Cruising is a great way to spend a vacation. You get to travel, see the ocean, and enjoy a ship full of amenities and activities as you move between locations. Depending on where your cruise departs, you might not even have to get on a plane! It can take some practice to cruise like an expert, though. If you want to have an enjoyable trip, here are some common cruising mistakes for you to avoid.
1. Only Visiting Popular Locations
There's no shame in wanting to visit the typical tropical islands, but did you know there are countless other locations you can cruise to as well? You could cruise through Europe, Alaska, or Canada. If these don't seem appealing at first glance, check out some of the popular stops and activities. The experiences might just surprise you, and you could score some great cruise deals.
2. Leaving No Room for Travel Delays
Some people like to tempt luck and fly into town the day their cruise is set to leave. That cheap flight might be worth it if you're willing to bet it won't be delayed. If the ship leaves without you, it's gone, which is why travel insurance is an excellent idea regardless of when you plan to arrive. For a peaceful start to your vacation, consider flying in the night before. You can have a fun night out in a new city, get some dinner, explore, and head to bed in a hotel ready to start your adventure the next day.
3. Not Booking Activities in Advance
If you've ever taken a cruise before, you probably already know how quickly many of the activities and excursions book up in advance. You might be able to snag a spot if someone cancels, but if you're determined to go on that snorkeling excursion, you should consider booking well in advance. It's perfectly fine to show up to your cruise relaxed and wanting to do whatever comes your way, just know that avoiding the stress of making any decisions beforehand may leave you without as many opportunities later.
4. Not Doing Research
Researching protocols for your cruise line can help reduce a lot of stress later on. Learn any luggage restrictions, alcohol rules, and all about the required documentation well in advance. The last thing you want is to be standing in line waiting to board, only to realize you left something crucial several states away. If you're going to different countries, it's also a good idea to research local etiquette and customs. You don't want to be rude to the locals, even if they're used to tourists. Plus, many people appreciate it if you attempt to learn a few words in the local language. That little attempt at communication could land you some great new friends with knowledge of the area. It's also important to note that many places on shore only accept cash, so having cash and small bills on hand for gifts and tips is something to add to your packing list.
5. Overpacking
It can take a trip or two to really learn how to pack for a cruise, but you may find a lot of people overpack. It's easy to do considering all of the different activities and dress codes, but the last thing you want is to not have any room left for all your souvenirs. When researching, decide if you want to go to restaurants that require a fancy dress code or not. The extra gown and suit can take up a lot of space! Many people pack light and bring laundry detergent to give their clothes a quick wash throughout the cruise. Some people also stick an empty shoe box in their suitcase to make sure there's room for extras later on.
Cruising should be fun, so why let a handful of little inconveniences ruin your trip? With a little research ahead of time, you can avoid any headaches and arrive on your cruise ship ready for a week of relaxation.
