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 Cruise Tips
- Remember to pack a collapsible vinyl travel or sports bag and a lock in your luggage. You may not plan on it, but you will buy souvenirs and may not have room for them. The extra bag can be used to transport these items, especially breakables, or as a laundry bag to make more room in your suitcase.
- If you are wondering what to pack for your cruise or resort vacation, click here for a general packing list. Packing List
- It is better to bring more film then you think you might use. Film onboard and at most ports can be very expensive. If you must buy additional film look for indoor, air conditioned shops. Those outside stands you see onshore may be convenient but you run the risk of purchasing film that may have been affected or damaged by the heat. Unfortunately the only way you will know is when you get those once in a lifetime shots developed.
- Try to plan your cruise as far in advance as possible and practical. The cruise lines are giving the largest incentives, on the choice categories, to those who book well in advance. What is advance? In most cases 10 months to a year is not out of the question! In fact if you wait until the brochure for the time you want to go is published, many of the best categories, both in individual and group space, are already sold out.
What about the idea of waiting until the last minute to get good deals? While this sometimes still applies, consider why the cabins that are left are available. In most cases they represent the least popular category or location. Another good reason for booking early is air travel. Unless you do not require air travel, or plan to handle it yourself, if you wait too long the cruise line may no longer have available seats from your home city.
Remember that in most cases, on an individual booking, you are entitled to a full refund of your deposit for cancellations prior to the final payment due date. By booking and depositing in advance you guarantee your place on the ship (and plane), and also lock in the price. With the rare exception of tax and airline increases, the only way for your price to go at that point is down, provided you have an agency like Cruises Come True that is going to continually monitor your booking and pass any savings on to you.
- When cruising, always pack travel documents, ID, valuables, cosmetics and medications in your carry-on luggage. Include a bathing suit and a casual change of clothing, suitable for dinner on your first night aboard, in case there is any delay in your checked baggage reaching your cabin.
- Make photocopies of your identification (passport, drivers license, birth certificate) and put it in a safe place as a backup in case your original documents are lost.
- Be sure to fill out all of your cruise documents prior to arrival at embarkation. This will save time, and will alert you to any questions you may want to have answered before your vacation begins.
- If you are flying to the port of embarkation, keep in mind that alcohol can increase the effects of jet lag. To help avoid this, drink plenty of water.
- To avoid standing in line at the Purser's desk on the last night of your cruise, take the cash you anticipate using for gratuities and place it in an envelope before you leave home. Once on board, store it in a safe place until you need it. The "suggested" amounts can be found in the back of each brochure, or we will be happy to help you determine the amount. Remember though that tipping is a personal matter. You are not obligated to follow these guidelines. Reward excellent service, report substandard service.
- Unless your camera automatically places a date on your pictures, consider bringing photo processing envelopes with you. This way you can mark each envelope with the location the pictures were taken at to avoid confusion later because the scenery on some islands looks similar.
- Think of cruising in terms of value, what am I getting for my vacation dollar, not just bottom line price. If your experience is not what you wanted, no amount of savings will be worth the money spent. If cost is your major concern, plan your cruise for off peak times.
- When choosing between ships, look for the lowest passenger to crew ratio for the best service.
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Tips