Speak with the shore representative as you enter and board the ship. Upon boarding you are assigned you cabin number. Most cruise lines provide a map of the ship with a highlight route to your cabin. Use the map to find your way to the cabin. If unsure, request a staff member to accompany and guide you.
Ask the crew member when the ship orientation is and where will it be. Most cruise lines have a session where staff instructs you as to how to find your way about the ship. Attend the class.
Locate the cruise ship maps on the hallway walls in the cabins and at the shopping mall kiosks (yes, most cruise ships have shopping malls!) to find your bearings. Almost all the maps have the ubiquitous "you are here" arrows on the maps. Use these to find your bearings.
Step out onto the deck. Look at the sea and watch where the cruise ship wake flows. If you are facing the rear of the ship, the wake moves out in a "V" pattern. If you are facing toward the front of the ship you will not see a wake.
