Travel tips

Photo: Markus Lenk

Before a cruise, it helps to match your travel style to the ship, itinerary and daily schedule. First decide what matters to you: plenty of time on board, a particular cruising region, quiet days at sea or as much variety as possible in your shore visits. The onboard program at AIDA Cruises includes time for families together as well as dedicated activities for children and teens.

Consider the ship, itinerary and cabin together

Don’t compare ships by name alone. Check the itinerary, the number of days at sea, port times and the locations of the ports. On a round trip, two offers with similar destinations may follow different routes and allow different amounts of time ashore. On larger ships, onboard life is spread across several areas; smaller ships may call at different ports. Which option suits you depends on your interests and the specific cruise.

When choosing a cabin, consider your budget, its location and how much time you plan to spend there. Inside, ocean-view and balcony cabins differ mainly in location and amenities. If you are sensitive to the ship’s movement, you can take the cabin’s location into account. However, the actual effect depends on the ship, weather and itinerary. Stabilizers on cruise ships mainly reduce rolling around the ship’s longitudinal axis.

Prepare clothing, health and safety essentials

Pack according to your destination, the weather and the activities you have planned ashore. Comfortable shoes, sun protection and an extra layer for windy conditions or air-conditioned indoor spaces are useful on many trips. Special evening wear is only necessary if it suits the program and the cruise line’s guidance.

Bring enough of any medication you take regularly, and find out in advance how to store it during the trip. If you have special medical needs or require assistance on board, contact the cruise line before booking: facilities and procedures vary by ship. Also check which costs your health and travel insurance cover for the trip. If you are prone to seasickness, discuss possible measures with a medical professional before departure.

Attend the safety briefing and make a note of the routes and muster areas assigned to your cabin. Non-slip shoes are a good idea on wet outdoor decks. Keep your fingers and hands clear of doorways and don’t brace yourself against moving doors; when the ship is moving, doors can close unexpectedly.

Plan shore excursions around your time in port

An excursion booked through the cruise line may arrange transportation and the return to the ship. Planning your own sightseeing gives you more freedom over your route and pace. The key factors are your time in port, the distance between the port and your destination, and how much time you have before the scheduled boarding time. Compare what is included and the costs before deciding. If you arrange an excursion independently, you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time, so allow a buffer. Also check whether admission, transportation or meals are included in the price.

Compare what’s included and the total cost

The cruise fare is only part of your budget. Compare which meals, drinks, tips, transfers and excursions are included, and which additional costs may arise on board. If you are considering a flight or hotel package, compare the entire journey: the departure point, travel to the ship, overnight stays and transfers should all fit together. Flexible dates or destinations can give you more options; what matters most is which services are important to you.