You haven't lived until you've cruised!
Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends are sailing away on the vacation of their lives. Last year alone approximately seven million people enjoyed a cruise vacation.
- Check what sort of identification you need when traveling to your destinations (valid passports, visas, etc.)
- Notify the cruise ship of any special dietary restrictions or requests at least 60 days prior to departure.
- Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, traveler’s checks and credit cards with a family member or a friend.
- Discuss your travel plans with a doctor. Some countries may require certain immunizations. Bring any immunization records with you.
- If you tend to get motion sickness, see your doctor prior to departure for recommendations. Dramamine and patches often work to curb seasickness.
- Check and confirm your airline reservation 24 hours prior to departure.
- If you have an ongoing medical condition, ask your family doctor to write up your brief medical history, which you can take with you and provide in the event of a problem.
- Check your cruise and airline ticket and verify its information.
- If you book cruise only, you are responsible for getting to the ship from the airport.
- Give relatives and friends the ship's telephone number, in case of an emergency.
- If you booked an air/sea package through a cruise line and you missed the ship because of late/cancelled flight, most cruise lines will get you to the next port.
- Arrive at the embarkation area at least two hours prior to sailing.
- Complete the immigration/embarkation and the onboard credit card application forms before you register at the check-in desk
- Don't purchase duty-free alcohol to take onboard. It is confiscated until the last day of the cruise.
- Purchase some guidebooks so you can read about the ports of call you will be visiting.
- If you plan to bring a hair dryer or an electric razor, check the cabin voltage. You may need an adaptor.
- If you plan on scuba diving, consider becoming certified before you embark on the cruise. You'll save time and money.