How to Prepare for Your Cruise Holiday
If you’re heading off on a cruise for the first time or if you just want to make sure you’ve got everything sorted, there is a checklist of things you’ll need to do to prepare for this holiday.
We’ve brought together all of these must-dos so you can enjoy a stress-free cruise:
1. Check What You Need
First, it’s a good idea to check what visas, passports and other documents you may need for your travels. Your cruise liner should give you a good idea of this when you book.
Always check that these documents are going to be valid at the time you’re traveling and be sure to make a note of when online check-in opens for your liner. This will be the time when you need to submit all of these important documents.
Equally, some destinations you’re traveling to may require certain medications or vaccinations, so always check this beforehand. The NHS Fit for Travel website is a great place to start.
2. Book Your Excursions
One of the best things about booking cruises with companies like Jules Verne is that you’ll get great in-depth itineraries for the trip ahead. Each destination the cruise will stop off at will be included in this itinerary with the option of excursions often being an additional extra.
Research each of these stop-offs to see whether it’s worth doing an excursion there or not. For example, there may be specific tours that will include all the iconic sights (the ideal option if you want to see as much as possible) or there may be the option to have a leisurely stroll around a certain area.
While many of these excursions can be booked onboard, it is worth booking in advance as they may get booked up pretty quickly.
3. Pack Your Bags
Because cruises take in a number of different destinations and there’s so much to do onboard, it can be difficult to know what to pack.
As well as your usual holiday gear, sun cream, hats and clothing for all the different activities you’re doing, there are a few other cruise-specific things you may need. These include motion sickness tablets (just in case the sea does get a little rough one evening) and glamorous outfits for those formal occasions.
A lot of cruise liners have outfit requirements so it is worth checking these out before.
4. Consider Some Hand Luggage
Even though your suitcases will be taken to your room as quickly as possible when you get on board, there are some instances where having hand luggage is handy.
For example, you’ll need to have your travel documents with you at all times, and if you are traveling via bus to get to the port, hand luggage is handy if you want to be able to change clothes as soon as you get to your cabin. This allows for any slight delays in getting the rest of your luggage to your room.
Armed with all of these helpful tips you’ll soon be setting sail comfortably, stress-free and in style!
