Should you bring your own toiletries? 5 essential tips for first-time cruise travelers

▲ The new 2014 Royal Class ship "Regal Princess" from Princess Cruises

Reported by Cai Wenjun / Interview and photos taken in Miami, USA

Cruise travel, which has been popular in Europe and America for decades, has gradually become another travel option for Taiwanese people in recent years. However, for most travelers, there are still many questions about what luggage to prepare and how to choose an itinerary when opting for a “cruise.”Zhang Yiting, originally from Taiwan, currently works at Princess Cruises’ U.S. headquarters and is responsible for external affairs of the cruise line’s fleet of 18 ships.Zhang YitingShe provides five key suggestions for those planning a cruise trip, hoping that passengers can fully enjoy the onboard facilities with a joyful heart.

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1. Decide on the “destination” before choosing the itinerary

Many travelers are used to comparing itinerary details before deciding on a destination, but Zhang Yiting believes it’s better to decide on the travel destination first, and then choose the type of cruise itinerary.

For cruises in Europe and America, travelers usually need to fly to the departure port first, and then set sail from there. But it would be a pity not to explore the local cities after disembarking. Therefore, Zhang Yiting suggests that when choosing a cruise itinerary, travelers should first decide on the country they want to visit, and then look for matching cruise options along with booking subsequent flights and hotels. This way, they can not only enjoy the charm of the sea but also explore both major cities and small towns of the country, returning home with unforgettable memories.

In addition, although Asian routes are more convenient for Taiwanese people due to the shorter distance, Zhang Yiting says that popular cruise routes such as Alaska and the Caribbean offer unique travel experiences—like admiring spectacular glacier landscapes or enjoying various water sports on tropical islands covered with coconut trees.

2. You need to bring your own toothbrush, facial cleanser, and other toiletries.

Take Princess Cruises as an example. For environmental reasons, each cabin only provides basic shampoo, shower gel, soap, and towels. Common toiletries like toothbrushes must be prepared by passengers themselves.

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3. Prepare at least one formal outfit

Zhang Yiting points out that there are usually“formal nights”on cruises. Especially in Europe and America, many passengers are accustomed to dressing more formally before dinner, having a drink and chatting with friends at the bar. Female passengers can prepare simple dresses or skirts in any color, while male passengers don’t necessarily need to wear very formal suits, but should remember not to wear jeans or slippers.

4. Not all meals on board are free or available 24 hours a day

Although the cruise ticket includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for passengers, and almost all onboard restaurants are free to use, taking the Regal Princess as an example, the two specialty restaurants — “Sabatini’s Italian Restaurant” and “Crown Grill Steak & Seafood Restaurant” — require an additional reservation fee of USD 25 (about NT$750) to dine. The sushi restaurant on Diamond Princess operates on an à la carte basis, where you pay for what you order.

Additionally, only the International Café on board offers 24-hour service for light meals such as salads, bread, and coffee. Other restaurants have specific operating hours. All drinks on board (including water) also come at an extra cost. However, the cruise offers unlimited drink packages at an additional fee, allowing passengers to enjoy designated beverages at all restaurants on board without limit. Prices vary depending on the length of the cruise.

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5. Turn off your phone and enjoy the fun of a seaside vacation

Although Princess Cruises does offer WiFi services on board, they come at an additional cost and are relatively expensive. But since you’re on vacation, why not temporarily let go of all worries and fully enjoy the charm of the blue sky and sea? Zhang Yiting also points out that European and American travelers rarely purchase onboard WiFi because they believe that once on the ship, they should leave work behind and enjoy their vacation. The ship also offers a wide variety of entertainment facilities, including sports instruction classes, and there are always performing artists showcasing their talents in the indoor atrium. Passengers can freely arrange how to spend every moment at sea.

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