Helpful Tips Before You Cruise

When cruising, nothing seems to be worse than getting to your room and realizing you forgot something. Although there are shops on board to alleviate any catastrophes, here's a list of things to do and bring before your next cruise.

Check Your Passport's Expiration Date
There is always that off chance that what you thought was your up-to-date passport is actually about to expire and if that's the case, you can't cruise. Double check that your passport doesn't expire until at least 6 months after your cruise date.

Make Your Luggage Extremely Identifiable
If your luggage were to get lost, or if you missed the ship at a port of call, they have a collection point where hundreds of bags are stowed. If you have a medium sized black bag that rolls, chances are that half of the ship does too. Adorn your bag with easily identifiable tags or ribbons. Even brightly colored zip ties do the trick.

Double Check Then Triple Check Your Reservation
Two weeks out, call your cruise line to confirm your room, number of occupants, and any pre-booked excursions. One week out, call again. Don't feel silly doing it either, they get calls everyday like that.

Look For Any Available Upgrades
Veteran cruisers know that rooms they don't tell you about are usually better than what you have. Ask for available upgrades. Senior citizens, students, military and large groups usually can get great discounts or free upgrades.

Call Your Credit Card Company To Tell Them Where You're Going And Have Their Number On Hand
Please call them. Let them know where you're going, how long you'll be gone for and have their number written down and programmed in your phone. If you get to your Port of Call and can't buy anything because they've blocked your credit card, it can be a total bummer.

Don't Be Afraid To Bring Things You Want-In Moderation
Do your kids have a "blankie" that they just can't live without? Bring it! Do you have a special pillow? Bring it! But before you pack it all away, check with your cruise line to make sure what you're bringing is allowed. Obviously no firearms, alcohol (again, check with your cruise line), fireworks, knives, etc.

Have A Copy Of Your Reservation Handy
Print out a copy and have it in your "carry-on". Just in case there is a mix-up with your room or your excursions aren't showing up properly, having a hard copy helps them get things fixed faster.

Take Motion Sickness Medication, Even If You Have A Steel Stomach
If you've never gotten sick in your life, you may get sick on a cruise ship. Especially if your rooms are lower, the boat rocks a little bit more. Just be prepared.

If You Do Forget Something, Consider Buying It At Your Port Of Call
If the item you forgot can wait a few days, consider buying it at your port of call. Local vendors are more willing to haggle and shops are much cheaper than the store on board.

Go In Knowing Your Budget
It's very easy to tell yourself that you'll only spend $300 and walk away with a $2000 bill. Bring cash only if you're afraid to spend it all on your card or set a limit on your card so you know when to stop.

BRING SUNSCREEN
By and far, the most helpful tip is to bring sunscreen. Bring as much as you think you will need and then add two bottles. Just becasue you're on a ship doesn't mean you're out of the sun.