You have decided to go on a cruise for your next vacation. Even better, your cruise involves stops at international ports of call. A cruise is a great way to visit multiple countries on one trip without worrying about transportation logistics. Here are some tips to make the most out of your international cruise.
Make Sure You Have Proper Funds
Your cruise stops in many different countries will require foreign currencies for each location. You will be able to access automatic bank machines in most areas. Paper money may be needed for certain services, but you should use your credit card where possible. Credit cards offer a competitive exchange rate. You also may be able to find a credit card that waives exchange fees as a perk for being a card member. Ensure you have enough initial cash when you board the ship for incidentals and if there is any issue with your card while traveling.
Get Your Vaccinations
Cruises from Miami will stop in many international locations with different health issues than the United States. You should get a list of the vaccination requirements for the destination countries from your cruise liner. You will need to visit your healthcare provider to get these vaccinations before your trip. You cannot show up on the cruise day and expect to get vaccinated.
Check Entry Requirements
Your cruise liner should require you to bring a passport if necessary for stops made. However, disembarking from the cruise ship may be optional in some locations requiring additional entry documentation, such as a visa. You should research the entry requirements for all the ports of call where you are stopping and ensure you have the necessary documents for entry into the countries you would like to visit.
Have Enough Medications
Medications in foreign countries are dispensed differently than in the United States. If you have a prescription medication, you want to be sure to get it filled before going on your trip. You should make sure you have a sufficient amount of all your drugs to take with you. If you run out of medicine, you will not just be able to phone in a refill for pickup in another country. Also, the cruise ship will not have medications available while it is en route. It would help if you were sure to stock up on over-the-counter medicines to ensure you have treatments you might need along your journey.
Research Your Stops
Some of your stops may be scheduled for what seems to be an extended period. However, the available time will go by a lot faster than you think. It would help if you researched each of the places that the ship is scheduled to stop. You can come up with a list of sites you would like to see or things you want to do.
Next, you should figure out what type of ground transportation you will need to get around the area. Further, you should see if you need any unique clothing or other items for that part of your trip. A little research and planning will save you a lot of time to enjoy yourself rather than trying to decide what to do. You can also save money by booking transportation and admission tickets in advance.
Buy Trip Insurance
An international cruise is a significant investment. As your trip is dependent on the ability to travel to a variety of countries, there are many factors beyond anyone’s control that could impact your trip. You would be well served to purchase travel insurance to cover your trip. If a specific part of your cruise can’t be completed, you could use your trip insurance to reschedule to a time when all elements are available. Read any coverage options carefully, so you understand what will be covered in the event of any cancellations.
International cruising is a great adventure. Be prepared to take the most advantage of your time aboard and abroad.
