Cruises are more than just a way to get from one destination to another – they’re a whole holiday experience in and of themselves. With so many activities and amenities packed into these floating resorts, there’s never a dull moment. You can spend your day lounging by the pool, exploring exotic ports of call, indulging in gourmet dining, or taking in a West End-style show in the evening…
But what if you could make your time onboard even more enjoyable? You’d be surprised how much more enriching your cruise experience can be by picking up a few skills before you board. Whether knowing how to start a conversation with fellow passengers, learning to play poker for a friendly game in the casino, or even mastering the basics of photography, these skills can transform your cruise from good to unforgettable.
Master the Art of Being Social
In case you didn’t already know, cruises are inherently social experiences. You’re surrounded by fellow travelers, often for longer than a week, and they’re all likely just as eager to meet and connect with new people.
Mastering your social skills is essential if striking up conversations isn’t your strong suit. Luckily, if you start practicing now, you’ll become a witty fellow passenger when your cruise comes around. Engage with people you don’t know so well in your daily life, whether that’s a neighbor you’ve barely spoken to or the barista in your daily coffee haunt. Ask questions, and listen actively – before you know it, you’ll chat effortlessly with fellow cruisers.
Learn Some Photography Basics
A cruise is an aspiring photographer’s dream; all those dreamy sea views and breathtaking ocean vistas are begging to be captured. Even if you don’t know your DSLR from your dual ISO, you can still grab some high-quality cruise shots by understanding the basics of photography.
No, you don’t need a digital camera either, as you can elevate the snaps you take on your smartphone with clever composition, adequate lighting, and framing. There are also plenty of online resources that will help you brush up on your photography game before you sail, from iPhone photography courses to free video tutorials.
Learn the Rules of Poker
Casino games are still a regular feature of many longer cruises, especially that card gaming classic, poker. Whether your goal is to hit the tournament tables or just enjoy a few casual games with your shipmates, knowing the basics of the game will come in handy.
Start by familiarising yourself with the rules, getting a good grasp of hand rankings, and some basic strategies before diving into a game. Online platforms make it easy to learn poker at your own pace, with how-to-guides and strategy tips in abundance. You can even practice your skills in playing money games as you work up the confidence and know-how to play in cash games.
Put on Your Dancing Shoes
The dance class is another staple of onboard cruise entertainment, so there’s no excuse for having two left feet! Whether it’s a high-energy salsa class, an elegant ballroom, or just some free-flowing creative movement, knowing how to coordinate your brain and body in advance will make you stand out for all the right reasons.
If you’re not a natural dancer, you can take a beginner class or two before your cruise. But nothing beats dancing around in your kitchen to a playlist of your favorite tunes. Remember that dance is all about creative expression, and it can be an enjoyable way to meet new people and stay active while you’re onboard your dream cruise.
Brush Up on Your Swimming Skills
Swimming pools and water activities are a big part of the recreational cruise experience. Many shore excursions involve snorkeling, diving, and other water sports.
Being confident in the water is essential for making the most of these opportunities, so, if you haven’t swum in a while, consider taking a refresher course or just spending some time at your local pool before your trip.
