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What to Pack for a Cruise

What to Pack for a Cruise: At Sea

Once upon a time, almost all cruise ships were pretty dressy, including some events calling for full formal wear. Now only a few upmarket ships still require a bit of fussing, but most of the mass-market ships, like those in the Royal Caribbean and Princess stables, are about as casual as you like. In any event, as long as you’re not out on deck, you’ll be in a comfortably air-conditioned space virtually all the time.

The first job of your cruise packing list is to determine just where on the formal-casual scale you want or have to be in, or if you want to prepare for both ends of the scale. Luckily, business casual attire (pantsuits, maxi dresses, khaki pants, and button-up shirts tend to fair just fine these days). And for those cruise lines that do have more formal nights, there are typically still buffet options for meals if you want to avoid fancier dress.

Then, decide how you want to play your wardrobe. I pack the minimum I’ll need to comply with the lowest degree of dressiness required. On the other hand, other couples I know are fully engaged with dress: The wife doesn’t want to be seen in the same outfit at dinner on any two different days, and the husband even packs his tux for the “Captain’s Dinner” event. But that’s not how everyone travels. Ultimately, it’s your call what’s most comfortable for you to wear on vacation, and therefore to pack.

In any case, layers will be your best friend. Moving between the air conditioned interior of the ship and the potentially much balmier surroundings can feel like packing for two totally different climates. Light shawls, thin cardigans, and linen pants all walk the line between warm and cool, and can be dressed up or down to fit your wardrobe strategy.

Beyond the basic daily wear, pack whatever special recreational wear and accessories you’ll need. Even if you never leave the ship, you will probably want swimwear, and possibly some other specialized clothing and equipment as well.

Where to Buy Formal Wear for a Cruise

While many may want to take advantage of the rare opportunity to dress up, few people have a closet full of formal attire at their disposal. Clothing rental services are an affordable way to get glam on the high seas without overspending or cluttering up your closet with an outfit you’ll only wear once. Rent the Runway offers one time rentals for special occasions and monthly subscriptions (cancel anytime) in 5, 10, and 20 item bundles for those who want to round out their cruise wardrobe.

For those looking to make a more permanent purchase, Suitshop has a large selection of sturdy suits that will last a lifetime and Nordstrom offers dresses at varying levels of formality, from beachy maxi-dresses to true formal options.

What to Pack for a Cruise: In Port

The situation here is obvious: You need to pack for the climate in your cruise destination—and, for most people, being active in each port. You’ll be walking around during shore excursions, and many call for specialized equipment. That means you need to pack comfortable walking shoes and clothing on your cruise, even if you won’t need them on the ship itself. Make sure you pack appropriately for any off-shore excursions.

As to how heavy/light to travel, the Caribbean is hot and steamy pretty much all the time, and the Mediterranean in summer can come close. But weather in other popular areas such as Alaska, New England, and inland European rivers is a bit more variable. Your best bet is to check the weather forecasts just before you pack for your cruise, and always be prepared for rain. For Europe and Bermuda, you should aim for more resort-casual clothing (fair warning: Golf courses in Bermuda have strict dress codes). Some other cruise itineraries that are more casual than the norm include Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia.

What to Pack for a Cruise: Everything Else

Beyond the perfect wardrobe, there are a few key items that will ensure your cruise vacation is nothing but smooth sailing. Add these items to your cruise packing checklist before you embark:

Day Trip Gear

When putting together a packing list for a cruise, think about what you’ll need for your planned activities. A daypack is a necessity for a spending a full day off the boat. Stock it with a reusable water bottle (collapsible for the ultimate space-saver), sun hats, sunblock, insect repellent, and anything else you’ll need to get through the day. Make sure to download the port city’s map so you can access it offline in the event you lose access to WiFi. Drop a pin in your ship’s docking location and set an alarm well ahead of your departure time to signal its time to head back to the ship.

Toiletries

Travelers sometimes forget that they don’t need to pack a full closet full of personal-care products and accessories in their travel toiletry kit. You can buy toothpaste, batteries, and tissues in most places around the world—and also on the cruise ship, albeit at stiff prices. Ships vary in what toiletries they offer onboard.

However there are a few things you don’t want to leave off your cruise checklist, like prescription medications, glasses or contact lenses, and any specialized skincare or hair products that you can’t live without. It’s also a good idea to have a few OTC medications handy from the start in case of seasickness or minor aches and pains from a long flight.

Unlike air travel, cruise ships don’t place an upper size limit on your liquid personal items, so unless you’re flying to your port of departure, your containers can exceed 3.4oz. 

Technology

The latest packing challenge is with gadgets. I, for one, would have withdrawal symptoms if I couldn’t get online every day, so I would select a cruise ship with the latest internet connectivity and pack my laptop. On the other hand, if you want to get away from it all, a cruise ship is the ideal place—and you don’t have to pack any devices, converters, and such. Don’t forget your camera, and a travel extension cord can also come in handy.

As mentioned above, any critical devices you can’t live without should come along in your suitcase, be it a laptop, tablet, or just your smartphone. In addition to any necessary chargers, make sure you have an international adapter that works with any port city on the itinerary.

