Forgetting to bring certain clothing items, for example, could prevent you from participating in fun activities on board. And while all-you-can-eat buffets sound indulgent,there are some foods you should be careful about consuming.
From overpacking to choosing the wrong cabin, travelers will want to avoid making these 11 travel mistakes during their next cruise.
Picking the wrong type of cruise ship could put a damper on your vacation plans.
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It's important to pick a cruise ship that offers the type of experiences you're looking for on your vacation.
If you're traveling with your family, for example, kid-friendly options like Disney Cruise Line are ideal. But if you're seeking nightlife and entertainment, adults-only cruise ships would likely be a better fit.
To avoid making this mistake, make sure you spend some time doing thorough research before making any reservations.
If you forget to check your cruises itinerary, you could end up missing the ships departure.
Cruise itineraries can change at any moment, altering your ship's destinations, departure times, and boarding locations in the process. TV personality Maria Gonzlez Roesch and her husband Alessandro recently learned this the hard way.
"It was like Murphy's law," Gonzlez Roesch said. "Because we were always checking the itinerary in the morning but that last day we were relaxing and we didn't check the app."
Packing your suitcase without researching what youll need could prevent you from participating in fun activities.
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When booking a cruise, it's easy to have your sights set on lounging by the pool and walking on sandy beaches but be careful not to get too distracted.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer everything from ice-skating rinks to formal dinners on board, so travelers should bring a range of clothing items that can be worn in both cold and hot climates, as well as casual and classy settings.
That said, you should also avoid overpacking.
There's no point in bringing a winter coat if you're sailing to the Bahamas, and it's unlikely that you'll need a full tuxedo for your cruise's formal dinner.
To avoid making the mistake of overpacking, simply check your cruise line's website and see what it recommends bringing.
Choosing a cheaper cabin might come with other hidden costs.
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Before you book a room, consider whether the comprises you'd have to make would impede your ability to enjoy your vacation.
But you dont need to spend tons of money on a luxury suite either.
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Not to mention, many cruise ships offer dozens of fun activities and amenities on board, so you might not end up spending that much time in your cabin.
Skipping safety drills can be a life-threatening mistake.
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You might want to jump right into the action and have fun on your cruise, but don't skip any safety drills while on board.
Cruise lines typically hold mandatory muster drills at the beginning of every voyage to show passengers where they should gather in the event of an emergency. Muster drills also teach travelers how to use a life jacket .
Dont forget to wash your hands frequently.
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Illnesses can spread quickly on cruise ships, sometimes even infecting almost everyone on board. In January, for example, 475 passengers and crew members on a Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas cruise ship were infected with a norovirus , the cruise line announced in a statement.
All-you-can-eat buffets may sound indulgent, but there are some foods you should be careful about consuming.
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According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all raw fish should be stored in temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder . On ships, and especially at buffets, it might be hard to maintain these conditions.
Avoid spending all your money in one place.
By focusing primarily on a cruise's initial booking fee, many travelers make the mistake of not budgeting for extra food, drinks, and shore excursions, like snorkeling .
These add-ons can be pretty pricey and can become more expensive if booked while on the ship so travelers should make a list of activities they'd be interested in doing before embarking on the cruise.
Travelers who experience motion sickness should avoid booking a cruise during certain seasons.
According to USA Today, the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically lasts from June to November, can wreak havoc on the Caribbean Sea . Similarly, the Drake Passage in Antarctica is known for its rough water, and the Mediterranean faces seasonal storms in the winter and fall.
While no one enjoys a rocky cruise, travelers prone to motion sickness may find this especially troubling.
