Preparing for a Cruise-Some things you need to know to insure a happy time.

Is it a river cruise?  Low or High river levels can cause some changes.

Ahoy! My husband and I are gearing up for a river cruise adventure—our first in quite some time. To make sure we’re fully prepped, I’ve been diving into YouTube videos for expert cruising tips. While most of the content is geared toward large ships, a lot of the advice still applies to smaller, river voyages. Here’s a roundup of what I’ve found super helpful:

Before You Book Your Cruise

1. If you are taking a River Cruise Check the River Levels: River levels can fluctuate due to rainfall, so it's essential to consider this when choosing your cruise dates. Lower water levels, which can start as early as July, might mean you'll need to bus to different locations for sightseeing. Rivers like the Rhine and Danube can be particularly low in December, while the Douro tends to have fewer issues. Even the Nile, which my friend recently cruised, had itinerary changes due to water levels. Keep an eye on these factors to maximize your on-board experience. I’ve had several friends who took river cruises the second part of the year tell me that they had extraordinary experiences but had to be bussed to different land experiences from further from the ship than planned due to river levels. Last year a friend who took a Nile River trip in mid October (she loved it!) said that her group was bussed to many locations due to this issue.

2. Look for Price Drop Benefits: If the price for your cabin drops after you book, check if the cruise line will adjust your rate. Some cruise lines offer this perk, especially if you’re a loyal customer.

Does the ship meet your vibe?  Classy or casual?  Party atmosphere or quiet sophistication?

3. Assess the Cruise Line’s Vibe: Is the cruise luxurious? Are formal nights required? Family-friendly or adults-only? Party-centric or focused on education? The quality of food and whether it’s locally sourced can also impact your experience.

4. Be Prepared for Itinerary Changes: Cruise itineraries can change due to weather, political situations, or maintenance issues. Recently, Carnival Cruise Line passengers were surprised by a change in their Caribbean itinerary due to ship maintenance. Stay flexible and informed!

5. Read Reviews: Check out reviews on Cruise Critic, Trip Advisor, and other platforms to get a sense of what each cruise line offers.

6. Choose Your Cabin Wisely: Think about your preferences and needs: Do you need a quiet spot away from noise? A room close to the restaurant or lounge? Is a view or balcony worth the extra cost? Make sure to consider how you’ll handle any potential motion from the ship, too.

Is your passport current?  Expiration date at least 6 months from cruise end date?  Extra pages?

7. Passport Prep: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your cruise end date and has at least extra pages. Some cruise lines recommend six extra pages just to be sure you have enough. You’ll need this to disembark at various ports.

Book your excursions ahead of time.  You will probably get a better price.

8. Book Shore Excursions Early: Reserve your shore excursions online ahead of time. They’re often cheaper and less likely to sell out compared to booking on the ship.

9. Arrive at the ship’s departure location at least a day in advance—trust me, you don’t want to miss the boat! Friends recently took a Danube River Cruise planning on arriving early in the morning of the ship’s departure. Their plane was delayed many hours. After hours trying to catch a flight to the next location where they could get on the ship, they wound up taking a taxi to the train where they eventually caught up to the ship.

Make sure to double-check the boarding time, not just the departure time. There's a crucial difference, and you definitely don’t want to show up only to find the gangway has already been lifted! The ship will not wait for you.

PREGNANT OR TRAVELING WITH SOMEONE WHO IS PREGNANT?

If you are pregnant, make sure you know the rules and have the necessary documentation.  You don't want to be left at the dock.

Ok, so this blog is for Seniors. We don’t expect to be pregnant but we might be traveling with family or friends who are. Be aware that most cruise lines including river cruise lines prohibit any woman who is twenty-four weeks or more into her pregnancy from traveling on their ship. Documentation from the OBY-GYN may be required.

Check with each cruise line to see exactly what the rules are.

Onboard Costs and Considerations

Read the fine print over and over again.  Know what you package covers.

1. Review the Fine Print: Know what’s included in your package. For example, a drink package might not cover your mini-bar or specialty drinks.

You always need some extra cash. 

2. Plan for Extra Expenses: Factor in costs for specialty dining, spa treatments, and additional experiences not included in your cruise package. Don’t forget about potential expenses at port for local shopping or dining.

Most cruise ships will not permit: extension cords, surge protectors, fire arms.  As about medical devices well before you go.

3. Understand What You Can and Can’t Bring: Review the cruise line’s policy on prohibited items. Generally, you can’t bring weapons, irons, extension cords, or surge protectors. If you have medical devices, check their policies to ensure they’re permissible. Each cruise line has specific policies.

What kind of accessibility accommodations are available? 

4. Accessibility Needs: If you or someone in your party uses a wheelchair or mobility device, make sure the ship is equipped to accommodate these needs. Not all small ships have elevators or accessible facilities.

AND DON’T FORGET!

Always purchase travel insurance. Things can change and do change in a heartbeat. Cruises are expensive.

I hope this helps you have a fantastic cruise experience!