Feature Article
Been There
Old Wisdom - Useful Advice on How to Plan Your Cruise
Cruising for the first time is like joining a selective club: you're in for some unforgettable experiences, but you may also feel a bit disoriented, because you don't know the rules. It's a good thing you can find senior members who will gladly anticipate your questions and clear your confusions, so that you can make the best of your first cruise.
The Journey Starts at Home
Letting mail accumulate in your mailbox is like a big blinking sign letting everyone know you're away. Not having any light on in the evening works in the same way. Burglars and all other kinds of troublemakers will need no further proof that they can inspect your house at ease. To avoid this, you could ask a friend to take in your mail every day, or you can have it held at the post office. Also, you can set your lights to go on at a certain time, or announce the neighbourhood community patrol that you will be away, so that they can do what's necessary to keep troublemakers away.
Mailing postcards ranks high among the annoying duties of a vacationer. Printing labels and stamps before you leave home is a good comfort booster for your cruise. All you'll have to do on the ship will be to write the postcards.
Money, Money, Money...
The thing money and traveller's cheques have in common is that you can use them both as payment. The most attractive difference between them is that the cheques are replaceable if lost or stolen. For a faster replacement, you might want to write down their serial numbers and keep these in a separate place.
Tipping porters and stewards at the airport and docking pier is a good idea. Your bags will receive more attention and you won't have to worry about losing them.
Make sure there are no errors on your ending invoice. It's not pleasant to end your vacation by standing in line for one more payment.
Take the necessary precautions to prevent your wallet being stolen. A simple solution is to wrap some rubber bands around it, to increase the grip between it and your pocket, thus making it a little more difficult for anyone to steal it.
Look Who's Cruising
Actually, there are no special rules for babies on board. If you've ever taken your baby or toddler on a vacation, you'll know the basic dangers: babies get tired and babies get dirty. It's a good idea to have some paper bibs at hand so as to prevent them from staining their clothing too soon. Walking on the deck will be at least as tiring - and possibly boring - for your child as strolling along resort alleys; take a collapsible stroller and some snacks with you and you'll solve that problem. Of course, you can also buy snacks on board, but they will be more expensive.
One More Thing Before You Go
Picture yourself on the ship, and try to imagine one day from morning till bedtime. Plenty of useful details will come to your mind, such as some plastic bags for your dirty clothing, a light source to help you walk through the cabin at night, a first aid kit for minor emergencies, or wet wipes. Pack what you can pack that minute and write down the rest.
You might to carry a pocket notebook with you the week before you leave, to write down any good ideas you might get. The better you plan the cruise, the less you'll have to worry about during your vacation.
Panama Canal Cruise News
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