Preparing for Your Cruise
As your eagerly await your cruise, there are important steps you can take:
Download the Cruise Line App. Most cruise lines have apps that you can download onto your smartphone. Features vary, but you can typically see your booking details and make reservations for dining, tours, and other activities.You’ll also see important dates for making cruise plans.
Check-In Online. Check in for the cruise as soon as it’s available. Once you’re checked in, you can sign up for an embarkation time. I always recommend the earliest time available! You might as well board the ship as soon as you can and start enjoying your vacation.
Consider Travel Protection. Your vacation is a t. Purchasing travel protection can give you peace of mind, protecting your investment in case you need to cancel for a covered reason. In addition, you will be covered for any travel or medical issues. You can purchase insurance through the cruise line, but Vacations by Shannon can also give you a quote from a travel insurance company.
Communicate Dining Preferences. Let the head waiter know if you have any dietary restrictions or dining preferences. Often with an allergy, you will be asked to order your dinner the day before so that they’re ready with your gluten or dairy or nut-free request. Even if it’s not an allergy situation, the dining room will usually do their best to provide what you would like.
Arrive the Day Prior to Departure. Get to your embarkation city the day before you leave. On a recent Caribbean cruise, I talked to several guests whose fiends and family did not make the cruise because they tried to fly in the morning of the cruise, and their flights were cancelled. It’s not worth the risk!
Reserve Specialty Dining. Guests can usually make reservations for specialty dining before their cruise. Timing varies, but can fall anywhere between 60 and 150 days ahead. You can usually make reservations as late as few days before your trip, but availability may not be as good.
Reserve Entertainment. Some cruise lines allow you to reserve your seat at their biggest shows prior to sailing. Check your cruise line app to make sure you don’t miss out!
Review Excursion Options. Vacations by Shannon is happy to make suggestions for port excursions! You can book through the cruise line, but if you don’t see what you want or if their excursions or full, I can send you tours that are “cruise-friendly”, which means that they guarantee that you’ll return in plenty of time before the ship leaves.
Keep in mind that if you have excursion credits as part of your reservation, you will want to book through the cruise line.
Bring Your Own Drinks. Most cruise lines allow you to bring unopened drinks on embarkation day. Whether you want bottled water, beer, wine, or champagne, you may be able to take it with you. Check your cruise line’s website or app to see what is allowed