There are so many different Cruise companies out there, and they all have their own list of 'what you can, and can't take on board' so do some research first before you cruise!’

People ask me 'cruise related questions' all the time like: 'How to book a cruise?  Can you help me book my shore excursions?  What should I pack for my cruise?  And, what should I expect on Embarkation Day?'  This page has answers to all those questions.     

 

This page is always being updated with new cruise tips, so keep coming back, and if you think of any advice that isn't listed please feel free to let me know.
 

Happy Cruising! 

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Booking your cruise

If you're booking your first cruise; firstly I'd like to say, "Welcome a board... enjoy your first cruising adventure."  Secondly, it’s important to do so through a travel agent because they know what they’re doing, and they can give you some good advice.  Once you’ve done at least two cruises you’ll be able to book cruises on your own without the aid of an Independent Travel Agent.  

However, it’s important to book your future cruises through the company you’ll be cruising with that way you’ll be assigned one of their Cruise Planners that will help you with everything, and answer any questions you may have so that your cruise will be a Holiday to remember.... instead of a holiday from Hell! 
 

When I booked my third cruise in November 2019, I booked it through the Princess Cruises Website: ‘www.princess.com.au.’ Joy was our 'Cruise Planner from Princess Cruises,' and she was very helpful.  She booked our cruise over the phone, called every time our next payment was due, informed us of any changes (like if we were getting an upgrade, or if we were being moved to another cabin), and she answered all the questions we had until we boarded our ship for our cruise. 
 

My final bit of advice is: 'Make sure to cruise in the right season.'  In September 2014, I went on my Maiden voyage to Fiji and the South Pacific. Shortly after getting back to Sydney a friend of mine said, “It’s a good thing that you didn’t go over there between ‘November and March’ because that’s when Fiji has their Monsoon season!”

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So, why do you need your Passport for a Queensland cruise if you live in Australia?

The return of cruising to Australia also means the return of ME to the ocean, and I’m currently planning my first cruise since the Pandemic. First stop ‘the Passport Renewal, then the cruise booking, then the planning, then the packing, followed by the boarding, and then the cruise to…….????’

Like most of us; I also had a cruise planned in 2020.  Originally, mine was a ten night cruise to Queensland (departing from Sydney) with the Majestic Princess; that is until COVID ended it.  Now that cruising has returned to Australian waters; I’m back planning cruises once again.
One of the questions I’m always asked is, “why do you need a Passport for a Queensland cruise if you live in Australia?”  In the past, I couldn’t answer that question…. until now.  Originally I thought you only needed your Passport to board the ship for cruise; until a friend of mine gave me this cruise tip, and I hope this helps if you’ve ever asked this question.  
 

You might live in Australia; but you still need your Passport for a Queensland cruise because apparently the cruise ship goes into International waters for (around) ten minutes before returning to Australian waters.  This happens either going to, or coming back from Queensland depending on which way the ships going.  It’s for this reason you’re able to do ‘Duty FREE shopping’ during your cruise.

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Booking Shore Excursions

Firstly, when booking Shore Excursions 'book your day trips EARLY before they sell out.'  
Secondly, if you’re going to a new destination; go onto the cruise ship companies ‘Facebook Passenger Forum page,’ and ask the question, "What Excursions would you recommend?” The advice they give will make it easier for you decide what excursions to book because it’s coming from personal experience.

Thirdly, If you're returning to a port you've already been to on a previous cruise; DON’T do the same Excursion again.  Cruises are a lot like those ‘choose your own adventure books’ - pick a different Excursion so your cruise will be a brand new adventure.  Also, watch previous cruise holiday documentary videos (like 'Reflections' from Princess Cruises).  The footage will bring back memories, and help you to decide what Excursions to pick for your next cruising adventure.
 

Fourthly, Don’t go on Excursions by yourself.... unless you’re travelling on your own.  It's important have your travel buddy with you (just in case something happens), and it's more fun to share the experience with someone else.  
 

And finally, When booking ‘shore excursions’ always book them through the cruise company you’re sailing with. That way, the ships crew will know about you, and they’ll make sure the ship doesn’t live without you. Also, If you decide to book a short excursion when you arrive at the actual port ‘remember to keep your eye on the time, and get back to the departure zone early otherwise the ship could leave without you, and you'll be left stranded because once the ship leaves the dock.. it can't come back for you. 

 

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Packing for your cruising adventure

It's important to 'make lists, and start packing up to a month in advanced.' That way, you'll have plenty of time to pack everything.
If you're going to another Country 'do your research, and study their culture' because you don't want to be on their land wearing clothing (like thongs, etc) that offends them.

Cruises usually have 'theme nights, and formal nights' so go prepared.  Depending on where the ships going; pack warm clothing, and a bit of everything.  A Cruise ship is like a 'Motel on water' so you don't need to pack your bath or beach towels.  Like bed sheets; the cabin crew changes the towels daily.

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 What to Expect on Embarkation day?

This is the most exciting part of your cruise, because the departure is the best bit.  On your cruise Embarkation day you can expect the following things:

1) You'll need to arrive at the International Ships wharf between 12pm and 3:30pm for boarding, and to have your pass port stamped.  When you arrive, the crew will take your luggage on board the ship and leave it outside your cabin for you take inside.  Now that your hands are free....
 

