How to Prepare for Your First Cruise

Cruise, people, white hat, cruise ship, port

We’ve all been there: you’ve booked your first cruise, it’s coming up shortly, and you’re not sure what to expect. What do I bring? What if I get seasick? Is there WiFi?

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. We talked to our Travel Agent experts at Vacations for Canadians and they shared their best tips for first-timers. Here’s what they had to say,

 


What should first-timers know?

First and foremost, relax and have fun! Enjoy your time aboard your ship, it’s practically a luxury hotel on the water. Cruises are supposed to be fun, so don’t worry about having everything perfect just enjoy yourself and make lasting memories! You’re going to have a blast. There are so many activities to enjoy, whether you’re active, enjoy fine dining, live entertainment or lounging by the pool or spa. Cruises have something for everyone to make your stay enjoyable across the seas! 

What do I bring?

To start, a passport and official personal identification – Obviously to travel anywhere a passport is integral to leaving travelling. It’s the most important part of getting ready for the trip, next to the travel agent booking your dream vacation. A passport is important so make sure it has not expired before your trip or is about to expire. So don’t forget to renew well before you book any travel dates! (plan early to renew so you have ample time before your trip. In case of any errors, extended wait times, or mishaps before your trip.) Most countries require your passport to be at least 6 months before expiry.

Clothing – Make sure you pack enough clothing for your stay. Including swimsuits, hats and cover-ups for when it gets chilly at night. The dress code is usually “casual elegance,” so wear something comfortable but nice and fitting for the trip you’re on. If you’re going on a longer cruise (more than four days), consider bringing more than one bathing suit. So that you can feel fresh every day without having to wash your suit out every night. Also make sure to pack comfortable shoes because there’s a lot of walking getting from place to place.

Skin care and eye care – Don’t forget sunscreen the higher SPF the better. Sunglasses whether prescription or not, good eye protection is important travelling under the hot sun.

Prescriptions and Toiletries – You’ll also want to pack medicine. Whether it’s allergy medicine or prescription medications that come with you on vacation. It’s important to make sure you’re ready for anything. Any toiletries, cosmetics, hair care products, etcetera that will help make sure you look good and feel good  when you’re away from home. 

However, most cruises have everything you need: toiletries, anti nausea pills (at no charge) towels and linens for your room. As well as food, and drinks. If you’re looking for something specific (like a certain meal, or drink), just ask your hostess. They’ll be happy to help make your stay comfortable.

Capture your memories! Don’t forget your camera or your phone! They have some great photo opportunities on cruises. So make sure to bring yours along so you can capture all the memories, sights and people you meet. You’ll look back on these photos fondly.

Wet wipes or hand sanitizer – You’ll want to wash your hands after touching everything on board but don’t want to use the public bathrooms. Wet wipes or sanitizer can be a lifesaver when you need to wipe your hands, or clean up a quick spill! It never hurts to have these with you on a cruise ship.

 

What do I need to know about ports?

Ports are stop off points on your cruise. This is where you can go on shore excursions and see amazing sights, and visit restaurants. This is an opportunity to get a flavour of the place you’re visiting before heading back on your ship to your next destination.

Every stop has something new and different that makes it special. Whether it’s a unique market with local goods, or a beach where you can snorkel in warm crystalline waters.

Why not traverse an ancient temple or museum with stories from thousands of years ago carved into stone walls. Or visit an amazing restaurant where they serve up local delicacies that will make your mouth water just thinking about them!

Ports are exciting so take the time to explore! Just make sure that you’re back at the ship on time so that they don’t leave without you. It’s always best to arrive back on your ship with ample time to settle back in and move on to your next destination with as little stress as possible!

These are just some of the tips our experts wanted you to know. But if you want to know more visit our website, facebook or call us to find out more! 

 

Book now with us!

Book your first time cruise now. Stay tuned for more deals on our Facebook pages for exclusive cruises and all-inclusive trips around the world! Got a bucket list trip? Book with us today!

Curious about other posts we’ve written? Check out 7 Secrets to Luxury Travel: Oceania Cruises, Why You Need to Add a River Cruise to Your Bucket List, and Vive la France! River Cruises in France.

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