Vacation Cruising

Be sure and sign up for the nightly games. You won’t win a million dollars, but you could win cool cruise line gear. This can include anything from travel mugs to canvas bags to T-shirts and such. Some of these are very nice and great reminders of your cruise.

Go to the “shop talk” on the first day at sea. Sit down near the front because they often throw samples of items out in the audience: T-shirts, etc. One cruiser caught a black pearl necklace in a box on one cruise. Another got a small bottle of vanilla and a small bottle of liquor.

If you write a letter to your cruise line after returning from your cruise, they might respond with a letter that entitles you to a gift on your next cruise with them that can be redeemed 45 days before your next cruise. This could be anything from free photo coupons to a free beverage card. It’s definitely worth the time to write a simple thank-you letter. Plus it’ll make your grandma proud that you learned something after all those years of gifts she sent you!

Some cruise lines will give out free playing cards in the casino. This can be a nice reminder of your cruise - especially when you’re playing a card game with the family. Rub it in as you deal out hold ‘em. Remind everyone that YOU got to go on a fabulous cruise!

There are also some general suggestions made by experienced cruisers that can make your cruise easier to enjoy.