There's a reason Cruise Critic's message boards are so popular. Not only can you while away many happy hours chatting with friendly folks, but you can also make your cruise vacation even more incredible by participating in our forums.
Need proof? Here are the top eight things you can do on the Cruise Critic Message Boards to make your next cruise even better.
1. Ask questions so you're better prepared.
Can I bring soda onboard? What's the kids club like, and does it offer meals? When is the best night to make a specialty restaurant reservation? Can I wear shorts to dinner? Post any question you have about your upcoming cruise, and someone on the message boards will have an answer. Rookies especially can learn from experienced travelers to avoid first-timer mistakes and have a better vacation. Search for answers and information on forums dedicated to each cruise line.
2. Get recommendations for onshore tours and activities.
Planning your time in port can be daunting and research-intensive. If you're trying to decide between two shore excursions in Cozumel, or want recommendations for a tour guide in St. Petersburg, ask your fellow Cruise Critic readers on forums devoted to specific cruise regions. Not only will they tell you their favorite and less preferred shoreside adventures, but they'll likely post beautiful photos and detailed instructions, too -- down to bus routes and walking maps.
3. Make friends.
The Roll Call section of the message boards is a place where cruisers post threads for people booked on the same sailing, filtered by cruise line, ship and sailing date. Search for your specific voyage date, and comment on the post to join the fun. You can get to know folks prior to your sailing and even arrange fun activities together once onboard, such as a bar meetup, slot pull or cabin crawl. Roll Calls are especially useful if you're looking to save money with a private tour but need extra people to join your group to fill a van or lower individual costs.
5. Get support around losing weight before your cruise.
No one wants to gain 10 pounds on vacation, but no one wants to say no to fruity co*cktails and decadent desserts on a cruise ship. Health-conscious Cruise Critic members have joined together to support each other in losing weight before their vacations, so they can enjoy the abundant food onboard. Weekly weigh-ins and eating tips on the Lose Before You Cruise forum will better prepare you to enjoy a guilt-free vacation.
6. View photos to get the lay of the land.
Cruise Critic members love to share the photos they take of their cruise ships and the ports they visit to help their fellow cruisers with their own vacation planning. Get a feel for what your cabin will actually look like, or identify some beautiful dishes in the main dining room that you'll have to order for yourself. Head to the Gallery tab of the forums, and choose to look at photos based on subject (like cruise food or ports of call), or search cruise ship photos by line.
7. Read reviews and live reports.
If you want to learn more about your cruise or virtually experience it before you sail, look for members posting "Live From" reports onboard their cruises or posting reviews after they return. You'll be able to learn more about the highlights, and any potential lowlights, of the trip and get tips on tours, dining, activities and more. Click on the Member Reviews section, and search for reviews by cruise line, ship or cruise region. Or look for "Live From" in thread titles on your preferred cruise line's boards.
8. Register to attend a Meet & Mingle party.
Did you know that Cruise Critic members on select cruise lines get special exclusive perks? Cruise lines, such as Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean, partner with Cruise Critic to host onboard their ships, where Cruise Critic members can meet each other and enjoy some snacks and drinks on the house. Some cruise lines even send ship officers to chat with Cruise Critic members, and some groups organize their own gift swaps or raffles. Who knows: You might meet new friends to have fun with throughout the rest of your vacation!
FAQs
Cruise Critic features reviews of 700 cruise ships, including ocean, river, luxury and expedition vessels, with information from our team of experts, as well as reviews from people who've recently cruised on these ships. The content covers all aspects of a cruise, from cabins and dining options, to onboard ambiance.
How can I improve my cruising? ›
7 Ways to Improve Your Cruise
- Get There the Night Before — and Extend the Fun. ...
- Say 'Bon Voyage' in Style. ...
- Stay Away From the Pool. ...
- Eat on Your Terms. ...
- Stay on the Ship. ...
- Get a Spa Pass. ...
- Go to the Disco.
What does cruise critic do? ›
Cruise Critic features reviews of 700 cruise ships, including ocean, river, luxury and expedition vessels, with information from our team of experts, as well as reviews from people who've recently cruised on these ships. The content covers all aspects of a cruise, from cabins and dining options, to onboard ambiance.
How do you get on a cruise critic roll call? ›
To find the Roll Call for your sailing, visit Cruise Critic's Roll Calls. You will need to create and/or log in to your Cruise Critic member account to access the Roll Call for your cruise.
How to answer the question why do you want to work on a cruise ship? ›
Here are a few examples of what could be a good answer to the question "Why do you want to work on a cruise ship?":
- "I am passionate about travel and I love the idea of being able to see the world while working. ...
- "I am a people person and I enjoy working in a customer service oriented environment.
How can I improve my ship efficiency? ›
Energy saving technologies (ESTs) such as rotor sails or efficiency-boosting add-ons like propeller and rudder retrofits are the low-hanging fruit when it comes to reducing the amount of energy it takes to push your ship through the water.
How to maximize cruise experience? ›
Here are seven things I always make sure to do when taking a cruise that you can use to make sure you have the best time possible.
- Know what room locations to avoid. ...
- Familiarize yourself with the ship ahead of time. ...
- Maximize your space. ...
- Fly the day before. ...
- Book all you can ahead of time. ...
- Check in as soon as you can.
How much do you get paid to sing on a cruise ship? ›
Starting cruise ship musician salaries range from $2,000 up to $3,300/month (USD). Salaries can vary based on experience level but it mostly depends on the specific music position you take on board.
How much does a remote cruise advisor get paid? ›
How much do remote cruise jobs pay per year? $40,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $116,500 is the 75th percentile.
How do you get searched on a cruise? ›
Similar to the airport, you and your carry-ons (and your luggage) will be scanned and have to go through a security checkpoint, but the process isn't as rigorous. Further inspection usually isn't required unless security finds something that is prohibited.
The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.
Why should we hire you? ›
A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed. I have the skills and experience needed for the job, and I am eager to learn and grow with your team .
What month should you avoid cruising? ›
The Caribbean is also popular with families, so going outside of the summer months can mean more availability and better fares – though ships are likely to be crowded during other school holidays like spring and winter breaks. Banks also recommended avoiding hurricane season, which runs from June through November.
How can I get over my fear of cruising? ›
Having an experienced professional there to teach you, take care of you and make sure that you are safe, will alleviate many of the fears that you may have. You'll find that by having a professional watch your back, you'll discover a lot of courage within that you never thought you'd ever have.
What is the average age for cruising? ›
Cruises do not discriminate against the age of the passengers. People of all ages are allowed to board the cruise ships. It also provides a list of fun activities that people of all ages can engage in to make their vacation exciting. However, the average age of passengers who travel on cruise ships is 47 years.
How can I help my baby start cruising? ›
Your baby may start cruising anywhere from 8 to 12 months. Encourage cruising by clearing a safe path for your baby around the couch or coffee table. The more space they have to move around and the more support they have while doing it, the better.