Cruising offers travelers a way to visit multiple destinations with all the comfort of a resort stay. Knowing what to expect and how to avoid potential problems before they happen is key to having a great trip. Here’s what you need to know before you board.
What to Know Before Going on Your First Cruise
Before you book, consider the three legs of your journey. First, how will you reach the departure port? Then consider the cruise itself. Finally, figure out how you’ll get home. If you don’t live near a major port, a plane ride or road trip is in your future. Flights, especially overseas, sometimes cost more than the cruise itself, so budget carefully for all three phases of your adventure.
Check for travel advisories and required paperwork for each port of call. Even though you won’t stay the night on land, many countries still require visas for cruise passengers. You’ll almost always need a current passport, even for short trips. When you return, you’ll go through customs, and you usually need to prove your identity with a passport before boarding a ship entering international waters.
Once you know where and when you’re sailing, consider cruise insurance. These specialized travel insurance policies target risks and concerns cruise passengers most often face, like lost baggage, health emergencies at sea, and cancellations. The right policy can keep you safe and ensure peace of mind so you can fully relax.
What to Know About Insurance Before Booking a Cruise
Not all insurance policies are the same. Policies often cover entirely separate concerns, such as medical expenses or missed connections. Even policies that cover the same issue have different restrictions or coverage values. For example, some allow cancellation for any reason, but most policies only cover canceled trips for specific reasons.
Make a list of priorities before you start shopping. Missed connections and cancellation due to extreme weather or illness are essential, especially if you’re sailing during hurricane season.
If you have chronic health issues or face heightened risk while traveling due to age, check policies’ emergency health coverage. Will they fly you out if you fall ill? What is the maximum cost covered? Insurance companies are very specific about what kinds of medical emergencies particular plans cover, and you may need add-on options for injuries incurred during adventure sports and shore excursions.
Baggage is another common concern, especially if you travel to your cruise port by plane. Check how much a policy pays for lost or delayed luggage and determine what you’ll need to stay comfortable, healthy, and safe if your suitcase doesn’t arrive before departure.
Other types of coverage to consider include pre-travel expenses, delay coverage, and specialized plans for children.
Cruise Travel Tips for Your First Voyage
With major concerns out of the way, how can you make your first cruise a trip to (fondly) remember?
When possible, plan ahead and educate yourself. That means looking at your ship’s deck plan to see where your room is how to find dining areas and elevators so you don’t get lost. Read up on ports of call to see what they offer and compare what interests you with what shore excursions the cruise line offers. You may find something you prefer from a local vendor, but be careful to get back before the ship leaves port. The ship will not wait for you.
Timing is everything, and that starts with your arrival. Anticipate flight delays and give your bags lots of time to catch up with you. If possible, arrive the day before departure. This also helps you get to the port before the rush. Boarding early saves stress.
Be aware of what you should pack and what’s banned. Many dining areas have specific dress codes, and you’ll need clothing appropriate for the season and weather. Just because you’re visiting Jamaica doesn’t mean it will be hot and sunny. Cruise ships have lists of banned items, including extension cords and power strips. Room attendees will confiscate these if found as they pose serious fire hazards to the whole ship.
Finally, find out what is and isn’t covered by your ticket. Ships typically offer drink packages at additional cost, and not all dining or entertainment venues are included in your fare.