There’s nothing quite like setting off on holiday and breaking away from your normal, everyday life. A cruise offers just that, but on another level. It has the potential to totally change your perspective on holidaying. However, with their unique structure, there can be a number of surprises along the way for guests embarking on their first cruise holiday. In this post, we’re detailing some of the most important things you need to know before setting sail.
- The importance of earliness
Arriving super early is important, especially for those travelling further away. If you’re travelling by flight, book an earlier flight to give yourself plenty of time in case of any delays. Sticking to a well-structured, time managed itinerary throughout the cruise will ensure that you will get the best seats for shows, as well as first come, first serve in restaurants.
- Included in the price
One of the most important things to research before embarking on your cruise is what is actually included in the price you pay. This will, of course, vary from cruise to cruise, so it is important to take this into consideration at the time of booking your trip.. Most cruise lines offer your cabin, meals in the casual dining spaces, musical shows, club entrances, and access to the pool area in the price of your cruise. They may also offer upgrade options, such as upgraded dining, additional spa services and extras such as fun classes.
- Planning ahead could change your experience
There is truly so much to see and do on a cruise holiday. Planning ahead is crucial for getting your money’s worth out of your trip. So, take the time to research the ship before you set sail. If you are booking a cruise to Antarctica from the likes of Polar Holidays (https://polarholidays.com/antarctic-cruises/), then be sure that you read up all the info on their website and understand everything thoroughly. That way, you can make a checklist of all of the things you hope to see and do. As well, on arrival, it’s recommended that you do a self-guided tour of the ship. This way, you can see exactly where everything is located and will make for much easier planning.
- Your bags won’t be with you at all times
There are two types of baggage you can bring with you on your cruise, carry-on luggage and checked luggage. Your checked baggage will not be with you when you board the ship. Instead, these are checked on before you board and will meet you later on. For this reason, you should ensure that your carry-on luggage contains all of your essentials, such as important medication, a change of clothes and any other necessities you might need.
- You might get sea-sick
Seasickness is a huge fear for many people setting off on the very first cruise holiday, and also the main reason why many aren’t brave enough to actually do it. One of the best ways to combat this is by wearing little elastics on your wrists, otherwise known as sea bands. They press against your pressure points and help to keep seasickness at bay. You can also bring anti-sickness medication on board the ship to help prevent motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, the best thing to do is to book a cabin in a higher deck midship. These rooms offer the smoothest sailing, and also offer the bonus of some of the best views.
Written by Stuart Cooke, blog writer at Uni Baggage, a luggage shipping service that helps take the hassle out of travelling.