In-Flight Essentials

When packing for your pre- and post-cruise flights, figure out what goes in your carry-on and what gets checked. If you’re big on collecting souvenirs and buying local handicrafts, leave room in your suitcase for what you bring home. You don’t want to get hit with paying for another checked bag or hauling both your regular carry-on and a shopping bag of loot on your flight home.

Cruises are all about relaxing, soaking up the sun on the ship’s deck and catching up on a good book or finally catching up on that podcast. Make sure you don’t use up the leisure activities you packed for the cruise while bored in the terminal or during the flight. Download multiple books on your e-reader or library app, some for the flight and some for the trip. If you prefer paperback, pick up an in-flight read at one of the terminal kiosks or see if your airport has a library loan program.

Important Documents

Make sure you have your passport, ID, credit cards, and any cash (USD and local currency) you plan to spend. Bring along photocopies of important documents and your cruise itinerary. Make sure to leave any vital documents you don’t need for an excursion locked up safely in your cabin.

Can I Do Laundry on a Cruise?

Do you need to pack for the full cruise, or can you have your clothes washed or dry cleaned during your sailing? Although most big ships provide some kind of service, the specific answer to that question varies wildly among different ships: Some charge for laundry the way hotels do, some set a fixed price for a laundry bag full, some sell laundry packages prior to sailing, and a few offer self-service washers and dryers.

But no matter how you do it, you’ll definitely pay more for doing laundry while cruising than you pay at home. In general, large ships offer more options than small ones, and 200-passenger river cruises may provide only limited services. Again, check what your cruise ship offers before you decide how much you need to pack. If you’re unsure what your cruise line offers or don’t want to pay the fee, pack some travel laundry detergent packets and a travel clothes line to wash light items like undergarments and t-shirts in your cabin sink. 

What Not to Pack for a Cruise

Like any form of travel, there are a few prohibited items. These include obvious candidates like firearms, fireworks, knives, and any illegal substances. But there are a few surprising items on the list as well. On Carnival Cruises, passengers are not allowed to bring along curtains or large radios and travel clothing steamers are banned from coming aboard any Royal Caribbean ship. Other common prohibited items include scissors, alcoholic beverages, meat, and fish. Make sure to check your specific cruise line’s list of restricted items.

It’s worth noting that cruise ships are governed under federal law, so all marijuana products, including medical marijuana, are generally prohibited onboard regardless of port of departure. Alcohol policies vary by ship (so do your research with your cruise line directly).

Cruise Packing Tips

Packing for any trip can be tricky, but packing for a vacation that is essentially three trips in one is a monumental task for even the most efficient traveler. Maximize your organization and luggage space with these cruise packing tips.

Bring Spare Clothes in Your Carry-On

Having a change of clothes and a few day-to-day necessities in your carry-on can also be a lifesaver in the case of lost or delayed luggage. If you find yourself with no idea where your bags are or waiting to have them shipped to your next port of call, you’ll be glad to have a few extra items on hand to hold you over. It’s also great for that stretch of time between boarding the ship and your luggage showing up in your cabin.

Get a Personal Item That Does Double Duty

Save packing space by bringing along a personal item for the flight that can double as a daypack for excursions. This Lite Daypack from Bellroy is minimalistic and functional while this option from Got Bag is even more compact and comes in four neutral colors.  A foldable wet bag is a great additional to any daypack—it can be used to organize small items on your pre-departure flight and to store your wet swimsuit on the way back to the ship after a day in port.

Take Advantage of Packing Cubes

Keep yourself extra organized by packing for your “sub-trips” in packing cubes. Designate one for your formal wear, one for your onboard resort wear, and one for anything you plan to wear in port. This keeps your wardrobe organized without having to unpack everything or dig through a upturned suitcase looking for that one shirt you just know you packed.

My most essential recommendation for what to bring on a cruise: Don’t get obsessive about it. Do your best and plan to cope with whatever problems you encounter along the way.

Where to Book a Cruise

When booking a cruise you have two options—booking directly with the cruise line on their site or hunting down the best deals through an online travel agency. Check out our round-up of the best site to book a cruise to find the best deals and easiest processes.

Download Our Cruise Packing List Before You Set Sail

Click on the below image to edit and download the SmarterTravel cruise packing list:

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016 by SmarterTravel’s Ed Perkins. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Cruise appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The cruise sets sail from Istanbul on November 1, 2023, and visits destinations where “we will always be in summer,” says Ethem Bayramoglu, COO of Miray Cruises. The ship will stay in each port of call for multiple days, allowing travelers time to get off the ship and explore. 

The itinerary includes iconic destinations such as the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. 

Depending on how much your monthly rent or mortgage is, this cruise could wind up being cheaper than your current cost of living. Prices start at $38,513 per person per year for an inside cabin (based on double occupancy) and include all meals, weekly housekeeping, weekly laundry service, high-speed internet, and unlimited visits to the onboard hospital (which is equppied with a pharmacy and dentist). 

More spacious balcony cabins start at $98,226 per person, per year. Remote workers are encouraged to join the cruise, and the ship’s former casino has even been transformed into a spacious business center featuring meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and offices. 

Although the ship, the MV Laura, has 627 passengers, the cruise will only sell to 80 percent capacity to avoid a crowded feel. Onboard amenities include co-working spaces, a spa and wellness center, gym, sundeck, and a pool and hot tub.

