Why you need to join this Facebook group before you go on a cruise
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Going on a cruise might seem like a reason to stay off your phone.
Turns out, you may be missing out if you don't do one thing before you go.
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Couple relaxing and drinking wine on deck chairs in an over water bungalow. They are holding the wine glasses Getty
It might seem a little retro to be recommending something on Facebook. But the social media site is unique for its groups function.
And while you might already be in many, such as for your local area or hobbies, you should join one for your cruise.
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Canny sailors can just do a search and it's likely somebody will have created a group for your particular sailing.
It means you can ask advice and meet people who'll be on the ship with you.
I've done this in the past when going on cruises with my mum and it helped really helped with the planning.
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Young smiling woman in a hat taking a selfie using a smartphone on the shore of a mediterranean resort Getty
From being able to ask questions about excurious and embarkation (as well as simply being nosy about who was sailing with you) it's something unique to cruising.
If you're a solo sailor it would also be a great way to meet some potential new friends before you get on board, too.
Recently, a TikTok about a Facebook group for a Disney cruise went viral.
The passengers in the group all met up on board, and organised to wear the same shirt one evening. They did a conga line and connected over the silly concept.
This is just a simple example of how joining the Facebook group can make you feel more connected with the community on the ship.
A group on a Disney Cruise went viral for their onboard meet-up. TikTok
Expert Honida Beram from Cruising with Honey, who even hosts her own group cruises, is a big advocate for Facebook groups for Aussie cruisers.
"I'm such a community person and have built a cruising family of nearly 30,000 people on Facebook over the last decade," she tells Nine.com.au.
"There's just something magical about watching a group of strangers turn into your cruise family, even more so in the weeks leading up to a voyage.
"We share tips, plan meet-ups, count down together, and hype each other up the whole way through."
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Cruise expert Honida Beram is a big advocate for Facebook groups. Supplied/Honida Beram
Honida has hosted numerous group cruises – she has her 50th birthday cruise coming up in July - and has already created the Facebook page for the event.
"It is a mix of exciting activities planned, strangers connecting and looking forward to meeting in real life," she tells us.
s"By the time I get on the ship, it doesn't feel like a bunch of random people anymore - it feels like we're already cruising with friends."
If you need general tips about a cruise line or destination there are also groups in place for all the major ones, too.
But finding one for your voyage will make it more tailored to your holiday.
Drop us an email with all your wisdom to travel@nine.com.au, and your tip could be featured in an upcoming story on 9Travel.
Supplied
