Before you book your cruise, research the ports and the cruise company. Make sure the itinerary and the onboard atmosphere suit your preferences. When you’ve booked, it’s essential to be organized with your trip planning. Don’t leave things to the last minute. Make a list of everything you need to do before you leave and check it off as you go. This way, you won’t forget something vital like your passport. With a little effort and some careful planning, you can have a cruise travel experience that’s smooth sailing all the way.
Cruising is a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations while enjoying all the facilities and inclusions of a resort. If you’re a first-time cruiser, be aware that a cruise vacation is a little different from other forms of travel. To ensure you have the best experience, here are some essential tips for a smooth cruise travel experience.
Before we dive into the tips, let’s first take a broad look at what a cruise is, and what it offers. Ships Used for Cruising – Cruises are conducted on large, ocean-going ships. These ships are actually floating resorts, complete with all the facilities and activities that you would find in a resort on land – and more! Today’s cruise ships have elegant dining rooms, theaters for live entertainment, casinos, lounges, shops, swimming pools, fitness centers, sports facilities, and even beauty salons and spas. The larger ships even have a promenade deck, where you can walk or jog, with the sea breeze in your hair. Cruises offer a variety of itineraries, ranging from a few days to a trip around the world that can take several months. What they all have in common is that they offer their passengers a taste of several different destinations – but with the comfort of unpacking only once, and the convenience of traveling from one port to another while they sleep.
Firstly, congratulations on choosing one of the most relaxing and luxurious forms of travel! A cruise is a wonderful way to see the world, and it ensures that you return from your holiday well-rested and pampered. Today’s cruises are packed with a wide range of activities for all age groups – from kids, to young singles and couples, to retirees. It is entirely possible to have a very active holiday, full of sports, games, and other activities – or to have a completely serene and quiet holiday, with days spent lazing by the pool, and evenings spent in the ship’s elegant surroundings. No matter what type of cruise you choose to take, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you will long to repeat.
This guide provides important guidelines and essential tips for a smooth cruise travel experience. Although most of the advice is also applicable to other types of travel, the focus of this guide is on helping those who are about to embark on their first cruise, or on seasoned cruise travelers who wish to improve their cruise travel experience.
Choosing the Right Cruise
Reputation of the cruise line. The best guarantee of a successful cruise is dealing with a reliable company, even if it means paying a little more.
Discounts. Ask about discounts for children, senior citizens, airline employees, etc. Booking well in advance and other “early bird” specials can also save you money.
Price. The cost of a cruise can be deceiving. Once you have set your budget, make sure you inquire about exactly what is and what is not included in the price. Of course, there are always additional costs for gambling, beauty and health treatments, drinks, photographs, and shore excursions.
Type of cruise. Do you prefer a luxury ship, a small ship with fewer passengers, or a large ship with all the facilities – swimming pools, health club, casino, etc.?
Itinerary. Do you want to sail close to home or would you prefer more exotic ports of call? Be aware of the fact that the Caribbean, Alaska, and Mediterranean are seasonal cruises.
Length. Cruises can be as short as three days or as long as three months. Decide how much time you can spare.
Researching Cruise Lines
Researching cruise ports Before booking your shore excursions, take the time to research each port of call to determine if you can explore the area on your own. Some cruise ports are located within walking distance to the city center, while others require a taxi or shuttle service. It’s also important to check the local currency and exchange rates, as well as the accepted methods of payment. By doing a little research in advance, you can save money and make the most of your time in each port.
Not all cruise lines are created equal, and it’s important to choose one that aligns with your travel preferences and style. Research what each cruise line offers in terms of dining, activities, entertainment, and overall atmosphere to ensure that you will have an enjoyable experience. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, I strongly recommend contacting a travel agent who specializes in cruises. They will have insider knowledge and can help you find the best deals.
Considering Destinations and Itineraries
You should also consider the length of the cruise, as cruises vary from a few days to several months. Shorter cruises are often more family-oriented and attract a younger crowd, while more mature passengers tend to take longer cruises. There is also a difference of atmosphere between a port-intensive cruise and a cruise where several days are spent at sea between ports. On a port-intensive cruise, you will probably have only a few hours in each port, which can be quite rushed. However, if you are prone to seasickness, you might prefer a cruise with more days at sea. Be aware that cruise itineraries can and do change, often at short notice.
When choosing a cruise, consider the destinations and itineraries on offer. Do you want a sunny beach holiday, a tour of European cities, or an expedition to the icy wilderness of Antarctica? Cruises are available to just about every part of the world. Some popular cruise itineraries include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. If you have a specific destination in mind, you may find your choice is limited, particularly if you are wanting to depart from a nearby port.