The post This Three-Year Cruise Visits 148 Countries and 7 Continents appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Unfortunately, there’s one thing that makes cruises financially out of reach for many single travelers—the dreaded single supplement. Since most cruise cabins are designed to hold two people, many cruise lines penalize solo travelers with a surcharge of up to 200 percent. 

As demand for solo cruising rises, some cruise lines have adapted and begun offering single cabins—smaller rooms designed for just one person that don’t come with a pricey single supplement. 

How to Avoid the Single Supplement on a Cruise

Booking a solo cabin on a cruise is the best way to avoid the single supplement on a cruise. Ships offer a very limited number of solo cabins on most sailings, so book early if you want to snag one.

You can book a solo cabin on select ships within these cruise lines:

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Virgin Voyages
• Oceania
• Cunard
• Holland America
• Celebrity Cruises

Some cruise lines will occasionally offer sales waiving or discounting the single supplement on double cabins—sign up for sale alerts from your favorite ships to be notified. For example, Costa Cruises is currently running a promotion waiving the single supplement on a large selection of cruises.

The 6 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

These cruise lines offer amenities and activities designed for the single traveler. 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line started the single cabin trend by being the first cruise line to offer rooms for one. At under 100 sq. ft, Norwegian’s studio cabins are definitely small, but solo cruisers will get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, a shared space designed for socializing. Many sailings also offer singles meet-ups to help you get to know your fellow solo travelers. 

Tauck

It’s rare to find a sailing in Europe without a single supplement, but Tauck doesn’t charge one on any of their European river cruises (for Category 1 cabins). Want to upgrade? Tauck offers $1,000 off the single supplement on other cabin categories on select sailings. 

Tauck CEO Dan Mahar says their cruises are perfect for solo travelers, because “All of the advance planning and other tasks that would normally fall squarely on the shoulders of a solo traveler—all of the choreography, all of the hotel and restaurant reservations, all of the on-site transportation, navigation and more—they’re all expertly handled by Tauck.”

Cunard

How can you be a solo traveler and travel with your best friend simultaneously? When you’re cruising on Cunard with your pet. Guests sailing transatlantic on Queen Mary 2 can bring their cat or dog along for the journey. Furry friends must stay in the kennel, but you can visit any time you want.

Cunard offers some of the largest single staterooms at sea—a single Britannia Oceanview room ranges from 133-201 sq. ft. 

Don’t worry about being lonely on Cunard—the cruise line hosts coffee mornings and drinks receptions for solo travelers and offers shared tables for people who don’t want to dine alone. 

Virgin Voyages

Don’t want to be surrounded by families on your solo cruise? Book a trip on Virgin Voyages, one of the few cruise lines that doesn’t allow anyone under 18 onboard. Virgin cruises offer plenty of chances to meet other travelers, like organized “grog walks” (better known as pub crawls) and restaurants with shared seating.

Solo cabins are available in both insider and sea view stateroom categories. 

Royal Caribbean

Many cruise ships limit solo cabins to tiny inside rooms, but Royal Caribbean believes that single travelers deserve nice rooms too. The cruise line offers inside studio staterooms for solo travelers on a budget, as well as super studio ocean view staterooms with balconies for those who want to splurge. 

The single cabins are offered on the following Royal Caribbean ships: Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers single staterooms on the Apex, Edge, Silhouette, Beyond, and Ascent ships. To have the best chance of nabbing one, book on the Beyond or Ascent, both of which have 32 single staterooms.

Celebrity frequently runs promotions in which they waive the single supplement for solo travelers, so keep an eye out if you can’t reserve a single cabin.

Tips for Cruising Alone

Worried about feeling lonely when cruising by yourself? These tips can help you make new friends on your next trip.

Opt for an Assigned Seating Time for Dinner

Many cruise ships offer the option to select an assigned seating time for dinner. If you choose an assigned time, you’ll sit at the same table and have the same tablemates and servers each night, so you’re guaranteed to see familiar faces at least once a day.

Take Shore Excursions

Engaging in an activity, especially if it’s something social like a wine tasting on a European river cruise or something adventurous like ziplining in Costa Rica is a great conversation starter.

If you book your excursion through the cruise line, you’ll be in the same tour group as people from your ship, so you’ll be able to make plans later on to hang out again with any new friends you make. 

Participate in Activities 

There’s always something going on aboard a cruise ship, whether it’s a trivia night or a karaoke competition. These activities are designed to get guests socializing, so try to join at least one every day. Look for events geared toward solo travelers to find your fellow singletons (who may be more open to making new friends than couples or groups). 

The post The Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Skimp on Hand Hygiene

On a cruise, you’ll see constant reminders about keeping your hands clean, from big signs to hand sanitizer stations. If you want to avoid getting sick, it’s important that you maintain impeccable hand hygiene. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a helpful guide for keeping your hands clean on a cruise ship. The CDC advises cruise ship passengers to “use warm water and soap to wash their hands. Washing is always best. If water and soap are NOT available (perhaps on excursions), use an ethanol alcohol-based hand sanitizer, preferably in a gel form. The sanitizer should be at least 60% ethanol.”

