10 More Things To Consider Before You Cruise This Year (2024)
FOMO? No No No! JOMO!
Forget FOMO (fear of missing out), embrace JOMO (the joy of missing out) on pre-trip stress! Imagine this: you’re sipping a fruity drink, toes in the sand, with nothing on your to-do list except deciding between snorkeling and that afternoon nap. That dream cruise you’ve been saving for? It’s all relaxation with a bit of planning now. Here’s your pre-trip checklist for worry-free sailing.
1. Passport Power Play
Ugh, expired passports are the WORST. Most countries won’t even let you in if yours is too close to expiring (usually 6 months from your sail date is the rule).
- Need a new passport, like, yesterday? Check for expedited services – they cost extra, but can be lifesavers.
- Play it safe: Scan or take clear photos of your passport before you leave, and stash them somewhere safe (like your email). That way, even if disaster strikes, you have a backup.
- Pro Tip: Your passport is precious cargo! Pop it in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage.
2. App Attack
Your cruise line’s app is like having a genie in your pocket: Want to see what’s happening on the ship right now? Check the daily schedule. Feeling peckish? Browse menus and even make dining reservations.
- Deck plans at your fingertips: The app is your GPS for navigating that giant ship. No more getting lost trying to find the pool!
- The best part? Most apps have a messaging feature, so you can easily stay in touch with your travel buddies onboard, even with spotty cell service.
- Pro Tip: Download the app BEFORE you sail and familiarize yourself with the layout. You can often pre-book activities or shows, beating the crowds.
3. Timing is Everything
Your boarding time isn’t a suggestion, it’s part of the plan! Cruise lines stagger arrivals to keep embarkation smooth, so everyone gets onboard without chaos.
- Early birds get the worm: If you want prime pool chairs or a head start on exploring the ship, arriving on time pays off.
- Avoid the stress: Play it too cool and arrive late? You might get stuck in longer lines or miss out on the fun sail-away festivities.
- Pro Tip: Carry-on essentials are your friend! Pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, medications, and a change of clothes in case your checked bag takes a while to reach your cabin. Then you can relax and start having fun, even if your luggage is delayed.
4. Health Check
Cruise ships are NOT the place to get sick. Check in regularly with your cruise line for the latest health protocols. These might include vaccination requirements, testing, or mask mandates.
- Stay flexible: Regulations can change, both for your cruise line and the countries you’ll be visiting. Be prepared to adjust your plans if needed.
- Pack your health essentials: Even if not required, bring hand sanitizer, wipes, and the medications you normally use. Those ship shops can be pricey if you need to stock up last minute.
- Pro Tip: Contact your health insurance BEFORE you sail. Find out what’s covered (and what’s not) if you get sick on board or in port.
5. Pack Like a Pro
It’s a cruise, not a move: Resist the urge to pack your entire closet! Focus on the essentials: sunscreen, comfy shoes, a hat, and mix-and-match outfits to cover the various activities on your itinerary.
- Layers are your friend: Temperatures can change between the sunny pool deck and the air-conditioned dining rooms. Pack light layers that you can easily add or remove.
- Rolling vs. Folding: Rolling your clothes saves precious suitcase space and actually helps minimize wrinkles.
- Pro Tip: Pack a few empty zip-top bags. They’re perfect for wet swimsuits, storing toiletries, or separating dirty laundry on the way home.
6. Plan Your Adventure
Your itinerary is your treasure map: What kind of cruise experience do you want? Relaxing beach days? Adventurous excursions? Knowing your priorities helps you choose wisely.
- Popular activities book up FAST: Avoid missing out on that once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling trip or your dream specialty dinner by booking in advance.
- Consider independent exploring: Sometimes, doing your own thing off the ship can be just as fun as a guided tour – and more budget-friendly too! Do some research on your ports of call.
- Pro Tip: Pack a small backpack or tote for shore excursions. You’ll want your hands free for taking photos, trying local snacks, or snagging souvenirs.
7. Budget Boss
Vacations are for fun, not financial stress: Set a daily spending limit for onboard purchases. This keeps you from overspending on souvenirs, cocktails, or casino nights.
- Gratuities add up: Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard bill. Factor this into your budget from the start to avoid a surprise at the end.
- The “all-inclusive” question: Some cruise packages include things like drinks or specialty dining. Figure out if an upgrade makes sense for you based on how you like to vacation.
- Pro Tip: Track your onboard spending! Most cruise apps let you see your current balance, helping you stay on track
8. Insurance = Peace of Mind
Murphy’s Law of travel: If something CAN go wrong, it probably will at the worst possible time. Travel insurance is your safety net for the unexpected.
- Flight delays, lost luggage, medical issues: Travel insurance can cover a wide range of mishaps, saving you money and stress.
- Not all policies are equal: Do your homework! Know exactly what’s covered (and what isn’t) before you buy. Look for things like trip cancellation, medical coverage, and baggage protection.
- Pro Tip: Your credit card MAY offer some basic travel insurance. Check the fine print before buying a standalone policy to avoid paying for coverage you already have.
9. Tech Check
WiFi – how much do you need?: Do you just want to post a few vacation pics, or do you need to stay connected for work? Research your ship’s WiFi packages and costs to choose the right plan.
- Offline options: Many cruise apps work even without data/WiFi. Explore features like deck plans and daily schedules in advance so you can use them onboard in airplane mode.
- Battery life is precious: Ship outlets can be scarce. Bring a portable power bank for your phone, camera, or other essential gadgets.
- Pro Tip: Download your favorite entertainment BEFORE you sail. Movies, podcasts, or e-books can be a lifesaver if WiFi is spotty or if you just want to unplug and relax.
10. Tap Into the Experts
New to cruising? You’re not alone! Online forums are full of seasoned cruisers who LOVE sharing their tips and tricks.
- Hidden gems: Get the inside scoop on everything from the best cabin locations to secret spots on the ship that most tourists miss.
- Packing pros: Ever wonder how some people fit a week’s worth of stuff into a carry-on? Experienced cruisers have mastered the art of smart packing.
- Pro Tip: Search “[your cruise ship name] tips” or “[your cruise line] first-time cruisers” in your favorite search engine. You’ll find a treasure trove of information.
Final Thoughts
Prepped and ready? Now go make those cruise memories! Worries overboard, relaxation full speed ahead. Bon Voyage, and may your biggest stress be choosing which cocktail to sip next!
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