Blerd Meets World

The Little Details

Review your booking confirmation and cruise line contract. Make sure your reservation is as expected (dates, cabin type and location, etc.) and you understand the cruise line’s rules (what you can bring, regulations onboard, etc.) Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a bad surprise.

Purchase trip insurance, which protects you if you must cancel or have difficulties while traveling.

‘Cancel for any reason’ (or CFAR) coverage usually requires that you purchase the insurance 14-21 days after making your booking (or paying your deposit).
Some cruise lines offer insurance. Be aware that this will not protect anything you don’t book through the cruise line (flights, pre/post hotels, tours or other entertainment)
Some cruise lines require insurance (usually expedition cruises). Make sure you know what the minimum coverage is (such as medical evacuation coverage up to $X).
If you plan to use insurance from your credit card, make sure you know what it does and doesn’t cover (compare to an independent travel insurance quote). This insurance may be a good option for you, but you should understand what you are/are not getting.

Make sure your passport doesn’t expire until at least 6 months after the end of your trip.

Regulations may vary by country, but this is a good rule of thumb.
If you need to renew, do so early (sometimes it can take a few months if they’re backed up).
Check as early as possible if any destinations require a visa (these can also take time and usually require a valid passport in order to apply).

If you will need to stay in touch with family or friends back home, look at options for phone service.

Some wireless carriers offer 1-day passes for use in international destinations (instead of paying for a service for the whole month).
If you will have internet service onboard the ship, it may be good enough for wi-fi calling (or even video chatting). Check if you must enable wi-fi calling prior to losing US cellular service. Online forums are good sources for finding out how well the onboard internet service works.

Money

Consider what you will need as far as credit cards and cash

Credit Cards
- Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted around the world. Few foreign merchants will take American Express.
- Check if your card charges foreign transaction fees. Pre or post-cruise hotels, food, and tours will likely be charged in the local currency. On some (usually small) cruise lines, onboard charges are in foreign currency. If possible, find a new card that doesn’t charge transaction fees.
- If you have several credit cards, plan to just take a primary and a backup with you (less impact on your life if your wallet is stolen while traveling). Ideally, you’ll store your backup in a different place (i.e. in a backpack instead of your wallet) or leave it in your stateroom while off the ship.
Cash
- Check if your bank credits withdrawal fees. if so, it’s easier to take money out as you need it instead of trying to guess how much you’ll need in advance.
- Shops and restaurants in ports that handle a lot of cruise ships may take a more common currency than the local one (i.e. USD in the Caribbean, Euros in Europe).

Flights and Pre/Post-Cruise Stays

Many cruise lines allow you to purchase airfare through a system they set up.

Fares are often reduced compared to booking directly.
Usually no payment is required until final payment for the cruise.
May also receive support if rebooking is required (e.g. due to missed or late flights)
Cannot use airline points to purchase, but will still accrue them.
Not all airlines may be available (e.g. no Southwest Airlines)

You can add to your adventure by booking a stay in port before and/or after your cruise.

Whenever possible, arrive 1 night before your cruise, especially if you have flight connections or weather may affect your flights (e.g. a cruise during winter and your home area gets snow)
If you are flying in the morning of the cruise:
- Try to arrive as early as possible (in case there are delays or cancellations)
- Try to ensure there are other flights (backup options) that will still get you there in time
If you are staying in a city after your cruise, be aware that you will leave the ship very early in the morning and likely will not be able to check in to your hotel room yet (make plans to store luggage or go on a tour for the day).

Planning Time Ashore

There are 3 main ways to spend time at your destinations. If you have “bucket list” items or want to make sure you don’t miss something amazing, it’s best to do some planning before your cruise. Otherwise, you can ‘go with the flow’ and figure it out onboard or in the port.

	Cruise Line Shore Excursions	Local Tours	On Your Own
Organization	Everything is set up by the cruise line; you just show up. Usually have no input in the itinerary. Good if wary of roaming alone.	You and/or your Travel Agent research options and communicate with operators. You can design your own private tour based on interests.	You and/or your Travel Agent research options. May not require much planning (i.e. just want to walk around town or relax at a local beach.)
Booking & Refunds	Can book in advance or on the ship (may sell out). Usually refundable up to a point (24-48 hours)	Book in advance. May have a non-refundable deposit. May not be paid in USD.	Book rental car or attraction timeslot in advance. Taxi or transit tickets can be bought once you’re in country.
Group Size	Usually large groups (40 ppl), but can be smaller or private (more $$)	Usually small groups or private (at a lower cost than cruise lines)	Up to you (just you, or maybe with new friends you meet onboard)
Protection	Cruise ship will wait or line will transport you if the tour runs late	No protection if late	No protection if late