Always wash your hands after using the restroom and before eating. 

Disregard COVID-19 Protocols

While many cruise lines have done away with vaccination and testing requirement, there are a few providers that still have policies in place. Don’t plan on skipping a mandatory pre-cruise COVID test and think you’ll be able to talk your way out of it once you’re at the departure port. If a cruise line requires a pre-trip COVID test and you don’t have one, you won’t be allowed to board. 

Furthermore, particular itineraries may have different requirements than the overall cruise line. For example, both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests embarking on Royal Caribbean cruises from Australia must present a negative COVID test taken within two days of departure. Most cruise lines have very limited options for day-of tests, so don’t plan on being able to get one at port. 

Leave Your Data Plan On

Forgetting to switch off your cellular data at sea will be an expensive mistake. Many cruise ships have their own roaming network that guests can connect to (for very pricey rates). Even if you’re not making calls or texting, the apps on your phone will still auto-refresh and use data. Be sure to put your phone on airplane mode (or turn off your data) before you pull out of port. 

Overindulge 24/7

A cruise vacation is definitely the time to treat yourself. You want to sample all the delicious food and drink that’s available around-the-clock at the restaurants and buffets. However, it’s important to treat eating and drinking on a cruise as a marathon, not a sprint. If you deviate from your normal diet and eat large amounts of rich food at every meal, you’re going to be feeling pretty sick midway through the cruise. 

Try to pace yourself and eat a mix of healthy food and treats in moderate portions so that you won’t spend your whole trip lying in your room with a stomach ache. 

Arrive Late

Planning your own off-ship excursion that arrives back to the cruise five minutes before its scheduled to leave is a very dangerous gamble. Whether you’re planning out when to arrive before your cruise begins or how early to get back after a day out, you’ll want to leave lots of extra time. Remember that ship time is often different from local time, and change your clocks accordingly!

If you do miss the ship, you’ll have to pay (and arrange) for your own transportation to the next port to meet the cruise, or give up and head home early. 

Overpack

Cruise ship cabins are notoriously small, so you can bring a massive checked bag—but then you’re just going to be tripping over it your entire trip. A duffle bag, or other soft carrier, is ideal as you can easily unpack and stash it away in your cabin. Smaller carry-ons are also a good choice, as they won’t take up too much space in your room. 

Become Drunk and Disorderly

It’s tempting to overindulge if you’ve purchased a drink package and have unlimited access to alcohol, but it’s also an easy way to wind up in the brig (aka, cruise ship jail). Extreme intoxication can also result in accidents on a cruise ship (such as falling overboard) so take it easy at the ship’s bar.

The post 7 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Ship appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Note that all trips and single supplement discounts were available at the time of publication, but they could sell out at any time. If you’re interested in these solo vacations, it’s best to book early.

Explore Madeira, Portugal, on Foot

Sweeping coastal views, sleepy fishing villages, and sheltered forests await on one of Exodus Travels’ Madeira walking tour itinerary. The eight-night trip includes leisurely walks of up to nine miles a day along some of Madeira’s most breathtaking hiking trails. The trip ends with free time to explore Funchal, the island’s historic capital. Exodus will match you with a roommate, or you can pay a modest single supplement for your own room. Departures are available every month throughout 2023.

See Morocco from the Mountains to the Desert

Overseas Adventure Travel is one of the best tour operators for solo vacations, thanks to free single supplements on most trips. That includes one of its most popular tours, the 15-night Morocco Sahara Odyssey, which takes you through the narrow streets of ancient medinas, over the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, and through the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Unique experiences include lunch in a Berber home and a couple of nights under the desert sky in a private tented camp. This trip has available departures between March and December 2023.

Camp in Utah’s National Parks

Join REI on a stunning eight-day journey through the national parks of Utah. Hike and camp in Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks as you learn about the nature, geology, and cultural history of the region from REI’s experienced guides. The package includes access to group cooking gear and first aid kits, a tent, and a sleeping pad. Check out their gear list for more information on what to pack.

Explore Northern India’s Icons

See the Taj Mahal and much more on this dedicated solo trip to India from Intrepid Travel. The seven-night itinerary starts and ends in bustling Delhi, where you’ll discover the city’s oldest mosque and have free time to explore on your own. Then you’ll head to Jaipur to visit royal palaces and soar above the city in a hot air balloon before visiting the 14th-century village of Karauli and touring the magnificent Taj Mahal. Intrepid will match you with a same-gender roommate so you can avoid paying a single supplement. This trip departs on select dates between February and December 2023.

Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

A bucket list trip for many avid hikers, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro can seem like a hefty task to undertake by oneself. However travelers partaking in World Expedition’s Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route will feel anything but alone. With dozens of experienced guides, porters, and chefs to support you on the trek and a group of like-minded adventurers by your side, travelers are sure to come out of the 10-day experience with new friends and once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Discover Ireland Your Way

Not big on group tours? Consider Great Value Vacations’ Irish B&B Getaway package, which includes airfare, a rental car, and accommodations at bed and breakfasts around Ireland, allowing you to wend your way through the countryside at your own pace. Highlights include dramatic coastal roads, lively villages, and historic castles. The itinerary can be customized for six to nine nights, and you may depart any month of the year.

