Don’t Go on a Cruise Without…
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The A-Z of cruising | Don't leave home without... | Practical Tips | What to expect
Cruise ships are well stocked for most people’s
everyday needs, but there
are
certain things you need to take with you (or leave behind!)
Baggage
There is generally no limit to the amount of personal baggage you can take on your cruise (most ships provide towels, soap, shampoo, and shower caps), but airlines do have weight limits. Do allow extra space for purchases on the cruise.
Tag all baggage with your name, ship, cabin number, sailing date, and port of embarkation (tags are provided with your tickets). Baggage transfers from airport to ship are generally smooth and problem-free when handled by the cruise line.
Liability for loss or damage to baggage is contained in the passenger contract (part of your ticket). Do take out insurance; the policy should extend from the date of departure until two or three days after your return home.
Clothing
If you think you might not wear it, don’t take it, as closet space aboard many ships is at a premium. So, unless you are on an extended cruise, keep your baggage to a minimum.
For cruises to tropical areas, where the weather is warm to hot with high humidity, casual wear should include plenty of lightweight cottons and other natural fibers. Synthetic materials do not ‘breathe’ as well and often retain heat. Clothes should be as opaque as possible to counteract the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Take a lightweight cotton sweater or windbreaker for the evenings, when the ship’s air-conditioning will seem even more powerful after a day in the sun. Pack sunglasses and a hat. Rainstorms in the tropics don’t last long, but they can give you a good soaking, so take inexpensive, lightweight rainwear for excursions.
The same is true for cruises to the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, or North Africa, although there will be little or no humidity for most of the year. Certain areas may be dusty as well as dry. In these latitudes, the weather can be changeable and cool in the evenings from October to March, so take extra sweaters and a windbreaker.
For cruises to Alaska, the North Cape, or the Norwegian fjords, pack warm comfortable clothing layers, plus a raincoat or parka for the northernmost port calls. Cruises to Alaska and the Land of the Midnight Sun are operated in summer, when temperatures are pleasant. Unless you are going to northern ports such as St. Petersburg in winter, you will not need thermal underwear. However, you will need thermal underwear, thick socks – and heavy sweaters – if you take an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula or through the Northwest Passage.
In destinations with a strong religious tradition, like Venezuela, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and countries in the Middle East and Far East, shorts or bare shoulders may cause offense, so cover up.
Aboard ship, dress rules are relaxed by day, but in the evening what you wear should be tasteful. Men should take a blazer or sports jacket and ties for the dining room and for any ‘informal’ occasions. Transatlantic crossings are normally more elegant and require formal attire.
For formal nights (usually two out of seven), women can wear a long evening gown, elegant cocktail dress, or a smart pants suit. Gentlemen are expected to wear either a tuxedo or dark business suit and tie. These ‘rules’ are less rigid on short and moderately priced cruises. If you are the athletic type, pack sportswear and gym shoes for the gymnasium or aerobics classes.
No matter where you are going, comfortable low- or flat-heeled shoes are a must for women, except for formal nights. Light, airy walking shoes are best for walking. If you are in the Caribbean or Pan-Pacific region and you are not used to heat and humidity, your ankles may swell, so tight shoes are not recommended. Rubber soles are best for walking on the deck of a ship.
Formal: Tuxedo, dinner jacket or dark suit and tie for men; evening gown or other appropriate formal attire for women.
Informal: Jacket and tie for men; cocktail dress, dressy pantsuit, or the like for women.
Casual (Elegant): While this is an oxymoron, it generally means long trousers (no shorts or jeans), proper collared and sleeved shirt (gentlemen); skirt or slacks and top for women.
Casual (Relaxed): Slacks over sweater or open shirt (no tie) for men (no beach wear or muscle shirts); a blouse with skirt, slacks, or similar comfortable attire for women. Shoes are required.
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Documents
A passport is the most practical proof of your citizenship and identification. Visas are required for some countries (allow time to obtain these). On most cruises, you will hand in your passport to the company at embarkation (it would be wise to keep a copy of the main pages with you). This helps the ship to clear customs and immigration inspection on arrival in ports of call. It will be returned before you reach the port of disembarkation.
Flying…and Jet Lag
Several cruise lines have ‘air deviation’ desks that allow you to change your flights and connections, for a fee (typically $25–$50 per person).
Air travel today is fast and efficient. But even experienced travelers find that the stress of international travel can persist long after the flight is over (for long international flights, I recommend the flat beds in Club Class on British Airways or in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic aircraft). Eastbound flights tend to cause more pronounced jet lag than westbound flights. Jet aircraft are generally pressurized to some 8,000 ft (2,400 metres) in altitude, causing discomfort in the ears and the stomach, and swollen feet.
A few precautions should reduce the less pleasant effects of flying around the world. Plan as far in advance of your cruise as possible. Take a daytime flight, so that you can arrive at, or close to, your normal bedtime. Try to be as quiet as possible before flying, and allow for another five hours of rest after any flight that crosses more than five time zones.
Note: Babies and small children are less affected by changes in time because of their shorter sleeping and waking cycles. But adults generally need more time to adjust.
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Medication
Take any medicine and other medical supplies that you need, plus spare eyeglasses or contact lenses. In many countries it may be difficult to find certain medicines. Others may be sold under different names. If you are taking a long cruise, ask your doctor for names of alternatives.
The ship’s pharmacy will stock certain standard remedies, but do not expect a supply of the more unusual medicines. Remember to take along a doctor’s prescription for any medication.
Also, be advised that if you run out of your medication and you need to get a supply aboard ship, most ships will require that you see the doctor, even if you have a prescription. There is a charge for each visit, plus the cost of any medication.
Let spouses/companions carry a supply of your medicine and medical supplies. Do not pack medication in any luggage to be checked in when flying, but take it in your carry-on.
Money Matters
Most ships operate primarily in US dollars or euros, but a few use other currencies (check with your travel agent or supplier). Major credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted on board (few lines take personal checks). You sign for drinks and other services, as part of ‘cashless cruising.’ Some large resort ships have ATM cash machines, although a ‘transaction fee’ is assessed.
Pets
Pets are not allowed aboard cruise ships, with one exception: the regular transatlantic crossings aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2, continuing the tradition of the QE2 with air-conditioned kennels, plus a genuine British lamppost and New York fire hydrant, and cat containers.
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Photography
Use low-speed film in tropical areas such as the Caribbean or South Pacific (high-speed film is easily damaged by heat). Take plenty of film with you; standard sizes are available in the ship’s shop, but the selection will be limited, particularly if you use slide film. If you buy film during a port visit, try to obtain it from an air-conditioned store, and check the expiration date.
Users of digital cameras should remember to pack a spare memory card unless they are carrying a laptop onto which they can transfer pictures.
When taking photographs in ports of call, respect the wishes of local inhabitants. Ask permission to photograph someone close-up. Most will smile and tell you to go ahead. But some people are superstitious or afraid of having their picture taken and will shy away from you. Do not press the point.
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