Secrets From a Cruise Director

The cruise industry has seen a rebound since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cruise Lines International Association expects about 35.7 million passengers to set sail in 2024. The 6 percent increase from 2019 shows a growing interest in cruising. About 25 percent of travelers 50-plus planning an international trip in 2024 planned to stay in cruise cabins, according to an AARP travel trends survey. Even if you’re not a first-time cruiser, do you have all the necessary information to have a successful cruise? We talked to Renata Bacal, Windstar Cruises’ entertainment and engagement manager aboard the 312-passenger Star Pride.

Don’t overpack

One of the great luxuries of cruising is only having to unpack once. The secret is: You don’t need to pack so much stuff, especially on cruise lines that, like Windstar, don’t require formal evenings with ball gowns or suits. Use your cruise line’s onboard laundry services to simplify your travel, and stick to carry-on (no lost luggage, long wait times at the baggage carousel or those pesky extra bag fees). Even luxury lines have retractable clotheslines in the tub/shower areas, so you can hand-wash and line dry items on your own.

Eat local

Some cruise chefs visit markets when in port to pick up fresh food, along with regional specialties such as olives, cheeses and local wine, spirits and beer. So at dinner, ask your server what’s regional that day. Even better, ask if you can accompany the chef on their shopping foray to experience the food scene. Many cruise lines organize chef-led market outings.

Courtesy Renata Bacal

Allow for serendipity

For must-have outings, book your shore excursions early. But don’t lock in your entire itinerary. A fellow passenger may tell you about an amazing tour they experienced that you may want to do too. If you book ahead, many cruises will allow cancellations and changes up to 24 hours in advance of the tour.

Attend the nightly port talks

They provide a helpful overview of the next day’s destination for ideas on where to go, what to see or what tours you may want to book. They also share timely updates about the weather and other conditions ashore.

Use social media

Cruise lines have their own channels on social media, which can be a great resource for trip planning. Consider private groups where cruise fans share ideas and experiences and can answer specific questions or provide tips on individual ports and what to do there.

Book onboard reservations early

As soon as you board, book the specialty restaurants you want to dine at, as well as any spa treatments. These can fill up quickly, especially spa times on days at sea. If you don’t get the reservation you want, don’t fret. Check in the day before or day of for cancellations.

Keep details on hand

Carry the ship’s contact information and the cruise terminal name with you when you go ashore. This will come in handy should you need to call for assistance or direct a taxi to where your ship is docked; the driver may not know which terminal is being used by which ships.