From the most scenic ports to the one excursion not to miss.
22 January 2023
For many travellers, taking a cruise is an art form to be perfected over years of extensive sailing. Everything from finding the type of cruise lines that best suit your travel style to the most strategic ways to pack and the best places to hang out on board are all insights that are honed over numerous voyages.
However, less savvy cruisers shouldn’t feel left in the dark. To help people set out on their first or next voyage, we tapped cruise expert Franck Galzy, the general manager on board Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor, for his top cruise tips.
Galzy has worked on board cruise ships for more than 20 years. “I joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises 22 years ago as Head Sommelier,” Galzy shares. “Over the past two decades, I progressed through the ranks in hotel management, going from Head Sommelier to Controller, Provision Master, Maître D, Food and Beverage Manager, and General Manager.”
Consequently, Galzy has acted as a key coordinator for hundreds of passengers and crew for the last 12 years; he is also responsible for organizing several special events during spectacular voyages including World Cruises.
Five Essential Cruise Tips
Here are five tips from Galzy to keep in mind before stepping on board a cruise ship:
1. The Best Region to Visit
“My favourite region I’ve ever visited while working is Asia,” Galzy states. “From the friendliness of people who have a genuine love for life to the mouth-watering culinary delicacies, as well as the diverse array of busy cities with massive skyscrapers and peaceful laid-back islands, you are really spoiled for choice in Asia.”
Moreover, cruises to Asia are finally restarting once again. Among the standout itineraries for 2023 are sailings that visit the countrysides of Japan; peaceful cruises that visit temples and tranquil beaches in Thailand and Indonesia; and voyages that focus on the region’s biggest cities, including Taipei, Hanoi, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
2. The Most Scenic Port
The French city of Bordeaux ranks among “the most scenic, beautiful ports I have had the pleasure of sailing into,” according to Galzy. With its Gothic and Romanesque buildings sitting right on the water’s edge, cruisers will want to be on-deck to take in the vista while docking in the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The Best Views on Board
When looking for the best views on board, first-time cruisers may be tempted to go all the way to the top deck. However, Galzy suggests the opposite. “The heart of the ship offers the best views,” he advises. On lower, more central decks, you can look out over the waterline, increasing your chances of spotting sea life like jumping dolphins—considered a good omen among sailors.
4. Packing Tips for Long Trips
Strategic packing can be vital to enjoying a cruise. Passengers should focus on packing their clothes in a way to avoid wrinkles. Avoiding wrinkles is crucial when packing for a cruise since irons aren’t allowed in staterooms, and laundry costs can add up quickly.
Furthermore, savvy cruisers know to unpack as soon as they arrive on board and to bring wrinkle-release spray for a polished look. Essential items to bring include a refillable water bottle, a rain jacket, and a travel plug adapter.
5. Unmissable Excursions
Although some veteran cruisers skip shore excursions to enjoy ship amenities, some tours are unmissable. One that every passenger should take is Al-Khazneh (also known as the Treasury building) located in Petra, Jordan, which was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. “I recommend arriving at the temple ‘Indiana Jones’ style – on horseback!”
