Cruises come with plenty of extras to make your trip even better. You can grab a beverage package for unlimited drinks, whether you’re into soft drinks or cocktails. When it comes to dining, you’ve got free options like the main dining room and buffet, plus some specialty restaurants that are worth the splurge. Need to stay connected? Wi-Fi’s available, though it’s usually an added cost. And if you’re looking to explore, there are tons of shore excursions you can book, from sightseeing tours to adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Travel Insurance is highly recommended on any trip, including domestic and international cruises. Whether it’s trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage, getting Travel Insurance before going on your cruise can save a world of pain in case something goes wrong. When shopping around for Travel Insurance, it’s recommended to carefully check different company policies to ensure you get a policy that best fits your needs – the Pulse Travel Cruise team are also able to provide their expert experience and can get the best insurance for you.

If you’re cruising from Australia, there are a few key documents you’ll need. For international trips, a valid passport is a must, and you might need visas depending on where you’re headed. Even on domestic cruises, it’s smart to have your passport or at least a government-issued ID. Don’t forget your cruise boarding pass, and check if you need any health documents like proof of vaccinations. Lastly, having a copy of your travel insurance policy on hand is always a good idea, especially for covering any cruise-related hiccups. If you’re ever unsure about what documentation to bring with you, your Travel Agent can help!

Cruises run on a strict time schedule – therefore, embarking and disembarking the ship is usually a tightly-run process:

Check-in: Check-in usually starts in the afternoon, around 12:00 to 2:00 PM. To avoid long lines, your cruise line will give you a specific check-in time, which helps spread out the arrival of passengers. Arrive within your assigned window with all your documents ready for a smooth boarding process.

Check-out: Check-out generally begins early in the morning, with most guests needing to disembark by around 8:00 to 9:00 AM. The night before, you’ll receive instructions and your disembarkation time. If you’ve got early travel plans, see if there are options for quicker disembarkation to make your departure easier.

Similar to boarding a flight, cruise lines have strict baggage handling policies to ensure passengers are safe, and luggage is managed appropriately:

Check-In: When you check in for your cruise, you’ll drop off your luggage at the port, where it will be scanned for prohibited items, just like at airport security. Make sure to avoid packing any restricted items. Once your baggage has passed through security, cruise staff will migrate it from the terminal to outside your door during the afternoon – however, this process can take a few hours, so ensure you pack anything you may need for the afternoon in your carry-on bags in case your luggage doesn’t arrive until later that day.

Check-Out: On the final day, you’ll need to prepare your luggage for disembarkation by leaving it outside your cabin as instructed. The cruise staff will collect and handle your bags, and you’ll pick them up at the port before leaving the ship. If you have early travel plans, check for express disembarkation options or luggage handling services to make your departure smoother.

On a cruise, you’ll find tons of dining options to fit every craving. There are main dining rooms and buffets included in your fare, serving up a mix of meals throughout the day. If you’re in the mood for something special, check out the specialty restaurants, which offer fancy meals for an extra charge. For a quick bite, there are casual spots like pizzerias and burger joints, and you can always order room service to enjoy a meal in your cabin. Many ships also have fun dining experiences like themed dinners or cooking classes, so be sure to check out what’s on offer and make reservations if needed!

Cruise ships are pretty well set up for accessibility, so you can enjoy your trip with ease. You’ll find accessible cabins with wider doors and roll-in showers, plus ramps and elevators to help you get around. Many ships offer wheelchair rentals and can arrange special seating in dining areas and shows. Pools and restrooms are often accessible, too. Just let your Travel Agent know when you’re booking, and they can ensure suitable arrangements are made.

Like travelling on an aircraft, cruise lines also have a list of items that are prohibited on-board to make your experience and the experience of other guests as enjoyable as possible:

Sharp Objects: This includes knives, scissors, and any other items with sharp edges. They could pose a safety risk or be used inappropriately.

Flammable Materials: Anything that could catch fire easily, like certain chemicals or flammable liquids, is not allowed. This includes things like lighter fluid or fireworks.

Large Electrical Appliances: Items like irons, coffee makers, or hot plates are usually prohibited due to fire safety regulations.

Illegal Drugs and Substances: Of course, drugs and other illegal substances are strictly banned. Prescription medications are fine, but they should be in their original packaging and accompanied by a prescription if necessary.

Personal Watercraft and Sporting Equipment: Items like jet skis, scuba gear, or large sporting equipment might be restricted, especially if they can’t be safely stored on the ship.

Non-Cruise Line Beverages and Food: Many cruise lines don’t allow you to bring your own alcohol or large amounts of food, although some may permit small quantities of snacks.

It’s a good idea to check with your specific cruise line for their detailed list of prohibited items before you pack. This helps avoid any surprises and ensures a smooth boarding process.

Cruise Liners have extensive safety procedures and very rarely run into trouble – but in the event that something happens, it pays to be aware of emergency procedures. On a cruise, you’ll go through a safety drill shortly after boarding, which shows you how to use your life jacket and where your muster station is for emergencies. If an emergency happens, listen for alarms and crew announcements—they’ll guide you on what to do next. Your life jacket is in your cabin, and the crew will help you get to lifeboats or life rafts if needed. Crew members are trained to handle all sorts of emergencies, so just stay calm, follow their instructions, and you’ll be in good hands.

Like airlines and hotels, Cruise Companies also have cancellation policies in place, and these will vary according to the cruise line. Generally, if you cancel, you might lose your deposit or face higher fees the closer you are to the departure date. Many cruise lines offer partial refunds depending on when you cancel. Getting travel insurance can help cover cancellations due to emergencies or illness. Each cruise line has its own policies, so check the details when booking. Some lines may offer future cruise credits instead of refunds. Always review the cancellation terms and ask your Travel Agent if you have any concerns.