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Been There, Done That - Cruising Tips From Seasoned Travelers |
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If you are cruising for the first time - congratulations! Youare in for a unique, worthwhile experience. As a newbie, though,you probably have questions about some of the do's and don'ts oftraveling aboard a cruise ship. Luckily, there are many die-hardcruisers who are happy to share some tips to make your firsttime more rewarding.
Before You Leave Home:
Have a friend or neighbour take in your mail daily. Accumulatingmail is a big sign to thieves and other troublemakers that noone is home. You could also have your mail held at the postoffice until you return.
Set your lights on timers so that it appears someone is home todeter troublemakers. Tell your neighborhood community patrol tomake a few extra passes by your home while you are away.
Preprint labels and stamps if you plan to mail postcards outwhile you are on your cruise. This saves some time and you won'thave to lug around an awkward address book.
Money Matters:
Stock up on traveler's checks since they are replaceable if lostor stolen. To expedite the replacements should your traveler'schecks be lost or stolen, write down the serial numbers and putthem in a safe and separate place. That way, it makes the bank'sjob a little easier and speed up the process for yourreplacements.
Keep a handy supply of small denominational bills, usually one'sand five's. Tipping is appreciated for porters and stewards atboth the airport and docking pier of the ship. This isespecially important in foreign countries. Horror stories aboundabout stolen or "lost" bags that never make it to the ship.Sometimes, you have got to grease their palms with cash. It's asmall price to pay for having your clothing and toiletriesaboard for your cruise.
To avoid long lines at the end of your cruise, check out yourending invoice on your account. Check for any errors and resolvethem as soon as possible. There is no sense adding the stress ofstanding in line to pay your final tab after you just had arelaxing vacation.
Take a few rubber bands with you to wrap around your wallet. Therubber will "grab" onto your clothing. This makes it verydifficult for a pickpocket to part with your wallet without youfeeling it.
Kid Stuff:
If you are traveling with babies or toddlers, paper throwawaybibs are perfect for protecting your child from stains andmesses at meal times, thus prolonging the wear of theirclothing.
Bring a collapsible stroller for your young child. The cruiseship is a happening place and before long you will hear thestrains of "I'm tired! Carry me!" This is exhausting to parents.With a stroller, you can just pop your kid inside and roll on.
Pack a few portable, self contained snacks for your child likepeanut butter or cheese crackers. These will come in handy andare much cheaper than buying some once you are cruising or atport.
Odds and Ends:
Throw inside your suitcase a few of those annoying plasticshopping bags that you usually get from the grocery store. Theseare handy for storing dirty clothing.
If you have an inside cabin, take a nightlight with you.Darkness is not fun when you are in a strange room. No senserunning into walls or stubbing your toe if you can avoid it.Little maglight keychain flash lights are handy too.
Bring a little first aid kits for those minor emergencies. Wetwipes are handy too for those instance were a sink isn't handy.
There are literally hundreds of cruise tips that can save thesanity of newbie travelers. Think of those little shortcuts orideas that you use at home. Decide if they are adaptable to thecruise ship. The less you have to worry about, the more relaxedyou will be after your cruise.
About the author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a cruise and travel expert specializing indiscount cruises and travel. Visithttp://www.luxury-cruise-deals.com/ for more information on howto cruise the world for little or no money.
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