See Japan by Train

Hop on a bullet train to speed between destinations around the country on G Adventures’ Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo tour. Travelers can visit shrines in Kyoto, explore the Harajuku district of Tokyo, and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko where, weather-dependent, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the famous Mount Fuji. Some G Adventures tours offers a single supplement option, however on most tours travelers will be paired with a roommate of the same gender.

Spot Rare Wildlife in Madagascar

Keep an eye out for lemurs, chameleons, boa constrictors, and numerous rare birds as you travel with Explore! through Madagascar: The Lost Continent.  In addition to wildlife-watching treks through the island’s national parks, this itinerary also features a walk along a spectacular canyon, a visit to Madagascar’s oldest palace, and a stay in a local community guesthouse. Explore! will match you with a same-gender roommate if you don’t wish to pay a single supplement. This trip has departures between April and October 2023.

Enjoy Nature in Costa Rica

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica with Road Scholar’s nine-night Taste of Costa Rica package. Highlights include river rafting in the Sarapiquí River, Latin dance lessons, a walk through a cloud forest, and a visit to the Monteverde Butterfly Garden. Road Scholar is currently offering single rooms at no added cost on this itinerary. This trip has several departures between March and December 2023.

Discover the Best of Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

There’s a reason Tuscany and neighboring Umbria are two of Italy’s most beloved regions. Discover them for yourself on Insight Vacations’ Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany tour, an eight-night voyage to destinations such as Florence, Assisi, Siena, and San Gimignano. You’ll enjoy a pasta-making demonstration in Baschi, then learn about traditional textile weaving in Perugia and visit a family-run olive mill in Assisi. If you do not opt for a single supplement, you will be matched with a roommate of the same gender. Departure dates are available between April and October 2023.

Have an Adventure with Fellow Women

If you, like many female travelers, feel safer and more comfortable in the company of other women, consider booking a trip with Adventure Women, which offers active, women-only tours to destinations around the world. Most of the company’s clients come alone, so you’re sure to find common ground with your fellow travelers. Solo vacations for 2023 with availability at press time include a biking and boating tour through Vietnam, an active adventure in the Canadian Rockies, a Serengeti wildlife safari, and more. You can choose to be matched with a roommate or pay a little extra for your own room.

Sarah Schlichter wants to take every one of these solo vacations. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. Carol McPherson contributed to this story.

The post 11 Amazing Solo Vacations to Take in 2023 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

From minor inconveniences like seasickness to bigger disasters, here’s how to avoid falling victim to five terrifying ship-specific scenarios.

Getting Stuck in a Waterslide Over the Ocean

Anyone with even the smallest amount of claustrophobia started sweating watching the recent video of a woman getting stuck in a section of the cruise ship’s enclosed water slide that was suspended over the ocean. However, the solution to not getting trapped in a waterslide might scare you even more—wear as little clothing as possible. 

According to Royal Caribbean, the trick to smoothly and quickly making it down a slide is opting for a small swimsuit (like a speedo) as more fabric (like rash guards or bathing suits with more coverage) will cause more friction and slow you down. 

Missing the Boat

You’ve spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on your dream cruise, but if you miss the boat, all that money will go down the drain—and you’ll have to pay even more to get yourself home. 

Cruise ships wait for no passengers, so never fly into port on the day that your cruise ship is scheduled to depart—if your flight is delayed or canceled, it’s highly likely that you’ll miss the boat. Always fly in a day or two early to give yourself a buffer (and to be able to explore the port city).

Likewise, when you’re off the boat for an excursion, be sure to double-check what time you have to be back, and plan to arrive well before the departure in case you run into traffic or other unexpected delays.

Falling Overboard

Man-overboard incidents are extremely rare on cruise ships. Cruise ships are specifically designed to prevent people from falling overboard, with safety measures like high railings and other barriers in plance. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLA), there were 212 man-overboard incidents between 2009 and 2019. 

Falling overboard is extremely preventable on a cruise ship. Avoid drinking excessively (which can cause impaired judgment and coordination) and never climb or sit on railings on a cruise ship. Stay inside when there is bad weather or rough seas. 

Getting Seasick

Nauseous, vomiting, and dizzy—not exactly how you want to spend your vacation at sea. Unfortunately, if you’re prone to seasickness, this is how you might feel on a cruise. 

Follow these tips to avoid getting seasick:

• Pick a larger boat that is equipped with stabilizers, to minimize how much you’ll feel motion on board
• Skip itineraries that spend a lot of time crossing open ocean (opt for a Caribbean cruise vs. a transatlantic one, for example) 
• Choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck
• Get fresh air
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol
• Try medications—both prescription and over-the-counter medicines are available to combat seasickness, so check with your doctor about which one is right for you before leaving for your trip
• Eat small amounts of bland food

At-Sea Quarantine

Whether it’s COVID-19 or Norovirus, viruses can spread quickly among large groups in enclosed spaces (like a cruise ship). If you come down with a contagious disease, you’ll likely be quarantined in your cabin for the remainder of the cruise, which will definitely put a damper on your vacation.

