The best way to ensure that you have a fantastic time when you go on your first cruise is to take a little time and do some planning. If you have never been on a cruise ship before, you will want to do some research to find out what to expect so that you can prepare accordingly.
Below you will find some advice to help make your embarkation and voyage an excellent one.
Table of Contents
Arriving At The Port
Whether you choose one of the many cruise deals from Sydney by Cruise Guru, or you embark on your cruise in Melbourne, Freemantle, Adelaide, or anywhere else in Australia, the procedures at ports are similar. You will be given a time slot for your embarkation, so it is essential that you arrive between those times to assist in the smooth transfer of passengers and luggage onto the vessel. Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation in your hand luggage, check you and your party in, and then you are ready to go to the bag drop. As embarkation can be extremely busy, it is a good idea that if you have any paperwork to fill out, you do so before arriving.
Dropping Off Your Luggage
You will want to ensure that you have labelled your luggage accordingly and that they are securely fastened to your cases, just in case your bags do get misplaced. You drop your baggage off with the stewards who will deliver it to your cabin, as if almost by magic. Although you will not be without your luggage for long, usually a couple of hours, you will want to ensure that you have everything that you need in the meantime safely in your hand luggage.
Packing Your Hand Luggage
You will want to pack your hand luggage carefully, as you will not want it to be too heavy. You will need to carry it around before boarding the ship. However, you will want to ensure that you have everything that you may need before you get to your cabin and your luggage. Some essentials that you should ensure that you have in your hand luggage are as follows:
- Passport – It is always handy to have a copy of this also.
- Boarding Pass – Take a picture of this on your phone in case you misplace it.
- Valuables – Always ensure you pack any valuables in your hand luggage.
- Medication – If you have prescription medication, ensure you have it in your hand luggage should you require it.
- Wallet & Money – Keep your wallet handy even if you are on an all-inclusive package, just in case.
- Phone Or Camera – There may be plenty of photo opportunities, so make sure that you have your camera or smartphone handy.
- Glasses – If you wear prescription glasses, make sure that you have them and bring a pair of sunglasses in case you want to sit on deck before going to your cabin.
Swimming Costume – Towels are provided, so make sure you bring a swimming costume in case you want to take a dip before being shown to your cabin.
Follow the advice above, and you will be all set to relax and enjoy your first cruise and help to reduce the stress that some people experience with embarkation for the first time. You can travel like a pro and enjoy this fantastic way of going on holiday, and you will most likely be back for more.
thanks for this! it’s been a long time since i’ve been on a cruise so i definitely wouldn’t have remembered some of these tips!
Claire recently posted…How to Have a Girls Weekend in Sioux Falls, SD
Great tips! I find the most important tip is to make sure you have what you need in your carryon. Theres nothing worse than boarding and realize your bathing suit is in your luggage.
Don’t forget the hand sanitizer .. I’m sure they’d be a lot of call for that on a cruise. Or do they provide that for you? I’m sure the cruise ships have increased their onboard cleanliness, but I’d still want that added security of having the sanitizer on me at all times.
Jay Artale recently posted…Our Workaway at an 18th Century Flour Mill France
Great tips! I am planning on going on a cruise as soon as everything clears up, this will come in handy! I am all about planning ahead of time and then just relaxing and enjoying the trip!
Melissa recently posted…The Ultimate Guide to a Wicked Experience in Salem, MA (For Families)
I love cruising, but it can get stressful at times. Especially the time you’re getting there: do you need a passport, what to pack, where to go… your tips are super helpful for someone going on a cruise for the first time!
I love that you listed swimsuit as a necessity for your hand luggage. What a great way to spend the first few hours on your cruise.
Great tips! I think the key to a stress free trip lies in the planning! Getting everything prepared before going will help reduce the stress of travel. I love your tips for hand luggage-this is perhaps the most important bag for you to pack! You want to make sure you have everything you need, I have made the mistake of not in the past and it was a mess!
I must say that you have listed down the details very clearly. I was worried as I am planning to go on a cruise trip for the first time. Your post has helped me a lot and I will keep these points in mind.
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