Enjoying your nautical holiday!
Going on a cruise soon? Find out some tips so your trip can be smooth sailing!
While on a cruise, you can do whatever you want and at any time you want!
Getting ready to set sail on a cruise? There is much that can happen that could put a spanner to your holiday plans like forgetting to pack your medicine or sunblock, or over-planning what you want to do onboard.
Here are a few things to take note so you can have a smooth and relaxing holiday:
1) GET READY YOUR PASSPORT & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Bring along your original passport (not photocopies) and travel documents in a handheld bag and not packed inside your luggage as you need them for immigration clearance upon cruise boarding.
2) LEARN TO RELAX & ENJOY!
A holiday should be carefully planned out. Don’t be overly ambitious; there should be plenty of rest to rejuvenate for maximum enjoyment. Having an all-inclusive cruise holiday doesn’t mean that you must pack everyday with non-stop entertainment and programmes. Learn to pace out your itinerary and you will discover the true essence of freestyle cruising. You have the absolute freedom to do what you want, any time you want!
3) WEAR A LANYARD/WRISTBAND
You don’t have to worry about misplacing your cabin keycard when you wear a lanyard/wristband all the time!
If there is an early morning excursion, consider opting for room service breakfast and skip the queues.
4) BRING A MULTI-PURPOSE ADAPTOR
Most cabins will come with two to three power points. Bring an adaptor to charge your IT gadgets.
5) SYNCHRONISE YOUR CLOCK
During your cruise, your electronic devices may be subjected to time zone auto adjustment if you overlook programming them. Set your alarm or request for wake-up calls in case you oversleep.
6) ENJOY IN-CABIN BREAKFAST
On days with early morning excursions, opt for room service breakfast. That way, you can skip the breakfast queues.
7) DINE IN STYLE
Plan meals ahead of time to avoid the crowds. Either be the first or last to dine to save queue time.
Want more people on your vacation? You could invite your children and grandchildren.
8) PACK FOR THE OCCASION
Remember to pack shore excursion specific items like sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent, wet tissue, etc. For the Captain’s Gala Dinner, do bring along an evening gown (ladies) and a suit (gentlemen).
9) CHECK THE TIME YOU MUST BE BACK ONBOARD
For shore excursions, usually you have 30 minutes before sailing time. If you miss the ship, you will be responsible for getting yourself to the next port of call to rejoin the cruise.
10) RESTRAIN FROM DUTY-FREE ALCOHOL
Avoid bringing along alcohol beverages on the cruise as it may be confiscated and only returned upon cruise arrival.
11) NAVIGATE YOUR WAY
Study the deck plan and plot the shortest route to reach your designated venues within the ship.
12) DIRECT ACCESS
Request for cabins near the lift for convenience and easy accessibility around the ship.
13) WEATHER CHANGES
Cruises to warm regions in Southeast Asia is well-suited for seniors because it enables easy packing and will not aggravate joint/body pains.
14) TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to pack sufficient medication for the cruise. Bring along the written prescriptions in case of medical emergency. There is a well-equipped medical centre with onboard doctors and nurses on standby 24/7.
Enjoy the many meals on offering on a cruise.
15) SPECIAL WISHES
Should you have any special needs like F&B dietary requirements or complimentary wheelchair arrangements, be sure to alert the cruise staff upon booking.
16) OPT FOR EXPRESS CHECKOUT
Beat the human congestion by choosing the hassle-free express checkout option. You may view your bills on the in-cabin TV channel or verify the printed version for bill accuracy.
17) PEACE OF MIND
Procure an insurance policy for an extra peace of mind in the event of loss of baggage or cruise delay.
** These tips have been provided courtesy of Star Cruises, which offers a number of destinations as well as activities onboard its cruises.
(** PHOTO CREDITS: Star Cruises)
Great help, there are lot of ideas in your blog. And enjoyed your nautical holiday with cruises.