Packing Essentials
Waterproof camera. If you plan on doing any water activities while in port or if you want to take pictures while on the beach, it is a good idea to have a waterproof camera with you.
Small first-aid kit. It is always a good idea to have a small first-aid kit with you when you travel, as you never know when you might need it. Fill it with items like band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness medicine, and any other medications you may need while traveling.
Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. If you are going on a warm weather cruise, it is important to have these items with you to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. You will likely be spending a lot of time outdoors while in port, and it is no fun to be sunburned.
Comfortable shoes. You will likely be doing a lot of walking while in port, so it is important to have comfortable shoes that are broken in and that you know you can walk in for long periods of time. Flip-flops are also a good idea for wearing while onboard the ship, as they are easy to slip on and off and are great for lounging by the pool.
Cruises are a lot of fun and are an extremely relaxing type of vacation, but it is important that you ensure that you have the items you need to make your cruise travel experience as enjoyable as possible. Before you leave for your cruise, make sure you have the following items packed and ready to go so that you can relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about anything.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Cruise Travel Experience
Day bag. If you are taking a long cruise, you may want to have a small day bag to use while on the ship, as you may not want to carry your backpack around with you all day while onboard. A day bag can hold your book, e-reader, the daily newsletter, some small snacks, and any other items you want to have with you while lounging by the pool or sitting in one of the ship’s lounges.
Backpack. You will likely be doing a lot of walking and touring while in port, so it is a good idea to have a backpack with you to carry items like water, snacks, sunscreen, and any souvenirs you pick up along the way.
Spare change and small bills. It’s a good idea to have some small bills and change for tipping the porters when embarking and disembarking from the ship, and for any small purchases you make when in port.
Cruises are a lot of fun and are an extremely relaxing type of vacation, but it is important that you ensure that you have the items you need to make your cruise travel experience as enjoyable as possible.
Clothing and Footwear
Formal nights are special occasions on board and most passengers will dress accordingly. Men should wear a suit and tie or tuxedo or dinner jacket. Women should wear an evening or cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit. A few cruises have adopted a more relaxed formal night and a jacket and tie may be optional. Check with your cruise line for specific requirements. For more elegant cruises that are not necessarily “formal,” passengers are requested to wear dressy resort wear. This includes casual dresses for women and slacks and sports shirt for men. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed. Be sure to bring enough sets of undergarments and socks as laundry and dry cleaning prices on board are exorbitant. Also, include items for theme nights if your cruise has them.
What clothing should be included in your cruise travel bag? The first thing to include is a jacket or sweater for cool nights or cooler destinations. Next, list the number of days you’ll be cruising and include one or two outfits for each day. Be sure to include at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage gets lost in transit. Most cruises are very casual during the day. Casual clothing includes shorts, jeans, t-shirts, and bathing suits. If you forget to pack any of these items, most cruises have a shop onboard where you can purchase these items, albeit at a much higher price.
Travel Documents and Identification
Before embarking on your cruise, ensure all required travel documents have the necessary validity. Passports, for example, should have at least six months of validity remaining from the cruise termination date. If cruising internationally without a passport, verify whether the cruise line requires a visa. Be aware that visa processing can take several weeks, so start the process early and ensure all required travel documents and identification have the requisite validity to avoid issues that could prohibit cruise travel.
Several forms of identification are required to cruise. It is best to assemble a document holder for each member of your travel party that will contain all of the required identification forms. Guests typically need to carry their cruise boarding pass, government-issued ID card, driver’s license, or passport. For minors, original or certified copies of birth certificates and, if required, letters of consent for travel. Keep these documents in a safe place onboard the cruise ship using the room safe or other secure location. Be prepared to show identification and cruise boarding passes at security checkpoints each time you embark and disembark the cruise ship while in port.
Onboard Etiquette and Safety
It is vital to attend the compulsory safety drill that takes place at the beginning of each cruise. The instructions and information given might just save your life, especially when at sea. This drill will be the most basic lesson on cruise ship safety, and it usually lasts about 30 minutes. The majority of the cruise ship passengers pay no attention to the briefing and talk through it, yet these same people manage to find their way to their designated lifeboat locations when the crew conduct a mock evacuation.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, be it first-time or a seasoned cruiser, it is essential to have a little insight into cruise travel when planning a sea vacation. While onboard, you will be sharing space with a few thousand others, so it helps to be prepared. This article offers tips on onboard etiquette and safety.
Respecting Crew and Fellow Passengers
In terms of the crew, always greet them with a smile and a friendly “hello” or “good morning”. They work very hard to make sure that you have a pleasant vacation, and a little courtesy goes a long way. If you have a specific concern and need to address it, do so calmly and respectfully. Getting angry or using abusive language will not help the situation get resolved any faster and will only serve to create more stress for yourself and those around you. Remember, the whole point of a cruise is to relax and have a good time, so don’t let minor issues ruin your vacation.
