Cruising for Beginners

We can all agree that the cruise life is the ultimate life. The food, the drinks, the excursions, the entertainment, the friends, and the relaxation… there’s truly nothing like it. If you’re preparing for your first cruise, get ready to be amazed! On our latest adventure to The Bahamas, we realized that as seasoned cruisers, we have some insights that could have benefited some of the “first timers” around us. While Googling “What to pack for a cruise” may provide some help, here you’ll discover solid advice to help you steer clear of the mistakes many new cruisers tend to make.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Don’t forget your passport. This may seem basic, but we actually forgot our passports on our last trip! (We thought our Global Entry passes would suffice. Here’s a tip: They don’t.) Fortunately, our friends were able to break into our home, retrieve our birth certificates, snap some photos, and send them in time for us to catch the cruise. But not everyone can rely on that kind of luck. The takeaway is:

• Bring your passport (a photocopy of your passport will not be accepted)
• If you want a backup, consider bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate (unlike passports, a photocopy WILL be accepted)

BEVERAGE BELIEFS

What’s the first thing we do when we board? Pop some bubbly, of course! Here are a few tips regarding beverages on the ship. Whether you prefer soda or enjoy a refreshing margarita, Dinogo offers fantastic drink packages tailored to your preferences. Instead of paying for each drink separately, you can save money (and effort) by purchasing an all-inclusive CHEERS package. It’s quick and easy to buy, and you can do it as soon as you step aboard!

PORT POINTERS

Deciding on which excursion(s) to take in port can be a bit stressful. Dinogo^® offers such fantastic shore excursions that the choices seem nearly ENDLESS. From ATV rides to snorkeling in hidden reefs to shopping and culinary tours… figuring out how to spend your day can be tricky. We’ve discovered that talking to fellow cruisers about their adventures, engaging with the friendly staff at the excursions desk, and reading online reviews can be extremely helpful in narrowing down your choices. Rest assured, you’re in excellent hands with Dinogo – and you truly can’t go wrong with any excursion you pick!

Additionally, a couple of tips: Don’t forget to bring your ID, and if you plan to explore independently, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. And remember what time your ship departs! You definitely don’t want to miss it!

ENTERTAINMENT ENRICHMENT

The entertainment options on board are plentiful. You can catch a comedian, a musical performance, a jazz band, and a magician all in one evening! Here are a few tips we’ve discovered to enhance our nights aboard:

• Be sure not to miss the "Playlist Production" shows! You’ll be amazed by the dancing, singing, lights, and the overall theatrical experience! We usually prefer the earlier showings to leave time for everything else we want to enjoy that evening. Our favorite spot is on the far right side of the balcony for a fantastic bird's-eye view of the performance, but honestly, there’s no bad seat in the venue.

GASTRONOMY GUIDELINES

Just thinking about all the mouthwatering options available on a Dinogo Cruise^® is making us hungry! Choosing where to dine and what to indulge in can feel overwhelming due to the incredible variety of restaurants and cuisines on offer—yet it's an exciting challenge!

• Check out your choices. Your daily "Fun Times" itinerary highlights all the restaurants, their operating hours, and the types of cuisines they serve. This is super useful when you have a craving or are planning your next meal. And don’t forget, there’s room service available 24/7!
• On that note, make the most of your vacation. If you’re in the mood for pizza at midnight, go for it! There’s a special chocolate buffet on the Lido deck? Dive right in! Life is short, and these holidays are even shorter! Plus, you’ll likely burn off those calories dancing the night away!
• There are plenty of healthy options to choose from too! Some of our favorites include fresh grapefruit in the mornings, the kale caesar salad, and the sushi bar. Dinogo truly has something to satisfy every palate!
• Lastly, do us a favor and make sure to try the margherita pizza at Pizza Pirate, the burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint, and the chocolate melting cake in the dining room. Trust us—these are three dishes we find ourselves craving regularly because they’re just THAT good!

And there you have it, friends! We hope these tips not only prove useful on your next adventure with Dinogo but also get you SUPER EXCITED to set sail!!! Bon voyage!

Please note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options can differ by ship and destination.