Cruising is a unique and holistic experience. One can never be bored as it comes with in-house activities like facials, spa treatments, an unlimited buffet, and indoor and outdoor activities. But if you have never been on a cruise before, the experience can get overwhelming. While there are many things you can enjoy doing on a cruise, there are specific things that you should avoid altogether. This article will help you identify some of them.
Never forget to carry an ID card
It is suggested to carry a passport or an identity card on a cruise, but sometimes it’s not practical or too expensive to get one. On most cruises, you have to show your birth certificate and photo ID before you board. A driving license should also work. But no matter the destination, always carry your ID card.
Never arrive too early
Cruise lines have a boarding time (typically 12 to 4 pm) wherein you can show up anytime within the period to board the ship. Some cruises have a “staggered” check-in where you check in online with a selected time to board. If you arrive early, you might be told to come back to the terminal at your scheduled time.
Never miss the muster drill
Muster drills are no fun, but they are mandatory for your safety. This drill shows you where you should assemble in case of an emergency. The staff makes sure everyone attends it. Trying to avoid the drill will only delay things.
Never climb, lean, or sit on the railing
For obvious reasons, never sit or climb over the railing. There are a lot of incidents of people accidentally falling off the fence. Your selfies for social media are not worth risking your own life.
Never let your kids run unattended
A family vacation on a cruise is a great idea. There are many kid areas on the cruise whose staff sometimes are happy to look after your kids while you relax. However, do not let them run wild on the deck or open areas unattended to avoid mishaps unless they are old enough to care for themselves.
Never forget to turn your phone off/ on airplane mode
Cellular charges hit the roof in the middle of the sea. You may incur a huge roaming charge if you do not switch your phone to airplane mode. However, it does not mean you cannot connect to your loved ones on board. Most cruises have free Wi-Fi across the ship. Read the amenities list before booking your ticket.
Avoid sunbathing
Many cruise ships had a private deck onboard where adults could enjoy sunbathing. But that’s not the case anymore. Going topless for sunbathing is prohibited on many cruises. There may be no specific signage, but it’s best to avoid the practice to stay away from conflict.
Although there’s usually no limit to how much luggage one can carry on a cruise, most cruise lines recommend traveling with up to two bags. The biggest hassle with carrying excess luggage is the limited storage space within the cabin. To avoid confusion, double-check luggage limits with the cruise line well in advance.
Here are three popular cruises to choose from.
Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises offers exclusive river cruises across Europe, Asia, Egypt, and Mississippi. The travel booking platform is also famous for exotic ocean cruises and expeditions to the southern continent of Antarctica.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages features some of the best oceanic adventures planned along the Caribbean, Europe, Trans-Atlantic, and South Pacific routes all year round.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is one of the most affordable charters. Travelers can enjoy the best ocean cruises and shore excursions along with the most scenic destinations and major ports of call.
Apart from these cruises, there are other popular options that one can consider. These include Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), American Cruise Lines, Hurtigruten Cruise. So, next time when you’re planning a cruise vacation or trip, consider opting for these cruises. For people seeking a chilled-out night of entertainment, concerts and other musical events offer solutions just as effective as cruises. One can book music tickets for Vivid Seats 2023 events in New York, Atlanta, and Washington DC, from the official website and enjoy incredible musical nights during this holiday season.
Many popular cruise lines also offer exciting adventure packages to the exotic Turks & Caicos archipelago. Check out amazing diving excursions, water sports, and historical sight tours. You can also check out exclusive Galapagos Island cruise deals from major global ports of call. Plan amazing vacations to some of the remotest destinations to be in one with nature today. Destinations like Alaska are popular among cruisers, giving them an opportunity to explore the gorgeous land and seascape of North America. Alaskan cruises may cost anywhere between $600 and $5,000 per person.
Another mistake to avoid is booking a trip without cruise travel insurance. As most regular travel insurance plans do not cover cruises, it is important to choose a comprehensive cruise travel insurance plan that offers complete protection in unforeseen circumstances. For instance, the cruise travel insurance plan should cover issues like cabin confinement, emergency airlifts to hospitals, missed ports, and unused excursion points.
