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. A useful online resource 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!)
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 obtaining travel insurance to protect yourself and your investment. 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. It also grants 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 14 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.)
- Portable phone charger – A single phone charge may not last the day, especially if you also use your phone as your camera. Get a pocket sized charger to keep with you; some will magnetically connect to your phone.
- Power strip – Think about all the digital devices you take with you on a trip: camera, cell phone, laptop, tablet, e-book reader, etc. Now think about charging them all at once. Pack a travel-compliant power strip; get one with USB ports too.
- Sticky notes or a small wipeboard – if you opt not to pay for on-board Wi-Fi, this rudimentary communication method is useful when traveling with family/friends!
- Luggage tag holder – If you print your own luggage tag and affix it to your bags before arriving at the ship, you’ll save some time getting through check-in. But paper tags might fall off, so get durable clear plastic holders to put your tags into. Lots of options on Amazon for these.
- Passport – Do not forget your passport! Also make a color photocopy of it and keep the copy stashed in one of your bags. Just in case.