Embarking on your first cruise ship experience can be incredibly exciting. However, before you set sail, there are some things you’ll need to do, including getting a travel physical and making a checklist to ensure you bring everything you need. To help you get started, here are five tips for making the most of your first cruise experience.
Booking Your Room
When you’re taking a cruise for the first time, choosing the right room is crucial. You want to be as comfortable as possible without feeling the ship’s sway and rocking too much. It turns out that the lower you are on the cruise ship, the less motion you’ll feel. The higher decks and cabins tend to have more movement, which could lead to seasickness and nausea. So, it’s best to look for a room in the lower center of the ship.
Research Ports and Excursions
It may be necessary to do some research to find out where the cruise ship will be docking next. It’s important to know the exact location of the port. Next, you may want to explore the different excursions available at each port. Each port has unique and exciting activities that you may want to experience.
Additionally, it’s advisable to reserve dining options and pre-book any activities you wish to participate in on the ship. There are various restaurants, shops, and recreational facilities available on board. Having a planned itinerary will help you avoid any last-minute rush and confusion. It’s much better to have an itinerary to go by if you can.
Pack A Carry-On Bag
On the day you embark, your main luggage will be taken by the crew and placed in your room. Therefore, it is recommended to pack a carry-on bag that you can bring with you on board the ship. This way, you can have access to the items you need without having to wait for your luggage to be delivered. Some important items that you may want to place in your carry-on bag include any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. It is also advisable to carry all of your essential electronics and their chargers. Additionally, if you plan to enjoy the pool on your first day, you may want to pack items such as bathing suits and sunscreen in your carry-on bag.
Be Prepared For Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can occur when you are on a cruise, especially if you are already prone to motion sickness. However, there are several items and medications that can help alleviate symptoms. For instance, Dramamine is a medication that can ease symptoms to some extent. Additionally, motion sickness wristbands are available that apply pressure to a specific acupressure point in your wrist. Studies show that such pressure can help reduce nausea. If you are quite certain that you will experience seasickness, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor. They can prescribe a specialized patch that you can wear to avoid seasickness.
Consider Travel Insurance
Emergencies are unpredictable and can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. However, if you find yourself stranded in the middle of an ocean without proper medical care, travel insurance can come to your rescue. With travel insurance, you not only get financial assistance but also peace of mind. It covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuations to hospitals or even transportation back to Canada.
Passport Health offers a variety of vaccination and physical services to help you stay safe and healthy at home and abroad. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Jennifer Passmore is a stay-at-home mom, writer and beader. She loves creating art with her words and through her jewelry. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. You can find more writing at her website Positivity In Pain.
