Cruise ships are real floating cities. The concept is attracting more and more travellers who want to live a special experience and discover several destinations during the same trip. For those who have never been on a cruise before, it is important to have a few details in mind so that you can be well prepared and enjoy your stay on board in the most peaceful way possible. Here are a few valuable tips to help you prepare for your first cruise
Before you leave, there are a lot of things to do
When they say that a trip begins long before the day of departure, it is very true, and it is a very pleasant time to live. Before boarding the ship of your cruise (which you can book at many sites including Star Croisières), there are several steps to take from home. First of all, remember to check the cruise line's website to verify important details of life on board: dress codes, rules for tips or the list of items prohibited on the boat. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the travel agency, the professionals will not fail to give all the information!
Then comes the time to consult the excursions and activities offered at each stopover. Stopping on several islands or in the cities of several countries is necessarily a multitude of places to discover and sports or cultural activities that will enrich your stay. Once you have identified the ports where the boat stops, you should get to know, via a tourist guide or online, the sites of interest nearby and don't hesitate to book interesting activities in advance. Of course, you can wait until you are on the boat to ask the crew questions about the best things to see and do, but anticipating reservations means that you don't have to wait for hours or be refused access to an activity that you absolutely want to do for lack of space. There's also no point in being too greedy and wanting to have as many things to do during stopovers as possible. The cruise is also a holiday formula that is meant to be relaxing and the idea is to enjoy everything quietly, always taking your time
Concerning the documents that you must absolutely have with you when you board the boat, it is important to remember to have all the documents relating to the cruise and an identity card in your bag. Passport or simple identity card? It all depends on the places visited and the area in which you are travelling. In case of doubt, check with the travel agency about the administrative formalities. And beware, when you have to make a first application or a renewal of an expired passport, be careful to take into account the delay including the application, the manufacturing and the availability of the precious document at the town hall
Once on board, taking possession of the premises
That's it, after having travelled by car or plane to reach the port of embarkation, the time has come to board the boat. While the excitement is in full swing, it is worth following these few tips to quickly feel at ease. At the port, the porters will take care of collecting the suitcases and then carry them into the cabin. This means not having access to them for a few hours. It is then important to remember to take with you the personal belongings that you find difficult to do without: passports, documents, mobile phone, camera, swimsuits must be put in a small backpack on the side
Moreover, when the departure is scheduled early in the morning, the cabin is not always ready. In this case, why not take advantage of it to go for a meal or a drink in the sun. A pleasant and relaxed way to celebrate a stay that promises to be rich in discoveries and moments of sharing with other passengers. And as soon as the announcement indicates that the cabins are ready, you leave to take possession of the room, unpack and put away your belongings, in short, you create your own little cocoon
Comfortably settled in, it's time to explore the ship. With the help of the map distributed at the reception desk, you can find the different places (restaurants, bars, swimming pools, theatres, sports halls...) and the signage so that the boat is not labyrinthine throughout your stay. Getting your bearings means saving time and cruise ships are real giants of the seas. In the cabin or on the terrace, don't forget to consult the daily entertainment programme. They are numerous and you never get bored on a cruise!
Another very important detail is security on board. During a first cruise and for all the others, the evacuation drill is very important and cannot be missed. Use of the lifeboats, gathering places in case of problems, it is essential to be present attentively, for the safety of all, the respect of the rules and to spend a stay under the best auspices
