Planning your dream vacation is exciting. Studies show that planning and anticipating of a trip alone can elevate your mood, long before you depart! Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, everyone can appreciate travel advice. We asked our cruise consultants for their top tips they share with their clients.

Pre- or Post-Cruise Extensions

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Must-see ports or cities are ideal places to add to your pre- or post-cruise extensions. When booking your flights, you’ll want to arrive at least a day in advance and include enough time on departure for an unhurried transfer to the airport.

Book Early
It is especially important for popular destinations and newly built ships. Typically, our clients book a year or more in advance to avoid missing out. There are early booking benefits such as shipboard credits, discounts or included amenities like gratuities or beverages. However, veteran travelers learn to book early to reserve their favorite cabin or ship location. You don’t want to wait for a “better deal” only to find out the ship has no available cabins.

Prepaid Packages

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Enhance your cruise experience by taking care of expenses before you set sail. Prepaid packages may even provide you with additional savings.

Your cruise consultant can assist you with prepaid packages for internet, beverages, and gratuities, so you can cruise worry-free and avoid surprises when your voyage ends.

If you’re drawn to the idea of having everything covered from the start, explore luxury cruise options. Many of these brands incorporate these amenities into their pricing for a truly all-inclusive and indulgent experience from the moment you book.

Specialty Dining with Holland America

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Protect Your Investment
Travel insurance provides peace of mind, and it never hurts to be prepared. Not only do you want to protect yourself in case you need to cancel but also if you experience a travel delay, a medical emergency during your voyage or require emergency transportation while abroad.

Packing Tips

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Always remember your passport! It needs to be valid six months after your planned return. Depending on your itinerary, you may need to apply for travel visas to visit certain countries.

Don’t forget the essential items such as portable device chargers, waterproof phone case, adapters and copies of necessary prescriptions.

We also recommend handy items like clips to keep towels from blowing off deck chairs and Ziploc bags for separating wet/dirty items.

You can create more space in your cabin with suitcases that store inside each other, over the door hangers with pockets in the bathroom and magnetic hooks for hanging space.

Travel Essentials

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Consider the climate and dress code when you are packing your clothes. Layering is always a great idea, such as light rain jacket and sweaters for evening strolls and coordinates that you can mix and match to save space. Bring comfortable shoes for onshore activities and uneven walkways. You may want to pack elegant evening attire for gala nights or special events. Make sure you keep your essentials — like medications, wallet and a change or two of clothing — with you in your carry-on luggage.

Most importantly, pack your sense of adventure and fun.

To start planning your next voyage, contact our Expert Cruise Consultants >>