Acendas Vacations

This Month’s Travel Questions Answered: How to Prepare for a Cruise

Are all cruises the same?

Cruise experiences vary greatly depending on whether you are ocean or river cruising.

An ocean cruise will usually take you through beautiful international waters for an exotic getaway from everyday life with excursions to tropical locales.

River cruises are all about relaxing in a more intimate environment with passenger capacity usually being between 50-400 adults rather than 3-4 thousand on an ocean cruise.

In both types, cruise lines are constantly upgrading and updating their cruises. There are different amenities on different ships, a wide array of activities depending on if you want a relaxing, adventurous, or family experience, and the opportunity for many different shore excursions.

 

How do I decide what kind of cruise to go on? 

We have several Acendas advisors who specialize in cruise vacations that know the ins and outs of cruise lines options that travel around the world. By asking you questions and getting to know your vacation needs, they can help you choose the perfect cruise getaway.

How to Prepare for a Cruise

If you’re wanting a relaxing experience with luxurious spa treatments with a preference for the ocean, a 7 day Alaskan cruise on a ship with superior spa amenities might be the option for you.

If you’re looking to vacation with your family during the cold weather of winter, a Disney cruise through the Bahamas during the kids’ winter break could be the perfect experience for you.

 

What kind of identification do I need?

The best way to find out what identification you’ll need is to contact your Acendas travel advisor.

Different cruise lines have different requirements.

What identification you need also depends on whether you’re traveling in international waters and locations, such as a Mediterranean cruise, or domestic cruises, like those to Alaska or Hawaii that state within American boundaries.

These are important to know as soon as you book your cruise and for your entire stay on your chosen ship.

 

What should I pack?

Packing for cruises can be a fun yet stressful time.

Each cruise experience is different, so your packing list will depend on the location and activities you’ll be participating in. With so many potential varieties in vacations, it’s hard to say specifically what you’ll need but most cruises have these basic clothing needs that include: comfortable, cool clothing for off shore excursions (think loose linens or cotton clothes), warmer clothing for night time or cooler locales, swimwear (for the pool, ocean, or hot tub), and formal attire for nicer dinners on board.

For everything else, your advisor can give you some helpful tips on what to bring once you’ve picked a location. You can also check out one of these websites for a general packing list.

 

What activities are aboard?

Cruises are renowned for their multitude of activities, including specialty entertainment and performance.

For the sporty types, there’s everything from tennis and yoga to volleyball and even basketball. If you’re looking for the relaxing experience that a luxurious cruise can give, there’s many choices for spa experiences on board ships ranging from facials and pedicures to hair salons and massages and so much more.

If the kids are coming along, there is a plethora of activities and events for them to get involved in at all ages. Most cruises even have clubs for kids now that help peers get acquainted for the trip.

If there are any specific activities you’d like to try, tell your Acendas advisor so they can find a cruise that fits your needs.

Whatever cruise you pick, no matter location or length of trip, there will be something to enjoy.


No matter the type of cruise that interests you, or even if you haven’t decided exactly what you are looking for yet, allow Acendas to help you every step of the way.

Our services and experiences coupled with the amazing resorts available equals the perfect, worry free trip for you.

If you’re interested in more information on any of the cruises mentioned or to plan your next cruise, click below to get in touch with one of our travel advisors to start the process.

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