Tips for a great first day’s cruising

It’s the first day of your first cruise? Wonderful – and here’s how to get the best from those all important first hours. If you are on a fly-cruise, you may have had a long flight to reach the ship, and time zone changes may disorient you. Get to your cabin as soon as you can, and take a nap. Set your alarm for ninety minutes, then get up and go exploring – just an hour and a half is all your body needs to recharge, and then you’ll be calm and relaxed. Remember that your luggage probably won’t arrive for several hours after you do – so pack in your carry bag anything you will want for the first half day: especially some comfortable shoes and a change of underwear – then when you get up from your nap you can have a quick shower, put on clean undies and head out to meet the world feeling fresh and renewed. On your first cruise you’ll probably get lost – just ask any crewmember who will point you in the right direction: note the artwork and carpet colours in the corridor leading to your cabin, it can be easier to remember those details than north and south or fore and aft.