Getting Ready for Your Cruise: 5 Things To Do Ahead of Time

If you’re about to embark on a cruise, you’re in for an adventure. Ship life offers a happy balance of entertainment and relaxation while also allowing you to check out a new culture and terrain. To get the most out of the experience and minimize disappointment, you should take care of a few things ahead of time. Before you head out the doors and get on board, do the following five things

1. Check Your Paperwork

What do you need to get on board and get into other areas? Rules change by cruise lines and countries. You may need driver’s licenses in some ports. Other places (especially those with international borders) may mandate passports. Passports mainly take a while to update and receive. Don’t put that off. Be sure to research your local office, make an appointment and take care of that pronto. Pack these papers first, double-checking that you aren’t missing anything.

2. Book Your Musts

If you plan to get out into the area and learn something, consider booking excursions ahead of time. They do fill up often before the ship leaves port. Your cruise line usually allows you to select these options ahead of time, so you know you get to experience something exciting.

So, if you’re headed north, start your best Alaska cruise itinerary months before (around the time you buy the ticket). Ask about bus tours, boat tours and specialty stops. If your lifelong dream has been to see the glaciers, you don’t want to get up there and feel disappointed that you couldn’t get a ride to view them up close.

3. Learn About the Ship

Use the sailing time to the best of your ability, not finding your way around. Get an idea of the boat’s layout early so you are aware of the different activities and areas. Where would you find food? What entertainment is offered, and around what times? Where is your room and how would you get there? With these out of the way, you can focus on food and fun.

4. Research the Weather 

Whether headed to Alaska or Figi, know the current temperature and environment. Also, research what others say about the climate on the ship. This information helps you pack for both entertainment and dress purposes.

Is it colder in the rooms and dining halls? If so, you may want a sweater or a jacket to keep around. Meanwhile, while outdoors, you might wish to shorts and a tank for warmer areas and long pants and a heavy top for the cooler locales. Flip flops might work if you’re going to the beachy terrains, but if you’re planning to hike up waterfalls or check out the mountainscape, think about mud and dirt and grab a pair of sturdy walking shoes.

5. Set a Budget

Many people think that everything on a cruise is included with the ticket price. However, that isn’t always true. Often, other things such as excursions and alcoholic drinks cost extra. You could get on the ship and begin to add to your vacation budget quickly and easily. Therefore, understand what is included and what isn’t and decide how much you plan to spend on extras.

Know the number ahead of time, so you can remain aware of how much you’re tacking on to the ticket price. Consider bringing cash off the ship, and find out if you need to enhance money for foreign currency. Using cash while off-board allows you to observe your financial choices physically.

Cruising allows you to see the world with someone else taking care of you. Enjoy dining options, nature and exciting activities. To get the most from experience, plan. Be proactive about booking excursions and planning out your itinerary. Learn the ship’s layout and the region’s weather for that season. Pack appropriately for various climates and interests. With the right tools and knowledge, you may avoid obstacles and frustrations, remaining focused on fun and relaxation.