
Related: According To Cruise Ship Staff: 15 Things All Passengers Should Do
2 The Best Route To Your Destination
Whether you are looking for the best route to your next activity on or off the boat, or are simply looking for the closest restroom, don't be too shy to ask! Utilize your precious vacation time and cut travel time by simply asking for directions instead of killing time getting lost.
1 Safety Tips
Every passenger has to participate in the safety drills on board, but that does not mean you always remember what to do in case of an emergency. It helps that each and every single cruise ship staff member is thoroughly educated in safety training so they would happily give you tips or refresh your memory.