If you are planning your very first cruise, you may be unsure what to expect. When you go on a cruise, keep these important cruise travel tips in mind.
First, always 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. This is important for two reasons. One, at least you'll have some essentials with you if your luggage gets lost by the airline on the way to your cruise. 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 sufficient medication for the cruise and a detailed list of prescriptions and their generic names. While you are aboard the ship and in foreign ports, you may have little or no access to a pharmacy . Just in case you break or lose your eyeglasses, bring an extra pair.
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, during a stopover, you break the law, you will be subject to the host country's judicial system. At sea, the laws of the country with jurisdiction over territorial waters prevail. Outside national boundaries, the international law of the sea applies to those waters.
Make reservations as soon as possible after embarking, if you're going to go on shore excursions during the cruise. Desirable tours can fill up quickly, and later you may be so busy with new friends and on-board activities that you forget to make your land arrangements in time.
Keep all important documents 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.
You need to be aware of your surroundings on a ship just as you would in a big city. Don't walk down darkened hallways; keep your distance when tempers flare; don't accept beverages from strange people. If you have a feeling something is wrong, pay attention to that feeling. And don't keep it a secret, either; notify the Purser's Office the minute you suspect trouble.
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. In both the bags you will take on the plane and personally transport onboard, pack a change of clothes and important meds or toiletries. This is important for two reasons. One, at least you'll have some essentials with you if your luggage gets lost by the airline on the way to your cruise. 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 sufficient medication for the cruise and a detailed list of prescriptions and their generic names. While you are aboard the ship and in foreign ports, you may have little or no access to a pharmacy . Just in case you break or lose your eyeglasses, bring an extra pair.
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, during a stopover, you break the law, you will be subject to the host country's judicial system. At sea, the laws of the country with jurisdiction over territorial waters prevail. Outside national boundaries, the international law of the sea applies to those waters.
Make reservations as soon as possible after embarking, if you're going to go on shore excursions during the cruise. Desirable tours can fill up quickly, and later you may be so busy with new friends and on-board activities that you forget to make your land arrangements in time.
Keep all important documents 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.
You need to be aware of your surroundings on a ship just as you would in a big city. Don't walk down darkened hallways; keep your distance when tempers flare; don't accept beverages from strange people. If you have a feeling something is wrong, pay attention to that feeling. And don't keep it a secret, either; notify the Purser's Office the minute you suspect trouble.
Finally, make your cruise travel memorable and all that you want it to be by doing a lot of planning before you travel.
