Cruise booked…. what happens next….

So your cruise is all booked and paid for…. exciting times! But what do you do after the excitement has worn down and the reality of your sailing date is upon you?

As a Specialist Cruise Consultant, it is my job to advise you on as much information as I can at the time of you making your booking, but let’s face it, who is really listening and taking it all in? Especially if you are booking  months in advance. I know I wouldn’t….

So, I have tried to put together a list of things that you need to do to make sure you have everything you need and are all set to go.

1. Have you done your online check in? You need to log onto your cruise personaliser – and complete your passport, insurance and next of kin details. Nearly every cruise line out there requires this before you sail, and generally will not issue your tickets without it. If you are unsure whether the particular cruise line you are travelling with requires this then just call your agent.
2. Travel Insurance – you absolutely must have this in order to be able to cruise, this is a must with every cruise line. cruise.co.uk can offer a very high standard of insurance so always ask us for a quote. When choosing travel insurance you must make sure the cancellation cover is enough for what you have paid for your holiday as the cheaper options may not have enough cover! Cheaper is not always better when it comes to travel insurance.
3. Luggage Labels – most cruise lines now are reverting to just paper labels unfortunately. Some do still send them out about 6 weekes before but not many. If travelling with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity you must request them online (using yourcruise personaliser) if you don’t then they will not be sent. But don’t panic, with every cruise line you can always get them at the port you are departing from, just ask the porters before you hand over your luggage.
4. Shore Excursions – This information will be available under your cruise personaliser, but we also use an independent company www.cruisingexcursions.com to save even more money
5. Parking/hotel- if you need to organise port/hotel parking then contact your agent as we generally get the best rates on these and can save you a bob or two!

Once you have made a booking with us we always send you a booking confirmation along with an email called “what happens next” this reiterates what I have said in this blog so if you are ever unsure just revert back to this as it can generally answer your questions, before you call your agent.

Once all this is sorted and you have printed off your boarding passes, E-tickets, luggage labels, hotel/parking/transfer vouchers if booked, then you are good to go, all that’s left is to wish you a Happy Cruise!!