Cruise guest reveals what you MUST do on the first day of a cruise
The first day of a cruise holiday is always exciting. But what's the best thing to do as soon as you board?
Experienced cruise guests have been sharing their best first day advice on Reddit, after 'curiouskittyblue' asked: 'What is the first thing you do when you board?'
According to cruise guest 'Additional-Sock8980', it's important to use the first day to secure bookings at premium restaurants.
They say: 'First thing for me is book any premium restaurants as the best times sell out fast.'
While cruise holidays usually include access to the buffet and main dining room, guests often have to pay more to dine at speciality restaurants.
The most popular restaurants can fill up quickly so it's advisable to book a table as soon as possible.
'MrsSadieMorgan' adds: 'Hit the buffet, then visit the spa to book any treatments I'm considering. They book up fast, so I like to get in there ASAP.'
Spa treatments can be very popular and the most desirable appointment times can get booked up fast.
Guests who visit the spa on the first day of their cruise might also get first pick of any treatment offers.
And if you're not bothered about restaurant or spa bookings, there's another activity that's a popular first day choice.
'KatySays' writes: 'I usually go straight to the pool if it's a nice day.'
Cruise ships tend to have small swimming pools and the first day is usually when the pool is quietest.
However, guests who want to hit the swimming pool on their first day onboard will need to come prepared.
Luggage is usually delivered to a passengers' rooms by the crew, but this might not happen until the evening.
This means that passengers who want to visit the pool on the first day will need to pack their swimming costumes and sun cream in their hand luggage.
'Numerous-Ad4715' explains: 'I always pack a pair of swim trunks in a small backpack.
'Get on the ship early and hit the pools while they're empty. Everyone else packs their bathing suits in their luggage and has to wait.'
It comes after an avid cruiser shared their top tips for winning the sun lounger wars on P&O's Arvia on T ikTok - including a controversial hack for guaranteeing your place in the sun.
The footage shared by @solotravel1974 showed just how busy the ship can get at peak times, with dozens of people sharing a deck space filled cheek-by-jowl with loungers.
The first piece of advice, particularly applicable to 'sea days and school holidays', was to turn on your heel and avoid the most popular areas, including the pools, Deck 16 and the SkyDome area, which 'get packed by 9am'.
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