So, you're about to book your first cruise. Congratulations! The prospect of taking to the high seas, enjoying various onboard activities, and waking up in a new port every day or two can be thrilling. But as a first timer the whole process can also seem a little mysterious - daunting even.
From booking the right cabin to taking out travel insurance, there are many things to consider. Here are ten tips to help make your sea-bound adventures as hassle-free and fun as possible.
If you're still thinking about which cruise to book, you have two main considerations: your destination itinerary and your ship.
With waterslides, parasailing, race tracks, ropes courses and skydiving attractions on some ships, it's easy to get absorbed by onboard activities.
However, most people pick a cruise based on the ports it includes. You might visit seven very different port cities in as many days - so choose ones you have a real interest in exploring.
If it's your first time, you might want to "get your sea legs" with a shorter cruise - of about five or six days. It's a good way to learn the ropes before taking a longer cruise (and to see if you actually enjoy life at sea in the first place!).
Many cruises start or stop off in Singapore, and often include ports in Malaysia, Indonesia, or India.
If you appreciate your peace and quiet, pick a cabin as far from the night-time entertainment (bars, clubs etc.) as possible.
And if you enjoy swimming every morning, you might want to choose a cabin near the pool. Additionally, if sea views are your thing, do avoid an inside cabin.
If you’re travelling as a family you might want to consider booking two connecting cabins; this gives some privacy for both parents with children
Double check you have your passport, any necessary visas, and completed boarding forms and luggage tags (provided by the cruise line).
It is wise to get travel insurance coverage before you set sail.
Allianz Travel insurance Platinum Plan covers you for cruise coverage such as: missed port of call, cabin confinement, river cruise interruption by insufficient or excess water levels during your trip, missed shore excursion, denied boarding, and even sports coverage – all with our Platinum plan.
Book your spots on port excursions and any other activities you want to try, so that you don't have to compete with the people onboard.
The same goes for hiking trips, spa experiences and special on-board entertainment. Booking ahead ensures you’ll get your place.
Check-in can be a hectic, crowded affair. You'll pass through security, show your boarding documents, and a credit card to cover any onboard charges. You would most likely have your photo taken which will be used as a boarding card or wristband.
This will normally double as your room key and will be used when paying for all those “extras".
Beware that those day trips, drinks, meals and gratuities will add up quickly - unless you picked an all-inclusive deal or a prepaid package (see above).
Use the time before you can check in to your cabin wisely: grab a map of the ship and explore where meals are served and where key activities take place.
You might also book those excursions, activities and fine dining restaurants that you haven’t got round to yet.
If all that sounds too strenuous, simply grab a bite and hit the pool!
Once you’ve booked your cruise holiday, it is important to think about the insurance that you would need to get.
With Allianz Travel you could save money by taking out an Annual Plan - it is designed for frequent travellers and gives you 12 months of travel insurance for unlimited overseas trips (max trip length 90 days).
For a one-off trip, our Single-Trip Travel Insurance Plan could be the right choice.
And if you’re travelling with family members our Family Plan could be most suitable - it’s available as Annual or Single-Trip cover.
Start looking for a travel insurance plan for your cruise holiday now.
5Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty Singapore Branch is the insurer and Allianz Care is the administrator. Whenever we use the terms “we”, “us” and “our” in the pages dedicated to the international health insurance we offer, it will refer to both entities.
The insurer is Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE Singapore Branch, address 79 Robinson Road, #09-01 068897, Singapore. Company Registration No. T11FC0131K. This policy is supported by AWP Health & Life SA, trading as Allianz Care, a limited company governed by the French Insurance Code and acting through its Irish Branch. Part of the Allianz Group, AWP Health & Life SA is registered in France: No. 401 154 679 RCS Bobigny. Irish Branch is registered in the Irish Companies Registration Office, registered No.: 907619, address: 15 Joyce Way, Park West Business Campus, Nangor Road, Dublin 12, Ireland. AWP Health & Life SA provides administration services and technical support for the policy. Allianz Care and Allianz Partners are registered business names of AWP Health & Life SA.
About Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) is a leading global corporate insurance carrier and a key business unit of Allianz Group. We provide risk consultancy, property-casualty insurance solutions and alternative risk transfer for a wide spectrum of commercial, corporate and specialty risks across 10 dedicated lines of business. Worldwide, AGCS operates with its own teams in 32 countries and through the Allianz Group network and partners in over 200 countries and territories, employing over 4,450 people. As one of the largest Property-Casualty units of Allianz Group, we are backed by strong and stable financial ratings. In 2019, AGCS generated a total of €9.1 billion gross premium globally. For more information, please visit Allianz Commercial or follow us on Twitter @AGCS_Insurance and LinkedIn.
About Allianz Care
Allianz Care provides international health, life and disability cover and services to a wide range of customers, including multinational companies, intergovernmental organisations and private individuals and families. Our mission is to ensure that customers have access to quality healthcare through our support, care and commitment to go the extra mile. We are a truly global health partner ensuring fast and simple access to the best advice, treatment and value for our customers. Allianz Care is the international health brand of Allianz Partners. For additional information, please visit Allianz Care or connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
