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  • Voyaging 101: Your guide to enjoying your first cruise experience

    Team Klook
    Team Klook
    Last updated 31 May 2023
    Blue skies and clear water

    Source: Royal Caribbean International Facebook & Pexels

    Make the journey count by going on a cruise!

    Looking for unique vacation ideas for you and your family? Then you should try to go on a wonderful vacay aboard a cruise ship! 🚢 Take some time away from the bustling city, and relax as you and your homies enjoy a lavish stay in the middle of the ocean. 🌊
    An underrated family-friendly getaway, cruise ships offer several exciting activities and amenities fit for people of all ages. From relaxing lounges, and movie theaters, to fun kid zones, cruise ships have ‘em and more! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
    Now if you’re down for this, you're probably wondering what to bring for a cruise and when is the best time to go on a cruise. 🗓️ Well, don't worry 'coz we know just what to bring. Read on to find out. 
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    1. Travel documents

    Passport with many country stamps
    Source: Unsplash
    When it comes to what to bring on a cruise and the best time to go on a cruise, your travel documents play a vital role in ensuring a smooth and unforgettable journey. 🤔 Here’s a checklist of the essential items you’ll need for your cruise adventure:
    • Passport: Your passport’s not only a travel necessity but also the golden key that unlocks the doors to incredible destinations. Make sure your passports are valid and have at least two blank pages.
    • Cruise ticket: Hold onto your cruise ticket tightly, as it’s your official pass to board the magnificent vessel that will take you to enchanting ports of call. This important document ensures you have a reserved spot on the ship.⚓
    • Visa (if applicable): The beauty of cruising is that it often eliminates the need for separate visas. Countries in Asia like Japan and Korea typically require a tourist visa, but Philippine passport holders are often exempt when cruising. For international sailings, you may need a supporting visa for entry and exit.
    Klook tip: Don’t forget to check the specific visa requirements for each country on your itinerary, especially for Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises. 

    2. Casual cruise wear 

    Woman sitting down
    Source: Pexels
    Depending on the weather,  it's important to consider what to bring for a cruise, so make sure to pack versatile pieces that you can easily mix and match. 👕 Having casual pieces is the key if you're going to be "on the go." This way, you won't need to waste a lot of time putting pieces together just to achieve a certain look, and instead, gives you more time to explore the activities on the cruise ship. 😎

    3. Formal or party clothes 

    Man holding wine
    Source: Unsplash
    There are some activities in cruise ships that may require you to wear something fancy like watching in a theater, attending a party, or eating at a fine-dining restaurant. You don't want to miss out so it's better to be prepared. Probably a button-down polo or coat for the men while women will never go wrong with a classic LBD. 

    4. Complete swimming attire

    Clear pool water
    Source: Raw Pixel
    Swimming is one of the top-rated activities on cruise ships, so the best time to go on a cruise would likely be during summer. 🏊‍♂️ As you've probably seen by now, luxury cruise ships have pools on their decks. Hence, get your swimwear ready from head to foot. Bring a trusty bathing suit and slip-ons, and don't forget the beach hat, shades and sunblock as you might want to get a tan on the sunlounger. 🏖️ Bring a swimsuit cover-up too for the walking that you'll do! 

    5. A sweater or a jacket

    Man wearing hoodie
    Source: Pexels
    When considering what to bring on a cruise, it's important to remember that although it may be sunny during the day ☀️, it could get chilly at night 🌙. Since it's open water, expect a cool breeze to brush off your skin and even blow your hair away as the cruise ship heads forward. 💇‍♀️ And of course, there are other facilities with air-conditioning like restaurants, casinos, and theaters that could get chilly too.  

    6. A handy dandy bag 

    Different rattan bags
    Source: Max Pixel
    No matter when you decide the best time is to go on a cruise, you'll need a handy dandy bag with all your important stuff. 💼 Make sure that this is a bag that you can comfortably bring anywhere. You'll be leaving your suitcase in your room so don't forget to bring with you all the essentials like IDs, important documents, a wallet, and your phone, of course. 🤳🏼

    7. Medicine 

    Yellow background and pills
    Source: Unsplash
    It'll be best to be prepared in case you suddenly feel seasick. 🤮 Remember, you're in the middle of the deep blue, and there may be a change in the environment that you're normally not accustomed to. While cruise ships have medical facilities, you should bring over-the-counter medicine on the cruise.  💊 Don't forget your vitamins too. 

    8. Local currency cash

    Stacked US dollars
    Source: Pexels
    It's important to think ahead when going on an international cruise ship and take into account what to bring on a cruise. 💵 You'll be dropping off at ports of different countries and it will be helpful to have small bills in their local currency, in case you want to buy something from their local market – which you surely will. 🛍️

    9. Binoculars

    White wallpaper and black thing
    Source: Pixa Bay
    Don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars on your cruise trip. 🧐 Look out to the open sea and appreciate the horizon with a pair of binoculars. Binoculars automatically upgrade your cruise ship experience. See if you can spot a city nearby, fellow cruise ships, sea creatures like dolphins and whales, and a whole lot of surprises in the middle of the ocean. 🐬

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