Planning for your long awaited cruise can be difficult, with challenges in what to pack, which activities to select and how to prepare. With so much on offer, it is vital that you get the most out of your holiday.

Clothes

Most cruises will encounter a variety of weather conditions – even if you are cruising through the Caribbean, you may be starting from a much colder location and therefore have several colder days before you can start to feel the heat. As a result, it is a good idea to pack a selection of clothes with you in order to adapt to changing conditions. Moreover, lots of light, simple clothes that you can layer up are most effective. However, don’t give in to the temptation to over pack – whilst you don’t want to run out of clothes, most ships have laundry facilities, allowing you to wear outfits more than once. It is also worth taking a couple of formal outfits – even if some of the more formal activities are not automatically your first choice, you may well change your mind once onboard, so best to go prepared.

Toiletries

In addition, whilst you want to be prepared before you set sail, this doesn’t mean you must take everything under the sun that you may need. Storage space can sometimes be limited in your cabin. Moreover, cruise ships all have a good range of shops onboard, stocking all essential toiletries and items that you may have forgotten – often at a reasonable price.

Day Trips

It is always a good idea to plan you activities in advance. Depending on the route of your cruise you may have relatively few calls into port, or up to a dozen stops. If you want to make the most of your time at each stop, identify in advance any specific sites or monuments you would like to visit. Often your cruise company will have tours already organised or information about activities you can participate in. In particular, late cruise deals will offer good prices.

Cuisine

Most cruises offer an inclusive package, so your meals are all provided within the cost of your holiday. This is a great opportunity to try different meals – with the safety net that you can always swap it or order something else if it isn’t to your taste. Formal dining on a cruise ship is not for everyone – but well worth a try if you have never experienced it, and this is another great way to meet people on holiday. Take advantage of the chef’s culinary expertise; with some cruises working their menus around local cuisine and fresh produce.

Expertise

Finally, make the most of your cruise ships staff who will know the routes they take well, and will have local knowledge to pass on. This is especially useful if you would like to explore a particular port independently and not as part of a larger group. Make the most of this on hand knowledge!