Tips For Your First Cruise - What Do I Need to Know Before I Go on a Cruise?

In this video we provide 18 tips that we think you might find useful if you are about to set out on your first cruise or if you are just planning your first cruise.
Whilst we made this video to provide tips for your first cruise it may be equally useful if it's been a while since you last cruised or if you just want a refresher.
There is so much to know and do that we couldn't cover everything in this video. If there are some more that you think we should include please leave a comment and we will make a second video.
Also, watch out for our next 'First Cruise' video when we will tell you about things to do once you get on board.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Get the cruise App
02:04 How to keep in contact on board
03:04 Check out the shore tours
05:32 Theme Nights
08:00 Join a facebook group
10:27 Parking at the cruise terminal
11:17 Flying to join the cruise ship
11:53 Check your documents
13:07 Take out travel insurance
14:21 Get power and USB adapters
16:42 Consider the drinks packages
18:02 Taking your own drinks on board
19:17 Take enough medications
20:04 COVID tests
21:06 Check what you can't take on board
22:49 Print your luggage labels
23:51 Do you need local currency
25:02 Consider what currency the ship uses
You can also find lots more information on our website at www.robandali.net
Thanks for supporting us and take care. Don't forget to Like and Subscribe to watch more of our Cruise and Travel adventures.

[@tashitukutamaki-louis5921]

Just come off the Pacific Explorer Island Hopper and was good to know that we were well prepared for our first cruise, the only think that came to a surprise to us was the onboard app, but, preferred the paper documents anyways. Best thing about the cruise for us was the disconnection from the outside world.

[@kellyjones1016]

Excellent tips ! Can I add re the shore tours. P & O have a shore tour guarantee- if you can find your shore tour cheaper they will refund the difference in on board credit. I’ve used this so that I get the better price as well as the guarantee of it being through P&O incase of any cancellations or delays. Looking forward to the next one!

[@jessieliu1731]

Hi there just wondering w t kind of proof do you need to give PnO to get a credit

[@kellyjones1016]

@@jessieliu1731 you send them a copy of the receipt where you paid cheaper and they refund to OBC

[@MelbourneShorts11]

You guys are the best. Really helpful the ship tours are $$$$ might go local.

[@lindallyweladavies1908]

Thanks Rob and Ali, as usual there were some great tips and I enjoyed your very informative video.

[@paceyfilmer7427]

Not a first timer but finding your videos really useful. Thank you

[@foxmowingclient2635]

Thank you for your excellent tips. I just wondered if you could share some tips about tipping please?

[@robandalicruisetravel]

No problem. Firstly I must say that on cruises sailing from and booked in Australia all tips are included in your fare (except for any optional spa treatments you may have) so there is no requirement or expectation of personal tipping. There is an exception of the transpacific relocation cruises which may not have tipping or gratuities included. However, many people feel that they would like to reward individual staff members who they feel have added to the enjoyment of their holiday. These are typically the room steward and any regular dining and bar staff that have looked after them. The amount that is given as tips ranges and is really a personal thing depending on individual circumstances. Some people will tip in goods rather than money. For example, they may be calling at a port and ask their cabin steward if there is anything they need that they can pick up for them whilst on shore e.g. toiletries, chocolates etc. One this we would say though is that because tipping is included in the fares from Australia it is not expected by the staff so anything you do give is always very gratefully received.

[@leisahegarty1021]

I have just realised from your comment about joining a Facebook group and the information you can get that we will be on the same cruise in a couple of weeks - the charity bike ride has made changes to our transport to the terminal as well. I will be a first time cruiser and really looking forward to it.

[@ellie_ellie_ellie]

Very informative! Can you also do a how to pack for your cruise video? Thanks.

[@robandalicruisetravel]

Hi Ellie. Thanks for watching and supporting us. We are off again on 7th June so we'll do a 'how to pack' video for that cruise as that is a longer one.

[@cheriedodd9358]

Thank you for great tips! Yikes the neighbours sounded like they were in your house. You poor things. No wonder you go away on cruises 🤣

[@paceyfilmer7427]

Powerboard I have found you can ask your stewards for one.

[@julieb7882]

Royal allows powerboards if they do not have surge protector.

[@mchurcher53]

You mentioned Cunard allowing you to take any alcohol on board, I checked with them and they told me one only bottle of wine per person….

[@lemonz0880]

hi! if my middle names are not used for the cruise control (i have them on my passport) will that affect my embarkation?

[@robandalicruisetravel]

They say that your name should match your passport but we're not sure how critical that is. At the end of the day what matters is that they can satisfy themselves that it is the same person. If you can change the name on Cruise Control to match then I would but if not then maybe give them a call just to make sure. Hope this helps.

[@victoriajones91]

Is there a travel insurance company you guys would recommend

[@robandalicruisetravel]

Hi Victoria. Thanks for watching. Insurance is my (Rob) line of business with a large focus on travel insurance. As such, unfortunately, we are unable to recommend any particular insurer, I don't have an advice licence. There are a number of trusted companies out there though. What I would say is talk to them about what you need to make sure you get the right cover for you. Sorry I can't be more specific.

[@markleon411]

It's ridiculous that White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal in Sydney has no long term parking.

[@robandalicruisetravel]

Hi Mark, couldn't agree with you more. Even if it was away and there were shuttle buses it would be better than what there is now.

[@grace7059]

Why do you say your cans drink in your hand luggage? 😊

[@robandalicruisetravel]

Most cruise lines will allow you to take some non-alcoholic drinks on board, this is usually 12 cans per person. Also, most cruise lines will not allow bottles (apart from a bottle of wine where this is allowed). They require you to carry the cans in your hand luggage so that they can check when you board that they are non-alcoholic and that they are not bottles. If you do put them in your checked luggage then it is likely that this will be picked up when your luggage is scanned. They will then hold your case on the ship and ask you to come and open it so that they can check the cans. Although they won't take them off you if they are within the guidelines it can be a while before they call you to check your case, holding up your unpacking.

[@karenmbbaxter]

I just returned froma trip where I was watching a magician and got a bit bored so I returned to my cabin. Later I watched on another cruise channel the magician was hit by an audience member who was the partner of the woman on stage. The partner thought the magician was getting to flirtacious with his wife......I too am Australian and it happened on Quantum of the seas.......KZbin it or yourself.