To avoid getting sick at sea, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines:

• Wash your hands often
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of water
• Leave the area if you see someone get sick
• Wear a well-fitting mask indoors and in crowded spaces
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

The post 5 Cruise Specific Nightmares (And How to Avoid Them) appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Storylines, a new luxury cruise line, is launching the MV Narrative, a residential cruise ship in 2024. Unlike a regular cruise ship, where you rent a cabin for a designated length of time on a specified itinerary, cruisers on the MV Narrative permanently purchase their rooms on a trip around-the-world.

Fully furnished one-to-four bedroom residences are for sale starting at $1 million, and a limited number are also available to lease for 12 or 24 years, starting at $400,000. 

However, there are also mandatory all-inclusive living fees (which cover food, beverage, and amenities on the ship) that range from $65,000 to $200,000 per unit per year (based on double occupancy). 

The MV Narrative is 741 feet long, and will have 547 cabins that range in size from 237 to 1,970 square feet. 

The ship will be on a constant round-the-world tour, circumnavigating the globe every three years. The cruise will stop in ports for around 1-5 days at a time, so homeowners will have plenty of time to explore each destination. The itinerary will change every three years, and residents will be able to vote on ports of call. 

Onboard, the luxury cruise ship will have all the amenities residents could need, including a hospital, microbrewery, pet exercise area, 10,000 book library, movie theater, bowling alley, outdoor running track, golf simulators, and more. 

A spokesperson for Storylines did not disclose how many residences have already been purchased, but said “the company has seen strong sales due to more people having the freedom to work and study remotely.”

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Although you may not be up for setting sail right now–especially given the new, ever-changing CDC guidance on cruising–you can still take advantage of these incredible offers by booking sailings through late 2022, 2023, and even 2024. It’s also worth noting that most cruise lines have implemented flexible cancellation policies, including full refunds or future cruise credits. 

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the top 10 best wave season deals of 2022. 

Emerald Cruises

It’s Your Time To Travel with Emerald Cruises. Guests who book select 2022 and 2023 Danube, Rhine, and Rhone river cruises can snag up to $2,500 in savings. Pay your 2022 sailing in full to receive an extra $150 off per person. Similarly, passengers who pay their 2023 sailing in full at least 12 months before embarkation can score an additional 10% off. The fun doesn’t stop there, though: Emerald is also offering up to 25% off select 2022 and 2023 yacht cruises–plus free premium beverage packages. Customers setting sail in 2023 can snap up an added 10% discount if they pay in full one year before embarkation. Both of these promotions expire on March 31, 2022. 

Holland America Line

Holland America Line is kicking off wave season with their Ultimate Upgrade Event. Those who book a qualifying 2022 and 2023 sailing can score a free stateroom upgrade, 50% off deposits, complimentary beverage packages, specialty dining, WiFi, and shore excursions. The promotion officially ends on February 28, 2022.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises’ annual Best. Sale. Ever.is back just in time for wave season. You won’t want to miss this limited-time sale, which offers staggering savings of up to $695 per passenger based on a six-night cruise. This seasonal sale includes five free perks: The Premier Beverage Package–think: cocktails, wine, beer, bottled water, and more–as well as unlimited wifi, gratuities, stateroom location upgrades (available on a first-come, first-served basis), and one specialty dining meal. Book by March 2, 2022. 

Celestyal Cruises

Escape Back to the Blue with Celestyal Cruises. The cruise line, which is best known for its Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean voyages, is offering up to 30% off select 2022 sailings. Among the most notable itineraries include the three-night “Iconic Aegean” (from $449 per person; originally $610) and the seven-night “Three Continents” (from $1,019 per person; originally $1,250). Children 12 years and younger can cruise free on select sailings, while solo travelers can take advantage of reduced single supplements as low as 15%. Book by March 31, 2022.  

Celebrity Cruises

There are, quite literally, 3,000 reasons to sail with Celebrity Cruises this year. Book any 2022 sailing and receive a discount of up to $3,000 per stateroom. Alternatively, experience the Galapagos’ rich wildlife, culture, and stunning scenery: Those who book a 2022 or 2023 Galapagos sailing aboard Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration, or Celebrity Xploration will enjoy 20% off cruise fare–plus free round-trip airfare when booking via “Flights With Celebrity.” These deals expire on February 28, 2022. 

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ OLife Choice is chock-full of fun perks and added value. The package includes 2-for-1 cruise fares, free round-trip airfare (with transfers!), and one free extra per stateroom. These include up to eight shore excursions, free beverage packages, or up to $800 in onboard credit. This promotion–which is available on nearly 500 sailings through November 29, 2023–ends on April 2, 2022. 

Cunard Line

Cunard’s “Three For All” promotion offers customers up to $2,00 in onboard credit based on their stateroom category, along with specialty dining credits and 50% off deposits. Repeat passengers can save up to an extra $1,200. Additionally, those who book a Grills Suite will receive a complimentary drinks package. Book by 2/28/2022.

Hurtigruten Expeditions 

Up for a fun-filled, action-packed adventure? If so, book your sailing with Hurtigruten Expeditions this wave season. Customers can save up to $2,900 on select 2022 sailings featuring bucket-list-worthy destinations like Galapagos, Antarctica, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, Patagonia, and Greenland. Select 2023 and 2024 cruises–including voyages to the British Isles, Scottish Isles, Iceland, Norway, Greenland, the Panama Canal, South America, the Faroe Islands, and the Canary Islands–are available for up to 30% off. Both of these offers expire on March 31, 2022.  

