If you are planning your very first cruise, you may be unsure what to expect. Keep in mind these important cruise travel tips when you go on a cruise.
First of all, make sure you have a good carry on bag. In both the bags you will take on the plane and personally transport onboard, pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries. There are two reasons why this is important. First, if your luggage gets lost by the airline on the way to your cruise, at least you'll have some essentials with you. It can take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Also, rather than waiting for your bags to show up if they are delayed in being delivered to your cabin, you'll have a bathing suit or dinner attire on hand and can enjoy all the onboard activities right away.
Bring sufficient medication for the cruise and a detailed list of prescriptions and their generic names. Keep in mind that you may have little or no access to a pharmacy aboard the ship or in foreign ports. Bring a second set of spectacles, in case yours get lost or broken.
Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the countries you will be visiting. If you break the law during a stopover, you will be subject to the judicial system of the host country. The country with jurisdiction over territorial waters is whose laws prevail at sea. The international law of the sea applies in waters outside national boundaries.
Reserve any on shore excursions you will do during the cruise, as soon as possible after you embark on your trip. If you forget to make your land arrangements because you are busy with new friends and on-board activities, desirable tours may already be booked up.
All important documents should be kept with you. Never pack your necessary IDs and cruise documents in your checked luggage - and make sure you always have them. You can still board the ship if your passport or other photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass are on hand, even if your suitcase misses the boat.
On a ship, you need to be aware of your surroundings, just as if you were in a big city. Stay away from dark hallways; when tempers flare, keep your distance; don't accept beverages from strange people. If you have a feeling something is wrong, pay attention to that feeling. Tell someone else too; notify the Purser's Office the minute you suspect trouble.
Last tip: good pre-trip planning will make your cruise travel more memorable and everything you hope for.
First of all, make sure you have a good carry on bag. In both the bags you will take on the plane and personally transport onboard, pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries. There are two reasons why this is important. First, if your luggage gets lost by the airline on the way to your cruise, at least you'll have some essentials with you. It can take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Also, rather than waiting for your bags to show up if they are delayed in being delivered to your cabin, you'll have a bathing suit or dinner attire on hand and can enjoy all the onboard activities right away.
Bring sufficient medication for the cruise and a detailed list of prescriptions and their generic names. Keep in mind that you may have little or no access to a pharmacy aboard the ship or in foreign ports. Bring a second set of spectacles, in case yours get lost or broken.
Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the countries you will be visiting. If you break the law during a stopover, you will be subject to the judicial system of the host country. The country with jurisdiction over territorial waters is whose laws prevail at sea. The international law of the sea applies in waters outside national boundaries.
Reserve any on shore excursions you will do during the cruise, as soon as possible after you embark on your trip. If you forget to make your land arrangements because you are busy with new friends and on-board activities, desirable tours may already be booked up.
All important documents should be kept with you. Never pack your necessary IDs and cruise documents in your checked luggage - and make sure you always have them. You can still board the ship if your passport or other photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass are on hand, even if your suitcase misses the boat.
On a ship, you need to be aware of your surroundings, just as if you were in a big city. Stay away from dark hallways; when tempers flare, keep your distance; don't accept beverages from strange people. If you have a feeling something is wrong, pay attention to that feeling. Tell someone else too; notify the Purser's Office the minute you suspect trouble.
Last tip: good pre-trip planning will make your cruise travel more memorable and everything you hope for.
