- Travel preparation can make your Mediterranean cruise an enjoyable experience.cruise ship and sail boat image by robert lerich from Fotolia.com
Mediterranean cruises depart from several ports of call and travel to many different countries. If you are traveling the Eastern Mediterranean, you may visit Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Croatia and Cyprus. Western Mediterranean cruises usually travel to Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, Italy, France and Morocco. These countries have different climates, may require certain vaccinations, use different denominations of currency and are culturally diverse. Do your research on the countries you plan to visit to aid in your travel preparations. - The Department of Homeland Security requires that all travelers present a valid passport when entering and re-entering the United States by air. Be sure to apply for one and allow enough time before your trip, as processing time is usually between four and six weeks. Some countries require a visa to enter and exit, in addition to a passport. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for specific information on passports and visas.
- Hotel accommodations may be needed if your cruise leaves a day or more after your flight arrives. Be sure to stay fairly close to minimize the cost of transportation from your hotel to the cruise ship. Booking excursions on your own can be cheaper and less crowded than those sponsored by the cruise line. Take all confirmation papers with you for excursions booked ahead of time.
- Pack clothing that is seasonally appropriate. Winters in the Mediterranean are cool and wet, and the summers are hot and dry. Clothing for a summer cruise should include lightweight pieces, swimsuits and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the sun. Winter cruises should include warmer clothing, sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and an umbrella. Cobblestone streets are common in Mediterranean countries, so bring sturdy walking shoes.
Pack at least one formal and a couple of semi-formal outfits to wear for dinner on the ship, as most cruise lines have a dress code. Check the style of dress for the countries you plan to visit. Some cultures are more conservative, and you will want to dress accordingly. - Take plenty of cash, traveler's checks and a credit or debit card. Purchase foreign currency from your local bank before you leave to avoid standing in line at the bank when you arrive. Some credit and debit cards charge an international fee on every purchase, so make sure you understand your bank's fee structure.
- Take all necessary medications and leave them in the original containers. Airlines can be strict about prescription medication, so make sure that your name is printed on each one. Helpful items to pack are sleep aids, motion sickness pills, ear plugs and stomach medication if you are sensitive to a change in diet. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP to ensure that you receive any required immunizations before leaving.
- Take a camera, batteries and extra memory cards to record the highlights of your trip. Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs to avoid having to ship them home or pay for another suitcase.
- Translation books are helpful for communicating in different languages. Take a guidebook to assist you for each country you plan to visit. Bring a novel or magazine to read during your downtime on the ship.
- Bottled water is important to keep you from becoming dehydrated. Pack some in your checked baggage, along with a few snack foods in case you need to eat between meals. Keeping your energy level up is very important and will help you make the most of your vacation.
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