Azamara Club Cruises

Find Your Journey with Azamara and take your pick of nearly 150 sailings across the globe.  The best part? These itineraries–which run through May 5, 2023–have been slashed up to 30% in celebration of wave season. Destinations include The Canary Islands, Spain and Morocco, and the Caribbean, to name a few. Bonus: Azamara is also throwing in a $500 onboard credit per stateroom. Book by March 31, 2022. 

Seabourn: 

Enjoy The Suite Life with Seabourn this wave season. Book by March 1, 2022, to enjoy a free two-category veranda suite upgrade, as well as a 50% reduced deposit. This offer is available on over 300 voyages setting sail around the world between now and 2023–including awe-inspiring arctic expeditions, Australia and New Zealand itineraries, Caribbean sailings, and many other amazing destinations. 

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How are COVID-19 Cases Identified Aboard a Cruise?

On my recent cruise through the Adriatic Sea, two of the passengers on our ship (the Viking Venus) tested positive for COVID-19 during the embarkation process. The positive cases were identified quickly, because within fifteen minutes of boarding, all guests were expected to give a saliva sample for testing.

The positive cases weren’t publicly announced to cruisers, however, some guests waiting to board the ship saw the clear and obvious sign that positive cases had been identified when they witnessed a team wearing hazmat suits board the vessel. Those passengers told me they saw the hazmat crew quickly board and remove the passengers from the ship. I later learned that the government of Malta (where the cruise was departing from) has an official “quarantine” hotel where the passengers from our ship, any other vessel, or flight would remain for 14 days at the cost of 100 euro per night. However, for the cruisers on my trip, Viking paid the bill. The cruise line also offered the passengers compensation for their missed sailing and flights home.

Will You Have to Quarantine if There Is a Positive COVID-19 Case on Your Trip?

Pandemic aside, not all cruise lines are created equal, so it’s not surprising that health and safety protocols on board vary widely at the moment. On Viking Cruises, all guests are given a GPS tracking device upon check-in that must be worn at all times on and off the ship. This small circular device is used to quickly identify guests who may have encountered any other guest or crew member for longer than fifteen minutes, at a distance of fewer than six feet who tests positive for COVID-19.

The positive passengers were traveling together, both fully vaccinated, and in the same stateroom. Due to the procedures designed to get guests quickly checked-in, on-board, and in their rooms for their first PCR test, there was a low likelihood that the positive passengers would have been in close enough proximity to others to infect them. The team in the lab checked for GPS devices that were close to those being worn by the positive passengers and the result was zero. Thankfully, no one else had been exposed and had to quarantine. 

Do You Have to Take a COVID-19 Test on a Cruise?

On this cruise, all guests were required to take a daily COVID-19 test. During nightly turn-down service medical vials and testing instructions were left in each guestroom. Every morning cruisers had to give a saliva sample. This involved filling one vial with 2ML of saliva for an onboard PCR test.

The test requires a sample that is given right after waking up, before you’ve had coffee or even brushed your teeth. It’s a bit.. gross. I had a few nauseous moments.. and it’s not really something you get used to, but you do realize it’s for your safety and everyone around you, so you power through.

A representative for Viking told me that the requirement for 2ML of saliva is to ensure there’s an additional sample for a re-test, and, in this case, after a second positive result the infected passengers were notified to remain in their stateroom. 

In addition to the daily PCR test and mandatory GPS tracker, we also had to complete a daily health/wellbeing questionnaire either on an app or on via the stateroom TV. Masks were required in all public areas (except for when eating or drinking). Temperature checks were also taken daily for every guest. 

Expect Less Freedom Aboard Cruises

Additionally, because our sailing was scheduled to call on some ports in countries with a surge in COVID cases, passengers were not allowed to disembark the ship and explore the destination on their own. The only way to explore off-ship was to join one of Viking’s excursions.

If you wish to cruise during COVID you should be prepared to accept some responsibility. Before booking you should first explore the cruise line’s procedures to become knowledgeable of what’s expected of you and what you can expect onboard. Read the fine print and learn what would happen if you (or a close contact) tests positive aboard the cruise, and if you would be responsible for paying for your own off-ship quarantine accommodations or early flight home.

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Celebrity Cruises Sets Sail for the First Time in Over a Year

The wait is over at long last. For the first time in fifteen months, a cruise ship has set sail in North America. Celebrity Millenium embarked from Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Sunday, June 6, marking not only the first sailing since the COVID outbreak began but also the first time Celebrity Cruises has homeported in St. Maarten. This seven-night cruise will visit Aruba, Barbados, and Curacao. 

Welcome Aboard Celebrity Cruises

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises said of the launch “What an honor to now be the first to enthusiastically say, once again – ‘Welcome Aboard!’”  Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations Brian Abel added “Once onboard, they will discover reimagined accommodation, spa and entertainment offerings, along with considered and thoughtful health and safety measures… The end result of all that we have implemented will make cruises one of the safest ways to explore the world, while enjoying a wonderful and uncompromised vacation experience.”

