Whether you are planning a birthday party or a ‘just because’ party on board a cruise ship, here are some simple tips to help you stay connected with your guests.
Preparing for a cruise ship party
Getting on board a cruise ship is akin to entering a new world. There are a number of things to do to get ready for a trip of a lifetime, and a number of places to avoid. The best way to minimize the hassle is to prepare ahead of time. Having a plan in place can save you time and money down the road.
The most efficient route will be one that entails the least amount of walking and riding in and out of the ship. While this may be the least appealing, it is the only way to ensure a smooth ride. Besides, being in a secure and comfortable environment can go a long way in helping you get into the holiday spirit.
Having a game plan can make or break your vacation. The cruise lines have a number of policies and procedures in place to help ensure your safety, and that of the other passengers. Having a list of people to contact in case of emergency is a must. Having a game plan can also allow you to concentrate on your vacation rather than on your next destination. This is particularly important if you have young kids.
If you haven’t been on a cruise in a while, chances are you are not familiar with the types of games your ship mates play. Getting a taste for the good ol’ days isn’t a bad idea, and a number of cruise lines provide their own kid-friendly activities. This includes slumber parties, movie nights, and other similar shenanigans. A small number of ships even offer their own childcare. If you are the parent of a preschooler, a cruise liner might be your best bet for a stress-free holiday.
Avoiding the buffet during lunch
Whether you’re sailing on a cruise ship, or just looking to cruise on one, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to avoiding the buffet during lunch. This is especially important if you have food allergies or restrictions. If you do have a dietary need, make sure to let the maitre d’ or accessibility officer on board know before you set sail. These individuals can provide you with the dining schedule and information on how to avoid the buffet.
When it comes to eating at a buffet, don’t use your hands to get food. This could contaminate the dishes. You also don’t want to be touching greasy foods or spicy food. These are both very bad for your digestive system, so they should be avoided.
When you’re at the buffet, don’t forget to drink water. This can help you prevent dehydration, headaches, and stomach upset. It can also help you reduce the risk of getting seasick.
It’s also important to check out the menu ahead of time. You should know what you’re allergic to and mark off items that you don’t want. Some ships offer a special dinner menu that is tailored for people with dietary needs.
If you’re a single person, you can choose either early or late seating. These seating options will put you at a shared table with other solo travelers. You can then ask to sit at a larger table or request to be seated with a group of other singles.
You should also plan for the buffet to be crowded. During busy lunch hours, it can take up to an hour to eat. This can be a nightmare. There’s also the possibility that your meal will be messed up by a late returning shore excursion.
Tethering mobile data to a laptop or other device
Using your cell phone to access the internet on a cruise ship can be a challenge. It’s usually expensive and the connection can be slow. Some ships, like the Royal Caribbean and Carnival, offer onboard internet service. But, there are other ways to use your phone to access the web.
Tethering your mobile device to a laptop can be a good way to get online. Tethering can also be done by connecting your phone to your laptop with a USB cable. But, the downside is that your phone battery will drain faster.
The other big thing to look for is the most efficient way to access the internet. Typically, the fastest internet speed will be on ships that are close to land. However, the lag time can be long, causing your data usage to skyrocket.
Another smart idea is to purchase an unlimited WiFi package. This will allow you to connect as many devices as you like to the network. But, keep in mind that this will only work if the cruise ship has Wi-Fi available in every stateroom.
It’s always a good idea to have land-based mobile data available outside of the ship. This can help avoid unnecessary roaming charges. You can also access free content through satellite internet. Maritime communication companies are building more satellites for better connection speeds.
It’s worth mentioning that most cruise liners offer complimentary apps as part of their packages. This includes the HUB app from Carnival, which is free and allows text-like messaging.
If you’re not interested in paying for a cruise WiFi package, you can try tethering your mobile device to your laptop. Basically, you just hook your phone to the computer with a USB cable and let the connection charge your phone slowly. Then, you can start streaming videos or surfing the web.