It never fails to raise an eyebrow “Brandy ‘Budget Travel‘ Bell” took a cruise? Oh yes, friends, I took a cruise and I am not ashamed to say that I LOVED IT.
While cruising is not my full time preferred method for discovering this world, I am a water baby, and there’s nothing I love more than being surrounded by beautiful blue ocean.
When my roomie temporary Madrid roomie (and coincidentally new bestie) Alison and I discovered a bargain cruise departing from Vigo, Spain, we hesitated about 20 seconds before scooping up a wonderful deal – 8 days for 400 euro, including all taxes and tips. It was the best decision of our summer!
Here’s the Brandy Bell guide for how to rock a cruise, and it does not involve saying
“I’m on a boat!”.
1) Make friends with your housekeeper
Veronica was our best acquaintance on the cruise- she made sure to never knock on our door before the crack of noon and didn’t raise any questions when contraband items were laying around our room. It didn’t hurt we tried to get her to hang out with us and watch movies, either.
2) Don’t assume the other person has the room key
You know what they say about assuming? Make sure everyone keeps their key card on them at all
times or you might be locked out of your room and stranded in the hallway… and then security might come and accuse you of breaking into someone’s room despite your assurances. I mean, just maybe…
3) Bring Contraband
Hey, I’m not going to tell you to break the rules but I am definitely going to suggest that if a handle of vodka falls into your suitcase that you look the other way while throwing in a few bottles of wine for good measure. Don’t forget to bring a squirt bottle so that you can inject some fun into your drinks on deck. Yum.
4) Two Words: Portable Speakers
Sometimes you wake up at 6am and want to have a dance party, sometimes you want to muffle the sounds emitting from your room- I’m not here to judge you, just to remind you to pack those speakers. Bringing a selection of earplugs might also be a great idea in case the neighbors have better speakers!
5) Shop around!
Before investigating the reality of cruises, I assumed they were for the ultra rich, elite and people who use the US Dollar for toilet paper. However I just found a similar steal on Holiday Pirates and am considering embarking on Cruise #2.
Who’s with me – have you been on a cruise or do you prefer to live on the land?
'How to Take a Cruise' have 4 comments
March 10, 2013 @ 4:53 am Rease
I have always wanted to try a cruise because I know they can be a real steal. I am a bit worried about getting motion sickness though. Usually on vessels that big I’m ok, but it would be truly terrible to pay for a week long trip and be ill the whole time!
March 10, 2013 @ 1:56 pm brandy bell
Thanks for the comment, Rease! I was concerned as well, but think that the soothing effect of the tonic (from the gin and tonic) really helped out 😉
I’ve heard great things abut the motion sickness wrist bands. The worst thing that happens is you have to disembark and take a spontaneous island vacation — win win!
March 13, 2013 @ 11:58 pm Jan Ross
I get really seasick but I just take Bonine or Dramamine and it’s no problem. The bracelets work as well but are not comfortable enough to wear for several days. I would advise everyone to be careful about smuggling liquor onboard – some cruise lines are very strict about this and will confiscate it if found when checking your luggage.
March 14, 2013 @ 8:20 am brandy bell
Great advice, Jan! Does the dramamine make you feel icky at all? On our 8th day I thought I may have been seasick, but it’s also possible it was a week of overindulgence kicking in.