Safety Precautions on Celebrity Cruises

With the assistance of their Healthy Sail Panel, Celebrity Cruises has taken the utmost effort to ensure the safety of everyone on board. Safety precautions include: 

• A fully vaccinated crew and 95% vaccinated guests onboard. 
• Reduced capacity onboard. 
• Staggered arrivals and departures to ensure the least amount of people getting on board at once. Guests will make an appointment for their preferred time. 
• Celebrity Cruises eMuster app has been expanded for more contactless transactions. 
• Face coverings required for check-ins and check-outs. 

Cruise with Confidence

If you are tempted to start cruising again, but are still a bit nervous, Celebrity Cruises’ Cruise with Confidence policy means that if within 48-hours of sailing you are still too nervous to get onboard, you can cancel with no penalty, and receive a 100% Future Cruise Credit to use by April 30, 2022 toward any sailing through September 30, 2022. 

Celebrity Cruises 2021-2022 Schedule

Celebrity Cruises upcoming sailing schedule includes: 

June 19 – Celebrity Apex – sailing the Greek Islands and Cyprus
June 26 – Celebrity Edge – sailing the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale, FL 
July 3 –  Celebrity Silhouette – sailing the UK coastline 
July 3 –  Celebrity Flora – Luxury yacht sailing to the Galapagos Islands
July 23 –  Celebrity Millenium sailings to Alaska from Seattle 

For the full schedule of 2021 and 2022 cruises, click here. 

MSC Cruises to Set Sail in North America August 2

MSC has announced they will resume operations on August 2, after a simulation cruise on July 17 to ensure the ability to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 onboard. They have not yet announced their extra safety precautions, however, they were the first cruise line to resume sailing in Europe after the COVID-19 breakout, so you can expect to feel safe while onboard. You can check their Health and Safety Measures page for updates.

MSC Cruises Open for Booking June 16

Starting June 16, guests can begin booking trips on MSC Meraviglia departing from PortMiami and on MSC Divina, which will depart from Port Canaveral. Cruises on MSC Divina will resume beginning September 16. Guests will first be able to book 3 or 4-night cruises to the Bahamas (including MSC Cruises’ exclusive new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve) on MSC Meraviglia, with the addition of 7-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean for travel beginning September 18.

On June 16, you can book your cruise aboard MSC Meraviglia here, and MSC Divina here.

Total CruiseFlex

Like Celebrity Cruises, MSC’s CruiseFlex policy allows you to cancel your booking up to 48-hours before your scheduled departure, If your cruise booking is made through July 31, 2021, and your cruise departure date is through September 30, 2022.

Carnival Cruises Plans July 3 Restart

Carnival has announced July 3 as their date to resume operations. Cruises will be available to guests who have received their second vaccination at least 14-days prior to departure. Beginning July 3, Carnival Vista will resume sailing from the Port of Galveston, with Carnival Breeze resuming on July 15. Carnival Horizon is expected to restart in July out of PortMiami, although no definite date has been set. All 3 cruises sail to the Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Lines To Resume North American Operations in August

Norwegian Cruise Lines has announced an August return to North America, with their newest innovation ship, Norwegian Encore debuting on August 7, departing from Seattle and sailing to Alaska. The Norwegian Gem will begin sailing from Miami on August 15, with a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean. 4-day cruises to the Bahamas will begin in November. Other sailings now bookable and set to resume this year are:

• September 26 – Norwegian Breakaway from New York to the Bahamas
• October 24 – Norwegian Bliss from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera
• November 13 – Norwegian Escape from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean

Norwegian’s Peace of Mind Booking and Sailing Policy

To ensure the safety of all their guests, Norwegian has a Peace of Mind policy, which makes sure you are safe while onboard and allows you to cancel without penalty. In partnership with the Healthy Sail Panel, Norwegian wants their guests to feel safe, and to do so, will require all guests to be fully vaccinated within 14 days of departure. Their cancelation policy allows you to cancel up to 15 days before departure for cruises departing through October 31, 2021, for a Future Cruise Credit, or a full refund when you cancel up to 60 days prior.

Royal Caribbean Comeback set for July 2

Celebrate the 4th of July on the sea with Royal Caribbean. Freedom of the Seas is setting sail on July 2 from PortMiami to Perfect Day at CocoCay. July 3 will see the debut of their new Odyssey of the Seas, setting sail from Fort Lauderdale for 6- and 8-night cruises to the Caribbean.

The rest of Royal Caribbean’s summer schedule is as follows:

• July 19 – Serenade of the Seas sailing from Seattle to Alaska.
• August 8 – Allure of the Seas sailing from Port Canaveral with Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
• August 13 – Ovation of the Seas sailing from Seattle to Alaska.
• August 14 – Symphony of the Seas sailing from Miami with Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
• August 15 – Independence of the Seas sailing from Galveston, TX to the Western Caribbean
• August 23 – Mariner of the Seas sailing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Safety Protocols and Cancelation Policy of Royal Caribbean

All guests over the age of 16 must be fully vaccinated, and beginning August 1, guests over the age of 12 must also be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to departure.

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program allows cancelations for bookings made on or before July 31st, 2021, for sailings on or before April 30th, 2022.

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