Early Planning - 60 days to 6 months prior

 

  • Obtain passport (or birth certificate)
    • Six months minimum - obtain a passport well in advance
    • Make sure each passport does not expire until at least 180 days AFTER your travels end
    • In some cases, a birth certificate may be adequate - VERIFY this with your cruise line in advance
  • Use a travel agent
    • The use of a travel agent costs you Nothing!
    • The agent can help you select the cruise line and ship that is right for you and your priorities
    • The agent can monitor prices and obtain reduced prices (until the final due date for payments)
    • Pro-tip:  Do Not Pay in full until a couple weeks before the deadline - it’s easier to obtain a price reduction than a refund
    • The agent may be able to secure benefits you may otherwise be unaware of
  • Insure your travel
    • You will be tempted to “save” on this one; we strongly recommend you not succumb
    • If you travel a moderate amount, you can reduce your total outlay by buying an annual policy; we have done this for the past three years
    • We have never needed to make an insurance claim, but…better safe than sorry in our opinion
  • Consider excursions
    • The cost is not insignificant; plan ahead by setting your budget
    • Review all ports and excursions; prices vary by wide amounts; you may need to prioritize
    • Google ports to determine what things you may be able to explore on your own without spending money on a tour
    • Pick one port to have an adventure - for example, research local transportation for a DIY approach
      • If your port stay is just a few hours, stick to a safer approach and hold off on the adventure
      • If your port stay is 8 hours or more, determine whether there is nearby train service which will allow you to take a day trip to find a truly unique site
    • While the ship-sponsored tours will seem “safer,” with a stronger assurance that the ship won’t leave without you, we have had very good experience with other providers, including “GetYourGuide.” Some alternate providers can give you the option of smaller groups, rather than the typical 40-person buses common to cruise excursions.
    • Pro-tip:  If in doubt, book an excursion early.  Do further research and make cancelation decision up to 2-3 days in advance (read the fine print to be certain of the refund policy).  Yes, you’ll need to front the payment, but refunds have always been processed quickly, in our experience.
  • Join a Facebook group
    • There are groups for each ship; join a site specific to your ship and voyage
    • Plenty of folks will share opportunities which may be available on the ship and/or port which are not otherwise advertised
    • For longer cruises, you will find organized activities (card games, casino slot “pulls”, etc.) which will give you an opportunity to meet like-minded travelers (hey - you’re on the same ship; you Must have some like-mindedness!)