On Reddit, a new cruise passenger asked more experienced travellers to share their best tips for the ship. They said: “I will be going on a cruise for the first time and I was wondering if there were any secret things to do on a cruise ship a first timer wouldn’t know about.”
One guest said: “Get up early one morning and go for a walk around the ship, 6.30am or half an hour before sunrise is fine.
“Walk the upper deck if it’s open. The solitude is amazing. The only people you will see are crew cleaning, a couple of other early birds and maybe a drunk that’s still up.
“Sit in a chair, see the sunrise, watch the water go by, thank the crew for their hard work. I always think it’s cool that the ship is full of passengers and crew and it’s still so quiet and peaceful.”
The majority of cruise passengers won’t be out for the sunrise so guests are likely to have the ship to themselves.
READ MORE: Portugal named the best holiday destination in Europe
If passengers don’t have a cabin with a balcony, heading out on deck early could be the best time to enjoy the views in peace.
Another guest agreed saying: “I am so jealous. One of my best days on a cruise was early one morning.
“Talking to the crew, enjoying the coolness. Hearing the crew call down to the stevedores as the ship pulled in.
“Just little things. And the donuts were so fresh they were still warm.”
DON’T MISS
Early risers could be in for a treat as they are likely to get a glimpse of ship life away from other passengers.
However, night owls aren’t out of luck as cruise guests also recommend guests head up to the deck once it’s dark.
A guest said: “Stargazing at night. If your ship has an accessible helipad this is perfect as it’s often deliberately dark.”
Another guest said: “My last cruise was too cloudy every night for good stargazing. And I had difficulty finding an adequately dark space on Virgin. But I try every cruise.”
READ MORE: Cruise guests should avoid certain footwear under dress code
Stargazing out on the open sea is a very special experience and guests may see far more than on land.
However, passengers should be careful if they are going to the deck at night as it could be dangerous.
Guests should follow crew advice and stay behind every safety barrier if they are going up on the deck.
Another guest said: “Biggest thing, you will never see any of these people again. Be silly and do things you wouldn’t do back home – karaoke, trivia, dance contests on the lido deck.
“Going on a cruise is like going downtown for the evening, if you wait for them to bring you fun you are going to be bored.”
Cruise ships will have all kinds of entertainment in their regular schedule and guests can get involved with everything.
From karaoke to fancy dress competitions, a cruise ship can be the perfect place to get a little silly.
Some ships will have regular comedy nights, dance competitions and cocktail making for guests to let their hair down.
