Sometimes, going on the same kind of holiday year after year can get boring. We all love a beach visit or a city break once in a while, but there’s only so many times you can do them before they start to get old.
If you’re looking for something a little different for your summer holiday this year, a cruise could be just the thing. However, for those who’ve never been on a cruise before, the idea can be daunting. We’ve put together a guide with some tips for first-time cruisers.
Get Insurance
One of the first things you need to do when planning and preparing for your cruise is to get insurance. If you were to become ill on board and require transport to a hospital, the costs could be astronomical. There are cruise ships that require you to have a minimum level of insurance cover before you can book a place on board.
As an example, travel insurance company Staysure offer specialist cruise travel insurance. This can cover things like medical bills, cancellations, and lost or stolen baggage, as well as missed port departures, schedule changes, and cruise interruptions. A cruise should be a relaxing time when you can unwind and destress. Getting cover can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your cruise worry-free.
Pick The Right Route
If you’re used to going on more traditional holidays, you’ve no doubt seen or visited the same places over and over again. Paris, Rome, Barcelona, these cities are wonderful, but there’s only so many times you can see the same things.
If you’ve decided to go on your first-ever cruise, you might be shocked at the incredible range of different available locations. Cruises can take you to the far-flung corners of the globe where you’ll get a chance to experience the world from a brand-new perspective.
Think about what it is you want to get out of a cruise. Are you looking for the ultimate sun-soaked luxury experience? A cruise around tropical Caribbean islands could be perfect. If you want something a little more exciting, why not take a cruise around the wilds of Alaska or along the mysterious Mekong River?
If you want to really push the boat out (pun intended), a cruise around Antarctica can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After departing from the southernmost tip of South America, you’ll navigate through the treacherous Drake Passage before reaching this icy continent. There, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of incredible wildlife such as penguins, albatross, and even leopard seals.
Pack Everything You Need
When it comes to packing for your cruise, you’ll need the right kind of clothes for your destination. Shorts and T-shirts will be perfect for a Mediterranean expedition but won’t be particularly suitable if you’re heading to the icy Norwegian fjords. It’s worth also bringing along different types of clothing such as a raincoat just in case the weather does unexpectedly change.
Once you’ve packed the appropriate clothing, everything else you need will be relatively standard holiday fare. You’re going to need all your essential documents such as your passport, booking information, and relevant insurance documents. You’ll need a toothbrush and other toiletries, and you’re going to need your phone charger and any other charging accessories for any other devices you decide to bring along.
Don’t forget to bring a few of your favourite books too. You may have a few days to spend crossing the ocean where there won’t be much to see, so a book can be perfect for passing the time.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to set off on your very first cruise, use the advice that we’ve set out in the guide about to ensure your trip is plain sailing.