Advice and Tips for Taking an International Cruise
Are you thinking about going on an international cruise? Millions of people from all walks of life enjoy the chance to see the world aboard a seagoing vessel each year. Cruising is one of the best ways to see a great variety of international destinations at once. In just seven to ten days, you might be able to fit in a dozen different ports of call. As with any type of travel, proper planning is essential. Below we have some great advice about making the most of your cruise. Not only will you learn how to stay healthy and safe while aboard, but you might pick up a tip or two for making your globetrotting travel even more fun.
Important Things to Pack for a Cruise
There are several things you should consider packing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Sunscreen: If you are going to be sunbathing on the deck, you should definitely bring sunscreen and a hat. Sun exposure can be increased significantly by the reflection of sunlight off of the waves during the day. A trusty pair of sunglasses is also useful.
- Non-Internet-based electronics: Although many cruise lines are working hard to upgrade their wifi offerings, chances are that internet availability will be limited or non-existent. Make sure that any electronics are set to airplane mode so they won’t be searching for a signal and draining your battery. Ebook readers, MP3 players and other solo gadgets can be good ways to pass the time.
- Toiletries: Ships generally offer a limited supply of soap and shampoo and very little else. Luckily, cruises don’t limit passengers to travel-size containers like airlines do. Pack enough goods for your whole voyage so you won’t have to search for more while in port.
- Insurance: Even though this is not something you pack, it is certainly something you can’t leave behind. While most cruise lines no longer require travel insurance, the COVID-19 pandemic taught us how easily the best laid travel plans can be interrupted. It’s a good idea to purchase international medical insurance that will cover you both on and off the cruise ship, especially if you need to be hospitalized or evacuated. You might also look into travel insurance policies that offer a “cancel for any reason” option to protect yourself from any last-minute changes you may need to make.
What to Expect on a Cruise Trip
The type of cruise you go on can vary greatly depending on the company, destination and time of year. On most ships, you’ll receive an itinerary of available events each morning. None of these are mandatory except for the safety meeting at the beginning of your trip, which will outline everything you need to do in the event of an emergency.
While many ships are hands-off in style, some have a rigorous schedule with many shore excursions and social events. There may be some peer pressure to attend at least a few shows or group classes, as your cabin steward and other staff will often remind you about big events. You should bring at least one formal outfit, as some ships have black-tie rules for dinner. But if dressing up is not your style, don’t worry: room service will always be available during your cruise.
How to Avoid Seasickness
Every year, thousands of people make the unpleasant discovery that they get seasick while on a ship. You can ask your cabin steward or other staff members if the ship has anything on board to help you with this. Many ships carry a small amount of complimentary over-the-counter seasickness medications. Some of the largest ships even have robust pharmacies and infirmaries.
If you know you are prone to seasickness, the best cabin for you is near the center of the ship and on a lower deck. Larger suites can also help; they can be expensive, but they provide more stability. Rooms with windows facing the ocean will also be helpful, as fresh air and a view of the horizon can both help your body adjust. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, as symptoms of seasickness are worsened by lack of rest.
Safety and Medical Tips for Your Cruise
Before going anywhere by sea, pay careful attention to any warnings that you might find about vaccination requirements. Even if you are not planning to leave the ship to visit a particular port of call, your fellow travelers will do so and may bring back viruses or germs that could be troublesome without the appropriate preparation.
If you take any medications yourself, be sure that you bring enough for your entire trip. You might even plan on bringing extra just in case something happens to some of the supply. You should leave the medications in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription with you. It’s also a good idea to carry them with you instead of in your luggage.
While on a ship, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before and after eating food. This is especially critical in the close quarters of a cruise ship, so take extra precautions.
Last but not least, make sure your trip is adequately covered by travel and medical Travel Health Insurance. When you fall ill on a ship, it can be difficult to know what quality of medical care will be available, so insurance will help you seek the best care wherever you are.
Helpful Cruise Resources
Photo by Pjotr Mahhonin (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons