Cruise ships have mastered the art of food storage and preparation. They use a variety of techniques to ensure that their ingredients remain fresh for days, such as using dry ice, vacuum-sealing items in airtight containers, and storing perishables in temperature-controlled areas.
Food and drinking are usually complimentary on the cruises. You are also allowed to bring your own snack on the cruise so that you can have what you love. A certain time is fixed for every meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can either have it with everybody in the dining room or bring it to your room.
If it's homemade, not in a sealed package or needs refrigeration or to be cooked, it's prohibited. The only food allowed on cruise ships is store-bought items in sealed, shelf-stable packaging. If you're tempted to try to smuggle something on board, it's not recommended.
Rooms on cruise ships -- called cabins or staterooms -- are like hotel rooms in that each features a bed, desk or vanity, closet, drawer space, and en suite bathroom. You access your room with a keycard, put up do not disturb signs and order room service.
Every cabin has a bathroom built into the room, just like you would see in a hotel room. However, as you would expect, everything that you need comes at a much smaller scale. Your cruise ship bathroom will have a commode (obviously), sink, counter space, storage, and a stand-up shower.
Even if you're taking a cruise around the Caribbean, it's smart to take a light sweater or fleece to wear at night when the temperature tends to cool down. After all, you won't want to get chilly while enjoying the starry sky from your stateroom veranda or on one of the ship's decks.
Cabins are designed with two passengers in mind. With three, things get crowded. If you plan on sailing with three, we'd suggest a balcony cabin (which offers a little outside space) and/or plan on spending time in the public areas around the ship or in port.
You will most likely need cash while you're off the ship, especially in foreign ports. Not only can it save you money in foreign transaction fees that most credit card companies charge, but if you're traveling to certain parts of the world, you may encounter places where credit cards aren't accepted.
The middle of the ship and not too high is your safest bet. A mid-ship stateroom with a balcony for quick access to fresh air may be ideal. If not available, consider a room that is either lower or closer to the back, as the front of the ship tends to experience the most movement.
Your Toiletries Should Go in Your Carry-On As WellMuch like having an extra set of clothes readily available, it's also a good idea to stash a few essential toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant, in your hand luggage so you can freshen up before your checked bags arrive.
Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much.
Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side. Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference. To catch sunsets, you'll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.
Electric kettles, Irons, curling irons, power strips and several other devices are not allowed for safety reasons. However, hot water, coffee, lemonade, and tea are complimentary on all of the lines I have ever cruised, and most have a coffee pot or kureg in the cabins.
Microwaves and other appliances are typically frowned on in cruise ship cabins as they present a fire hazard. On most ships, you won't even find a coffeemaker or tea kettle in your room.
Sure, you can eat at the buffet at almost any time of the day or make a reservation at a specialty restaurant, but to dine in the main dining room, most cruise lines require you to show up at either a set time or during a limited timeframe.
Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.
Remember: No matter how you might try, you can't eat everything on a cruise. Prioritize the dishes that hold up to banquet-style or buffet service, or pay extra for more intimate venues where meals are cooked to order, and you will get the most culinary pleasure from your journey.