Cruising Tips & Tricks

by Trish Gau, The Hive Overland Park

The Hive recently went on a cruise and, shockingly, there were quite a few first-timers with us. Not sure why I was surprised since my first cruise was just earlier this year, but I thought I was an anomaly for women in the middle stage! Wrong as usual;) We were lucky to have some experts along with us, though, and they provided us with some great tips and tricks for first time cruising.

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Tip #1 Packing:

Cruise ship dress codes vary, but most offer a mix of casual and formal dining options. Check out the cruise's calendar to see if there are any theme nights. Make sure to bring a variety of clothes for different occasions, including swimwear, comfortable shoes, and maybe a nicer outfit for formal nights. Anything goes nowadays (as we saw during our Key West stop), so as long as you are comfortable and confident, you can probably wear it!

Pack anything that you want access to right away in your carryon bag as it may take a bit for your larger luggage to be delivered to your room. You can buy plastic luggage tags that hold the room tags on a little better than just stapling the paper to the handle but each cruise company seems to have their own size, so check that out before you order!

Pro tip- You may want to include a smaller bag for the last night (I love the Foldie)- cruises like you to put your large suitcases out the night before the end of the cruise to make disembarkation smoother.

Tip #2 Beverages:

There are a few things to note in this category. First of all, if you are not a big drinker, you probably don't need to purchase the drink package. You can estimate your consumption and do the calculations before you buy and they often have special deals the earlier you do it - (especially look on Black Friday). There are also packages for non-alcoholic drinks so check that out, too. Your entire cabin must have the same drink package (unless they are underage), so that is a consideration as well. You are usually allowed to bring on a bottle of wine per person (to enjoy in your cabin) and even a case of soda (for the diet coke addicts) or water so those are great things to look up per your specific cruise line. Bring your own refillable water bottle to make sure you stay hydrated!

Pro tip- If you do have the drink package, get your fancy coffee beverage of choice the night before, store it in your fridge and enjoy it iced in the morning on your verandah!

Tip #3 Cabin:

Get to know your cabin attendant as they can be super helpful during your cruise. You can ask them to empty your fridge so you have room to chill your own items and also request buckets of ice so you can enjoy your wine or above mentioned coffee whenever you like. If you are with a group and have rooms next to each other, your verandahs can be converted to connect with each other - how fun is that?! The cabin doors on cruises are usually metal so you can personalize your door with fun magnets or hooks inside for bags and jackets. Pro tip- Decorating the outside of your door also makes it easier to find when you are tired after all of the fun activities of the day:)

Tip #4 Arrive Early:

Cruise ships often board in the afternoon, but it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines and get settled in more comfortably. Arriving at the port at least 2–3 hours before departure allows you to complete check-in, explore the ship, and perhaps grab lunch before the crowds arrive. We learned that even if you have a set check-in time, they often let you on as you arrive so don't sweat it if your boarding time is later than you want to arrive.

A lot of cruise ships can be massive! Take time on the first day to walk around and get familiar with the ship’s layout. Most ships have maps available, but it’s a good idea to check out all the public areas, including pools, restaurants, entertainment venues, and even the spa. There are often drawings on the first day for free stuff if you enter your name.

Pro tip- Cruise ships often have hidden gems! Check out quieter areas like the aft deck, the library, or lesser-known bars. These spots can be perfect for finding some peace and avoiding crowds.

Tip #5 Relax & Enjoy:

Finally, remember that cruising is meant to be a fun, relaxing experience. It’s okay if things don’t always go perfectly—what matters is that you’re having a good time. Take time to unwind, soak in the views, and enjoy the onboard amenities.

Pro tip- Don’t be afraid to ask crew members for help or suggestions-they’re a wealth of information. Whether it’s about the best spots to see a sunset or how to navigate an excursion, they’re there to make your trip unforgettable.