25 Tips For a First Time Cruiser

I was thinking back to when I was a newbie to cruising which prompted me to make a list of things that I either knew or wish I had known prior to taking my first cruise. So here is a list of 25 things that every newbie needs to know or do before leaving on their first cruise vacation.

• Comparison Shop
• Book Early
• Secure travel insurance
• Familiarize yourself with the cruise lines policies
• Decide which dining time and style of dining fits you best
• Research your ports
• Subscribe to this blog
• Set a budget for yourself (its very easy to get carried away while on vacation)
• Write up detailed information about every part of your trip with someone at home
• Make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers
• Alert the credit card companies of which ports you will be visiting
• Make sure your passports are in order
• Make plans to fly in the day before you cruise
• Make sure you transportation plans to and from the airport or port are solid
• Research any excursions you may want to take (they can get expensive really fast)
• Pick all the medications you will need (even over the counter stuff)
• Try seasickness remedies before you go (to make sure they don’t affect you negatively)
• Pick up a good book to read (at times there will be waiting)
• Make sure your camera is in working order
• Pick up a backpack to hold your belongings while in port
• Plan your wardrobe and then really think about if you really NEED everything you chose
• Pack lightly
• Make sure any bills that are due while you are away are taken care of
• Don’t set your expectations too high or too low

Honestly, I know this list may seem daunting, but you can pick and choose which pieces of advice to follow.  The basic idea behind this list is to simple be prepared but you really don’t need to over think or over plan after all you are on vacation.  Those of you who noticed that I only listed twenty-four pieces of advice don’t need to worry; I saved the best piece of advice for last.  It comes to you from one of my favorite musicians.

Come and relax now
Put your troubles down
No need to bear the weight of your worries
Just let them all fall away.

Dave Matthews – Pantala Naga Pampa

Related posts:

1. The Greenlight For My First Cruise of ’09

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