International Cruising Tips: Your Guide to a Seamless Voyage

• Lost or Delayed Baggage: An airline losing your luggage is stressful enough at home; it’s a catastrophe when you’re heading to a ship that will sail without you if you’re delayed. Insurance can cover the cost of replacing essential items while you wait for your bags to catch up.
• Read the Fine Print: Not all policies are created equal. Carefully review what is covered, including pre-existing medical conditions (many policies waive these if you purchase insurance shortly after your initial trip deposit), coverage limits for medical evacuation, and the process for filing a claim.

Financial Preparedness: Managing Money Across Borders

• Inform Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Before you travel, notify your financial institutions of your itinerary. If they see transactions from multiple foreign countries in a short period without a travel notice, they may freeze your cards for suspected fraud.
• Local Currency: While your ship operates on a cashless system (using your room key), you will need local currency in port for small vendors, taxis, tips for local guides, and souvenirs. Avoid exchanging money at the ship’s purser’s desk, as the rates are typically poor. Instead, use local ATMs in port (which generally offer the best exchange rates) or order a small amount of currency from your bank before you leave.
• Credit Cards: For larger purchases, use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. These fees can add 3% to every purchase, quickly eating into your budget. Notify your card company of your travel plans to avoid any holds being placed on your account.

Packing for an International Cruise: Smart and Strategic

Packing for an international cruise is a balancing act between being prepared for diverse climates and adhering to airline baggage restrictions.

The “Carry-On Cruise Bag”

Never, ever check all your essentials. Your first day on the ship requires strategic packing.

• Cruise Documents: Passport, boarding pass, visa documents, and cruise insurance information.
• Medications: A full supply of any prescription medications, along with a copy of the prescription. Also include basics like motion sickness remedies, pain relievers, and stomach settlers.
• Swimwear and Change of Clothes: Your checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom for several hours. Having your swimsuit allows you to head straight to the pool, and a change of clothes ensures you’re comfortable for sail-away and dinner.
• Valuables: Electronics, jewelry, and a credit card.
• Sunscreen and Essential Toiletries: To use immediately upon arrival.

Clothing: Versatility is Key

• Formal Nights: Check your cruise line’s policy. Some have moved to more relaxed “dress your best” nights, while others maintain traditional formal nights requiring suits, tuxedos, or cocktail dresses.
• Layering: The weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers like cardigans, light jackets, and scarves. The air conditioning on the ship can also be quite chilly.
• Respectful Attire for Ports: Research the cultural norms of your destinations. Many religious sites, particularly in Europe and Asia, require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. A lightweight scarf or pashmina is incredibly versatile for this purpose.
• Comfortable Footwear: This cannot be overstated. You will be walking significantly more than you do at home, both on the ship’s hard decks and on cobblestone streets in port. Break in any new shoes before your trip.

Power Adapters and Converters

Cruise ships typically have both North American (110V) and European (220V) outlets, but it’s wise to bring a non-surge-protected power strip, as staterooms are notoriously short on plugs. For use in foreign hotels pre- or post-cruise, you will need the appropriate power adapters for the countries you are visiting.

Internet Packages

Shipboard internet is expensive and often slower than land-based service due to satellite latency. Purchase a package if you need to stay connected, but consider embracing the opportunity to disconnect. Put your phone on Airplane Mode the moment you sail to avoid massive roaming charges from your cellular provider.

Offline Capabilities

Download offline maps (like on Google Maps), translation apps, and entertainment (books, podcasts, music) before you leave home.

Onboard and Ashore: Navigating the Journey

Once you’re on the ship, the adventure truly begins. A few key strategies will enhance your experience both onboard and in port.

1. Embarkation Day: Hit the Ground Running

Explore the Ship

Once onboard, take time to walk around and familiarize yourself with the layout. Locate the main dining room, the theater, the pool deck, and most importantly, your assigned lifeboat station for the mandatory muster drill.

Make Reservations

Popular specialty restaurants, spa treatments, and coveted shore excursions can book up quickly. Take care of these reservations as soon as you board.

2. Staying Healthy at Sea

Hand Hygiene

Cruise ships are meticulous about cleanliness, but with thousands of people in a confined space, germs can spread. Wash your hands frequently and use the hand sanitizer stations located at every restaurant and gangway entrance.

Hydration

It’s easy to become dehydrated in the sun and sea air. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Motion Sickness

If you are prone to seasickness, come prepared. Modern ships have advanced stabilizers, but you can still feel movement. Remedies range from over-the-counter pills and acupressure bands to prescription patches. The mid-ship, lower-deck cabins experience the least motion.

3. Exploring Ports of Call Like a Pro

Ship vs. Independent Excursions

Ship-sponsored excursions are convenient, guaranteed (the ship will wait for you if the tour is delayed), and vetted for safety. However, they are often more expensive and can involve large groups. Independent tours, booked with reputable local operators researched in advance, can offer a more personalized, intimate, and often less expensive experience. Weigh the risks and benefits for each port.

“Ship’s Time” vs. “Local Time”

This is a critical detail. The ship’s clock may not always change to match the local time zone. The Cruise Director will make announcements, but it is your responsibility to know whether you are on ship’s time or local time. Being on the wrong time is a primary reason passengers miss the ship’s departure.

Be Punctual

The ship operates on a strict schedule. The “all aboard” time is not a suggestion; it is a hard deadline. The ship will leave without you, and you will be responsible for your own costly travel arrangements to the next port. Always carry a watch and the ship’s contact information with you in port.

Safety and Awareness

Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t flash large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry. Use the ship’s safe for your passport and extra money, taking only what you need for the day.

Cultural Etiquette and Environmental Responsibility

As a visitor to foreign countries, you are an ambassador for your own nation and for the cruising community.

• Learn a Few Phrases: Learning simple greetings like “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” in the local language is a sign of respect and is greatly appreciated by locals.
• Respect Local Customs: Dress and behave appropriately, especially in religious or conservative sites. Be mindful when taking photographs of people; always ask for permission first.
• Sustainable Tourism: Be a responsible traveler. Do not touch coral reefs while snorkeling. Do not purchase souvenirs made from endangered species or ancient artifacts. Use a reusable water bottle. Support local economies by eating at local restaurants and buying from local artisans.

An international cruise is a magnificent way to explore the world. By investing time in thorough preparation, securing comprehensive cruise insurance, packing intelligently, and traveling with respect and awareness, you are not just planning a vacation—you are crafting an unforgettable, seamless, and profoundly enriching journey across the globe. Bon Voyage

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What documents do I need for an international cruise?

A: You will typically need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port) may accept a birth certificate and government-issued ID, but a passport is highly recommended. Always check visa requirements for the countries on your itinerary well in advance. You can also check government travel advice here.

Q: How should I budget for onboard expenses and shore excursions?

A: Your cruise fare usually covers accommodation, meals, and onboard entertainment. You should budget extra for gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, spa services, and shore excursions. It’s wise to pre-book excursions through the cruise line or reputable third-party vendors to secure your spot and often get better prices.

Q: What is the best way to handle currency and payments in different countries?

A: Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid fraud alerts. For spending, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees is ideal for most purchases. It’s also helpful to have a small amount of local currency, which you can get from an ATM at a port or on the ship, for small vendors and markets.

Q: How can I stay healthy and avoid getting sick on a cruise?

A: Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer stations located around the ship. Stay hydrated and be mindful of sun exposure. It’s also a good idea to pack a small kit with motion sickness medication, bandaids, and any personal prescription medications. Check with your doctor about any recommended vaccinations for your destinations.