Do: read your cruise documents thoroughly.
The cruise line you cruise on will send you quite a bit of information to go through. Look through all of it and make sure your documentation is in order.
Hint: The earlier you look through your documents the earlier you can correct any problems you may have. Make sure the names on your cruise documents exactly match the names on the passports of all individuals traveling.
Don’t: try to be the first one onboard the ship.
Getting to the cruise terminal too early doesn’t necessarily mean you will be allowed to board. The ship has to unload all of the passengers, go through customs and the crew needs to begin cleaning the ship including the cabins before allowing embarking passengers on the ship.
Hint: Even if you are the very first person on board, your cabin will probably not be ready for you to occupy it so use this time to explore the ship.
Do: be sure to bring your boarding documents to the cruise terminal.
Make sure you pack your boarding documents and your identification in something that you plan on carrying directly on board. If you do not have these documents available when checking in you will not be allowed to board the ship.
Hint: Before you leave on your vacation make sure everything you will need to board is in a safe and accessible location. Do not pack them into luggage that you plan on having the cruise line handle for you.
Don’t: over pack.
Cruise line cabins are generally much smaller then the hotel rooms most people are accustomed to. Because of this limited space there may not be much room for you to unpack everything you brought with you. Try to limit yourself to only packing what is essential.
Hint: Room stewards will generally ask you to place your luggage under the bed. If your suitcases are too large for that, they will stow them for you, but only if you ask. One more thing, you do not need to pack towels from home, they will be provided to you on a daily basis at the pool.
Do: have clothes pulled out for your first day onboard and pack your medication in your carry-on bag.
While you might be let on the ship on the earlier side, there is no guarantee that your bags will be at your cabin until much later. If you want to make the most of your first day on board, pack a bathing suit and a change of clothes in a carry on bag. Don’t forget to take any medications you might need with you.
Hint: If you are traveling as a family, using a small piece of luggage with wheels is a good way to bring your first day’s necessities on board. You might need to bring the piece with you during the day until your cabin becomes available and wheeling it around sure beats carrying it.
Don’t: try to avoid the safety drill, it’s mandatory.
Ah, the dreaded safety drill. For those of you who haven’t cruised yet you are in for a treat. Every ship must perform a safety drill within the first 24 hours out to sea.
While it may be uncomfortable to wear your life jacket and line up during this mandatory exercise it is an important exercise to take part in.
Hint: Don’t try to avoid this! Uncomfortably loud beeps and noises ring throughout the ship during this drill. It doesn’t take too long and if you are caught trying to evade this drill you can be fined.
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