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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 Nazarene. 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.
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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 "cash-less"
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!
This article
is graciously contributed by Adventures
in Cruising, of St.John
Parish.
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