A Guide to Activities and Amenities on Your First Cruise Ship Vacation

Are you planning to take a cruise this year for the first time, but you're having concerns or second thoughts? Don't worry, we've all been there before. Maybe you're afraid you won't have fun on a cruise. Maybe the idea of being restricted to one place for up to a week makes you think you will be bored the entire time. This article will cover the basics you need to know when you take your first cruise ship vacation to get the most out of your trip.

Cruise ships make sure they schedule enough activities every day that you will be booked for the entire trip and won't notice you are in one area the whole time. Some cruise ships make it more fun onboard then the land excursions. You will find 5 star spa treatment, cooking classes with world class chefs and rock-climbing overlooking the vast ocean surrounding you. You will also find trivia contests, bingo, dance and karaoke competitions, wine and beer tasting and Wii and PlayStation 3 playing for the kids. Celebrities also make appearances on cruises, or host their own themed cruises, like Barenaked Ladies, New Kids on the Block and Nickelodeon cruises with the cast of iCarly, Sponge Bob Square Pants and Dora the Explorer.

Here is a list of amenities and onboard activities to look for when planning your first cruise that will help you plan your day and get you to the best shows and activities for each day you are at sea.

The Daily Bulletin

Almost every cruise will deliver a daily bulletin under your cabin door every evening, usually during dinner when everyone is out. This bulletin will usually tell you what is going on for the following day, give you tips about where to visit or shop if you happen to be pulling into port the next day, and planning your day and evening with onboard events, contests and activities for families, couples and children.

You will find your first bulletin on your bed when you arrive and it will give you information about when the ship will leave port and where you should be in proximity to your destination that day and the following days. You may also find coupons and specials you can use onboard in the daily bulletin. You will also find the hours for the spa, casino, restaurants, shops and bars in this bulletin. If you plan to watch TV or movies in your cabin you will find the information here along with the channel guide on TV. Use the daily bulletin to your advantage.

Daily Activities

Cruise ships try to appeal to every passenger, especially first time cruisers. You will find activities throughout the day on a cruise ship for every age group, from children to the elderly, you can enjoy. Take advantage of pool activities. This is a great way to stay in shape while on a cruise and the views are breathtaking while watching the sun set or rise from the back of a cruise ship. Keep in mind most ships use sea water in their pools, so there will be a salty taste to it.

Even if your cruise ship isn't a children's themed ship like the Nickelodeon cruises there is an area for kids to go to where they can eat or enjoy a game on the Wii, PlayStation, pool table or watch movies. Whatever you decide to do while on your cruise take advantage of as much entertainment and onboard activities as possible. Almost everything is free to experience and you will enjoy every minute of it.

Spa and Gym Facilities

If you are looking for a relaxing spa and facial treatment while on your cruise vacation look for deals and spa packages. Announcements will usually be made over the intercom system to let you know the deals for the day. You might even be able to get a His and Her Spa Special or Buy One Get One Free package deals.

The Gym and sauna are another way to relax while on your cruise vacation. The views from the gym and spa are usually breathtaking views of the ocean. the gym is usually open 24 hours on some ships, so even if you're out late, or a night owl, you can use the gym.

Drinks

When my husband and I went on Carnival cruise we were offered large mugs for $30 each, this allowed us unlimited soda on the ship for the duration of the cruise. This is a deal if you plan to drink a lot of soda and comes out cheaper when you compare prices to buying drinks individually, so take advantage of it if it is offered to you. Also keep in mind you will be given a room key when you board the ship which you can use to charge directly to your bill at the end of the cruise, or you can use a credit card or cash to pay for drinks.

Always remember to throw down a dollar or two for your drinks when you finish at the bar or a restaurant. You can also leave a large tip at the end of the cruise with the bartender or in individual envelopes left under your door the night before the cruise returns to port. Being kind to the bartender, and chatting with them, can go a long way.

Food

Most cruise ships will have a buffet area, fast food restaurants and a formal restaurant to dine in. You don't have to dine in the semi formal dining area if you don't want to. It's nice, and you will usually be seated with one or two other couples, which is a great way to get to know your fellow passengers. The servers also put on great shows while you're eating which can be a lot of fun. Unless it is implied, you don't have to tip every night you eat in the restaurant, the servers will give you an envelope on the last night for that.

If you would rather use the buffet, remember that not every cruise ship has 24 hour service. The fast food restaurant might be open with basic food overnight, so keep that in mind if you decide to skip dinner.

Money for excursions

My husband and I learned a lesson on our cruise with when to bring money and when not to. We were told our room key was good on the private island we went to before making it to the Bahamas. We ended up on the island with no money and a room key we couldn't use since it was a cash only island. When you first board ask someone in guest services if you can use your key to make purchases wherever you go or if you need to bring money.

Also try to keep money down to an amount you think you might need. The cruise will usually book your destination excursions for you before you arrive, like our trip to Atlantis, which will cut down on the amount of money you need to bring with you. I suggest this because it would ruin your vacation if you brought your wallet with you and lost it with all your money, credit cards and ID in it.

Casinos

Casinos on cruise ships can be a lot of fun, but be careful when gambling that you don't go overboard and spend your entire vacation fund in one sitting. When we went on our cruise we budgeted to use $100 in the casino and if we lost it that was fine, anything we won over that would be a bonus.

Because casinos on the cruise ships tend to be small on certain ships be aware tables for Black Jack and Roulette can fill up fast with people who usually hang around for hours. Try to plan a trip in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.

Tipping

Tipping on a cruise ship is a nice gesture for services you feel lived up to or exceeded your expectations. You can tip as you go along or wait until the end of the cruise and fill the envelope with what you feel is appropriate. The daily bulletin you receive the night before you return to port will usually tell you what is customary, but you don't have to follow it. Remember, tipping is completely up to the individual doing it.

The Views

Whether you're planning a cruise to Europe, Alaska or the Caribbean remember to take in the scenery that surrounds you. The whole point of your cruise ship vacation is to relax and enjoy yourself. If your trip takes you past snowy mountains in the Pacific Northwest or around the North Atlantic Ocean remember to take pictures and make memories that last a lifetime.