How to Make the Most of Your First Day On Board
You finally made it! Whether you’ve planned for months or weeks, the moment has arrived for your epic Holland America Line cruise vacation. Ready to escape your everyday norms, you can’t wait to pamper yourself with rest, relaxation and adventure. Though you’re buzzing with excitement as you pack your bags, you may wonder how you can make the most of your first day on board. We’ve got you covered with these quick tips:
Delight in tasty flavors on the Lido Deck.
Once you’re on board, you may be craving something savory or sweet. After all, excitement can work up an appetite! Satisfy your cravings at the Lido Market, where you’ll find a variety of fresh flavors and ingredients.
You could also explore places like the Dive-In, which is a great spot to dine near the pool to enjoy the most incredible burgers at sea. Relish mouthwatering flavors as you indulge in casual culinary classics, from burgers and hot dogs to the grilled portabella mushroom sandwich.
Explore the cruise ship.
After you have completed some basic safety essentials on board, take a self-guided tour of the cruise ship. This will help you become familiar with your home away from home for the duration of the trip.
Tour the spa and make your reservations for their “ahhh”-mazing services that will leave you feeling pampered from head to toe. Then continue exploring, locating the pools, specialty restaurants, entertainment venues and more.
Locate your stateroom to unpack and unwind.
Now that you have done your first round of exploring, head to your stateroom to unpack and unwind for a bit. If you opted for a verandah, take some time to enjoy the views and fresh air.
Also check out the information on your stateroom TV, which will highlight helpful information throughout your cruise. This is a good time to make sure you’re familiar with the Navigator App, our free mobile-friendly tool. The Navigator App helps you personalize your cruise experience once you’re on the ship. Here you can plan your daily activities, browse and purchase shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, check your account balance and more. If you need assistance with the app, stop by Guest Services for guidance and tips.
Don’t delay in making reservations.
If you haven’t already done so, make specialty dining reservations and purchase your shore excursions ASAP. You can use your Navigator App to do just that. From wildlife encounters in Alaska to horseback riding in Half Moon Cay, there are plenty of shore excursions to choose from at each destination. Spots fill up quickly for many activities, so if you haven’t already booked them, prioritize this once you’re on board.
Kick off your vacation at the Sail Away Celebration.
Get ready to set sail at Holland America Line’s Sail Away Celebration! One of the best places to soak up vacation vibes and views is from the Lido Deck in the aft section (or rear part) of the ship.
This is a great time to mingle with friends, meet fellow cruisers and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Grab a cocktail, get cozy in a lounge chair and enjoy the sights as you get ready for the unforgettable journey ahead.
How would you like to spend your first day on board? Share your tips in the comments below.
