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Cruises have become a lot more popular in recent years, with the number of global ocean cruise passengers reaching over 31 million. This percentage is believed to increase steadily in the coming years, too, with an estimated 39.4 million in 2027 being forecast. With so many people now choosing this type of vacation, you might find yourself tempted to join in on the fun.
If that is the case, then you need to know the essentials. After all, there is a fair bit to plan for when you embark a cruise ship, especially if you have multiple ports to visit during the trip. Being in-the-know will not only ensure you are kept safe, it will also make sure that your entire vacation is much more enjoyable.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Many people will purchase travel insurance for vacations abroad and think nothing of it, but somehow it can be forgotten about when booking a cruise. If they do remember, some individuals will make the mistake of purchasing insurance closer to their departure date, and this can be a mistake. There are numerous unexpected issues that can occur during a cruise, and travel insurance can help you if these problems arise.
Cruise travel insurance can protect you from setbacks. Whether you miss your ship’s departure due to a delay, cancel the trip due to a family emergency, or cannot travel due to illness, the right insurance policy will ensure you do not lose your cash. The right coverage will also protect you if luggage is delayed or lost, if you need to be evacuated for medical reasons, or if the cruise line goes out of business.
As cruise insurance policies will cover different events and offer different levels of protection, it is essential research providers thoroughly before making a decision. This is particularly important if you have pre-existing medical conditions. You might also find that certain policies will not cover injuries from high-risk activities or incidents that are related to alcohol or drug use.
Arrive at the Departure Port Early
Unfortunately, missing your ship can happen, and the ship definitely won’t wait around for you. Most cruises will depart in the afternoon, and this can make it seem like you have plenty of time to arrive the day of departure. This belief could result in you arriving at the port late, only to realize the ship has already left with all of the other cruisers on board.
To ensure this does not happen to you, you must arrive in advance. You never know when you will encounter traffic on the highway or a flight delay, so getting there early can leave you with extra time in case these issues occur. After all, even the slightest delay at the beginning of your journey can have a domino effect on the rest of your trip.
If you are travelling overseas to the departure port, it is recommended that you arrive two or three days before the departure date. Not only will this offer you additional time to avoid missing the cruise, but it will also allow you to recover from any jetlag you experience.
Research Ports in Advance
While most vacations do not require much research, this cannot be said for most cruises. During a cruise, you will have a limited time to spend in each port. This is why is it essential to research all of the ports you will stop at in advance, to ensure you make the most of your time ashore. The research you carry out will ensure you make informed decisions on how to spend your time, whether you wish to sightsee independently or join a planned excursion.
If you are unsure how to research each port in your cruise, you can use online resources, like cruise-specific forums, official tourism sites, and port authority websites, such as this one. These resources will allow you to plan the day or few hours you will spend there. Tourism websites will offer an insight into the activities, attractions, and dining options available at the port, while post authority sites can be used for details about essential amenities.
Some people will book excursions in advance, but it is worth remembering that excursions will often be on sale where you arrive at the port. Planning ahead will give you a better insight into which option you should go for.
Carry the Ship’s Contact Information
If something goes wrong, you will want to be prepared. It isn’t uncommon for a cruise passenger to be left stranded at a port, and carrying the ship’s contact details could be very beneficial if this happens to you. These details are often printed on a leaflet that is left in passengers’ rooms each night, so you can pick up a new copy each day and put it in your backpack or handbag.
The ship’s staff can help you coordinate your return to the ship and obtain support from locals if you are left stranded in a port, or the contact details can be used if you need help with directions or require assistance navigating local transport.
To conclude, there is a lot to know when you are heading off on a cruise, and it can be overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time passenger. Thankfully, if you follow the tips listed in this post, you will have a much more enjoyable time as you head off to sea.