Five Simple Ways To Get The Most From Your Cruise
Heading out on the open ocean on a cruise ship is an exciting experience, but preparing for your voyage can be stressful, especially if you have never been on a cruise before. Here are a few ways to prepare efficiently for your upcoming trip.
Whether you plan to arrive in your departure city by plane, car, or train, delays are often an unavoidable risk anytime you travel. The last thing you want is for your ship to leave without you because your plane got delayed en route to your port city, so prepare in advance. Plan to arrive the day before your ship leaves, so you are not left behind in case of road detours or other delays. The small price of a night in a cheap motel is well worth the peace of mind that you will have with plenty of time to make your departure.
Disguise your valuables. Thieves are an unfortunate reality no matter where you vacation, and cruise ships are no exception. Nothing screams “steal this” louder than a jewelry box, so leave it at home. Even a small safe is prime for theft, as once removed from your room, the thief will have plenty of time to get past the lock. Instead, hide valuables in plain-looking containers. Consider a beat-up old tackle box if fishing opportunities are offered on your cruise, or even look into specialty containers. You can find hollow canisters that look like everything from soda cans to shaving cream, items most thieves will not bother with.
If you plan to visit any of the port-of-calls on your trip, pack a lunch from the ship’s cafeteria or room service. Most cruises come with complimentary meals or a food allowance, so take advantage of these included meals even if you are heading off the ship. You will save a great deal over the inflated tourist prices waiting for you on land, and you won’t have to take time out of your sight-seeing schedule to find a restaurant.
Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on luggage. It can sometimes take a few hours for your luggage to arrive at your room, so if you want to hit the pool right away, you’ll need something to wear. If you don’t have room in your carry-on, you can even wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes when you arrive.
A lanyard is a smart way to keep track of your room key. Your room key is an essential item to keep on your person at all times when on a cruise, and this can sometimes be a challenge when you are wearing a swimsuit or evening dress without pockets. A lanyard is an easy way to keep track of your room key by keeping it around your neck.
A cruise is a wonderful way to have a relaxing and memorable vacation. With the tips you learned here, you can prepare for your journey efficiently, and stress-free; allowing you to focus on the fun you are about to experience.
