I get a lot of inquiries about cautions when cruising and I thought I’d go over some of the questions and my answer to perhaps help each of you when cruising or riverboating internationally anyway.
Cruising is a fun activity, I think.Everyone cruises differently, however. Some passengers want to SEE IT ALL, choosing very aggressive itineraries with stops every day. There are those who want a more relaxed experience, and then there are those who don’t care if they ever leave the ship.For me, it depends on the destination.I’ve been on so many cruises, especially in the Caribbean, that I’ve explored most of the islands already.I don’t necessarily need more tee shirts, but I will disembark to visit perhaps a FREE WIFI location if I don’t get free wifi on the ship that trip.Purchasing a liquid refreshment, people watching and connecting with clients, friends, and family, is all I need. That is fun for me.I used to DO IT ALL, but now, getting a hop-on, hop-off bus is enough for me if I haven’t been to the location before.But still, even seasoned cruises need to be aware (if they haven’t already experienced the cost of roaming phones while onboard)…here are a couple of things to consider as you embark on your great cruise adventure.This will be especially important to new or inexperienced cruises or river-boat passengers.I encourage you to review it anyway.
What ID’s are necessary? Well, first off, if you are traveling on a circle trip (departing and arriving back to the same port) for example, an LAX round trip to Mexico, you can get away with a birth certificate and government-issued ID (driver’s license) – no passport necessary.Be sure to check the cruise line for any exceptions.If you are leaving LAX to do a Panama Canal trip, you will definitely need a passport. Though a circle trip (ex MIA to MIA) to the Caribbean is not required, it is always a good idea to have one.Why?Crap happens and if you are injured or have to return to the States via air from a foreign island/country, say an emergency, entering back to the U.S. via air DOES REQUIRE A PASSPORT to re-enter.Also note, that when you are traveling internationally on a cruise or riverboat, you should carry your license with you BUT leave your passport within a safe or with the purser. Passports are a commodity in Europe, especially U.S. passports and they are frequently stolen.You usually need to show your cruise ID and a license to return to the ship, but that’s it.
Never arrive too early or too late. Most cruise lines are assigning check-in times to eliminate lengthy wait times and allow for smooth processing.Arriving too early will many times require a long wait.Not because of the long lines, but because the ship isn’t ready yet.Arriving too late poses another issue: Homeland Security requires the ships to present a manifest 90 min. prior to departure.If you arrive too close to departure, you can be denied boarding.This is a strict rule. When arriving at port-a-calls (shore visits), each cruise line sets up disembarking based on priorities for shore excursion participants and/or tender schedules. The most important tip for me to tell you is: The ship departs on time from the ports and will leave you behind if you are tardy.The only exception is if one of their land excursion buses happens to be late due to some unusual issue, and that is infrequent!!!!! Once the ship pulls up its gangways – and you aren’t on the ship already, it is your responsibility to get to the next port.You should contact the ship that you will be returning and you are basically “on your own”.Funny, but not funny, that is a pastime of my hubby and me, standing on the ship and watching the taxi etc. hurrying to the dock – and they are too late.It happens ALL THE TIME….It is not the cruise lines responsibility to wait, holding up thousands of passengers because you spend too long drinking or shopping on shore.Be cognizant of time-zone changes FOR SURE.
Never miss the muster drill? If you have ever been on a cruise, you know what this is.However, recently, and since COVID, the cruise lines are using the t.v.’s in the staterooms to communicate the drill.However, you do have to check in, and believe me, they know if you watched the video or not.You will be searched out if you do not check in within the allotted time.The cruise lines are dictated to provide this drill within so many hours of embarking and departing the port.It is the law and the cruise lines take it seriously.
Never climb, lean, or sit on the railing. You’d think this was a gimme, but not, there are stupid, careless, and many times under some kind of influence to do something so dangerous.You read more and more and see on the news about Man Over-Board.Bodies are nearly NEVER found. Some reason this happens is as simple as a stupid SELFIE ending tragically.
Never let your kids run unattended. Personally, this is a pet peeve of mine.There are ship lines that don’t allow children under 14/18 for example…but many do, and though it is great for families, be aware that others on board may not think the loud, obnoxious kid is as funny as you might think.A lot of money goes into taking a cruise, and it is awful to have your investment spoiled.Be aware also, good or bad, several lines offer KIDS CRUISE FREE on some itineraries.Good for families, but probably not ideal for honeymooners, Senior anniversaries, and the like. Ha
Never forget to turn off your phone. If you are fortunate enough to get free wifi or have paid for a wifi service, be sure your phone is on airplane mode so you don’t get phone calls on ROAM FEATURES.Many cruises have returned home to $700 phone bills.FaceTime and other programs can be utilized with wifi and allow for visiting and wifi calling.Your phone service providers all have programs for approximately $10 per day to utilize the phone for actual phone calls, especially while you are off the ship and on land in some foreign country.Contact your provider i.e. ATT, Version, T Mobile, and the like to get something set up if needed to ensure no surprises when you return.
Avoid Sunbathing….this is interesting. Used to be that some of the cruise lines had a top deck for topless sunbathing mostly due to foreign travelers whose lifestyle allows that as a common practice.Nowadays, many of cruise lines have ended that practice, unless there is a posting to the contrary, it is best to avoid that practice.
Used to be I’d tell people not to over pack, however, that seems unnecessary with the cost of extra baggage on planes AND that most cruise lines have not been requiring FORMAL ATTIRE for a one-night event. Used to be I’d tell people to bring their appetite, but things have changed.No more elaborate midnight buffets or chocolate feists and the like. But do go prepared for, in many cases, Specialty Meals fees. It’s a shame that now, to get a great steak, lobster, or some quiet environment, romantic or special date meal, you have to pay for it.The costs can be high per person which is on top of the cost of the cruise with the included main restaurant or buffet.So, now I tell you, be prepared to pay additional for that opportunity with a large bill at the end.
That should do it for now.Happy Cruising and Happy Travels.
