Tips for Cruisers
To help you make the most of your cruise here are some tips and advice.
Before sailing: you have to get to your port. If you are sailing from your country of residence then you have a number of options including driving, a private transfer and the train. Always arrange to arrive at the port in plenty of time. The tide waits for no man and neither, usually, do cruise ships.
If you are flying in from another country then again arrange the flights with plenty of time to spare. Better still fly in the previous day as this allows for any delays and also allows a good nights sleep so you can start your cruise without being tired. This is especially relevant if there is a big time difference. If you are flying on embarkation day and the flight is delayed let the airline staff know that you are meeting a cruise ship in case they can accommodate you on an earlier flight (if there is one).
Also contact your cruise line as soon as possible - many cruise lines have dedicated emergency telephone numbers so make sure that you this with you. If you have transport arranged from the airport to the port then let them know as well. If it is not possible to meet the ship before it sails, then you may be able to meet it at the next port. However the onward flight to that port may be at your own expense.
The same applies to the journey home. Arrange flights or trains for later in the day in case the ship docks late or there are delays due to customs, immigration, luggage reclaim or problems on the road during the transfer to the airport or rail station.
Paperwork: make sure that you have obtained all the necessary paperwork and that you have it with you. This includes tickets, passports, visas, travel insurance and so on. Read all documents in plenty of time before leaving home and complete any forms that need filling out for departure – it may be possible to do some of this on-line. Attach tags to all items of luggage – it is a good idea to also attach something distinctive that will help identify your luggage amidst the mass of cases and bags at the airport and port.
Luggage: where an airport to port transfer has been arranged as part of the booking, check whether your luggage needs to be claimed at the baggage reclaim or if it is checked through to the ship. If you arrive at the port by car or private transfer there are usually porters to help with your luggage. Hand baggage is very important on a cruise. Due to the vast amount of luggage that arrives at the ship in a short space of time it can be up to a few hours before your luggage will be delivered to your cabin. Anything that you are likely to need during this period should be taken in your hand luggage. This includes medicines, sunscreen, change of clothes, swimsuits, cameras, toiletries, etc.- but remember the limits on liquids if flying from a UK airport. If you are travelling with young children then include nappies/diapers and wipes.
Dress code: every cruise line has a dress code, and different ships in the same cruise line may have differing dress codes. This particularly applies for evenings where some require formal dress and some are more casual (although check how ‘casual’ that may be). This may change daily. Formal is usually tuxedo or dark suit for men and an evening gown or cocktail dress for the ladies.
Baby equipment: cruising is becoming more family-friendly and some cruise lines have buggy and baby seat rental services.
Sports equipment: with cruise ships offering more and more activities they also offer rental of the equipment necessary for these activities. These activities include golf, tennis, snorkeling and so on. Check the equipment rental rates before you leave home as you may wish to bring your own with you. But remember that a full set of golf clubs with a buggy is going to take a lot of space in your cabin!
Laundry: there are laundry and dry-cleaning services on most cruise ships. Some also have self-service laundries with ironing boards and irons as for safety reasons ironing in cabins is not generally permitted
Cabins: most cruise ship cabins are fitted with 110 volt electrics although a few may have 220 volt sockets as well. A hairdryer, mini-safe and TV are often provided.
Alcohol: BYOB (or ‘bring your own booze’) is not encouraged and where it is allowed the limits are very low. Check the rules for your ship as the penalties for illicit drinks can be steep.
Boarding: this is where it starts to get exciting, actually going on board. Your cabin may not be available if you board early. However you can explore the ship whilst it is fairly quiet. Maybe have your first meal on board. Or book your excursions, spa treatments, restaurants, etc. With some cruise lines these services can be pre-booked on-line.
Safety drill – absolutely essential and attendance is compulsory. Crew members may check all cabins to ensure that no-one is avoiding it. These usually take place just before the ship sails and cover safety procedures, assembly areas, lifejackets, etc.
Family and friends – are often welcome at the piers to see you sail but are not allowed on board the ship. Make sure you are on deck for the ‘sail away’ even if you don’t have family or friends waving you off
On Board: there is a lot to do on a cruise. The ships daily newspaper gives all details – events, activities, shows, lectures, the next port of call, and so on. The paper is typically slipped under the cabin door the evening before.
Phones – cruise ships have satellite phones which can be very expensive to use. Most ships now have mobile phone capability. Connections are often best when close to land but can work out at sea. Roaming rates can be high although normally cheaper than the satellite phone.
Internet – most ships have internet cafes so you can check and send e-mails and browse the web. This is at additional cost but some cruise lines offer a package plan. Some ships have wireless facilities and some laptop rental. On-shore internet cafes can be cheaper than those on-board
Paying on-board – most cruise ships operate a ‘cashless’ payment system. Your cabin key doubles as a payment card for purchases and services which may not be covered under an ‘all-inclusive’ booking, and are charged to your credit card at the end of your cruise. Be sure to keep a running total of such purchases to avoid a nasty shock.
