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This is especially important as you pack up at the end of your cruise, and will likely have dirty clothing. Putting soft items in handbags will preserve the shape of designer handbags. Consider packing lightweight microfiber towels that dry quickly (and stay sand free) for beach and water excursions. If you’re packing for a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise, make sure to pack reef-friendly sunscreen and aloe vera for potential sunburns. Keep in mind that US dollars are welcome in most Caribbean cruise ports.
Must-Have Tips for Cruising With Babies, Toddlers, or Small Kids (From Someone That’s Done It)
Many cruise lines are now using apps for check in and even for new muster drills. Cruises are such easy vacations, but cruise packing takes some planning. Onboard, you’ll be able to choose from an abundance of onboard dining options, both complimentary and specialty. If you are trying to get a seat at the hottest specialty restaurants however, you’ll want to make a reservation before you sail.
Travel Corkscrew
Extra tips to prepare for a cruise if you have anxiety - Royal Caribbean Blog
Extra tips to prepare for a cruise if you have anxiety.
Posted: Thu, 07 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If you don’t have a regular sitter, you can find one through services like Rover or TrustedHousesitters. Scroll around a little, and you may never pay cash for a flight to a cruise ship again. Most cruise ships now automatically add a gratuity to bar bills, often in the amount of 18% to 20% of the total. Such automatic gratuities also are becoming more common in ship spas.
Cruise Preparation Checklist
Getting a tablet computer or e-reader (such as a Kindle) where you can download electronic books will make your packing and leisure time on deck more enjoyable. There are hundreds of free books available to download, so don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune if you don’t want to. For most cruises, you’ll want to bring at least one formal outfit for “formal night.” For women, this can mean anything from a nice dress to a ball gown.
If someone in your group has dietary restrictions that were not discussed with the cruise line prior to embarkation, it's not too late. Simply speak to the headwaiter in the main dining room about those dietary restrictions once you board. Most cruise lines will still make every effort to accommodate you with the supplies onboard. The person will usually be given advance menus to choose from for the remainder of the cruise, so that their food can be prepared separately. If it does work and you leave it on, you will be charged roaming fees.
Cruise lines designate a boarding time to avoid having everyone arrive at the port all at once. When boarding is open, many people try to get there as early as possible, leading to long lines to get on the ship. Spreading out passengers helps to keep any person from having to wait too long.
Avoid cabins below frequently used passageways on the top decks where footsteps and the sound of deck chairs moving frequently can be annoying. Even higher category cabins can be one deck below the main deck so it is wise to ask about this when reserving. Seasoned cruisers know that ship amenities are often less buys while at port. If the budget leans more toward the $100 per-day price point, try one of the newer mega-ships from Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean.
There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar, dark cabin and having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Save yourself from walking into furniture and stubbing your toe by packing a simple plug-in nightlight. It’s especially helpful if you’re in an interior cabin where there are no windows to provide outside illumination. Book directly with the cruise line to cut out the middleman in case there is an issue with your reservation. If you don’t know what cruise line you want to sail, then an aggregator like Expedia can search multiple lines at once.
If cruising in a cool climate, pack layers for the day if spending time outdoors. When cruising in the Caribbean, light clothing can be worn most of the time. Overall, pack what you are comfortable wearing, but do check your cruise line’s dress codes. Some are more casual (ie. Norwegian) and some are more formal (ie. Cunard), while others are somewhere in between. While having a mobile phone isn’t a necessity, it’s a good idea with you as you travel.
Don’t miss out on stargazing from the deck or cozying up in a lounge chair with a box of popcorn for a dive-in movie. Stay warm and comfortable with a light jacket, sweater, sweatshirt or wrap. As for gratuities, those can be paid in advance through the hub app, while fine dining gratuities are paid onboard. Although nothing takes the place of real-time experience, at least you’ll have your bearings before embarking.
Whether your goal is to avoid checked or excess bag fees by packing light or simply to make sure you pack everything you need, here are our top 12 tips to cruise like a pro. You know what dates you’re setting sail and all the breathtaking destinations on your itinerary. Wherever you’re going, you know you’re in good hands on board any of the 14 award-winning ships in our fleet that will take you there.
Before starting your cruise vacation, check your cell phone data plan to learn of its limitations and extra fees or, hopefully, lack of them. Often, independent tours will be more intimate than the tours offered directly through cruise lines. They might go to the same sites but in a small van instead of a big motorcoach. You might have six or eight other people on a tour with you instead of nearly 40. If your traveling group is big enough, you might even book a private tour just for your friends and family with an independent tour operator. You'll also be asked to set up an onboard account and submit a photo of yourself.
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