All About Cruises

Tag: relax

  • What To Know When Cruising Alone

    What To Know When Cruising Alone

    Going on a cruise by yourself can be a very relaxing and enjoyable trip. But there are a few tips to keep in mind that can make your trip even more enjoyable. Having time to yourself is always nice, but there will be times when you will want other people to talk to. These tips can lay the groundwork for you, even if you are not terribly outgoing.

    As you board the ship, be the person with the biggest smile and most genuine greeting for everyone you meet. As a single traveler, others might already be assuming that you prefer to be alone or that you don’t want company. Your smile and warm greeting will let the crew know that you are friendly and more than willing to strike up a conversation. In addition, you will likely not be labeled as one of the troublesome passengers who is never satisfied and always complaining.

    If you are looking for a good place to just hang out during the cruise, find a bar that you like and take a seat off to the end of the bar. After the bartender delivers your drink, tip with a twenty, and you will have made your first friend. This tip is likely to get a few questions and an introduction. Then from time to time the bartender will make small talk and check to see if you need a fresh drink. Now you have a place to go for a little conversation without having to sit alone at a table somewhere and appear antisocial.

    Joining into group activities is a great way to meet a large number of people and also to have some fun. It could be a trivia contest, a board game or even karaoke but get involved and remember that no one on the ship will ever see you again, so be brave and give it your best shot. There is something very freeing about not knowing anyone who sees you miss every trivial question or sing off key. Mingle and enjoy the opportunity, and if you don’t hit it off with the group then you can excuse yourself and return to a good book or a lounge chair on the deck.

    Being alone on a cruise is not ever really going to happen except when you are in your cabin. There are people everywhere, and it is up to you to go out and meet a few and enjoy your time making new acquaintances and the time that you spend just enjoying your own company.

  • Caribbean Cruises – Fun and Sunburn

    Caribbean Cruises – Fun and Sunburn

    A relaxing cruise in the Caribbean is the perfect way to enjoy the tropical scenery, the ocean and some much-needed downtime in the sun. But while the rest of your body is enjoying the stress-free wonders of your cruise, your skin is taking notice of your proximity to the equator and the intense sun that is beating down on you. And though most folks now understand the importance of sunscreen, what they don’t understand is how quickly it must be reapplied in a tropical climate. But following a few tips can help you to avoid your first tropical sunburn and manage any slight overexposure that might occur.
    Timing Is Everything
    Higher quality waterproof or “sweat proof” as some call it, sunscreens recommend applications at least every two hours. But if you are not acclimated to a tropical climate or you are in and out of the water you will need to be more diligent about applying sunscreen. If you are sitting out by the pool and ordering drinks each hour, then use that as a reminder to reapply your sunscreen. There is no such thing as too much sun protection, especially when you are enjoying the tropical sun of the Caribbean.
    Spray Sunscreen Is Easy
    Many travelers choose to pack the old style squeeze bottle or tube of sunscreen simply because it is a larger quantity and one bottle will last the entire trip. But a big reason it lasts is that you are not using enough or using it frequently enough. No one can apply lotion sunscreen properly to his or her own back and shoulders. And though the spray cannot offer as many applications, it will allow you to completely cover your entire body without assistance from anyone. Splurge and pack a twin pack of your favorite sunscreen in a spray can so that you will be able to enjoy your entire cruise outside in the glorious sunshine.
    After A Day in the Caribbean Sun
    Even though sunscreen feels like it has a high moisture content, you will find that your skin dries out a great deal when you are enjoying the sun and fun outdoors. In addition, the chemically treated pool water will also dry out your skin. There are several manufacturers of skin care products who offer an after sun product to moisturize and nourish your skin after a day in the sun. These products will work better than a standard lotion and also will not leave an oily feel which is very uncomfortable in a warm climate.
    If You Over Indulge
    It is very easy to overindulge on your first day or two at sea, only to find that you have a sunburn brewing. After a cool shower, it is best to apply a cooling sunburn gel. Many contain aloe for healing and menthol for a great cool feeling. This is an item that you hope to never need but should always be tucked away in your travel bag. But if you do discover you got a little too much sun when you return to your cabin, take the tube of sun gel and place it in a glass of ice to chill while you shower. After your shower, the gel will be icy cold and help to cool your skin, decrease additional heat damage and feel amazing.
    Everyone can lose track of time on a cruise and end up with a nasty sunburn. But getting into a habit of liberally applying sunscreen each hour can help to avoid a miserable day or two spent indoors. And some cooling gel on your sunburn will stop the radiating heat and get you ready for your next adventure.

Skip to content