Going On Your First Cruise? Here Are 6 Tips for First Time Cruisers
Need-to-know suggestions from one first-time cruiser to another.
Check your passport’s expiration date.
Most cruise ships won’t let you board if it’s not good for an additional six months after your cruise ends. Some cruises allow a driver’s license with a birth certificate, but a passport is preferred. Make sure you know before you go.
Download your cruise line’s app.
It keeps everything you need in one handy spot, such as check-in, a health questionnaire, the day’s activities, etc. You can also schedule show and dinner reservations here.
Bring a medium-sized backpack or duffel bag for disembarkation day.
If you have the porter transport your luggage to the terminal (we suggest you do), it’ll be picked up the night before you disembark. Thus, you’ll need a bag for your change of clothes, toiletries, etc., you’ll be transporting when you disembark.
Small organizer bag for essentials
t’s also handy to have a small organizer bag to carry your essentials around the ship. Economize space by packing your organizer inside the medium-sized bag inside your luggage when you embark.
Take time to relax!
You may be tempted to squeeze in as many activities as you can, but running yourself ragged won’t do you any favors. We like to pick out one must-do activity each day and plan a leisurely schedule around it.
Find the back of the ship.
Views are endless, and the decks at the back of the ship are usually less populated.