On a cruise, you’ll be in close contact with a large number of people for an extended period of time, both your fellow passengers and the ship’s crew. It’s important to be respectful of their backgrounds, beliefs, and values. When it comes to fellow passengers, practice good “cruise manners” by not pushing ahead in lines, reserving deck chairs with towels and then disappearing for hours, or being excessively loud in public areas. If you’re an experienced cruiser, be patient with first-timers who may not understand how things work. And if you’re new to cruising, don’t be afraid to ask questions, but do so politely and with consideration for those around you.
Emergency Procedures and Safety Drills
Be aware of your ship’s general emergency alarm and signals. In case of an emergency, different alarm sounds can be heard throughout the ship. There are three types of alarm signals you may hear. The first one is the general emergency alarm, which is a series of seven short blasts followed by one long blast. The second one is the alarm for fire, which is a continuous ring of the ship’s bell, and the third one is the alarm for abandoning the ship, which is three long blasts followed by three short blasts followed by three long blasts. If you hear any of these alarms, take the necessary actions as instructed during the safety drill. Ensure you know the location of your cabin and how to quickly get to the nearest emergency exit.
Prepare for your cruise safety drills. Every passenger must participate in the required safety drills before the ship sets sail. It is usually held at various locations throughout the ship. Follow the instructions to your designated assembly stations and pay attention to the safety information provided. This is very important because you need to know what to do in case of an emergency. You will also learn how to properly wear the life jackets during the safety drills.
Exploring Ports of Call
Whether you are visiting a historical city, a tropical island, or a beautiful seaside town, exploring the port of call is one of the best parts of the cruise travel experience. With a little bit of preparation, you can make each stop a fun and memorable adventure!
WHILE ON SHORE: It’s essential to make a conscious effort to understand and respect the local customs, people, and environment of the port of call. If the destination is in a different country, remember to bring your necessary identification and other travel documents. Be cautious with your money, jewelry, and other valuables, as you would in any tourist location, and keep a close watch on the time. You should plan to return to the ship well before the scheduled departure time.
PREPARE AND PLAN: Before you depart on your cruise, take a look at the itinerary and the various ports of call options. Many cruise lines provide detailed information on what to expect at each stop, along with recommendations for shore excursions and other activities. If you prefer to explore on your own, do some research on each destination, looking for points of interest, dining options, and transportation details. You might also consider pre-booking a reputable tour with a local guide operator to get a more in-depth and expertly guided experience of the area’s highlights.
Although a cruise ship has lots of entertainment and activity options on board, everybody loves to get off and explore the ports of call. With shore excursions and free-time activities to choose from, you can make the most out of each stop. Just be sure to check the sailing schedule, so you don’t get left behind and miss the boat!
Planning Shore Excursions
Whether you are planning to take a shore excursion or explore the port on your own, it is a good idea to do some research about the destination beforehand. If you decide to go on a tour, make sure to book through a reputable company that is officially endorsed by the cruise line. This way, you can be sure that the ship will wait for you if the tour runs into any delays. Be especially mindful of the time if you are in a different time zone. If you do choose to book a tour through a local company, leave plenty of time to get back to the ship. You don’t want to miss it and be left behind.
Cruise ships provide a great way to relax, see a lot of different places, and have a good time. However, they only stop for so long in each port. If you want to make the most of your time in a destination, you may want to plan a shore excursion. Just remember that these are not cheap. If you are on a tight budget, it may be more cost-effective to explore a destination on your own. There are plenty of resources available to help you do so. Before embarking on your DIY excursion, try to get a map of the area and note the places of interest. Also, make sure to know the sailing times of the ship and plan your day accordingly to avoid missing the departure.
Interacting with Locals
Respect local customs and traditions. Before visiting a new country, take some time to research and understand the local customs and traditions. You don’t want to unintentionally offend someone by making a gesture or doing something that is considered rude in their culture. By showing respect and interest in the local customs, you’ll be embraced by the local community and will have a much more memorable travel experience. If you’re unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask a local for guidance. They will appreciate your interest in their culture and will be happy to help you.
Try to speak the local language. Even if you only know a few words or phrases, making an effort to speak the local language can go a long way in connecting with people. Locals will appreciate your efforts, even if you end up saying something completely wrong. And who knows, you might even learn some new words or improve your language skills along the way. If you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, consider taking a language course before your trip. Or better yet, use a language learning app to learn as you go. This can be a fun and interactive way to pick up a new language.