What You MUST
Know If You're Taking a Cruise
By Susan Dunn, Personal and Professional
Development Coach
Being a coach, I speak on cruises. I took my first cruise about 4
years ago. I asked a friend whod cruised a lot what I needed to
know and she said, Nothing. Just have fun. I disagree. Having
cruised many times since then, Id like to pass on some tips to help
you enjoy your cruise more.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE
Medicare doesnt cover expenses incurred outside the US. Many
insurance plans provide little or no coverage for international or
out-of-network travel medical expenses. Find out about yours before
you go. Then fill in the gaps with travel insurance.
Also investigate:
1.Insurance to cover cancellations and interruptions, and cost of
delayed or lost baggage
2.Financial Default Coverage for financial failure of airline,
cruise line or tour operator
3.Terrorism Coverage for reimbursement if you cancel trip due to
terrorist incident in departure city or itinerary city
4.Medical Evacuation Coverage, Medical Reunion and Return of Mortal
Remains, all of which can be very costly.
PACKING
Pack the little things because they get big on a trip. Bandages or
Neosporin will cost you 5 times as much and also waste hours of
pleasure time while you search for them.
Take along a small basic first-aid kit and comfort kit. Yes, the
ship has an infirmary, but its a long trip down there, and an
expensive one.
Think of things you use over a weeks time antihistimine, eyedrops,
lotion, aloe Vera, anti-diarrhea medication, hair dryer, needle and
thread.
If its important to you, bring it. The last cruise I was on
supplied numerous toiletries, but no hair dryer.
WARDROBE
Formal night! Its the reason some cruise. Its the reason some
wont.
Let me set your mind at ease. If you dont want to go to formal
night, you can avoid it. Most cruises have a casual buffet option
with delicious food every night, 24 hour hot dogs and pizza, and 24
hour room service.
If you want to participate in formal night, tux rental is available
- http://www.cruiselineformal.com . Most ships keep some inventory
onboard, but its best to order early. There are usually tailors on
board.
What will others be wearing? The last cruise I went on, I saw very
few tuxes. What do you see? Everything. Western formal, including
the cowboy hat and boots, dark suits, nice slacks and coats.
Cocktail dresses for women, pantsuits, prom dresses.
The Captains Cocktail Party or Reception is another chance to
dress, mix and mingle if you like. It is also completely optional.
Dress is generally dark suits for men, and cocktail dresses for
ladies.
Its slippery on deck, so bring some good gripping shoes. Dont try
and break in a new pair of shoes on your vacation. Some excursions
require a lot of walking, and so does getting around on the
ship.
Day wear is resort casual. No need to spend a fortune on clothes
unless you want to. Some cruise lines provide bathrobes, or bring
your own for poolside and dining in buffet.
If you get a sunburn, or if you want protection, bring along a
light shirt with long sleeves.
Hot tubs often contain enough bromide to bleach out your bathing
suit and also relax the elastic. Bring an old suit, or an
inexpensive one if you plan to sit in the hot tub a lot.
LUGGAGE
Between airline, dock and ship, its unrealistic to assume nothing
will happen to your luggage. Common sense would dictate buying the
most sturdy and least expensive baggage you can find, i.e., dont
give a crystal goblet to a toddler and then be surprised it gets
broken.
PHOTOGRAPHS AN UNDERUSED OPPORTUNITY
They want to sell photos! Photographers are operating nightly, with
various backgrounds (including traditional), black and white as
well as color. They are pleased to photograph you as many times, in
as many ways, as you like. If youre in need of a new professional
head shot, bring along your suit.
HEALTH
You dont have to gain 20 lbs. unless you want to. Cruises offer
tracks, workout rooms, exercise programs, dancing, lite menus,
low-calorie menu options, low-fat desserts, salad bars, and plenty
of active excursions ashore, including just plain vigorous
walking.
You can also do the thing you do at home to effortlessly increase
your activity level. Take the stairs instnead of using the
elevators. Get up and get your own drinks. Offer to get people
seconds at the buffet. Volunteer to go back to the room for
forgotten items.
About
the Author
Susan Dunn, MA,
The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc . Coaching, distance learning
courses and ebooks around emotional intelligence for your personal
and professional development. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free
ezine. Susan is the author of How to Get to Present on a Cruise,
http://www.webstrategies.cc/acruise.html . Become a certified EQ
coach. Start tomorrow, no residence requirement.
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