Travel Destinations

The term “cruise vacation” probably brings to mind finding your swimsuit and sandals. But there are a few key things you can take care of before your cruise vacation that can really boost your enjoyment. First ensure that you have obtained a valid passport when traveling outside the US. Next book your spa and shore excursions online. Lastly assess your credit and cash situation to make sure you aren’t caught off guard during your dream cruise. These may seem like small steps but they can add up to a cruise vacation disaster if you don’t take care of them.

Depending on where your cruise vacation takes you it is a good idea to get or renew your passport. Recent changes in US law mean that a passport is required to reenter the States from Mexico and the Caribbean. If you already have a passport check the expiration date and make sure it has blank pages. You don’t want to be on the high seas when you realize that it expired a month before or worse during your trip.

Those who don’t yet have a passport should pay the extra money for faster processing in order to get it as soon as possible before your trip. Make a few copies of your passport before the trip. They will come in handy if yours is lost or stolen. It’s a great idea to put one in your suitcase and give one to your emergency contact back in the states.

A month or so before your cruise vacation you’ll receive your documents. These contain vital information about the amenities on your ship shore excursions and all the activities available. You can probably make your reservations online. Those who wait until they board their cruise ship to do this will find a long line and inconvenient times available. If you book ahead you can step on board knowing that your spa appointment was not booked during dinner.

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.

Confirm your cruise line’s policy with a quick call. This is really important if you plan more hotel stays and car rentals during your vacation which mean multiple holds on your account. While you will ultimately only be charged for actual expenses it make take several days for it all be adjusted. To avoid the embarrassment of a declined credit card during your trip make sure you have enough available credit.

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.

You don’t need to have a Type A personality to get organized for your cruise vacation. A little preparation will ensure that you are prepared to fully enjoy every minute of your vacation. Check your passport make your reservations and assess your credit and cash situation. These small but important steps will pay off in cruise vacation enjoyment. Of course pack your swimsuit and sandals and enjoy your trip!

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