There are many tourist attractions in Hawaii from volcanic activity to memorial sites; however one of the biggest attractions in Hawaii is the water itself. If this is your first time visiting Hawaii and its neighboring islands, there will be much excitement and planning, as well. In your zest to see it all and do it all, you may forget some items along the way.
Whether you are cruising to Hawaii on a cruise ship or taking a sail boat out on the water, there are some important tips you need to know.
Cruising
Contact Your Cruise Specialist – If you are setting sail on a cruise ship, there may be a good chance that you are leaving from a foreign port of interest. In the midst of your excitement, you may simply forget (or not know) that you need a passport. Check the rules and regulations of the cruise ship you are sailing. Make certain to inquire as to whether or not you should carry your birth certificate just in case. Ask whether or not there are any necessary immunizations necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; it’s better to ask too many questions than to have too few answers.
If you have family back home, you will want to keep in touch. Inquire about your cruise ships internet capabilities and pricing packages. For the most part, getting in touch by simply sending a text or placing a call could result in exorbitant cell phone fees. You don’t ever want to be surprised by a cell phone bill with hundreds of dollars of roaming charges on it.
Most cruise ships offer internet packages that you can pay for with a set amount of time you can use. Once you are in port, you might be able to set your cell phone to Wi-Fi mode and make a call or two, but check with your cruise agent.
Also, keep an eye on your on-board account. You will have an on-board account attached to a credit card while on board. It is easy to lose track of how much you spend and it is important to keep track as you go along.
Do Your Research before You Set Sail – Take some time to explore the excursions for your cruise. If there is something that interests you and you are certain you want to partake in that activity, then take the time to book it in advance. Once you are on board, there will be a host of activities from shopping and possibly gambling to dinner shows. Booking your excursions in advance is a wise choice indeed.
Contact Your Credit Card Company in Advance – Whenever you travel, it’s a smart idea to contact your credit card company in advance to let them know you will be away and charging to the card. More than a few travelers on cruises have learned the hard way that the credit card company will not honor the credit card in the attempt to protect you. Call them in advance and this will alleviate any potential headaches when you should be traveling.
Look at Your Itinerary Closely – Take a look at your itinerary closely and be certain that you will have all the items necessary for that particular itinerary. Don’t forget a small beach tote and a small canvas cooler to keep some water or fruit cold while on the beach. The last thing you want to do is to spend more than it cost you for the cruise on food elsewhere on the islands. It’s always a good idea to bring more than one bathing suit because, more than likely, one will be wet at all times. A small laundry bag or plastic bag for dirty laundry is also a good idea.
Dress Appropriately – Check to see if your cruise has a formal night and be prepared. You will need a nice dress or suit and the appropriate shoes. While you are excited about heading out to the gorgeous beaches of Hawaii, flip flops and formal wear don’t go together. Bring a hat and a spare pair of sunglasses as well as a bathing suit cover up for poolside and beach excursions.
Don’t forget the sunscreen – While this might sound like a common sense item to pack, you would be surprised at how many travelers forget to bring sunscreen. Sunscreen is three times the price on board than it is at your local home pharmacy.
Get acquainted with the Culture – While it’s great to do all the touristy excursions and pack them all in before you get back on board, why not consider getting to know the people and the culture of Hawaii as you go along. Stop along and chat with the locals and try their food, as well.
You may be going on your first ever cruise to Hawaii and these tips are important items to know and to remember in order to make your cruise as much like paradise as Hawaii is.
