When you think about preparing for your cruise vacation you probably picture packing a swimsuit and sandals. However there are a few things that are often overlooked that can make a huge difference. f your trip takes you outside the country ensure your passport is valid. As soon as you receive your cruise documents make your reservations for on-board amenities and shore excursions. Assess your available credit and make sure you have plenty of cash. These small steps can greatly enhance your cruise vacation enjoyment.
If your cruise vacation takes you outside the borders of the US you should renew or get a passport as soon as possible. The new rules require a valid passport to reenter the country from Mexico Canada and the Caribbean. If you've traveled a lot you want to make sure you have blank pages in your passport and check the expiration date. A perfect cruise vacation can be ruined if you find your passport expired during your trip.
For some who don't yet have a passport it's worth the money to get it processed quicker so it arrives in time for your trip. It's a great idea to make a few copies of it before leaving. If your passport is lost or stolen while you are gone these copies will come in handy. Make sure to give copies to your emergency contact in the states and put one in your suitcase.
As soon as you get your documents for your cruise vacation read through them carefully. You will find information about shore leave amenities on board ship and other things that make your trip the best it can be. Most cruise lines allow you to make these kinds of reservations online. While you could wait until you board your cruise ship to do this you'll find yourself in a long line instead of lounging by the pool. You can step on board and begin enjoying yourself knowing that your spa appointment is not booked during dinner or a port.
A cruise vacation is a great way to celebrate a milestone such as a honeymoon birthday or anniversary. Check with your cruise line to see what kinds of special packages are available. You should check as soon as possible so that they have plenty of time to make arrangements. Those who wait until they are at sea to request twelve dozen orange roses will likely be disappointed.
Several months before your cruise vacation assess the amount of credit available on your credit cards. This gives you time to move money around open another card or pay down your balance. Expect that your cruise line will place a hold on your credit card for incidentals upon check in. This hold could range from $50-200 per day.
A quick call will confirm your cruise line's policy. If your trip itinerary includes a stay at a hotel or car rental there will be multiple holds on your cards during your vacation. It may take several days until all these holds are adjusted to reflect your actual expenses. This could mean that your card is declined in the interim an embarrassment you want to avoid during your trip.
You'll want to make sure you bring some cash on your cruise vacation as well. Your credit card will get a good workout but there are times when you'll need cash. Traveler's checks are not taken as often as they used to because of the high rate of fraud. Most ships have ATMs but you can count on a high fee and they have been known to run empty. You'll be very glad you have some hard cash to make purchases from street vendors and smaller merchants on shore. Also cash tips are a great way to recognize all the great service from your cruise ship staff. Packing some cash is an easy way to avoid inconvenience on your dream vacation.
Getting organized for your cruise vacation isn't that difficult. A little advanced preparation will ensure that you enjoy your cruise vacation from the moment you step on board. Get a valid passport make your reservations in advance secure plenty of credit and cash. These small steps will pay off in maximum cruise vacation enjoyment. Oh and don't forget to pack your swimsuit. - 29868
If your cruise vacation takes you outside the borders of the US you should renew or get a passport as soon as possible. The new rules require a valid passport to reenter the country from Mexico Canada and the Caribbean. If you've traveled a lot you want to make sure you have blank pages in your passport and check the expiration date. A perfect cruise vacation can be ruined if you find your passport expired during your trip.
For some who don't yet have a passport it's worth the money to get it processed quicker so it arrives in time for your trip. It's a great idea to make a few copies of it before leaving. If your passport is lost or stolen while you are gone these copies will come in handy. Make sure to give copies to your emergency contact in the states and put one in your suitcase.
As soon as you get your documents for your cruise vacation read through them carefully. You will find information about shore leave amenities on board ship and other things that make your trip the best it can be. Most cruise lines allow you to make these kinds of reservations online. While you could wait until you board your cruise ship to do this you'll find yourself in a long line instead of lounging by the pool. You can step on board and begin enjoying yourself knowing that your spa appointment is not booked during dinner or a port.
A cruise vacation is a great way to celebrate a milestone such as a honeymoon birthday or anniversary. Check with your cruise line to see what kinds of special packages are available. You should check as soon as possible so that they have plenty of time to make arrangements. Those who wait until they are at sea to request twelve dozen orange roses will likely be disappointed.
Several months before your cruise vacation assess the amount of credit available on your credit cards. This gives you time to move money around open another card or pay down your balance. Expect that your cruise line will place a hold on your credit card for incidentals upon check in. This hold could range from $50-200 per day.
A quick call will confirm your cruise line's policy. If your trip itinerary includes a stay at a hotel or car rental there will be multiple holds on your cards during your vacation. It may take several days until all these holds are adjusted to reflect your actual expenses. This could mean that your card is declined in the interim an embarrassment you want to avoid during your trip.
You'll want to make sure you bring some cash on your cruise vacation as well. Your credit card will get a good workout but there are times when you'll need cash. Traveler's checks are not taken as often as they used to because of the high rate of fraud. Most ships have ATMs but you can count on a high fee and they have been known to run empty. You'll be very glad you have some hard cash to make purchases from street vendors and smaller merchants on shore. Also cash tips are a great way to recognize all the great service from your cruise ship staff. Packing some cash is an easy way to avoid inconvenience on your dream vacation.
Getting organized for your cruise vacation isn't that difficult. A little advanced preparation will ensure that you enjoy your cruise vacation from the moment you step on board. Get a valid passport make your reservations in advance secure plenty of credit and cash. These small steps will pay off in maximum cruise vacation enjoyment. Oh and don't forget to pack your swimsuit. - 29868
About the Author:
You know you want that Special Cruise Vacation and the best way to get it is to come visit us at Cruise Ship Vacation Site
