Short cruise survival guide: How to get on board and still feel refreshed. Photo / Unsplash
Short cruise survival guide: How to get on board and still feel refreshed. Photo / Unsplash
On board for a good time, not a long time? Here are eight smart ways to survive a short cruise and still feel refreshed, writes Tiana Templeman.
I can still remember my first short cruise. Sort of. It was one of Australia’s first “weekend getaway” sailings and I was determinedto make the most of it. There were late nights, too many cocktails, and plenty of regrets as I staggered off the ship two days later, exhausted, bleary-eyed and more than a little worse for wear.
I learned a lot from this trip, and now I’ve got my short cruise survival strategies down pat. Even if your sailing is only a couple of nights, it’s possible to have a great time onboard and disembark feeling refreshed instead of written-off. It all comes down to having a game plan before you book, prior to sailing and onboard the ship.
1. Sail off-peak
Booking off-peak sailings cuts costs and means fewer passengers on board. Photo / Unsplash
For starters, you’ll be sharing your short cruise with thousands of other passengers who also want to make the most of their time onboard. If you aren’t travelling with kids and can sail off-peak, do it. Outside the school holidays, cruises are cheaper and most four-person cabins typically only have two adults in them. This won’t just save you money. With fewer passengers onboard, it’s also easier to get restaurant and activity bookings, see the most popular shows and do pretty much everything on the ship.
2. Get on board early
When your cruise is only a few days long, getting on board early is worth the effort. The sooner you get on board, the sooner you can start having fun and making the most of your cruise. Lock in your embarkation time as soon as reservations open as early boarding slots usually disappear fast. If you’ve been wanting to try a suite, now is the time. Suites come with added benefits, but the best short cruise perk is priority boarding any time from around 11am onwards.
3. Book things in advance
Download the cruise app early to lock in dining, shows and free activities. Photo / Unsplash
Getting on the ship early is a game-changer, but booking as many things as you can before leaving home is even better. Download the cruise line’s free app and use it to check in online, reserve your boarding time, activities, dining and more. Popular specialty restaurants are in hot demand on short cruises, so it’s important to get in quick so you don’t miss out or get stuck with a booking time that’s so early you and your partner feel like toddlers, not sophisticated grown-ups enjoying a romantic night out.
4. Know your way around
Balance scheduled activities with relaxation, prioritising simple pleasures like enjoying the ocean view. Photo / Unsplash
Reviewing your ship’s deck plans before you set sail is also a smart idea. It might seem like overkill, but knowing where things are will save you time and help you find what you’re looking for quickly. This is especially important on boarding day if you still need to make restaurant bookings or sign up for activities. If you aren’t confident using the app, you need to know where to go and how to get there before everybody else does.
5. Have a boarding day strategy
Some hot-ticket items can only be reserved onboard, so make this your top priority on embarkation day. When I boarded Anthem of the Seas for a short cruise to Tasmania recently, my first stop was a chair in the atrium. Why? Because I knew complimentary port day sessions for the North Star viewing capsule and iFly skydiving simulator could only be booked onboard. The app works without an internet package, so sitting down and locking in these activities asap meant I got to do both for free.
Board with just carry-on bags so you can skip luggage delays and start fast. Photo / Unsplash
When it comes to packing, opt for one carry-on bag and a small backpack. You can take this luggage through security at the port and carry it on to the ship yourself, with no need to wait hours for your suitcase to be delivered to your cabin. I make embarkation day bookings for activities like the iFly and North Star after 2pm so I can drop off my bags in the cabin first. While it’s possible to bring them with you, it’s much easier if you don’t.
7. It’s impossible to do it all – and that’s okay
I know we’ve talked a lot about getting organised and locking in bookings, but don’t let a busy schedule steal your precious moments of calm. On a short cruise, it’s impossible to do it all, especially on a mighty mega ship. While it’s great to make the most of your time onboard, a short cruise is also a wonderful way to reset and relax.
8. There’s always next time
Some of the most memorable onboard experiences don’t involve flying through the air, fancy dinners or laser tag challenges. They’re often surprisingly simple, like reclining on a sunlounger, letting the breeze wash over you, or watching the waves. If you don’t have time to do everything onboard on this short cruise, there’s no need to feel disappointed or frustrated. Instead, think of it as the perfect excuse to book another one.
The writer sailed on Anthem of the Seas as a guest of Royal Caribbean.
