Travelling by Sea
If you have never taken a cruise before, here are tips that will make your trip more enjoyable, less frantic and organized.
Lately, there are more requirements that cruise lines require like completing immigration information before the cruise. It is important that you have two ID forms. You must either have a travel passport or a birth certificate. You must also carry a photo ID like a driver's license. Print these papers after you have made a final payment and take them with you when you check in.
We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not mandatory, but it eliminates panic about flight delays or missing luggage concerns. If you do arrive the same day as departure, allow ample time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time on your return flight. It is suggested to choose your departing flight by 1:00 in the afternoon. Attempt to arrive the day before the departure of the cruise line. This is not necessarily mandatory but it does eliminate panic about flight delays.
You will be assigned to one of two rooms on board. They are called a"Stateroom" or "Cabin". There are two kinds of accommodations on board. They are called state room or cabin. They both have the same meaning. Choose wisely. If you or someone in your family is claustrophobic, do not choose an inside cabin, as they are small with no windows. Try a cabin with a porthole. Balcony cabins are also a good alternative as they are usually bigger. If you are with your family, most new ships have cabins that are family friendly. You cabin will include very nice amenities that will make it seem more like home. These include private baths, refrigerators, large closets, phone and TV.
Sea sickness should not be a concern for you. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to side. To be on the safe side, pack medicine like Dramamine in
Lately, there are more requirements that cruise lines require like completing immigration information before the cruise. It is important that you have two ID forms. You must either have a travel passport or a birth certificate. You must also carry a photo ID like a driver's license. Print these papers after you have made a final payment and take them with you when you check in.
We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not mandatory, but it eliminates panic about flight delays or missing luggage concerns. If you do arrive the same day as departure, allow ample time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time on your return flight. It is suggested to choose your departing flight by 1:00 in the afternoon. Attempt to arrive the day before the departure of the cruise line. This is not necessarily mandatory but it does eliminate panic about flight delays.
You will be assigned to one of two rooms on board. They are called a"Stateroom" or "Cabin". There are two kinds of accommodations on board. They are called state room or cabin. They both have the same meaning. Choose wisely. If you or someone in your family is claustrophobic, do not choose an inside cabin, as they are small with no windows. Try a cabin with a porthole. Balcony cabins are also a good alternative as they are usually bigger. If you are with your family, most new ships have cabins that are family friendly. You cabin will include very nice amenities that will make it seem more like home. These include private baths, refrigerators, large closets, phone and TV.
Sea sickness should not be a concern for you. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to side. To be on the safe side, pack medicine like Dramamine in