* Whenever possible, I arrive in the port of embarkation a day
early It de-stresses you from the torture of air travel and generally
adds a day of fun to your cruise.
* Always carry your documents and valuables with you. . A good
rule of thumb: if you can't bear to part with something forever,
don't pack it in your suitcase.
* Purchase travel insurance. All travel agents sell cruise insurance
and it's worth the extra money. Aside from illness, travel insurance
protects you from so many mishaps that can happen, including lost
luggage, flight delays.
* If your heart is set on a massage, hair styling or other spa
treatment during a day at sea, be among the first to board and
then run to the ship's fitness center - these are booked first.
The same is true for obtaining reservations at a ship's alternative
restaurant, when an advance booking is required.
*If you encounter any problems in your cabin or wind up with
noisy neighbors, go immediately to the purser's desk. If they
can't resolve the situation right away, they'll make every attempt
to move you to another stateroom. Ditto the restaurant: if you
can't stand your dining companions, go immediately to the maitre'
d and ask to be assigned to another table.