2) You'll then be able to fill in the boarding forms.  At check in, the staff at reception will stamp your Pass Port, and give you two forms to fill in before boarding.  You'll also receive your passenger card, and a map of the ship.  The forms need to be filled in (with your correct details) before boarding.  This will get you on board faster.
 

3) You'll then be invited be the Ships Photographer to have your 'welcome aboard photo taken' with the people you're travelling with before going through the final security check point.
 

4) You're now on board the ship; with plenty of time to find your cabin, have lunch at the food court, and have a quick walk around the ship, etc, before being called to return to your cabin to get your life jacket, and go to your areas 'master station' for the Life Boat Drill.' This is required by law before the ship goes into International waters.
 

5) Once this is is done; you'll then be allowed to go back your cabin to return your life jacket before the ship depart.  This is also when your cruise will begin!

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Seasickness, and what to do when the sea a bit rocky?
 

 

 

 

 

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Sea Sickness:
As well as prescription medicine from your doctor; you could always try the ‘Kwells Sea Sickness Tablets.’  (see photo below).  It’s available over the counter at your chemist, there’s other types available, and you don’t need a script for it  
 

So, when do you take it?  You take the first lot 'thirty minutes' before the departure from every port, and when required during sea days.  The tables are also available on board the ship; but it’s a lot cheaper to purchase off the ship.  In 2017, I got sea sick twice during my 14 night birthday cruise to New Zealand cruise.  I've been taking these tablets ever since, and it’s always worked for me.  In the past, I've discovered 'chewing gum, drinking ginger beer, and having a sleep also helps if it gets too bad. 
 

What to do when the sea a bit rocky?
During a cruise in rough weather, remember to ‘go to the center of the ship, and to the lowest possible deck’ because it’s less rocky; the higher up you go... the more you feel it, and the lower down you go... the less you’ll feel it!” It’s for this reason I always book my cabins ‘mid ship.’  If you're feeling sea sick, the main thing to remember is 'don't panic.'  Have a sleep, and take sea sick tablets.  These are available for purchase on board the ship if you forget to buy them before you leave.  If you have to throw up 'aim for the toilet' even if its closed for cleaning... the staff will understand.  If not, aim for the closest garbage bin, and leave 'throwing up over board' as a last resort! 
 

The other things that might help includes:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your fluids up, and give your body a break from food, if you have to eat something eat 'Carrot, and Celery' because it will help you to keep your food down.  
- Drink (non alcoholic) Ginger Bear, 
- Chew gum, and 
- either sucking or eating ice cubes. 
 

There's a condition called 'land sickness.' Its where you still feel the rockiness of the ship despite being now on dry land.  You may still feel sea sick.. but it's just for a couple of days (depending on how bad it is) because your body is getting use to being back on still ground again. 

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Don't miss the ship

If you’re not going on one of the registered shore excursions, ‘make sure to tell to tell the Cruise Line what’s happening so the ship will know where you are.’

I was watching the TV show 'Mighty Cruise Ships.'  The ship the show was featuring was delayed in departing by an hour because the crew had to wait for some missing passengers to return to the ship.  The good news is, the passengers eventually returned to the ship, in the ship, was able to depart on time.
 

On another episode, they showed footage of some passengers running for the ship when they saw it departing.  The footage ended with the captain saying, “This happens because the ship doesn’t know where you are, and once the ship pulls away from the wharf it’s too late.  There’s no going back…you’ll have to meet the ship at the next port.”
 

To tell the ship, email the Cruise Line you’re sailing with directly (or contact them via the app), and tell them what’s happening.  It’s also important to give the Cruise Line your Private tour guides phone number so the crew can contact them, and have the ships direct phone number just in case something happens because once the ship leaves there's no going back.
 

But wait... there's more!

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The other bits of advice I can give is this:

Tip Number One: Here's a fun fact about the ships swimming pools!’ 
All the swimming pools on board a cruise ship have hand rails inside the edge of it. If it’s a warm day on board, and if the ship is moving in open waters; ‘get into the pool when the water is going up and down. Go to either the front or the back of the pool, hold onto the arm rail, and let yourself go with the flow of the water. It’s like a theme park ride, and that’s the best way to go swimming in the ocean... without actually swimming in the ocean!

Tip Number Two: Preparing for the disembarkment:
Nick; one of the amazing Assistant Cruise Directors that were on board the Grand Princess for my 2024 Queensland cruise gave us all this advice on the second last night of the voyage.  He said, "Pack your bags either the night before or when you wake up in the morning and get them ready before you leave your cabin so you can relax, and enjoy your last day on board the ship."  Here's a personal one.  If you're not given a coloured luggage tag ask the ships Reception for them so you won't have to carry your luggage off the ship yourself. 
 

Tip Number Three 'Keep your phone away from your passenger card.'  
The black stripe on the back of your cruise ship Passenger card is very sensitive so be sure to keep your Phone away from your passenger card during your cruise (especially during your shore excursions) otherwise your card will be wiped.  You may be able to re board the ship; but you won’t be able to use it to get into your cabin, and you’ll have to get it replaced.
 

And finally, Tip Number Four:
No matter what happens remember to 'have heaps of fun, and enjoy every moment of your cruising adventure,' because once you arrive at your first port... it will go by so fast, and before you know it you'll be home again.
 

Happy cruising everyone!