In the video, Gary urged passengers to avoid one common error during embarkation day (Image: Getty)
A respected travel personality has urged tourists to on board the ship.
Gary Bembridge runs the channel , publishing videos in which he offers tips that can help tourists get the most from their time at sea without spending a fortune.
In , Gary urges passengers to during their first day on board, warning that it is often the busiest part of the ship.
He advised: “The first thing that never do is go to the buffet at the wrong time. They all choose really carefully about when they do and don’t use the buffet. For a start, smart cruisers generally don’t go to the buffet during embarkation day lunch.
“Not only is it busy, but there are better options and things that can help them get ahead of the crowd by not eating there. There are always better alternatives that are less busy and offer an elevated dining experience.”
:
The buffet is typically busiest during embarkation day, with many guests wanting a quick meal (Image: Getty)
Embarkation day is one of the busiest times on board a cruise ship, with many new passengers unpacking and getting to grips with their home at sea.
As a result, many passengers looking to grab a bite to eat will head up to the buffet. However, Gary warned that its popularity among new passengers makes it incredibly busy and stressful.
However, all major cruise ships will give passengers a considerable choice in dining options, with Gary suggesting that tourists check for alternatives that will almost always be quieter and therefore more enjoyable.
Don’t miss… [REPORT]
To beat the crowds, passengers should have their first meal in the main dining room (Image: Getty)
In particular, the cruise expert recommended that passengers try the main dining room for their first meal on board, particularly if they have any dietary requirements or want to be at a nice table for the rest of the trip.
He explained: “Smart cruisers mostly go to the main dining room instead of the buffet for two key reasons. First of all, to make sure they can get a great table if they are on fixed dining.
“The other reason is to get food allergy requirements sorted. The main dining room maitre’d usually handles this and is the one that must be spoken to. It’s really important to do this, because the buffet restaurant could actually be riskier for passengers with dietary issues.”
Gary also noted that many cruise lines offer a loyalty scheme which gives experienced travellers a unique menu during the first day on board that should not be missed.
He continued: “If you have a loyalty status, check whether there is a main dining room lunch menu exclusively for you. Many lines do, and I’ve had them on P&O Cruises, Princess, and Celebrity in the past
“Or, if the weather’s good, I might head up to the pool grill and have a burger, I did that on my last Holland America cruise, or a pizza from the on-deck pizzeria.”