Answers to Everyday Questions : How should I prepare for a cruise vacation ?

You’ve got your cruise destination confirmed and you’ve made the necessary payment for this holiday of a lifetime. As a first timer, it can be an exciting feeling knowing that your cruise holiday is up and coming but at the same time, you might be anxious on how you should prepare yourself for the cruise. Look no further because in this article, you will be guided on the preparation necessary for your cruise vacation. Nothing is more important than getting yourself fully prepared for that holiday because you don’t want anything to come in your way to spoil the holiday which you have planned for so long.

Right, you have made your payment and you know where you are going for this cruise vacation. Have you booked yourself for a cruise which travels on international waters or will be docking at international ports? If cross border travelling, albeit on water, is involved, you would want to make sure that you have with you your proper identification which may include an international passport and driver’s license. Do ensure that your passport has at least 6 months period before expiry as many countries insist that the passports do not expire within 6 months of entry. Renew your passport if you must.

Apart from having proper identification, find out if travel insurance is included in the cruise package. Get yourself a travel insurance policy and / or health insurance policy to ensure that you are well covered during the course of your trip against any mishaps. When you get a travel insurance policy or health insurance policy, ensure that it covers the full travelling period and geographical location so that you do not get caught having an insurance policy which does not cover the place you have travelled to. Obtain a medical insurance card from your insurance agent.

Are you currently under regular medication? Don’t leave your medication at home. Bring them along. You might also want to consider bringing along some common medication such as sea-sickness pills or even paracetamol or diarrhoea pills to for instant relief from simple ailments whilst on board. Though there is usually a medical doctor on board, it does not hurt to bring these little medication along. If you are on regular medication, bring along your prescription as well just in case you need to get extra supplies or if your medication is lost along the way. If you are pregnant, it is prudent to consult your doctor whether it would be safe to travel.

Though most cruise ships accept cashless payment such as credit cards, money orders, cashier’s checks and traveller’s checks, it is advisable that you bring along sufficient cash for small sundries. Find out from your travel agent the currencies used onboard the cruise ship as well as at the various ports of call. Find out also whether there are money changers available onboard or even at the ports of call so that you do not find yourself short of cash. If you are bringing a substantial amount of cash, make sure you know how you will be keeping them safe.

It is advisable that you extend a copy of your cruise vacation schedule or itinerary to your next of kin so that they would know your whereabouts in the event of an emergency. Though this may sound a little too far fetched, you might also want to ensure that you have a Will prepared and deposited just in case something bad happens. You can never be over-prepared!

Find out about the places your cruise ship will be docking and the local customs and traditions. You might also want to find out about the climate so that you will have a fair idea what type of clothing would be suitable for your travel. You wouldn’t want to be caught having to purchase clothing because you wrongly packed unsuitable clothes for your cruise ship vacation.