I've been planning a cruise for a long time. Keyword, "I've". Cruising is a hard sale for Hubby but I think I may have just sold him on taking our very FIRST cruise later this year! *applause! applause!!*
Our Traveling Diva, Roz T, of Southern Divas and Dudes, is cruising to Cozumel, Mexico next week and offered to share a few tips with first time cruisers. I'm sure these tips will come in handy as Hubby and I make plans to set sail soon.
1. Make Sure Your Travel Docs are In Order
Don't forget your passport? Carnival highly recommends that all guests travel with a passport. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds U.S. citizens "You should always check with your cruise ship, travel agent and or destination country to confirm the requirements for entry into the foreign countries you will be visiting." Always guard your documents when you travel.
2. Don't Overpack
Pack the bare essentials: toiletries, swimsuit, casual wear and formal attire. Some cruise ships provide toiletries. However, others may not so be sure to pack your fave toiletry items. You're traveling to Cozumel and at some point you may want to dip your toes in the sand so pack your swimsuit.
Casual wear is a must and be sure to check temps before you go and pack accordingly.
Formal attire? "Yes, formal attire is a must", says Roz T. "Dress to the nines for the Captain's Dinner and enjoy the ambiance of 5-star dining."
3. Attend the Captain's Dinner
Many forego The Captain's Dinner but Roz T suggests first time cruisers make plans to attend the Captain's Dinner. Yes, there are some delicious dining options on board cruise ships, the Captain's Dinner is the creme de la creme.
Most cruises offer 1 or 2 Captain's Dinners per cruise depending on cruise length. The Captain's Dinner is a fancy-schmancy five star gourmet dinner and an opportunity to meet the ship's captain.
4. Get OFF the Boat
Although you're sure to find everything you can imagine ON the boat, be sure to get OFF the boat and explore the port of call. Cozumel is a beautiful port of call and there are so many things to do.
Explore much of what Cozumel has to offer from the
pristine beaches to the historical ruins to museums and more.
A visit to Senor Frogs Cozumel is on my Cozumel Cruise Bucket List
Roz highly recommends Senor Frogs Bahama Mama
She stopped for a pic with the one and only Senor Frog
Whether you're on the ship...
Or on the beach...
Have you been on a cruise before? Where did you go?
What are your tried and true travel tips?
Let me know, leave a comment below.
Comments
~~Tomi