You may not be sure what to expect, if you are planning a cruise for your very first time. When you go on a cruise, keep these important cruise travel tips in mind.
First, always have a good carry on bag. Pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries in the bags you will take on the plane and personally transport onboard. There are two reasons why this is important. First of all, if the airline loses your luggage on the way to your cruise, you will at least have your essential items. It can take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Second, in case your suitcases 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, rather than waiting for your bags to show up.
Bring enough medication for the duration of the cruise, as well as a detailed list of your prescriptions and the generic equivalents. 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.
The local laws and customs of the countries you will be visiting may be different from what you are used to - familiarize yourself with them. 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.
If you're going to go on shore excursions during the cruise, make reservations as soon as possible after embarking. 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.
Keep all your vital documents on your person. Never pack your necessary IDs and cruise documents in your checked luggage - and make sure you always have them. Even if your suitcase misses the boat, you can get onboard if you have your passport or other photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass on hand.
On a ship, you need to be aware of your surroundings, just as if you were in a big city. Avoid darkened hallways; distance yourself if tempers flare; don't accept beverages from strange people. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it probably is. Tell someone else too; the minute you suspect trouble, notify the Purser's Office.
Finally, make your cruise travel memorable and all that you want it to be by doing a lot of planning before you travel.
First, always have a good carry on bag. Pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries in the bags you will take on the plane and personally transport onboard. There are two reasons why this is important. First of all, if the airline loses your luggage on the way to your cruise, you will at least have your essential items. It can take a while for your luggage to be found and then shipped to the next port of call. Second, in case your suitcases 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, rather than waiting for your bags to show up.
Bring enough medication for the duration of the cruise, as well as a detailed list of your prescriptions and the generic equivalents. 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.
The local laws and customs of the countries you will be visiting may be different from what you are used to - familiarize yourself with them. 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.
If you're going to go on shore excursions during the cruise, make reservations as soon as possible after embarking. 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.
Keep all your vital documents on your person. Never pack your necessary IDs and cruise documents in your checked luggage - and make sure you always have them. Even if your suitcase misses the boat, you can get onboard if you have your passport or other photo ID and cruise ship boarding pass on hand.
On a ship, you need to be aware of your surroundings, just as if you were in a big city. Avoid darkened hallways; distance yourself if tempers flare; don't accept beverages from strange people. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it probably is. Tell someone else too; the minute you suspect trouble, notify the Purser's Office.
Finally, make your cruise travel memorable and all that you want it to be by doing a lot of planning before you travel.