Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation.
More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends are sailing
away on the vacation of their lives. Last year alone approximately seven million people enjoyed a
cruise vacation.
Check what sort of identification you need when traveling to your destinations.
Notify the cruise ship of any special dietary restrictions or requests at least 60 days prior to departure.
Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, travelers cheques and credit cards with a family member or a friend.
Discuss your travel plans with a doctor. Some countries may require certain immunizations. Bring any immunization records with you.
If you tend to get motion sickness, see your doctor prior to departure for recommendations. Dramamine and patches often work to curb seasickness.
It may be easier to email friends and family members back home if you have established a Web-based email account, such as Hotmail, Yahoo or AOL, beforehand.
Check and confirm your airline reservation 24 hours prior to departure.
If you have an ongoing medical condition, ask your family doctor to write up your brief medical history, which you can take with you and provide in the event of a problem.
Check your cruise ticket and verify its information.
Check your airline ticket and verify its information.
If you book cruise only, you are responsible for getting to the ship from the airport.
If you plan to bring a hair dryer or an electric razor, check the cabin voltage. You may need an adaptor.
Give relatives and friends the ship's telephone number, in case of an emergency.
If you booked an air/sea package through a cruise line and you missed the ship because of late/cancelled flight, most cruise lines will get you to the next port.
Arrive at the embarkation area at least two hours prior to sailing.
Complete the immigration/embarkation and the onboard credit card application forms before you register at the check-in desk
Don't purchase duty-free alcohol to take onboard. It is confiscated until the last day of the cruise.
Purchase some guidebooks so you can read about the ports of call you will be visiting.
If you plan on scuba diving, consider becoming certified before you embark on the cruise. You'll save time and money.
