8 tips for millennials considering a summer cruise

Published 8:50 am Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Seven students from the Texas Social Media Research Institute at Tarleton State University covered the millennial travel experience on Carnival Cruise Lines.

Departing from Long Beach, California, the undergraduate and graduate college students learned about the use of social media and the travel and tourism industry.

The millennial travelers had access to leaders on the ship. The students also participated in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the ship.

Through this experience, the millennial travelers developed eight tips for others who are considering traveling on cruise lines:

1. Embrace Cultural Differences

Some millennial travelers were focused on immersing themselves in the culture while remaining open to cultural differences. Marilla Smith, a marketing senior, stated, “This cruise was a great opportunity for me to experience a new country and cultural differences in both Catalina and Ensenada.”

2. Remain Open-Minded While Traveling

Criessia Smith, a communication studies graduate student, reminds travelers to embrace something new. She stated, “Be open minded of everything and everyone around you. Always come prepared and budget accordingly”.

David Gillespie, a communication studies graduate student offered a similar comment, “Be open minded about everything and get out of your comfort zone.”

3. Verify Before You Connect

Smith stated, “Contact your cell phone provider in advance [to discover your options] about international plans.” International calls and data can be expensive depending on the carrier.

4. Plan for Fun

Jeff Nwidobie, an engineering senior, stated, “Keep the fun to a maximum.” Nwidobie embraced opportunities to dance to different types of music while sailing. Brandon Sermon, a communication studies graduate student, stated, “There are so many fun activities to do on the actual cruise ship. It is important to have a versatile wardrobe so that you are having fun while staying comfortable.”

5. Download Important Apps Before Traveling

Isabel Briseno, a communication studies graduate student, stated, “Do not be a bother to others and learn how to be self sufficient on a cruise, do not rely on someone to give you all the answers to your questions educate yourself about the activities on board before you head out.”

6. Plan for Emergencies

Briseno also stated, “If you are unable to find your group or party on the ship due to lack of cell service or other issues, reach out to guest services and use the PA system to find them, also stay in one central location and announce that location. For example: ‘Isabel’s party of 10, Isabel is waiting at guest services.’ Rule of thumb, do not panic or freak out.”

7. Calculate Costs As-You-Go

Katy Sieferman, a communication studies graduate student, provided a financial tip for people who travel on cruises. She stated, “Keep track of your add-ons as you go so you are not surprised with a large bill at the end of your trip.”

8. Plan for Motion Sickness and Headaches

Sermon stated, “When you are traveling on a cruise, make sure you visit your local pharmacy before you leave and purchase small or travel size bottles of medicine. Purchasing medicine  before the cruise will be cheaper than purchasing items on the cruise ship.”

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TSMRI was founded in 2011 as part of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts – Communication Studies Department at Tarleton State University.