Cruise Ship Travel Tips

A Cruise ship holiday can be one of the best experiences of your life ! But as with all holidays that involve venturing away from your normal environment, there are things you should and shouldn’t do that can enhance your holiday experience. Here are the top 10 tips for making the most out of your cruise ship vacation!

Tip 1
Always familiarise yourself with local laws and customs of the destinations you intend to visit. Many tourists forget this very important step and can get into all sorts of trouble overseas. At the very least, learn how to say hello, goodbye, please and thank-you in the native language of your destination. You would be surprised at how much of a difference this small effort can make if you get yourself into a sticky situation!

Tip 2
Where possible, avoid taking your valuables on the ship. Its always best to leave the good jewellery at home when going on cruise ship holidays. That way you don’t have to be constantly worried about anything happening to it. If you cant avoid leaving it at home, then its best to check it in to the ship’s safe for safekeeping!

Tip 3
Always travel with your passports and other important travel documents. Another good idea is to leave copies of these important documents with trusted friends or family back home. Its very important to have a spare copy available should anything happen to your originals. Another option is to scan these documents and keep a copy online in an email account or somewhere similar. Always be sure to not give out your password to anyone!

Tip 4
If you have any special dietary requirements, make enquiries with the cruise line directly BEFORE you sail. Its important to ensure they can accommodate your special needs. Most cruise companies will easily accommodate such requests but it always pays to be prepared.

 

 

 

Tip 5
Be aware of water quality of your destination. If you are in any doubt as to the safety of the tap water or other local sources of water – such as bottled water – then take a water filter. One great idea is a water filter straw. These are small and reusable. They will fit into any day pack or handbag and are perfect for all travelling requirements. Water bacteria can be a problem even in sealed bottled water – so dont leave it to chance. A water filter straw can be used even in the local bottled water. Cheap price to pay for your health

Tip 6
Always get travel insurance. Dont assume that because you are staying on a boat the entire time, that you dont need travel insurance. At the very least, travel health insurance is a minimum requirement. Being in the confined space of a cruise ship there is a stronger chance of coming into contact with all sorts of germs – so best to be prepared!

Tip 7
Contact a travel health clinic before you leave to check if you require any vaccinations for your destinations. Even if you dont intend to go onshore, its not a risk you want to take!

Tip 8
Take a camera that has rechargeable batteries. You dont want to have to be purchasing batteries throughout your entire trip! Rechargeable batteries and a universal power plug are essential items to pack!

Tip 9
Stay safe by participating in the lifeboat drills and paying attention to all safety advice that is issued by the staff. You never know when something can go wrong.

Tip 10
You can do duty free shopping while you are on the cruise ship. It is the same as making duty free purchases at an airport. Take care with your purchases and always be aware of the limits of alcohol, tobacco and money that you can bring back into your home country.