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You will need 2 forms of ID.  You must have a passport or a certified birth certificate. You will also need a picture ID. These will be needed at check-in.

Packing

There are several tips we can give you on packing. Make sure you pack both casual and dressy clothes. One of the important things to pack is comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking and comfortable shoes are very important. If you take any kind of medication, be sure to pack it in a carry on bag. Your luggage may not be delivered to your room for several hours after you have boarded the ship. Speaking of luggage, another important tip is use bright colored luggage. Soft sided luggage is best.  There is very little room to store your luggage in your cabin.  If you do not have bright colored luggage, tie colorful ribbons on it or some kind of distinguishing marking. At the end of your cruise, EVERYONE'S luggage is placed in a large room, grouped by Deck floors. It is very difficult to pick yours out of the 3000 plus pieces of luggage.

Tipping is optional but highly recommended.  Several cruise lines and booking agencies allow you to prepay your gratuities. This is a real time saver.  It eliminates the hassle of coming up with cash at the end of your cruise for tips. They will base the charges on the suggested tipping guidelines for that cruise line. Gratuities are automatically charged to your sail and sign card for beverage service.

We always try to fly in the day before the cruise. This is not necessary but, in our experience, it saves a lot of worry about flight delays or cancellations. If you do fly in the same day as the cruise, allow yourself sufficient time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one hour prior to the ships departure. You also need to allow sufficient time on your return flight.  Most cruise lines suggest you book your departing flight no earlier than 1:00 PM.

There are several ways to purchase shore excursions. The cruise line offers a large variety of on shore activities. If you book them on the ship, book them early as they do sometimes sell out. The best part about booking these on the ship is, the crew will guide you to and from the transportation for the excursion. You can also purchase these on shore through local tour companies. Sometimes this is less expensive. Another option is finding a taxi on shore and have them take you where you want to go. The taxis are always at the end of the dock. You can bargain with the drivers on price. Make sure you agree on a price before you get in the cab. Have exact change for the cab or the driver may try to make you believe they can't make change.

Shopping

If you plan to do some shopping on shore, you should attend the Cruise Director's talk about shopping. These talks are both informational and entertaining.  They will give you guidelines on where to shop for the best bargains and their recommended stores. Some cruise lines offer guarantees on your purchases, but only at specific stores. You can bargain with the street vendors on price.  Almost everyone speaks fluent English in the stores.  All shops take U.S. currency and prices are in U.S. dollars.  However, should you purchase from a shop using their native currency, use your credit card to get the best exchange rate. 

Check with your cruise line about their policies on bringing alcohol on board with you. Most will not allow you to bring your own alcohol on.  Some cruise lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine on board, if you are celebrating something.   If you purchase alcohol on board or on shore, the cruise line will retain your purchase until the end of your voyage.  Your purchases will be delivered to your cabin the last night of the cruise.

Sea sickness should not be a worry to you. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to side. If this is a concern, pack sea sickness medication in your carry on bag. However, if you should experience sea sickness (or any other illness) and have no medication with you, there is an infirmary on board. There is a charge for using this service which will be billed to your sail and sign card.

On modern ships, nearly everything is handicapped accessible.  However, this is not the case with shore excursions.  Some destinations require you to step from the ship onto a small tender boat to get to shore.  When the ship docks, some locations on shore have narrow, broken sidewalks.  You may also encounter uneven terrain.  Check with your Purser's office.  They will be able to give you a more detailed description of the area.

FIRST TIME CRUISERS  - Tips for your first cruise

Choosing a Cabin

When you decide your going to take your first cruise, choose your cabin carefully.  If you are at all claustrophobic, you will want to avoid an inside cabin.  They are very small and have no windows.  Cabins with port holes or a window  might suit you better. There are also balcony cabins.  They are usually larger than other rooms.  If you are traveling with a family, most newer ships have larger cabins designed for families.  Also available are cabins that are handicap accessible.  Of course you can go all out and book a suite which is much larger than the other cabins on the ship.  Depending on what type of accommodations you choose, your cabin will include a private bath, closet space, phone, and television.

