Essential tips for planning a Cruise

The promise of sun-drenched decks, exotic destinations, lively floors, full on entertainment and delectable buffets is all about a cruise life! I know you are already picturing yourself at the seaside, camera in hand but hold on! Let us navigate your way through cruise planning. Whether you are a newbie or seasoned traveler, little insight will transform your voyage from meh to magnificent. 


Here are a few key steps to consider while planning your cruise vacation: 


1) Pick a Perfect Destination

Instead of scrolling to generic brochures, think of what your soul craves for! Don’t just pick a destination but pick a season too. The Caribbean during the hurricane season? A risky journey. Alaska in winter? A frosty adventure. Without picking a proper season it will be a daze. Pinpoint your dream and let it guide you for your maiden voyage. Also, Cruise planners can suggest you best itineraries according to your requirement with thrilling offers if you are an early bird. 


2) Select your Cruise Type

Selecting a Cruise and cruise line is one of the important things as there are a variety of cruises in the world of cruise. Leisure cruise, family cruise, adventure-focused cruise, themed cruise. Research cruise lines based on your vibe or personality match! 


For the best experience, plan for at least four days on board. This gives you enough time to truly explore the ship, enjoy world-class entertainment, dine at specialty restaurants, and unwind in stylish bars without feeling rushed.


3) Budgeting 

Set your budget before your wallet sinks. Cruise base fare is exclusive of shore excursions, premium extra package, wi-fi, gratuities… Also, you can book your vacation in advance to receive amazing early bird offers. Often Cruise planners have exciting deals and navigate the complex world of cruise pricing. Check all the additional extras before you book. 


Pro Tip:

Many cruise ships offer free restaurants and bars where you can enjoy authentic and delectable food, take advantage of them and save money for splurging on unique experiences!


4) Pack Smart

Forget about overpacking. Check for the essentials you want on a ship :

Swimsuits for poolside lounging. Formals, tuxedos and shoes for some restaurants, casinos.

Bring power banks or adapters, it will be a blessing. 

Also, pack casuals, beachy bags and footwear for the shore excursions. 

Most importantly, pack extra medicines with prescriptions and sunscreens to protect your skin. 


5) On-board Guide

Make most of your floating vacation with these tips: Download Cruise line's app for schedules, bookings and support for on deck activities and specialty dining if not booked with your cruise planner. 


Request for a cabin near the elevator for senior citizens to avoid long walks. 

If you're prone to motion sickness, select a cabin located mid-ship or on a lower deck beside bringing on medicines. 

6) Golden Rules of Planning 

Travel Insurance: Protect yourself from unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies or lost luggage. 

Visa: Check Visa rules in advance, some destinations require visa before arrival while some on arrival or cruise specific exemptions. Also, if your Cruise departs and re-enters the same country, it might require multiple-entry visas depending upon your nationality.

Passport: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your return date. 

Embrace Flexibility : Cruise itineraries can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Be prepared to adapt and go with the flow.


RELAX! You’re on a vacation, creating memories that last for a lifetime. 


Don’t forget to watch sunsets and sunrises while you are on a ship. It's an overwhelming experience and the OG for travelers. 

A cruise ship is floating in the Ocean

Grab these things while you are on a Cruise

By Disha Shah • April 4, 2025
Whether it is your maiden voyage or you are a Cruiser, keep an eye on this because we don’t want you to miss a single thing while you are on a Cruise since you have already paid for it! Cruising is completely new trend and perfect vacation which everyone would be dreaming of but might not be aware of these things. A voyage is a symphony of leisure, entertainment, pampering and wellness. Do not skip reading this if you are planning a compete trip! Get the information: The moment you board the Cruise, get daily itinerary or the Cruise Day plan to have proper information about the programmes going on. Read it carefully so you don’t miss out shows, game zones, pools. Once you know your schedule, roam around the cruise to familiarise yourself with the venues and plan accordingly. Do not miss on Safety video. Before COVID-19, a mock safety drill was organised for safety of guests on cruise. But change is inevitable and now you can find safety video in your room on the TV and also on cruise line’s application. Decide on your favourite Cocktail Cruises provide free and unlimited access to beverages like tap water, iced tea, selected juices, regular tea and coffee. Additionally, some cruises offer free unlimited cocktails allowing you to try as many as you like, whenever you want. Some luxury cruises often give access to alcoholic beverages while some offer an open bar to their guests. Can’t get over it! The buffet on the cruise is surely going to amaze your appetite as the food is freshly cooked according to the regional cuisines. Don’t miss roaming around the cruise to find out free restaurants or café where you can get branded and lip-smacking dishes. Pizza is complimentary in buffets as well as pizza restaurants like Sorrento's on Royal Caribbean, Pizza Pirate on Carnival, Alfredo's on Princess Cruises and New York Pizza on Holland America. Soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt machines are usually free of charge at the buffet or pool deck. A limited room service menu is free during the day on many ships and 24 hours on some. Having continental breakfast brought to you and served in your cabin is usually free of charge Pamper yourself Amidst chaos and tiring routine now that you have managed to go on a cruise, pamper yourself with free spa services. Steam and sauna rooms with locker rooms are usually available to all the guests. Fitness Check the daily plans of the cruise to find free fitness classes that you would pay thousands on land. Child Care Services My next piece of advice will be loved by parents: while you are on a cruise, feel like you’re the King or Queen of the Ocean. If you want to go on adventure or have some time to yourselves, you can get free childcare (Children between the age of 3-12 years of age). The availability and specifics can vary significantly depending on the cruise line, the ship, and the itinerary. Often many cruise lines offer nurseries or nannies for infants as young as 6 months and kids club or age-appropriate activities for older children. MSC Cruises has a complimentary Baby care program for children aged 1 to 3 during certain hours of the day. Rare opportunity Watch movie under an open sky with twinkling stars and cosy blanket. Watching a movie under an open sky and sometimes beside a pool is a rare opportunity. The cherry on cake would be free snacks for the guests watching the movie. Movies names will be displayed in the Cruise Daily plan so you can easily choose your favourite movie for your cruise vacation. On-board Library Readers, you’ll get your daily dosage of reading even while you are on a cruise. So don’t worry and don’t add books to your packing list. So, what are you guys waiting for? Book your Cruise Vacation today!
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