Vacationing is always an opportunity to relax and enjoy some time away from everything, but if could help improve your experience and avoid any hardships, why not? Especially when on a cruise, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared to have the absolutely best experience.
Preparing for the cruise
- When looking around be sure to analyze all of your options. Most times it will actually be cheaper to book with a travel agent than directly with the cruise line. Anyway, specialized travel agents in cruises will definitely be able to point you in the right direction, so all you have to do is choose a preferred destination.
- A great way to prepare financially for a cruise is to save up for a few months until you have enough to go and book your cruise and look for last minute booking availabilities. You’ll find amazing discounts.
- Being prepared for when you land is just as important as booking the cruise itself. Book online (if possible) any on-shore tours in advance, or find local tours that could be even cheaper than the cruise ones. Another good option is a taxi for sightseeing. Always keep in mind that if you decide to book one that is not directly related to your cruise, be back in time, because they will not know to wait for you and will leave you stranded.
- Looking for the best of the best, go for newer ships.
- Keep in mind a few tips as to whom you’re travelling with. If you know of anyone that works on a cruise, that’s one to look at. Always look into the age group for the cruise and enjoy yourself the most as possible by planning the trip with friends or family.
- Scope out the terrain, especially for Alaskan cruises. Make sure your cabin is facing all the beautiful scenery.
- Finally, go with the flow. Don’t overplan.
What to pack (and not pack)
- You will be on a cruise that has quite a bit of amenities, including laundry. So, analyze what you really need to take or things you can maybe do without.
- The previous point will also help you save some room for the things you want to buy while you’re vacationing.
- Of course, don’t forget your passport! Always triple check before you leave.
- Some essentials for the ride (just in case): earplugs, watch, suntan lotion and aspirin. All of these will come in handy for your trip, as they will be useful for different moments of the trip such as keeping with the cruise timetables, taking some sun on the deck or on shore and of course for those party nights.
The day of
- Make sure to arrive on time.
- Make sure you plan accordingly so that late flights, or other inconveniences don’t get in the way of you arriving on time. There are other options, like flying to the next port, but of course you’ll have to cover the extra expenses.
- Once you get in don’t be worried if you see lines. Many times some passengers have specific things they have to do find out, so don’t rush to get on every line you see.
- Prepare from ahead of time what kind of cabin you want because once you’re on it is quite difficult to upgrade or change cabins. So, when choosing consider taking a room at the front of the cruise, because even though you’ll have to walk a bit more, you won’t feel the engine.
- Your luggage will arrive, but give it time. Sometimes it may arrive in the evening, so don’t worry.
- If you have any problems with your cabin, don’t overly concern yourself. The most important thing is to remain relaxed, notify someone and keep enjoying your stay.
When the adventure begins
- Always make sure you packed cash and a credit card, so you’re ready just in case you want to make any onboard purchases.
- Remember that watch you were supposed to pack; well this is when it comes in handy. You will be assigned a dinnertime, boarding time at each of your stops, as well as other activities on the cruise, so be sure to always arrive on time.
Image courtesy of Don McCullough at Flickr.com
- Be sure to be attentive when the crew is explaining the evacuations and safety norms. They could save your life in case of an emergency.
- Waiters and crew members usually have a tough job and have vacations once every 8 months, so be sure to treat them well. Offer them a good tip on the first day and that will assure great service.
- If you want to spend more time at a particular port, you might want to consider flying there, spending a few days and then jumping on at that port.