Ultimate Travel Guide: Cruise Tips and Advice

Essential information for planning, booking, and surviving your cruise holiday

Are you in need of a holiday or a little rest and relaxation? Or maybe you’re looking for an adventure in a new destination? Whether you’re hoping to wind down and recharge, or escape and spark your curiosity, a cruise holiday might be a great holiday option for you.

But before you book a cruise, there are a few things you need to consider – and a few more things you need to know before you pack your bags and begin travelling.

From why cruises are great and how to make the most of you cruise to important health advice and expert cruise insurance tips, read on for our best cruise travel tips and advice.

Skip ahead to read:

• Four reasons cruises are a great holiday choice
• Seven things that can go wrong on a cruise holiday
• One of the best cruise insurance tips

4 reasons cruises are a great holiday choice

Planning a trip can be time-consuming and stressful. From accommodation, daily activities, and transport, researching can take away from your excitement. That’s why a cruise is perfect for the time-poor traveller. An all-in-one holiday, cruises require minimal effort to organise.

Need more convincing cruises are the perfect break? Here are some more reasons you’ll love cruising:

1. Cruises are great value for money
   When you book a cruise trip, it includes a range of elements that every holiday needs. Yes, your accommodation, food, most onboard activities and transport are all covered in the one cost. This allows you to get the most out of your money, making your cruise holiday that extra bit enjoyable.


2. You can wake up in a new place every day
   It’s an exciting feeling to fall asleep one place and wake up another. On a cruise ship, you’re always moving towards another great location. And, unlike regular travel, you won’t experience the discomfort of long-haul flights or crowded buses. You’ll also be able to tick off multiple bucket list destinations as you sail the seas. From island hopping around the Pacific to enjoying the spectacular sites of the Mediterranean – the options are almost limitless when you’re cruising.


3. There are so many activities at your fingertips
   Cruise ships are famous for having incredible amenities on board. Ranging from cinemas to pool bars, rock climbing to night clubs – you’re almost guaranteed to be occupied your entire journey. The only thing that will keep you away from the amazing activities is the food. Indulge in all-you-can-eat buffets that’ll please the fussiest of eaters or dine at incredible signature restaurants.


4. You can meet fellow travellers
   Meet like-minded travellers on your cruise adventure. While cruising between destinations, strike up conversations with friendly travellers nearby. Share dinner with other holiday-goers or sign up for group activities at your next port. Create memories with your new neighbours and make friends that will last you a lifetime.

7 things that can go wrong on a cruise

Looking forward to your next cruise adventure? Whether you’re a nautical newbie or a seasoned sailor, we want you to enjoy your trip.

To protect from any impending cruise disasters, check out these open ocean crisis scenarios and our handy tips for how to avoid them.

1. Seasickness
   Even the most experienced sailor experiences seasickness from time to time. The longer your voyage, the more likely you are to suffer from this ailment. There are many remedies for seasickness, so be sure to study up before you go.
   Popular options for preventing seasickness include scopolamine, which comes in a patch you put behind your ear; antiemetics, which are medications that reduce nausea; and antihistamines, which can put you to sleep at night.


2. Sunburns
   You may be used to the hot Australian sun, but it’s nothing in comparison to sun in the open ocean. Protection is key here. Remember to apply sun cream regularly and to know your limits. Use extra caution on the first day of your cruise, especially if you are travelling in winter.


3. Dehydration
   It’s easy to forget the essentials when you’re having fun (or when you’re using alcohol to quench your thirst). Remember to bring a water bottle with you at all times on the ship to ensure you remain properly hydrated. Nothing derails a cruise holiday faster than a trip to the infirmary. When you disembark, try to bring water from the boat with you, as local drinking supplies may not be optimal.
    
4. Norovirus
   This virus sounds scary, but it’s just the stomach flu, and it’s more annoying than dangerous. Norovirus is a bug found commonly on cruise ships and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
   This illness is usually the result of food contamination. Prevent this by practicing good hygiene on board, and by making sure the staff does as well. Do your research before departing and steer clear of cruise lines that have a high propensity of reviews mentioning illness.


5. Falling
   Don’t be the person overboard on your cruise ship. There are many reasons this happens, but most involve personal problems, high levels of stress, or alcohol.
   Remember that while many cruise travel insurance policies cover mishaps of this kind, they usually don’t help if negligent behaviour or alcohol is involved. Remember to read the whole product disclosure statement for your policy before you take off, and again before you try to make a claim. Once on board, always be aware of your surroundings and avoid leaning too close to the ledge.


6. Cancellations
   Whether it’s bad weather or a heightened travel alert that derails your cruising holiday, know that these things happen more often than you probably think. Read your ticket before you purchase to see what costs can be refunded. If you purchase a non-refundable ticket, be sure to investigate cancellation cover to avoid potentially losing out on a lot of money.


7. Late Arrivals
   You show up at the dock, but wait—where’s the ship? Whether you’ve planned this trip down to a T or you bought your tickets the week before, the sad reality is that many people literally miss the boat when it comes cruise time.
   The only way to prevent this is to plan. Fly into your embarkation port a few days early and arrive at the dock well before anchors away. While you can call the cruise line and cry from the dock, you might not get much sympathy.

1 of the best cruise insurance tips

Looking for a travel tip that could save you a lot of money? Consider protecting your cruise with adequate travel insurance before embarking on your adventure.

Travel insurance with cruise benefits can help protect you from the expenses of medical care on board, emergency evacuations, delayed luggage, trip cancellation, and more.

Want more cruise insurance tips?

• For information about our Cover-More Cruise Cover, head here.
• For frequently asked questions about our Cruise Cover, head here.
• For our guide on how to choose your ideal cruise, read this.

Want us to protect your cruise holiday?

Discover our best cruise insurance benefits for your trip.

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