‘All-Inclusive’ – many cruises, and other holidays, are advertised as ‘all-inclusive’. This term is open to interpretation and each cruise lines all-inclusive package will be different. Check carefully what is, and what is not, included under this banner before booking. Typically shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic drinks and gift shop purchases are extra.
Currency – on-board many ships it is possible to exchange travellers cheques. In some regions there may be a currency exchange service or the cruise line may arrange for this service on-board when the ship is in port. If going ashore it is advisable to have some local currency for local shops, taxis, etc. Ports may have cash machines, otherwise these are likely to be available in the nearest town. Major credit cards are accepted in millions of places worldwide. If you are expecting to use your credit card on shore trips, tell your credit card company before you leave home. Otherwise it will show as an unusual transaction and your card will be blocked.
Seating assignments – some cruise lines operate assigned seating times. If you would prefer different times speak to the maitre d’ as soon as possible. You don’t have to use the dining room every night as there are other restaurants or even room service. Alternatively some cruise lines have open seating their dining room as well as at their other restaurants.
Diet – cruise lines can accommodate many dietary requirements. Be sure to discuss this in plenty of time before you sail, at least four to six weeks, not when you board.
Special occasions – celebrations are welcome on board. Anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, renewal of vows and so on. Talk to the cruise line in plenty of time for packages, prices, etc. You can even get married on board – the more notice for the cruise line the better!
Religious services – many cruise lines have clergy on board at religious festivals such as Christmas, Easter, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, etc. and possibly at other times also. Some may offer weekly services.
Medical – medical services on board are generally a doctor and a nurse who will take care of temporary illnesses and accidents for a fee. You should check with your travel insurance company for their consent before seeking any treatment. Even with their consent it may be necessary to settle the bill for the doctors services before disembarking and then submit a claim to the insurance company once you are home. The doctor can prescribe medicines and a supply of those most commonly used is kept on board. As is often the case they may be cheaper over the counter in port. If you take prescription medicine make sure that you bring enough for the duration of your cruise.
Some cruise lines may provide complimentary seasickness medicine. Other alternatives are patches or acupressure wristbands.
Pregnancy – rules on pregnancy vary between cruise lines although a rule of thumb is that they won’t allow ladies who will be past the 24th week of pregnancy before the end of the cruise.
Disembarking: all good things must come to an end and the same is true with a cruise.
Packing – you are likely to be required to pack the night before you disembark and to leave your cases outside your cabin to be collected. It is best to pack before you go to dinner to prevent panic afterwards. Remember to leave some clothes to wear the following day or you will travel home in your pyjamas.
On board account – on your last evening you will receive an itemized statement of your charges. If you have not kept a running total this could be a nasty shock. Check the statement carefully and discuss any concerns with the pursers office as soon as possible. It is a good idea to check your statement before the last night if possible. That way if you have any issues to discuss you can avoid the inevitable long queues on disembarkation day. If or when you are happy with the statement, the charges will be taken from the credit card that you provided.
Tipping – tipping practices vary considerably between cruise lines so it is vital that you know what rules apply to your cruise line. Some include gratuities in the cost of the cruise, some add a set amount per day to your charges, some provide an envelope in which to leave cash and distribute to the relevant members of the crew.
On-shore Excursions: a great part of any cruise. The chance to see and experience the great destinations that your ship will take you to. There are two ways of doing of going ashore. Either on a tour organised by the cruise line or explore by yourself. Each has advantages. With the cruise line tour there is no organizing on your part, just book on board, or maybe on-line before your departure, and go. And you may feel safer as part of a large party, particularly if you are a first-time cruiser. Remember that these tours are an extra charge service.
Going by yourself means that you can see what you want to see, not just the standard tourist locations. A popular way of going independent is to hire a local taxi and driver for the day. You may see some of the same places as the official tour but from a ‘local’ perspective.
General comments:
Parents – cruising is becoming more family-friendly and there are services for children and babies. If your child takes an afternoon sleep speak to your cabin steward and ask to have the room cleaned either before or after that time. Some cruise lines offer in-cabin baby-sitting, others may have a group baby-sitting service. If your child has food allergies it may be a good idea to take sufficient food with you to cover the duration of the cruise.
Keeping in touch – an practice that we have become aware of is for family or group to bring walkie-talkies with them in order to keep in touch with each others whereabouts on the ship.
Emergency – make sure before you leave home that a friend or family member has the ships name and phone no. It is also a good idea to leave that person a copy of your travel insurance details.
Travel Insurance – we strongly recommend that travel insurance is arranged at the time that your cruise is booked and not at a later date. Make sure that you are aware of all terms and conditions, especially regarding contacting the insurance company for their consent prior to any medical treatment.
But the best advice of all is – ENJOY YOUR CRUISE. And when you get home, book another one.
All advice above is general and produced in good faith. Rules and practices vary between cruise lines and cruise ships and also according to personal circumstances. Please check everything to your satisfaction before booking a cruise. These tips are unlikely to be comprehensive. If you have any tips that you feel we should add, please let us know.
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