1-
Triple check your
passport and ID
Simple,
right? Well, maybe not. You would be surprised at how many people have had trouble with this.
Let’s look at that passport. What is the expiration date? Some countries require that it be effective
for 6 months AFTER you return from your trip.
While you CAN cruise on a closed loop sailing (one that starts and ends
at the same port) without a valid passport, if an emergency happens it will
help you to get home.
Now,
let’s look at your other forms of identification…your driver’s license. Is it up to date? You would be surprised at
the number of people who let that expire without realizing it! And, if you don’t have a passport – Do you
have a copy of your birth certificate?
And let’s not forget the minors you might be taking. Do you need permission for them to travel?
And
one last thing about your ID…remember to NOT pack them in your luggage! Make sure it is easily accessible from your
carry on!
2-
Study the deck
plan
Another
Simple one. On most cruise lines you can’t
always go to your stateroom right away.
Usually your first stop on board will probably be to get lunch! Know the general layout of deck plans before
you board. Have a second choice of restaurants in mind
in case every other passenger has the same idea! Getting all those people checked in at once and
fed makes for a crazy mad house! Have a
plan of action ready. It will help
settle yourself if you have a general idea of where to go.
3-
Contact your cell
carrier!
Some
carriers have reasonable coverage available specifically for cruises. Some cruise lines have special deals with a
few carriers. Unfortunately, my carrier
had neither! Know before you go! Also check on data service through your
carrier. Most cruise lines have data
plans available. Some are reasonable –
others, not so much. Again – know before
you go!
4-
Take your
chargers
Another
simple one. But you would be surprised
at how many chargers are left at home while their electronic devices enjoy a
cruise!
Most
cruises have chargers available in their gift shops – at a premium price. But if your charger is not a standard charger
(like my camera) you are out of luck!
5-
Book your
excursions
OK,
this one is not necessary. You can book
some excursions on board. The problem is
– well do you really want to stand in line while everyone else is enjoying the
cruise? Only to find out all the things
you really want are sold out?
Even
better, have your travel professional book them for you. We have access to excursion provided by other
vendors.
So I am guessing you noticed these are all simple things. Nothing difficult or bothersome. Bust somehow I can say I am guilty of each one of these. Some had outcomes that were just an inconvenience, others were almost catastrophic! (I'll let you guess which ones were which!) But if I were to add a number 6, it would be to let your Travel Professional take over the hard things and let you remember the easy things...and HAVE FUN!
_____________________
Next
week’s blog will be a little late… I will be traveling to Disney to see for
myself how the Art of Animation Family Suites actually work for large
families. My second goal is to see if
all the construction is really affecting touring in the parks. Let me know if you have anything in
particular you want me to check out!
Also,
Disney’s unofficial announcement of being able to bypass the resort check in has
me very interested to see how it will work…
And,
because no blog is complete without a picture or two…my adorable toddler
granddaughter!
 |
| On her first Excursion to Nassau. Watching Daddy eat Conch Salad. |
 |
| Loved the rolls and butter in the main dining room! |
