1. Arrive at your embarkation port a day early – Flight delays can cause you to miss the ship entirely. Arriving the night before reduces stress and lets you explore the port city.
2. Learn the ship’s layout – Review the deck plan before boarding so you’re not constantly lost trying to find dining venues or your cabin.
3. Pack a small day bag – Bring a lightweight backpack or tote for shore excursions to carry sunscreen, water, camera, and personal items.
4. Book excursions early – Popular shore excursions sell out fast, especially at smaller ports. Book directly through the cruise line or reputable third parties ahead of time.
5. Download the cruise line’s app – Most lines have apps for checking daily schedules, making reservations, and sometimes messaging other guests onboard.
6. Understand the drink package math – Calculate whether a drinks package is worth it based on your typical consumption before committing, as they can be pricey with some cruise lines.
7. Set a budget beyond the cruise fare – Factor in gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, and specialty dining, as these can add up quickly if you are not on an all-inclusive ship.
8. Book early – This will provide you better cabin selection, lower prices, payment flexibility, access to promotions, better itinerary availability, and more time to plan.
9. Pack layers and comfortable shoes – Ships can be chilly with AC, ports may be hot, and you’ll likely walk a lot both onboard and ashore.
10. Use a Travel Agent – In addition to having access to special deals, experienced agents know destinations firsthand, understand visa requirements, and can flag issues you might not anticipate.
For more information on cruising, and all of your travel needs, contact Lina and Dave DiCola at Cruise Planners: 540-656-2530 or ddicola@cruiseplanners.com.
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