Preparing to Take a Cruise?

What your travel agency handles for you at no extra cost:

• Choose the cruise line that is right for you
• Choose the appropriate cabin and location
• Assist with dining times and submit special meal requests
• Arrange pre- and post -cruise arrangements and necessary airfare if needed
• Advice on shore excursions
• Arrange for insurance and a refund if needed

Pre-cruise:
1) Call your credit card company to tell them which ports you will be visiting so they will not cancel your card.
2) Call your cell phone service provider to find out their policies on roaming charges and if your phone will indeed even work in those areas.  Always leave phone on airplane mode when not in a Wi-Fi area.
3) Download “WHATSAPP” on your phone to chat with and text friends at home while in a Wi-Fi zone.
4) Go online to fill in cruise personalizer, print your documents and luggage tags, and pre-book shore excursions.
5) Pack a small bag to take onboard with you for necessary meds, cameras, bathing suit changes, etc. that you may need immediately before your luggage arrives to your cabin.
Upon arriving at the port terminal:
Have your documents, picture ID, proof of citizenship, or passport with you and readily available. Have all embarkation forms filled out before arrival.
Ships use a cashless system. You will open an on-board credit account and all purchases will be charged to it (beauty shop, SPA, land tours, bar, gift shop). At the end of the cruise you may pay these charges by cash or major credit card. You may want to take two different cards in case they don’t accept one.
Find the Bon Voyage Buffet (usually on the Lido Deck near poolside) when you arrive on the ship and start enjoying being pampered!!
Be sure to check out ALL of the entertainment on board—there are smaller clubs, piano bars, and discos—some with great hidden talent that we have found to be the best part of the cruise entertainment!

• If you have not pre-booked an excursion- no worries!  There are usually cab drivers at every port just waiting for passengers to come off the ship needing a ride or tour.  Just be careful that they are certified drivers and tour operators.
• Don’t forget to always take your boarding id, passport, etc. off the ship with you to the ports- it is your only way to get back on the ship.
• On your final evening aboard, you will be expected to have all your luggage packed and outside your cabin door by midnight. Don’t forget to leave out some clothes to wear in the morning!
• Last, but certainly not least, feel free to be yourself and let your hair down!
• To maximize your cruise experience, join in the games and activities.
• Have a wonderful, relaxing, fun, and memorable cruise!

BON VOYAGE!