Thinking Of Travelling By Sea? Here's Some Cruise Tips

If you have never taken a cruise before, here are tips that will make your trip more enjoyable, less frantic and organized.

Lately, there are more requirements that cruise lines require such as completing immigration information prior to the cruise. It is important that you have two forms of ID. You must either have a travel passport or a birth certificate. You must also carry a photo ID like a driver's license. Print these papers after you have made a final payment and take them with you when you check in. We always take along a photo copy of our passport as well. Our last cruise to Europe collected our passports on day 2 for visa processing in Turkey and returned them to us on the next to last day of the cruise. I'm sure they've misplaced a few passports over time.

We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not mandatory, but it eliminates panic about flight delays or missing luggage concerns. If you do arrive the same day as departure, allow ample time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time on your return flight. It is suggested to choose your departing flight by 1:00 in the afternoon. Attempt to arrive the day before the departure of the cruise line. This is not necessarily mandatory but it does eliminate panic about flight delays.

You will be assigned to one of two rooms on board. They are called a"Stateroom" or "Cabin". There are two kinds of accommodations on board. The are called state room or cabin. They both have the same meaning. Choose wisely. If you or someone in your family is claustrophobic, do not choose an inside cabin, as they are small with no windows. Try a cabin with a porthole. Balcony cabins are also a good alternative as they are usually bigger. If you are with your family, most new ships have cabins that are family friendly. You cabin will include very nice amenities that will make it seem more like home. These include private baths, refrigerators, large closets, phone and TV.

Sea sickness should not be a concern for you. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to side. To be on the safe side, pack medicine like Dramamine or Meclizine (can be bought over-the-counter at your local pharmacy) in your bag. You can also purchase over the counter medicines in the Sundries store on board, after sail away. Modern ships have what are called stabilizers. This eliminates most of the rocking motion which sends people staggering around green from sickness. If you should experience sea sickness, retreat to your cabin and lie down with a cold washrag over your head or neck.

No cruise is complete without fine dining. You can even enjoy 24 hour room service - be mindful of tipping guidelines, which vary. We prefer the Free-Style Cruises, which allow you to eat in different resturants on board and at the time that is convenient for you - usually between the hours of 5 pm - 10pm.

When you are packing, bring comfortable shoes. This is very important because you will do lots of walking. Do not forget to take medications, plenty of clothes, a swimsuit and your travel documents in a small bag that you can take with you. This eliminates the anxiety of waiting for your belongings to show up in your cabin.

Above all, have fun taking advantage of the many activities that they offer there. Get a massage, go work out at a fitness center, and go relax by the pool. You can even watch movies, go rock climbing, go skating and more! Also, do not miss out on the shore excursions, If you are bringing your children, take advantage of the activities for kids. Every cruise line has a children's program. These are usually grouped by age. Take advantage of the baby-sitting service available. You will have to pay, but it is worth it if you and your spouse/partner would like to steal away and enjoy the nightlife on board. Whether you are going for an anniversary, a get-away, or a family vacation, a cruise line is a great destination.

By Nick Nikolis