Travel
Cruises
You are cruising!
Okay! So your travel agent is working with you and you are about to take a cruise. Here are some helpful hints from a travel agent who has been there! Done that!
What you will want to bring with you. Film and extra batteries for your camera. These items can be very expensive in foreign ports. Ladies! Don’t plan on carrying a heavy purse. "fanny packs" are much more convenient. A calculator for foreign currency exchange rates will come in handy. Don’t forget a travel alarm clock! Bring the type of book you like to read- you may not find it aboard.
Carry with you travel documents, jewelry, cameras and irreplaceable items. Don’t trust these items to check in luggage. Let family and friends know how to reach you. Also let them know who your travel agent is in case of an emergency. Carry your proof of citizenship with you. It is the best form of identification that you have. Keep your passport with you. Also you should carry an original or notarized birth certificate with you. Your agent will help you with other required items depending on the ports you will be visiting.
Seasickness a concern? Check with your doctor ahead of time or get Bonine, Dramamine or Mazarine. Some people simply use a small glass of cognac. New is a wrist band called the "sea band" which is a form of acupuncture applied to the wrist to help control nausea. Ask your agent where to get them.
Remember lock your luggage. Don’t place money, medicine ,jewelry, important documents or fragile items in checked baggage.
This is not like a hotel room! Cruise ship cabins are designed for comfort and will accommodate you and your belongings just fine, but they are smaller . Ships tend to devote most of their space to the areas where passengers will be spending most of their time-not their rooms.
Hair dryers and Shavers and other items that need to be plugged in may not be compatible with some ships. Ask your agent if you might need an adapter.
Money issues Usually there is a "cashless" way of paying on the ship. Your agent can check this out for you. The ship keeps track of your expenses and at the end of the trip you pay by cash or credit card. Credit cards are usually accepted at most ports of call. But remember to ask your agent about this because all cards are not accepted everywhere.
Daily Programs are usually given to passengers every evening so you can plan for the next day. Take advantage of these so you don’t miss out on things. Try to be on deck at sundown! This is one of the most relaxing times of the day to enjoy the deck- and everyone else is getting ready for the evening meal!
When you arrive in port allow time for the ship to empty and the tour buses to get organized. Don’t crowd yourself into a hot gangway. Wait for the announcements over a cup of coffee and go when you are ready. This is not a commute!
Ask your agent to help you prepare for port visits. They will tell you what is there, what to wear, information about local restaurants, whether or not you want to pack a lunch (which the waiter can prepare ahead of time for you). Shore excursions can be arranged ahead of time . This is often more desirable and less expensive than trying to arrange your own. But you will have to move at the pace of the group- weigh this!
Don’t forget sun block or long sleeved clothing and hats. You may be sorry you did. The most important tip is to ask, ask, ask your travel agent. If they don’t have the answers they will get them for you. Like we said- they have been there, done that!
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