Travel Planning

Before you set off on your first cruise, it is important to understand that no cruise is perfect. There are good and bad points to everything, and a cruise is no exception. As you begin packing for an exciting trip at sea, purchasing your travel insurance, and locating your passports, consider the following information on what to expect from your first cruise.

The Upside To a Cruise

A cruise is an exciting adventure that you will never forget. Here are some of the highlights you can expect from your first trip.

• Photo Ops - Every cruise has several Kodak moments for individuals and families, and there are always photographers on the ship to capture those moments. Photographers often set up their cameras and equipment in a variety of areas on the cruise deck to snap impromptu pictures of couples and families eating or playing. They will also take formal portraits for individuals who wish to have a fun and lasting reminder of their trip.
• Switching Rooms - When you walk aboard a cruise ship, you never know what surprises are in store for you. If you are lucky, you may receive a complimentary upgrade at the last minute.
• Entertainment - Cruises have no shortage of entertainment. You can experience everything, like fitness classes, bridge lessons, art auctions, dance classes, horse racing, wine tasting, casino gaming, lectures, and spa services. Your schedule with be packed, and there is no chance of becoming bored.
• Gratuities - Many cruise ships will automatically add gratuities to your cruise account, so you don't have to worry about tipping any of the crew members during your trip. This ensures that you don't tip too little as well. However, if you would like to tip more than is normal, many cruises will also allow you the option of paying tips in cash.

The Downside, or Inconvenient Moments, of a Cruise

While cruises may be full of excitement and fun, they don't always go as planned. Here are just a few inconveniences you may have to deal with.

• Missed Ports - At times, mechanical problems or adverse weather conditions can result in missed ports of call. This may limit your cruise experience, but it may not be able to be avoided.
• Luggage - With a cruise, the general rule of thumb is that the larger the ship, the more time it will take to obtain your luggage. Even though you may have been the first passenger on board, you may not receive your luggage first. Also, you may not receive your entire luggage at once, either. It may be delivered piece by piece throughout the day. If your luggage does not appear in your room by the late evening, consider inquiring about it. If the room tag was damaged on transport, the crew may be having difficulty determining who the luggage belongs to.
• Illnesses - While most cruise ships strive for high standards, there is always a chance of you getting sick from food poisoning or simply experiencing a bout of sea sickness. This is where your travel insurance will come in handy. You can be reimbursed for the additional expenses you rack up in the sickbay when you are feeling ill.
• Debarking - Debarking, or the time when you get off of the cruise ship, can be stressful and frustrating. Procedures may be long and drawn out by individuals who don't know what they are doing. This may irritate you a little, but it is important to keep calm and maintain your sense of humour.

When you are ready for your first cruise, make sure you have the right travel insurance and are prepared for both the good and the bad. While your trip may not be perfect, it won't be anything short of exciting.