Transportation

You may book your  transportation to and from the airport with the cruise line when booking your cruise. A representative of the cruise line will meet you either at the gate or at baggage claim and direct you to their transportation buses. If you don't book this ahead of time, you can also purchase the cruise line transportation at the airport. Just ask one of the cruise line representatives at the gate or baggage claim. Another option is to take a taxi to and from the airport.  This is usually much quicker then waiting on the cruise line busses to fill.  

Be sure to have either a Passport or a certified birth certificate. You will also need a picture ID as well. These will be needed at check-in.  Soon, the government will be requiring all passenger to have a passport.  If you do not have one yet, we suggest you submit your application for one now.

Embarkation & Check-In

When you arrive at the ship's dock, you will be guided to the check in area. Porters will take your luggage and place it aboard the ship.  These porters do not work for the cruise line.  Always tip the porters directly, at least $2.00 per bag.  Be sure to have your documentation handy as you will need this when you get to the check-in desk. At the check in desk you will be asked for 2 forms of ID (passport or certified birth certificate and picture ID). You will also be asked for a credit card for your sail and sign card. At this time they will issue you your "sail and sign" card. This is your "charge card" for all on board purchases, including beverages and on board shopping. Do not lose this card. It is encoded with your credit card information and it is your ID to get on and off the ship at shore. Also at check-in they will assign your table number and dining time. If you do not already have a cabin assigned to you, this is when you will be given your cabin number. You will also be given a ship Deck Plan. Keep this handy at all times. It guides you to all various facilities on the ship. It's easy to get lost and this will help you find your way. You will be allowed on the ship approximately 3 hours prior to sailing (check with your cruise line). Usually, the ship has a buffet set up for your enjoyment while you wait to for the ship to set sail.

Daily Newsletter

Each day you will have a "Ship Newsletter" delivered to your cabin. This will detail the times and places for all of the ships activities. It will also tell you what time each of the dining areas, bars and pools open and close.

Muster Drills

Before the ship sets sail, every passenger is required to attend the Muster Drill.  An announcement will be made over the loud speaker instructing you to go to your cabin, put on your life jacket and go to your muster station.  Every passenger must do this.  The crew will search cabins to make sure everyone is at the drill.  This is required by the Coast Guard. This drill is designed to show everyone what to do in the unlikely event you have to abandon ship.

There is always something going on!  Most ships offer a spa, a fitness center and a jogging track.  There are usually several swimming pools and hot tubs for public use.  Some ships have movie theaters, rock climbing walls, skating rinks, mini-golf courses and driving ranges.  For those who want more relaxing activities, the ships have a library where you can check out books and games.  Most cruise lines offer an internet cafe.  For a charge you can log on to the internet.  The crew also organizes various activities throughout the cruise.  They host talent contests, trivia games, bingo games, gambling tournaments, swimming pool games and a variety of other activities.  Every evening, there are Las Vegas style shows in the main show rooms.  Some evenings, a midnight buffet is offered.  The Grand Buffet should not be missed!

Dining

You have several choices for dining on board.  The main dining room is a real treat.  You are assigned a specific table, which you may dine at each night. You can choose from several entrees.  The same waiters will be serving you each night.  Depending on the length of your cruise, there are both formal dress nights and casual dress nights.  Your daily newsletter will tell you the type of dining dress code recommended each evening.  Most cruise lines require you do not wear shorts, bathing suits, tank tops or t-shirts when eating in the main dining room.  If you want a more casual dining atmosphere, there are buffets and specialty grills available in different areas of the ship.  You can also order room service 24 hours a day.  Room service menu options sometimes are limited to a few select items.

Debarkation

On the last night of the cruise, you will need to prepare for debarking the next morning.  You will be given forms to fill out for customs.  You will also have to pack and have your luggage sitting out side your room by a specified time.  Don't forget to keep clothes and toiletries out for the next morning.  On the morning of debarkation, everyone will be told what area they are to gather in while waiting for customs and immigration officials to clear the ship.  In order to facilitate an orderly debarkation, passengers are called to leave the ship according to your deck.  If you have an early flight scheduled, be sure to let the Purser know in advance.  You will be permitted to disembark earlier than your deck assignment.

If you have additional questions e-mail us at: karen@cruisesnyou.com

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