Royal Holiday

While different people enjoy cruises for different reasons, every traveler looks forward to a restful ocean voyage, full of fun and free of worries. To be assured of a good trip, every experienced traveler knows to plan ahead—and cruises are no exception. A little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding stress that might ruin a perfect vacation, so here are a few things to consider well before arriving at the dock.

Verify Travel Documents

It’s not fun, but the most important part of a cruise is the paperwork. Passengers should verify that the info on their boarding pass is correct as soon as they receive it. They are also responsible for having the right passport and necessary visas for their destinations. Fortunately, cruise companies and travel agencies have experts who can help with these details.

Plan Activities

Because cruise ship activities, restaurants, and venues can get booked up, it is a good idea to look over the ship’s schedule and make reservations for any appealing activities. Most ships are pretty forgiving about changing these kinds of plans, so there is generally little to lose by booking a spectacular show, elegant meal, or once-in-a-lifetime shore excursion in advance.

Pack the Right Clothes

Of course, every traveler needs leisure wear—swim suits, sandals, sun hats, shorts, and so on—to enjoy all the outdoor activities aboard the ship and at ports of call. Many ships, however, also have dress codes at certain times or in certain eating or entertainment venues. Packing a couple “smart casual” outfits and a formal ensemble is usually a good idea. Of course, passengers should also pack for the destination: a Caribbean beach requires very different clothes than a tour of Alaskan glaciers.

Pack Toiletries and Health Items

Items like a favorite shampoo, specific perfumes, over-the-counter medications, feminine hygiene products, and the like can be difficult to acquire on a cruise, so passengers should pack what they need. Likewise, running out of a prescription can quickly turn a good vacation bad.

Budget for Extra Expenses

While a cruise is one of the most affordable types of vacation around, there are additional expenses beyond the cost of the ticket. These include tips for cabin stewards and waiters, and cover charges for certain clubs, restaurants, and venues. Alcohol usually is charged separately, as are organized shore excursions and incidentals bought in shops on board or in port.

Save Space for Souvenirs

Of course, the best way to spend a little extra cash is to buy souvenirs and gifts. Savvy cruise ship passengers know to pack a duffle or foldable bag in their luggage, so they have plenty of extra space to take all their vacation memorabilia back home.