First Time Cruise

[Littlebluedot]

Hi

We are going on a virgin voyages cruise next month, this will be our first cruise.

I’m just wanting tips on what to bring if anyone knows?

Thank you

A posh frock for the 'posh' night.

Everything else is the same as for a normal holiday

Pre book special dining rooms if you want those (i rarely bother)

Take a travel alarm. Roaming doesnt work at sea(without huge charges) so depending on where you are its easy to get time zones mixed up

You need a good book for sea days

Dont bother with the expensive wifi packages they are useless as well as expensive Just use your phone in port using the free wifi/roaming there

Keep your phone on airline mode at sea other it connects to maritime networks and costs a bomb

I take big pegs for towels on sunloungers as it can get windy on sea days. Also I have a tiny cross body bag for my phone and key card.
More day out/sightseeing clothes than if you were staying in a resort and comfy shoes. Even on sea days I clock up 15k steps.
Possibly a cardigan for the evenings on the ship as the air conditioning can get a little chilly.
A good tip is suitcases cases can be stored under the beds, I didn’t realise this until I’d been on 14 cruises!

Do make sure your travel insurance covers sea cruises - a lot of them do not.

Elasticated waistbands are essential, IMO !

Last cruise I was on, everyone had their cruise card on a lanyard around their neck. I refused as I didn’t want to feel like I was at work.

Onboard it’s unlikely they will accept cash or cards, everything goes on the cruise card and is settled at the end.

We took small kids and a couple of small Tupperware were invaluable for taking a couple of snacks back to the cabin for when they were ravenous and couldn’t be bothered to walk back to the buffet (fruit, muffins, a couple of cookies - not a full packed lunch!)

Oooh, welcome to a new exciting addiction. Cruising is a fantastic way to holiday. Make sure you have a few basics like paracetamol, antihistamines, etc: you can buy them onboard but with a big mark up. I always take some anti sea sickness tablets with me, and take one before sailing the first night, and again if the weather forecast is bad. Avoids any problems, and makes sure I can properly enjoy the food. Spas tend to book up early, so if you fancy the spa make sure you swing by on embarkation day to get some bookings in. Generally not worth buying fancy drink packages - have to drink a lot to break even. Definitely take a posh frock for formal night. It's fun to prat about on deck looking glam, on occasion. Enjoy yourself.

Do Virgin have formal nights?

What's the deal with alcohol? It says 1 bottle per person can be taken on board. Is this strictly adhered to?

I've read of people putting boxed wine in their suitcases.Will it be confiscated?

What's the deal with alcohol? It says 1 bottle per person can be taken on board. Is this strictly adhered to?

It’s very strict, any extra alcohol will be stored until you disembark. If you buy any when you at the ports it will also be stored for you.