Planning your first cruise can be exciting, especially when you are trying to plan an adventure that is out of the ordinary. But with so much to think about, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and forget the small details. Luckily, there are some tips here that will help you stay on track and enjoy your vacation.
Cruising Basics
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Research the different types of cruises available and select the one that is right for you. There are cruises ranging from luxurious ocean voyages to more affordable river cruises. You can also choose to go on a single destination cruise or explore different ports of call on a multi-destination voyage.
2. Decide what type of travel experience you would like. Cruise lines offer both full-service cruising where all meals and activities are included, as well as self-catering options where you are responsible for your own food and drinks. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, be sure to consult with the cruise line’s medical staff to see if there are any restrictions or limitations on what type of cruise you can embark on.
3. Determine what kind of luggage you will need and pack it accordingly. Most cruise lines allow limited amounts of luggage that must be checked in at the port of embarkation. Bring only the clothes you will need for the duration of the cruise.
Planning Your Cruise
No matter what your reason for cruising – to enjoy the scenery, to see new friends, to escape the cold – it’s important to plan ahead.
But before anything else, it’s important to understand a few basics about cruises: they’re big, expensive events that require a lot of planning. Here are some things to think about before you go:
1. How many people are in your party? Cruises typically range from small family-style cruises with up to 150 passengers, all the way up to huge luxury liners with over 4,000 passengers. Make sure you have enough room on your cruise ship!
2. How long is your cruise planned for? Most cruises last around 10 days. Make sure you know how much time you’ll need for each port of call.
3. What type of cruise is it? There are three main types of cruises: luxury cruises (where the focus is on relaxation and pampering), family cruises (for people with kids), and adventure cruises (for people who want to experience culture and nature).
4. How long are your planned activities? Cruise ships often have several hours of planned activities every day. These may include sporting events, team building events, trivia games, or just lounging around the pool.
5. Are there special events on board? The cruise industry is constantly evolving. Sometimes the itineraries will change and you might find a different port of call than originally planned. Do some research ahead of time to be sure you know what’s going on!
Getting To Your Cruise
1. Check the availability of your desired cruise ship and cabin type. Cruises can fill up quickly, so be sure to book as early as possible.
2. Research the destination of your cruise. Do some online research to get an idea of what attractions, restaurants, and beaches are in your port of call.
3. Create a budget for your cruise and keep track of how much money you’re spending each week or month. This will help you stay within budget and decide if a pricier cruise is worth it.
4. Check visa requirements for your destination country well in advance of your trip. Many countries require a visa prior to boarding a cruise ship, so be sure to research the process ahead of time.
5. Make arrangements for someone to take care of pets while you’re away. Some ports do not allow animals on board, so it’s important to plan ahead and have someone willing to handle this task for you.
