There’s no weirder or more wonderful way of seeing the world than an excursion. That’s because there are some things you’ll only encounter once you get to work.
From quirky jargon like “bunkering”, “I-95” and “poop deck” to weird superstitions like baptism and without toasting with a glass of water, cruises are different from any other kind of holiday.
To prove it, here are seven weird things you’ll only find while sailing.
For more travel news, guides and tips, subscribe to TPG’s itinerary bulletin.
Dinner with strangers
Imagine you make a reservation for dinner at a land-based restaurant and when you arrive, the host escorts you to your table… where you see a group of strangers already seated and empty seats waiting for you to come to the party. You may be confused or unhappy.
Believe it or not, table sharing is a common practice on cruise ships. Especially if you have chosen your seat at the designated time and you are a small group or someone traveling alone, you may end up dining at the same table with people who are not in your group.
Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining
The concept may come as a shock to some travelers, but it makes sense on ships where the number of places to eat and sit is limited and tables cannot be repositioned to accommodate groups. visitors that week. Since the crew has to serve so many people in a finite amount of time, communal dining is necessary in some cases.
Pay with your room key
All payments on cruise ships are cashless. Before you set sail, you will receive a keycard, which will not only function as your room key and the vehicle leaving and returning to the ship when docked, but also your charge card on board. Each passenger must top up a pre-travel cash deposit to top up their card or connect a credit card to it to enjoy charging privileges.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
If you’re staying at a hotel, you can charge an on-site purchase for your room, but you always have the option of paying by credit card or cash—something you can’t do on board. So, stow your wallet in the safe in the cabin and prepare to pay for everything from booze to casino games by swiping your room key. (Be sure not to lose your card by taking it with you one of these with you on every trip.)
Related: 15 ways train novices waste money on trains
Room with virtual window
The most basic cabins on many cruise ships are inside the cabin, there are no windows or balconies and therefore, no natural light or fresh air. They are great accommodations for budget-conscious passengers who prefer total darkness while sleeping and anyone who plans to stay in their room just to shower and watch some zzz.
One of the weirdest interior cabins I’ve ever seen are those with virtual balcony (like the ones found on select Royal Caribbean ships) or “magic” windows (appears in certain cabins on Disney Cruise Line ship). They broadcast real-time virtual views via LED screens or ocean views with random visits from beloved Disney characters like Mr. Potato Head from “Toy Story” or Scuttle and Flounder from “The Little Mermaid”. While some of Disney’s land-based resorts offer similar “windows,” they are derived from the brand’s ships.
Related: The ultimate guide to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship
rally
Safety is key on any trip, and in that direction, passengers must complete set of drills familiarize them with the location of the concentration stations and what to do in the event of an emergency. They’re like the fire drills you get at school, minus the element of surprise, and they’re required at the beginning of every cruise vacation.
I can’t think of a vacation on land as equivalent to assembling a cruise ship. On rare occasions, you may have heard a blaring fire alarm during your stay at a hotel, but that is not normal and is not usually a drill. You also don’t have to deal with safety equipment like life jackets or lifeboats. It’s true that safety briefings take place before every flight you take, but they don’t last nearly as long and you don’t have to move from your seat to attend.
Shops only open after you leave your destination
Cruise ships offer many places to spend money, including casino and shops selling toiletries, souvenirs and duty-free items. But did you know they are not allowed to operate when ships docked?
Due to regulations intended to prevent passengers from spending money on board rather than disembarking at most ports of call, retail stores and casinos can only open in international waters, starting 12 miles inland. That means you can’t shop or gamble on your ship until it leaves the port you’re visiting.
Related: 11 things you should never buy on a cruise ship
solemn night
Formal nights have been a staple of leisure cruises since the days of the classic ocean liner. Personally, I can’t imagine a better sorry to dress up, but many visitors cannot understand why they have to carry bulky suits and dress revealingly in what is supposed to be a relaxing getaway. Luckily for those, the dress code on board has been relaxed quite a bit over the past few years and formal dress is now optional on most cruise lines.
Assuming you don’t violate the standard “no shoes, no shirt, no service” rules, there is no other type of holiday that requires you to dress up or forbids you to dine in the main restaurant if you refuse to comply, as is the case on ships with strict dress code. Travelers who choose not to meet the required level of luxury on some formal nights may find themselves forced to eat a buffet or order room service.
Indoor TV show
Cruise ships offer TVs in every cabin, but due to copyright laws, broadcasting restrictions, and the availability of reliable satellites, live channels are often limited to basic news like CNN, FOX, BBC and several others, along with on-demand movies and a navigation channel that allows you to see the train’s position in real time.
An odd addition to the channel line-up, however, is the producer-produced programming, recorded by the cruise line. It can include port talks, educational lectures, spa and jewelry workshops, and even daily programs produced by cruise directors or other members of the entertainment staff. . If you enjoy watching cable shows while staying in a hotel, prepare yourself for a variety of shows while you cruise.
Planning an itinerary? Start with these stories:
