Is 2018 your year to start cruising?
If you’ve never been on a cruise before, these helpful tips will keep you in the know and help you understand how to protect yourself if you end up getting injured.
You Can Find the Best Deals Online
When you sign up for your desired cruise line’s newsletter, you’ll get notice of special limited-time offers as an insider. These deals may not be advertised anywhere else, so it’s the best way to get the lowest price for your dream cruise.
The Fine Print Matters
Read the fine print when you book your cruise. Most cruises cover your stateroom, meals, and some entertainment in your ticket price. Upcharges often apply to specialty meals and drinks, spa services, and extra lessons. Shore excursions will always result in an upcharge. Also check to see if there’s an additional charge for wi-fi or phone use while you’re on board.
Get There Ahead of Time
Beat the lines, extra traffic, and hustle and bustle of boarding by spending a day in the port city before the ship sets sail. You’ll begin your vacation with additional peace of mind… and have the added bonus of exploring another fun city.
Be Prepared for the Possibility of Motion Sickness
Sea Bands are great ways to prevent motion sickness with no medicinal side effects. They work by using gentle pressure on your pressure points, which can keep nausea at bay. Dramamine and Bonine are other popular drugs to take before and during your trip. You can also reduce your chances of motion sickness by booking a room on the higher deck midship, where the ship’s swaying is less noticeable.
Your Clothes Should Match Your Itinerary… and the Weather
Depending on the number of formal nights on your cruise, you’ll need some dressy clothes along with your casual wear. You’ll need to pack business casual clothing for formal dining room meals.
Beyond this, don’t just assume that your tropical vacation will be sunny at all times – always check the weather where you’re cruising as the trip approaches.
Some Cruises are Better for Kids Than Others
Children will need lots of fun activities, and many cruise lines offer amenities for family fun. Some cruise lines even offer free babysitting for children over the age of two. Even the specific cruise ship itself can matter. Check with your cruise line to know if they have family camp times where your whole family can enjoy group activities together.
It’s Better to Use the Pool at Low Traffic Times
The ship’s pool is often the most popular area. If you plan to use it in the early morning, you might beat the crowds, especially if you’re on a family-themed cruise. Some cruise lines have smaller, adult-only pools which are quieter and more private.
All Ships Have Prevention Plans
Virus outbreaks are more common than you may realize on cruise ships. They are most often caused by passengers who transport viruses onto the ship, rather than poor sanitary conditions. Still, ships are required by law to have outbreak prevention plans in place.
Meeting the Ship’s Captain Is an Honor
If you are able to snap a photo with the ship’s captain or enjoy the privilege of dining at the captain’s table, consider yourself lucky. A surprisingly small portion of the ship’s passengers ever get the chance.
You are Still Protected from Negligence
If you are injured due to negligence on a cruise ship, you have similar legal protections to those you possess on land. The law, however, is a bit different. To fight back, you’re going to need someone familiar with maritime law. Learn how we can help today – reach out to our office.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm of Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented cruise victims who have suffered all kinds of injuries and illnesses due to negligence. He has been recognized for excellence in the representation of injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2017 – an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – and was voted to Florida Trend’s ”Legal Elite” and as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
