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Cruising ABCs
Everything You Need to Know to Take a Cruise
By Crystal Patriarche
If you are thinking about taking a cruise, there is plenty to research and decide before you book that boat trip and board that ship. Before you make those reservations, sit back, relax and make sure you know these cruising ABCs.
"If you are a person who wants to take a vacation to just relax, then a cruise is not the right vacation," says Susie Estridge from Indianapolis, Ind., who just returned from cruising the Caribbean. "The cruise ships have so much available to do these days that you can really enjoy just the time on the ship. Cruises are a great way to see a number of islands and have LOTS to do."
There is so much to pack, where do you begin?
You will need a valid passport, sunscreen, beach towels if your cruise does not provide them (some don't), air freshener, Dramamine or other medication if you get motion sickness, an underwater camera if you are snorkeling and plenty of wrinkle-free clothes. Ask your family and friends who have been on cruises what they recommend you bring.
"Probably most important is to have a passport," Estridge says. "A passport speeds things up when going in and out of the country."
Bring as much of your own items on board as possible like medical supplies, sunscreen and motion sickness pills, because the shops on board can be quite expensive, according to Trish Baumann from Australia, who just finished a 10-night, four-port cruise with her boyfriend.
