Before your Cruise
Now that you’ve booked your cruise, you’ll probably want to know all you can about the ship and the ports you’ll be visiting. The best online resource for cruisers is Cruise Critic – here, you can find a roll call for your specific sailing, and interact with fellow passengers who will be on your ship. (Most Cruise Critic roll calls will also meet in-person on the ship; and because cruise lines love these active cruisers who often post reviews about their trips, expect some of the ship’s officers to be on hand at the on-board gathering to welcome you and answer questions!)
To make the most out of Cruise Critic, follow these steps:
- If you’re new to cruising, Cruise Critic has extensive resources for First Time Cruisers
- Click on the “Boards” menu along the top. In the upper-right, click the link to register
- Once you’ve created your account, scroll down to “Roll Calls” and choose your cruise line, then specific ship. You may need to do a search to find the roll call for your specific sailing.
- Meet others, post questions and get advice!
Cruise Critic also contains forums for specific ports of call – check these out for ideas on what to see and do during your stops.
Travel insurance
Cruise vacations can be a significant investment of money, and I recommend considering travel insurance to protect yourself. Specific coverages vary, but most will reimburse you for costs related to catching up to your cruise ship mid-trip should you be delayed arriving for embarkation, or the cost of changing airline tickets if any delays beyond the cruise line’s control impact your return flight. They may also grant allowances in the case of lost or misdirected bags, medical evacuation fees, trip cancellation, etc. Some specific coverages are only valid if insurance is purchased within 10 days of your booking, so its best not to wait. CruiseStarter can advise you on purchasing travel insurance.
Pack smartly
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up during my cruises on what to bring with you:
- Pack light – This is difficult for many people, myself included. But if you are on a one-week cruise, consider sending out laundry mid-trip. It can be a little pricey (you pay by the piece), but you’re on vacation – let someone else do your laundry for a change! (And if you only need to check one bag on your flight, you can use the money saved to pay for the laundry service.)
- Travel alarm clock – Most staterooms only have a small time display on the phone, and you can arrange wake-up calls; but having your own clock is more convenient
- Power strip – Think about all the digital devices you take with you on a trip: camera, cell phone, laptop, MP3 player, etc. Now think about charging them all at once. Pack a power strip. There are some great travel-friendly ones available via Amazon.com.
- Sticky notes or a small wipeboard – You can’t use your cellphone on the ship to text your family/friends (well, you could…but it will cost you!), so bring sticky notes to leave messages for each other. If you’re traveling in a group, get a wipeboard for your stateroom door so others can leave you notes when you’re not in the room.
- Passport – Do not forget your passport! In fact, make a color photocopy of it, and keep the copy stashed in one of your bags. Just in case.