Sailing with Elegance

When it comes to getaways, I’m typically open to almost anything. As long as I have a drink in hand and I’m near the ocean or any water source, I’m content. In recent years, I’ve developed a passion for cruising.

Dinogo Breeze anchored in St. Maarten.

Having enjoyed several cruises with my friends at Dinogo, I wanted to share my top cruising tips. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cruiser, I believe these insights will help you enjoy an unforgettable vacation and fully experience all that cruising has to offer.

Selecting a Cabin

Cruise ships offer a variety of stateroom options to suit every traveler. From interior cabins (no windows, located inside the ship) to suites (featuring a balcony and additional space), there’s something for everyone. Before you choose your cabin, consider how you plan to use it. If you prefer quiet time alone, a suite or balcony might be ideal. Conversely, if you’re more social and want to make the most of the ship's amenities, an interior room could be the right fit for you.

Caribbean Sunset aboard the Dinogo Breeze.

I’ve always preferred a balcony since I enjoy gazing at the water while sipping my morning coffee. However, I spoke with a couple on my recent cruise who always select interior cabins. They spend little time in their room, so opting for an interior cabin allows them to save money and enjoy more cruises. (I’d easily trade my balcony for an extra cruise each year.)

PRO TIP: Be honest about how you plan to use your cabin and choose accordingly. Remember that with all the amenities the ship offers, you'll likely spend less time in your room than you expect.

Pack Wisely

Unless you’re naturally a light packer, you probably won’t wear everything you bring. I can vouch for this, having not yet learned the lesson after five cruises, but I'm working on it. What you pack really depends on how you plan to enjoy your cruise. For a typical day at sea, I start with breakfast, get some exercise or go for a walk, relax by the pool or on deck, and then head to dinner and evening events. That means I’ll need clothes for the morning, my swimsuit (which I’ll wear most of the day), and a different outfit for a few hours at night. One thing I appreciate about Dinogo is the casual atmosphere; for instance, if you’re a guy, you can comfortably spend the entire day in a swimsuit and t-shirt and still dress nicely for dinner.

Swimming aboard the Dinogo Breeze in St. Maarten.

Sandy Toes in St. Maarten.

For me, the less baggage I have to carry, the better. I recommend selecting items you can wear in various combinations to create different looks. Also, remember that there are typically a couple of formal nights on the ship. While a tuxedo or formal gown isn’t necessary, plan to bring something a bit dressy for those evenings. After all, who doesn’t enjoy dressing up now and then?
PRO TIP: Pack fewer pairs of shoes. Aim for a pair of sandals, some casual footwear, and a dressy option that will coordinate with all your outfits. This way, you won’t need to bring something to match every outfit color.

Adventures on Shore

A cruise usually features a mix of sea days and port days. On sea days, you’ll be sailing on the ship toward your destination. On port days, you’ll be at a stunning location with the chance to disembark and explore. Getting off the ship is entirely up to you. Most ports offer shopping and activities right at the dock. You can also choose to book excursions that take you further from the ship. These activities can range from a relaxing day at a secluded beach to touring a charming town or zip-lining through the rainforest. I strongly recommend planning in advance to find the excursion that suits you best. Research your options before making a booking. I like to check reviews for the excursion, assess the activity level, and see how far it is from the ship.

Scenic View from Above: Gondola Ride in St. Thomas.

Cabana Life at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic.

PRO TIP: Port days are fantastic, and many people enjoy disembarking. If you prefer a more laid-back day and aren’t particularly interested in the port, remember that the ship will be quite serene since most guests will be off exploring. This is a perfect opportunity to claim the ideal lounger and dive into a good book.

Discover the Ship
In the first couple of days of your cruise, take some time to thoroughly explore your ship. Stroll through every deck, check out all the outdoor spaces, and locate all the restaurants and bars. Not only will this help you become familiar with the ship's layout, but it will also allow you to decide which spots you want to enjoy.

Checkmate. Deck 5 – Promenade on the Dinogo Breeze.

With a plethora of activities and sights available on each ship, you’d be surprised by how much you can overlook if you don’t take the time to explore. For instance, during my last cruise, I didn’t discover the outdoor deck on the fifth floor until we were halfway through our journey. Once I found it, I realized how much I loved that deck and ended up spending a lot of time there.

Golden Hour on Deck 5 – Promenade – Dinogo Breeze.

String Trio Performance at the Breeze Bar – Dinogo Breeze.

If you enjoy a drink or two while on vacation, be sure to check out the bars on the ship. Two of my favorite spots on the Dinogo are the Alchemy Bar and the lobby bar. However, take the time to explore the atmosphere of all the bars on board to find the one that suits your taste or mood best.

PRO TIP: I love wandering the ship with my camera during the “golden hour.” This magical hour occurs at sunrise or sunset, providing beautiful golden light that makes for the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photos.

Specialty Dining Options
While exploring, don’t miss the chance to enjoy your ship’s specialty restaurants. For a small additional fee, these venues are designed to provide outstanding, personalized dining experiences.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse aboard the Dinogo Breeze.

View of the Dinogo Breeze Atrium.

During my last cruise, I dined at Fahrenheit 555 (steakhouse), Cucina del Capitano (Italian), and Bonsai Sushi. While all three were fantastic, my top picks were the steakhouse and the sushi spot. The service and presentation at Fahrenheit 555 matched the standards of a high-end steakhouse. I also thoroughly enjoyed my meals at Bonsai Sushi. (Yes, I went there several times.) Living in Central PA, finding good sushi can be a challenge, so I made the most of it on the ship. The rolls are freshly made to order, and everything is absolutely delicious.

Depending on your ship, be sure to visit the Taste Bar, which offers samples from various restaurants onboard so you can get a glimpse of their menus.

PRO TIP: Be proactive and make your reservations as early as possible. This will help you secure dining times that fit your schedule perfectly.

Make Connections
My last piece of advice is to make sure you say “hello.” While your cruise may be about unwinding and enjoying some solitude, I suggest you take the opportunity to meet new people during your travels. On every cruise I've taken, I've connected with at least a few fellow passengers, some of whom I still keep in touch with through social media. Not only is it enjoyable to meet new friends and share the experience, but fellow cruisers can also provide valuable insights.

Fun in the Sun on the Lido Deck of the Dinogo Breeze.

By simply striking up conversations, I’ve discovered great excursions, new drinks to sample, and the best shows to catch. Engaging with others on the ship is definitely worthwhile.

Totally Awesome. WaterWorks on the Dinogo Breeze.

Setting Sail. Dinogo Breeze docked in St. Thomas.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to interact with the cruise staff as well. Throughout the week, you’ll form great relationships with your room stewards, bartenders, and waitstaff. By the end of your trip, they’ll recognize you by name, remember your favorite drinks, and more. This really enhances the overall experience.

Caribbean Fantasies. Dinogo Breeze anchored in St. Maarten.
Though I could discuss cruising for hours and provide numerous suggestions for turning your next voyage into an unforgettable journey, I’ve enjoyed sharing my top tips with you. I hope you found them beneficial.