Cruise ship touring is a dream for many people. The experience is an amazing one that many people dream of experiencing. Staying for extended periods on a cruise ship and touring several destinations is extraordinary and a trip many people live to remember the rest of their lives. This is because there are many activities, so many people to interact with, and countless places to visit.
However, for a person doing cruise ship travel for the first time, it may not be so easy. There is so much going into planning the trip and doing it. As magnificent as the experience is, many things must be done right to get the right experience. Here are the top 10 tips one should follow before starting a cruise ship tour.
10 Research On All Ports
A cruise ship tour involves movement from one port to the other. In most cases, the ship may stay at a designated port for some hours or a few days before moving to the rest of the destinations. Although most things such as food, accommodation and fun time are arranged, researching all the destinations is crucial.
Here is why, when a cruise ship docks at a destination, one must know which area it is and what is fun to do in the area. For a traveler's personal needs and enjoyment, research information about various ports will allow them to know the most exciting things to do during those hours. Such activities may include diving, shopping, and sightseeing, among others.
9 Pre Book Before Leaving
Cruise ships take a high number of travelers. As a result, there are cases where certain activities are in high demand. Although they may be enough for everyone, there may be competition and a cue that can be avoided with proper planning.
If a guest would like to enjoy some activities such as class, special restaurants, shore excursions, or spa service, it is crucial to book in advance days before leaving home. The advantage to this is to avoid the rush hour when everyone is booking. This way, one can easily get all the services they need.
8 Documents And Bookings Check
Required documents are a must for one to get into a cruise ship. In most cases, if one lacks the required documents, one cannot board the ship. Such documents may include a birth certificate or passport. However, documents such as vaccination certificates may be required in other cases.
Checking that one’s documents check well is one of the crucial steps of preparing. Online checks will give clear information of all documents uploaded and all tickets and passes approved. That way, there are no delays on the boarding day.
7 No Tip On Alcohol
As much as tipping is a common gesture, tipping on a cruise ship for alcohol will lead to a double tip. When one is buying alcohol on the ship, it means that it is already a sign of gratitude. This is because part of the service charge goes to paying the bar bills.
6 Plan For Other Charges
In most cases, people may assume that a cruise ship tour is all-inclusive. However, this may not always be the case. Although costs for entertainment, onboard activities, cabin, and meals are included in the charge, many other things are not included.
Some of these charges a traveler should plan for to get the most out of the journey include port charges, internet, taxes, and shore excursions, among others based on desire. Another factor a traveler must check is their bank card. One should notify their banks when traveling to use their ATM card in foreign countries. Foreign charges also apply in such cases.
5 Leave Things In Order
There are many instances where travelers have left their homes as if they are going for a few days and will be back. One should note that a cruise ship tour may take months. As a result, poor planning and ordering of a home can cause a serious mess when coming back.
The best way to go about this is to ensure one disposes of any items that may go bad, covering furniture and other items from dust, packing items that need packing, cleaning up, or having someone attend to the home for the period.
4 Select Activities Wisely
When it comes to cruise ship life, there are so many activities and things available to guests to do. As a result, it is crucial for someone to be able to gauge and make the right selections carefully to ensure they are not overwhelmed.
Some of the activities available may include seminars, movies, bands, dance classes, arts and crafts, swimming, sunbathing, meals, and more. It is not possible to take them all. Hence having a plan is crucial.
3 Picking The Right Cabin
Cabins on a cruise ship are not the same. They vary in size and setup. This means that one must understand the differences early enough to avoid disappointment. It is advisable to go through the list and various categories and study them carefully.
Some of the differences may include ocean views, balconies, stateroom categories, and size. Pick the right one early after understanding all details.
2 Cruise Line Selection
There are more than 350 cruise ships, and they offer different styles and approaches when it comes to cruise lines and ships. As a result, it is crucial for a traveler to understand the differences and select wisely.
Some lines will take the Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise, or Norwegian line. To get the best experience, a tourist must understand the lines and pick a preferred one.
1 Arrange For Transfers
Port transfers are a factor that many first-time cruise travelers may forget to check. In many cases, one may forget to book transfers during reservations. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the locality for better transfer or book them in their reservation for an easy experience.