Your bags are packed, gadgets ready, and all travel essentials set. I know you can’t wait to board the cruise ship and head on to the beaches of your dreams, but before you go and yell YOLO!, ask yourself if you are really ready. Have you made a checklist of what to do before cruising? If not, remember these five tips you should know about before booking a cruise.
- Find the Best Deal – Traveling need not be expensive if you know where and when to find the best deals. You can book online for easier access, but for more options in pricing, you can go through a travel agent.
If you have already set where you would like to cruise, set up email notifications for price changes and deals for that location. Early booking means six to eight months ahead, and some of the best accommodations and itineraries are booked as early as one year in advance. This is where you need an expert: you can change the booking dates based on the prices you prefer as long as you haven’t made any payments yet. Cruise ships allow rebooking until the final payment is done.
The best deals are usually being offered during off seasons or the shoulder season. If you prefer fewer crowds and affordable rates, you can schedule your cruise during the cruise line’s shoulder season. You can do more soul-searching with fewer tourists around!
- Plan Activities Separately – Cruise lines offer different activities at different ports. For more fun and savings, make a list of the things you want to do and the places you want to explore. Do some research on the activities and sites your destination is known for.
You can even create your own themed cruise by learning about new cultures, studying a language, sports, and even trying out native delicacies.
- Plan for Additional Expenses – Upon booking, you might have meals and other amenities, included in your package, but that does not mean you won’t have to spend anything more while onboard. You have all the reasons to cruise the world, so ensure you budget accordingly.
Months ahead of your cruise, start saving money for your “extra” expenses. This can include buying souvenir items at different destinations, or trying a dish that’s only available at your destination.
- Arrive Early at the Port – You have waited so long and you just end up missing the ship. As much as possible, arrive early at the port or at least fly in the day before. Delays can cost you so many things, and you never know what circumstances might occur, so ensure you’re taking the appropriate precautions to protect yourself, your money, and that vacation you’re so desperate to enjoy.
You can book a separate airline so you can choose flexible dates and cheaper tickets. The only thing you have to consider here is that by booking separately, you need to ensure that your timeline is feasible. Booking airfare with the cruise is fine, but can incur additional charges.
- Essential Kit – Prepare a carry on bag with everything you might need, such as legal papers or IDs, medicine for seasickness, wallets, flip flops and light clothes. That way, you won’t have to hunt for your important stuff on your first day aboard or at the port.
You can even enjoy your first day swimming and roaming around comfortably while your bags are being delivered.
Bonus tip: Enjoy! Take a lot of photos and create more memories. You only live once and you must do everything in your power to get the most of it! Remembering these five tips on your next cruise will be a breeze, so keep them in mind!
