Stress-Free Sailing: 5 Tips

Taking a cruise vacation is the ultimate way to kick back and unwind. As with any form of travel though, it can have its not-so-relaxing moments. Don’t worry, we’ve got 5 great tips to help you avoid stress and enjoy stress-free sailing.

1. Pack a Carry-On

If you’re going to leave your suitcases at the dock and let the crew deliver them to your cabin, you’ll want to make sure to pack a day bag. Your checked luggage may not be lost at sea, but it could take a few hours for it to get to your room. Keep important items like a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen within arms reach on embarkation day. If you have the bare essentials on you, you’ll be lounging by the pool with a drink in hand in no time. Oh, and speaking of drinks…

2. Pack Some Wine While You’re At It

Although cruise lines are generally sticklers about bringing hard liquor onboard, most will let you pack a bottle or two of wine or champagne in your carry-on. Kick-off your well-earned vacation by pouring yourself a glass of your favorite wine. Note that if you decide to enjoy your bottle in the dining room you may be subject to a corkage fee.

Be sure to check your cruise line’s beverage policy for more information:

Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean

3. Book Your Cruise Hotel Package Early

As all seasoned cruisers know, it pays to arrive to your port city early. It’s also a good idea to have your pre and post cruise travel and accommodations arranged ahead of time. Choosing a bundle deal will eliminate the stress of scouting out individual services to accommodate everyone in your party and can help keep you within budget. If you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral, Go Port offers Cruise Hotel Packages that include everything you need from a hotel stay to airport transportation and cruise transfers all for one low price.

4. Have Your Documents With You

To avoid the stress of shuffling through your suitcase and sorting through mobile documents on the port’s single-bar WiFi, it’s important to have all of your important documents printed out and in-hand on embarkation day. To be extra safe, also pack several photocopies of your passport in case you misplace it as some ports may not allow you to enter without them.

5. Download your Cruise Line App

Yes, there’s an app for that too. Nearly every cruise-line now offers an app that provides cruisers with useful information to have on hand: onboard entertainment options, mobile excursion booking, spa packages, navigation, the list goes on and on. Save yourself the hassle and book all of your cruise add-ons via your phone while relaxing on the lido deck. Now that’s stress-free sailing!