Planning Your First Cruise - What You Need To Know
If you are an experienced traveler, but have never been on a cruise before then you need to prepare yourself for a wholly different type of vacation experience. Taking a European cruise or sailing the Caribbean isn’t just about relaxing by the pool and gorging yourself on food. There is plenty of adventure, sightseeing, and tons of different activities to partake in. However, if you are a first time cruiser there is a learning curve when it comes to planning your trip. Here are a few of the things you need to know:
Like any vacation the first determination needs to be where you want to go. Budgetary considerations have to be taken into account in tandem with determining your itinerary. How much you can afford to spend can have a dramatic impact on how much you can see and do. You also need to figure out how long your vacation will be. Cruises can be as short as 3 days and as long as a month. Logically, the longer the voyage the more you can expect to pay.
Once you’ve settled on a budget and a trip itinerary it is time to get into the details. There are dozens of cruise lines operating worldwide, from small ultra luxury lines like Cunard, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas to major players like Carnival, Princess, and NCL. Visit their websites and try to find a trip that most closely matches your ideal itinerary. Make sure to check out their last minute cruise deals, as you might come across a spectacular bargain that could have you rethinking your plans. Once you’ve found what you want you can go ahead and book your cruise.
The next important decision is what to take with you on your trip. Packing for a cruise can be more stressful than you might imagine, and you need to resist the urge to overpack. Take some dress clothes as most cruises offer at least one formal dining evening during the course of the trip. If you are taking a summer voyage, most of your wardrobe will consist of golf shirts, light blouses, shorts and skirts. However, don’t forget to take at least one set of warm clothing in the event you fun into some foul weather. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, bathing suits, toiletries and medications are other small items you will need to bring.
Most importantly, make a checklist and pack well in advance. This will give you plenty of time to get things organized, and you will avoid the last minute stress of trying to get everything together the night before you leave. Have your travel documents prepared for both the airport, the cruise line, and for any shore excursions or land tours you might have planned on your vacation. It is a good idea to make photocopies of your passports, tickets, confirmations, and medical prescriptions so you have a backup in case of loss or theft.
Be sure to get the advice of any family or friends who have taken a cruise before. They can be very helpful in not only choosing the best cruise, but can also let you know what to bring and what you should leave at home. Good luck in planning your vacation, and prepare to be hooked as a lifelong cruiser!
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Filed under: Planning a Cruise