Scott Sanders, a cruise director with TUI's Marella Cruises for four years and a 14-year veteran of the industry, has revealed the most common mistake he sees passengers make. It happens on the first day of the holiday.
What is the mistake?
"Not asking questions when they've got questions!" Sanders said. Passengers often wait until the end of the cruise to ask, or go home frustrated that they didn't know important information.
To help, Sanders created a 'new to cruise' presentation at the start of sailings. It proved so popular that it's now used across the Marella Cruises fleet.
Advice for passengers
"I make it very clear in the presentation," he said. "Over the first couple of days, I make a massive point of [telling passengers] to talk to the crew and ask any questions. There's never, ever a silly question."
This advice applies to first-time cruisers, seasoned sailors on a new ship, and even returning passengers, as things may have changed.
Other tips from the cruise director
Sanders also suggested that for a cabin close to the action, choose "midship on decks five, six, eight, nine and ten." He noted that his parents always request midship cabins for easy access to kitchens, the theatre, and the Squid & Anchor pub on the Marella Voyager.
If you feel disoriented, look at the floor. Most cruise ships use different carpets to indicate whether you're heading forward or aft, along with artwork or other subtle clues.
