Cruising Tips and Procedures

Getting Ready   Pre- Departure

Documents

Checking for your cruise will require 2 types if I.D.  A passport  for  travel out of the country, and a government issued I.D.,  such as a driver’s license, is required. Passports can take several weeks to obtain. The U.S. State Department issues passports, and information can be accessed online.  The name on your cruise information must match your I.D. exactly. Your Travel Agent will provide you with your cruise documents.  Always review your cruise and flight documents for accuracy and contact your Agent if corrections are necessary.

Contact a family member or friend and give them copies of your itinerary, passports, travelers checks, and contact information.  Most ships are now equipped with systems that boost cell phone capability, however, emails are still the best form of staying in touch with family, friends, and business associates.

If you have medical conditions, contact your doctor for any special considerations, and ask for a brief medical history to take with you.   Some countries require special immunizations. Bring any immunization records you have with you.

Sea Sickness

The newer cruise ships are now built with stabilizers which eliminate the rocking that causes nausea, however, if you are especially prone to motion sickness, patches and Dramamine will help. The center most point on  the ship is the most stable and may be a factor in choosing your cabin.

Flight Information

Arrive 2 to 3 hours early for your flight. Your Travel Agent will get you to your port early enough for the minimum 2 hour boarding requirement before the ship departure. You may want to consider arriving at your cruise departure city the day before.  This will eliminate the stress and problems with airline delays, lost luggage, and other problems that sometimes occur.

Packing

Be aware that each airlines have different luggage size restrictions.

Carry on your valuable items. Travel documents, valuables, cameras, medicines, etc. are best to keep with you at all times. Each stateroom is usually equipped with a safe for your valuables.

Your on vacation, so dress for comfort. If your cruise is to a warm destination shorts, 2 or 3 swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, workout clothes if you exercise, sandals, rain gear, and a jacket or sweater just in case.

Ship dinner is usually listed in 3 categories, Casual, Informal, and Formal nights. . Casual nights are meant for comfort. Sport shirts and slacks for men and something fun and comfortable for women are standard. Informal nights suggest a sport coat and tie for men and a dress or slacks and blouse for women. Formal nights suggests a dark suit or tuxedo for men, and a cocktail dress or dressy skirt or slacks for women. Some cruise lines offer a tuxedo rental service. These guidelines are suggested,  but not required.

Credit cards and travelers checks are better than large  amounts of cash.

A small calculator is useful in figuring currency exchange rates while onshore in a foreign country.

Soft drinks and bottled water can be brought on board, however alcohol is not permitted.

Luggage should be tagged with your name, address, and phone number.

On board

It usually takes 1 to 2  hours for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom. It is a good idea when you first board your ship, that you check out the ship.  Locate a ships  directory, which are located throughout the ship, and familiarize yourself with the ships restaurants, venues and other points of interest that you will use throughout your cruise. There is always a place where you can get food and drinks while you are waiting for your luggage. Learn where the exits are from your cabin to the open decks.

Muster Drill

When you first arrive at your cabin/stateroom, inspect and report complaints to your steward or the ships purser All ships require your participation in a muster drill. You will be assigned a point where you will assemble and review emergency procedures. This is mandatory for everyone.

Tipping

Tipping on a cruise ship is generally considered a cost and should be budgeted. Tipping is an opportunity to reward those who provide personal service. Some cruise lines add a fee to your on board ship credit account to cover the tips for your cabin steward, and those in the restaurants that seat and serve you. Plan to spend $10 to $15 per person per day. It is possible to prepay your tips as part of your booking so you don’t have to worry about it at all. If you decide to tip personally, contact your purser and it will not be applied to your account.

Dining

There are several dining options available. Traditional dining in the main restaurant is where you will eat most of your meals. Breakfast and lunch are come as you are and don’t require a specific time or table. Dinner is served at 2 different seating times. Usually 6:00 is considered early seating, and 8:00 is late seating. You will be assigned your seating time and a specific table. The Maitre D’ will change your time or table upon request.

You will be given a dining card at the start of your cruise with seating time and table. Take this card with you until you become familiar with your seating.

Food and drinks are available 24 hours a day somewhere on the ship. If you want, you may have your meals served in your cabin.

Dressing for dinner is covered in the packing section of our tips.

The cost of your meals, other than those specialty restaurants, is included in your cruise package. Don’t be afraid to order more than one appetizer, entree, or dessert. Your waiter will be happy to bring you whatever you want. It is fun to try new dishes , and if you find something that you don’t like, just send it back and get something else.

Soft drinks and alcohol is an extra and you will be charged at the time of purchase or it can be added to your account.

Daily Newsletter

Each evening a newsletter is delivered to your room. This newsletter outlines the next day’s activities, pool,  restaurant and bar open and closing times, weather for the next port of call, and any other pertinent information.

On Board Activities

Options are available on a cruise. Do nothing at all, or take advantage of the activities that are always going on somewhere on the ship.

Most ships offer a fitness center. Jogging on the ships decks are an option if you prefer the outdoors for running.

There are usually several swimming pools,  hot tubs, and decks for tanning.

Most ships have movie theaters.

Entertainment after dinner in the main theater is a popular option. Vegas style shows, variety, magic, and music are types of entertainment presented nightly.

Rock climbing walls, skating rinks, golf instruction and driving ranges  are some of the options on some ships.

Card room with cards and board games.

Ship library

The ships have a crew who organize activities throughout the cruise i.e., bingo, swimming pool games, gambling tournaments, talent contests, and themed activities.

Most ships have supervised programs for the kids and are organized according to each age group. Children are always supervised and cared for. Babysitting is an available option for the younger passengers. When you leave your children with the certified personnel, you are given a radio so you can keep in contact with your children and their supervisors.

Accommodations—Cabin/Stateroom

Cruise ship cabins are smaller than hotel rooms and always smaller than they appear in the brochures, however, the service provided by your steward will be more than you are used to in a hotel.

Soon after your arrival, you will be meeting your room steward. Your steward keeps your room clean and supplied with ice, towels, and any special requests you may have. Your steward will answer your questions, deliver your newsletter, turn down your bed in the evening, take your clothes to be cleaned, and even serve your meals in your room.

Casinos

Most ships have on board casinos which are open after the ship enters international waters. The age requirement for casino play is 18.

In Room Electrical Current

Electrical current can be an issue, check with your travel agent to see if an adapter is required for your electrical needs.

On Shore

Ports of call

When booking your cruise, your agent will ask you if you are interested in shore excursions. These are trips to attractions, historical sites, museums, shopping, and other places of interest in each port. Your cruise brochure will list a few shore excursions and things to do at each port.  Shore excursions sponsored by the cruise lines are preplanned and include transportation to and from your choices, and can also be purchased on the ship. It is a good idea to book early since the more popular trips fill up fast.

You will be able to set up your own excursions when departing the ship at the pier. Taxi fare and personal tours are negotiable and you should determine the length, price, and what you expect. If you are not comfortable with your driver or he does not speak enough English, you may want to select another. Always select a  taxi that is licensed and registered. Sometimes, cheaper is not always better.

Some ships will prepare a box lunch if you make arrangements for this the day before with the head waiter.

Currency

While on the ship, all of your purchases can be charged to your on board ship account which makes carrying cash and credit cards unnecessary, however, on shore purchases require cash or credit cards. Travelers checks are safer than large amounts of cash. In Mexico and the Caribbean, U.S. currency is generally accepted everywhere. Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and South America require local currency. A currency exchange is usually available on board your ship.