When you think about preparing for your cruise vacation you probably picture packing a swimsuit and camera. However, there are a few things that often get overlooked that can make a huge difference.
If your trip takes you outside the country, make sure your passport is valid. As soon as you receive your cruise documents make your reservations for on-board amenities and shore excursions.
Assess your available credit and make sure you have plenty of cash. These small steps can greatly enhance your cruise enjoyment.
Depending on where your cruise takes you, it is a good idea to get or renew your passport. Recent changes in US law mean that a passport is required to reenter the States from Mexico and the Caribbean.
If you already have a passport, check the expiration date and make sure it has blank pages. You don't want to be on the high seas when you realize that it expired a month before, or worse during your trip. If you don't have one, get one as soon as possible and pay the extra money to expedite the process.
Once you receive your new passport, make several copies of it. If it is lost or stolen you will be very glad you took this step. Give one copy to your emergency contact back in the states and put one in your suitcase.
As soon as you get your cruise documents read through them carefully. You will find information about shore leave, amenities on board ship and other things that make your trip the best it can be. Most cruise lines will allow you to make these kinds of reservations on line.
While you could wait until you board your cruise ship to do this, you'll find yourself waiting in a long line instead of lounging by the pool. You can walk on the ship and begin enjoying yourself secure in the knowledge that your massage is not booked during dinner or a port of call.
You may have booked your cruise in celebration of a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or other milestone. Most cruise lines have special packages and treats to enhance your festivities.
It is important to give the cruise staff sufficient time to make arrangements such as having champagne and hors d'eouvres in your room or a birthday cake at dinner. Waiting until you board ship is likely to result in disappointment.
Several months before your cruise, assess the amount of credit available on your credit cards. This gives you time to move things around, open another card, or pay down your balance.
Your cruise line will probably place a hold on your credit card for incidentals when you check in. This hold could range from $50-200 per day. It is a great idea to call ahead and find out your cruise line's policy. This is especially important if you plan to stay in a hotel or rent a car since they will place holds on your credit card as well.
Even though your charges are adjusted to reflect the money you actually spent, it can take several days for it all to catch up. You don't want to find out that your card is maxed during your trip because of holds.
It is also a good idea to get enough cash for your trip. While you'll use your credit card a lot, cash is still important. Because of the high rate of fraud, many merchants will not take traveler's checks.
It is also unlikely that your cruise ship will cash your personal check. ATMs are usually available on ship, but sometimes they run out of cash and you will probably pay a high fee.
On shore, some smaller merchants and street vendors will not take credit cards and ATMs might not be conveniently located. Make sure you bring smaller bills so that you can tip your cruise line staff. Bringing cash ensures that you are able to fully enjoy your trip with little inconvenience.
You don't need to have a Type A personality to get organized for your cruise vacation. A little preparation will go a long way toward ensuring that you are prepared and ready to fully enjoy every minute of your vacation.
Check your passport, make your reservations, and assess your credit and cash situation. These small but crucial steps will pay off in cruise enjoyment. Of course, pack your swimsuit and camera and enjoy your trip!
Related Articles
Fear Not! You Can Book Your Own Cruise Of A Lifetime!
By: Jacqueline Michaels | 17/01/2007 | Travel
Many people are simply overwhelmed when it comes time to book the cruise vacation of their dreams. There are so many options, so many cruise lines, so many destinations, and so many considerations. The list just continues on and on until one feels like they will never be able to...
African Safari for Gorilla Trekking
By: Richard Dickson | 15/02/2008 | Destinations
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, lies south-western Uganda about 530km from the Capital (Kampala) and close to the borders of Rwanda and DRC.
Top Resorts in Varadero, Cuba
By: Nick Kakolowski | 12/06/2008 | Vacation Rentals
The hub of tourism that is Varadero, Cuba is home to many fantastic resorts and beautiful beaches. The most difficult part is figuring out which resort works best for you. Many individuals choose a resort based on the beach it offers, or the restaurants on the premises. Others vacationers are more interested in amenities such as a spa, daycare service, or the surrounding area of the hotel.
Masai Mara Kenya Safari Adventure
By: Richard Dickson | 15/02/2008 | Travel Tips
One-day visitors took a chartered flight to the remote country side area of Kenya, they were a amazed to see tall lean and decorated man holding a spear in one hand with his red cloth wrapped around his waist. “Who are those people? They asked” it was all over at last, the handsome looking Masai.
What to Expect on a Vacation to Varadero, Cuba
By: Nick Kakolowski | 12/06/2008 | Vacation Rentals
Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, the resort town of Varadero Cuba is flanked by two bodies of water: The Bay of Cardenas and the Straights of Florida. This gives Varadero plenty of beaches, and its placement only 140km east of Havana provides access to the nation’s capitol. On the edge of the peninsula on which Varadero rests one can find the Hicacos Point Natural Park.
