Getting ready for a short cruise holiday may feel a little daunting. When you are only gone for 3-4 days its really hard to decide how much to take, let alone what kind of clothing you'll need. There are also other matters to which to attend, like your pre-cruise check in, booking excursions and setting your travel budget.
Let's start with packing. Make sure to fill a carry on suitcase with things you can need for the first afternoon onboard ship like a camera, bathing suit, personal medication and baby supplies if applicable. Why? Because your bags won't be delivered for several hours, often arriving as late as 9 pm during the night. Also use your carry on for any valuables like jewelry so it remains in your control.
As far as your checked luggage goes, focus on the idea of your last destination and shore excursions. You want a snug pair of boots, one outfit for the ship's formal night, film, mix-n-match cosy clothing and private care products all come right away to mind. You may additionally want a sweater or a rain coat and extra batteries or film for your camera. While the onboard shops often carry batteries, the costs seem higher than you would pay at home. Ultimately, avoid over-packing. You want room in your checked bags for keepsakes. If your bag fills up, pack an empty soft side bag and use it to re-pack mucky laundry during your trip, making room for your goodies in the hard-sider.
In terms of paperwork most cruises offer registration on their websiteso you can fill out all mandatory information. Print out all of your travel documents, checking the details and the spelling of your name. If anything is wrong, contact your travel agent instantly for help. Also ensure your passport is up to date, if required.
While you're on the cruise line?s internet site this is a good time to review shore excursion options and book those that interest you most. Remember than some of the outings fill up swiftly having a restricted number of seats. While it may be tempting to explore a destination alone, if you are late getting back the ship can leave without you onboard. When you go with an authorized tour group, you don't run that risk so make this step part of getting ready for a short cruise holiday.
Let's start with packing. Make sure to fill a carry on suitcase with things you can need for the first afternoon onboard ship like a camera, bathing suit, personal medication and baby supplies if applicable. Why? Because your bags won't be delivered for several hours, often arriving as late as 9 pm during the night. Also use your carry on for any valuables like jewelry so it remains in your control.
As far as your checked luggage goes, focus on the idea of your last destination and shore excursions. You want a snug pair of boots, one outfit for the ship's formal night, film, mix-n-match cosy clothing and private care products all come right away to mind. You may additionally want a sweater or a rain coat and extra batteries or film for your camera. While the onboard shops often carry batteries, the costs seem higher than you would pay at home. Ultimately, avoid over-packing. You want room in your checked bags for keepsakes. If your bag fills up, pack an empty soft side bag and use it to re-pack mucky laundry during your trip, making room for your goodies in the hard-sider.
In terms of paperwork most cruises offer registration on their websiteso you can fill out all mandatory information. Print out all of your travel documents, checking the details and the spelling of your name. If anything is wrong, contact your travel agent instantly for help. Also ensure your passport is up to date, if required.
While you're on the cruise line?s internet site this is a good time to review shore excursion options and book those that interest you most. Remember than some of the outings fill up swiftly having a restricted number of seats. While it may be tempting to explore a destination alone, if you are late getting back the ship can leave without you onboard. When you go with an authorized tour group, you don't run that risk so make this step part of getting ready for a short cruise holiday.
About the Author:
David Dischler owns www.parkingatportcanaveral.com, a website that offers information about Central Florida cruising.
