Bellingham Cruise Tips

Bellingham cruise tips...for a more enjoyable cruising experience, especially if you are going on an Alaska Cruise (above picture) or another longer cruise. I have cruise tips for you complete with:

Passport information
Tips for packing
Gratuity Reminders!
On Board Etiquette

Especially if this is your first cruise, these tips for what to expect may come in handy! While doing my research, I came up with loads of them, but reduced my list to the most important and helpful information for you.

1) While planning a cruise, be sure you do your research. Make sure you will be comfortable in that particular cruise line...tuxedo's? wet t-shirt contests? Family friendly? Day care? Pet friendly?

2) Know "where" you are going in advance, research the culture, politics and such so that you may interact with the locals properly.

3) Check what kind of identification you will need, perhaps, a passport!? Make sure all documents are filled out before you go. Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, traveler's cheques and credit cards with a family member or a friend.This is probably the most important of all of the Bellingham cruise tips I can offer you.

4) Always discuss your travel plans with your doctor first. Especially if you have medical issues and take medications. If you have an ongoing medical condition, ask your family doctor to write up your brief medical history which you can take with you and provide in the event of a problem.

5) Some countries may require certain immunizations, so you may want to bring any immunization records with you, if at all possible.

6) Check and double check to verify airline and cruise itineraries 24 hours before departure.

7) Give your relatives and/or friends the ship's telephone number, in case of an emergency.

8) Arrive at the embarkation area at least two hours before sailing.

9) Complete the immigration/embarkation and the on board credit card application forms before you register at the check-in desk.

10) Notify the cruise line ahead of time about any dietary restrictions you may have....food allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, low-fat, low-sodium, lactose-free....They will always do their best to accommodate you.

Bellingham Cruise Tips For Packing

2) If you are cruising to warm climates, don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.

3) Even in warm climate weather, the cruise lines can have some powerful air conditioning, so it wouldn't hurt to pack a sweater or sweat shirt to accommodate especially if you are heading to Alaska.

4) If vacationing with younger children or a bigger party of people, you may want to take along some walkie-talkies to stay in touch. Cell phone reception on the open seas is virtually non-existant.

5) Don't forget to pack your camera and extra film and batteries, as well as a pair of binoculars!

6) You will want to store liquids and toiletries in plastic bags to safe-guard against spills along the way. It also helps with speedy service through security.

7) Some staterooms do not have alarm clocks, so if you must get up early for some reason...bring your own!

8) Weave fabric sheets in your garments while packing to keep them smelling fresh along the way!

9) Pack conservative, pack light...there's usually limited space to store and hang things in your cabin.

10) Don't forget to bring along "gratuity" for those that make your life easy on the cruise. Most of these workers only get paid $25 a week and totally depend upon tips for their great service!

Gratuity

1) Your Suite Attendant...$5.75 per day per guest

2) Your Stateroom Attendant...$3.50 per day per guest

3) Your Dining Room Waiter....$3.50 per day per guest

4) Assistant Waiter....$2.00 per day per guest

5) Headwaiter....$.75 per day per guest

These gratuity suggestions are not unreasonable for those who wait on you tirelessly, with patience and the utmost friendliness! Plan to spend about $10-15 a day for tips. Tip waiters, headwaiters, shore guides, spa and salon experts, cabin stewards and any other persons who give extra-special service.

On Board Etiquette

2) It may take a few hours for luggage to be distributed so don't panic if your luggage doesn't arrive right away.

3) Learn the exit route from your cabin to the open decks just in case of an emergency. Also, attend the lifeboat drill and pay attention to the information given. You just never know if or when you may need it and it will give you a great peace of mind while on your cruise.

4) You can even grab your deck plan and take a walk around to familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship and learn how to reach your cabin from the main stairways.

5) And, last, but not least... If you are not used to the sun, try not to get too much at once!

"I hope these Bellingham cruise tips will help your vacation be an exciting and memorable one!" Drop us a line at my Bellingham Bloggers Hub and tell us about your vacation!

Bon Voyage!

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