Wedding Crusies: How Good Are They?
By: Jason Roberts | 11/09/2006 | Business
Have you and your betrothed given any thought to getting married on a cruise?
It can, and does, happen. In fact, one of the Princess Lines ships, the Grand Princess (and the folks that brought you the Love Boat) even has a wedding chapel.
Don’t be Fooled the Accommodations Do Matter
By: Jeff Jackson | 30/09/2007 | Cruising
Let me lay it on the line. You know that pretty young thing at the travel agency trying to get you to book a nice cruise for you and your sweetie? Well she has only one job. That job is to sell you a vacation and she will say whatever it takes to get you to sign on the dotted line.
Uganda Safari Vacation to Sipi Falls
By: Richard Dickson | 15/02/2008 | Travel
Sipi Falls is one of Uganda’s most romantic and beautiful falls. There are three levels of falls, but the two upper levels are fairly small compared with the main drop.The fall is about 55km north of Mbale, in the foothills of Mt Elgon and not far from the town of Kapchorwa.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an Isareli citizen who is visiting the U.S ...
By: winston | 14-07-2008
I am an Isareli citizen who is visiting the U.S. Can I travel on the visa I got for the U.S. visit, to the Dominican Republic for a short visit?
Has anyone every stayed at Stonewind Retreats in ...
By: Delta | 14-07-2008
Has anyone every stayed at Stonewind Retreats in Chester Arkansas?
Agency's offering Motor Coach vacations
By: nora | 14-07-2008
Looking for agency's that offer Motor Coach vacations leaveing from the finger lakes region of New York State.
Greetings: I am in search of an African ...
By: Marilyn | 13-07-2008
Greetings: I am in search of an African American travel club I can travel with. Can you recommend any/ I know they are out there. They can be Christian groups, clubs for singles or for educators.Marilyn Quarterman
International travel on Am Air from jfk to ...
By: MORT | 13-07-2008
international travel on Am Air from jfk to heathrow, London does not by rules permit standby for an earlier flight the same day. if we go to the airport for the earlier flight, which has plenty of open seats, what are the chances that the reps at the ticket counter may let us take the earlier flight at no cost. any experience???? thanks for your help
Custom Entry point for private flight
By: Ted | 13-07-2008
I want to fly a private plane to Llyodminster from the USA direct. Can I clear customs at the airport in LLyod or do I need to go somewhere else??
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Cruising Articles
Retiring on a Cruise Ship; What Needs to be Done
By: Bou van Kuyk | 23/07/2008
The subject of this article is about how to make retiring on a cruise ship of a regular cruise line affordable, flexible and convenient for the person of average means.
Cruisin' With Dave Koz & Playboy Jazz Festival!
By: Rich Gonzalez | 23/07/2008
As a travel writer for Dunhill Vacations, I get to write about some real far out places. As exciting as some exotic escape to Asia or a brand new all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, my favorite type of travel has always been cruising. I enjoy the thought of being on a small city in the middle of the ocean. I enjoy the sounds of the surf and the smell of the warm salty air.
Cheapest Airline Tickets of My Travel Plans
By: Parveenn Kumarr | 23/07/2008
I am looking for the cheapest airline tickets first when I start this part of my travel plans. That does not always mean that I buy the cheapest airline tickets that I find. Not at all! As I have pointing out in other topics the other factors associated with airline flights may end up being more important to my for this particular flight than just the cost of the flight.
What is a Cruise Ship?
By: pateluday | 21/07/2008
An article about cruise ships and luxury yachts and what they offer to holiday makers...
Celebrity Cruises Mercury Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
By: Ellen McNulty | 18/07/2008
Celebrity Cruises Mercury review and advice for
Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
Miami Limousine Service
By: Jonathan Swift | 17/07/2008
Transport options in Miami vary according to the choice of the customer and most of the tourists rent a car. You can get public transportation and taxis to travel around smaller areas at a reasonable price. Public transportation is Miami is largely used by the local commuters and the Miami-Dade County provides bus, commuter rail systems and also a down town people-mover.
The All Inclusive Caribbean Cruises
By: Cindy Heller | 15/07/2008
An all inclusive Caribbean cruise would be the most ideal way of spending time in a complete relaxation and not having to worry about spending more than one can afford.
Tips On Getting A Good Caribbean Cruise Deal
By: Cindy Heller | 14/07/2008
Cruising has become a very popular way to take a vacation in the recent years and that is due to the fact that the number of cruise ships companies has grown considerably. Nevertheless, choosing the right cruise ship company for your cruise can make all the difference in the world between having a good vacation and having the vacation of a lifetime.
Travel 
