The last thing anyone wants to do is make a mistake that ruins their vacation or starts things off on the wrong foot, and it's why being prepared for a cruise is so crucial.
May is the traditional start of the Alaska cruise season, where Royal Caribbean ships begin sailing north from both Seattle and Vancouver.
Most people approach an Alaska cruise with a great deal of excitement, but also some trepidation because they're unsure about what they should or shouldn't do. After all, it's quite different from a Caribbean cruise.
Ed Wiggins has worked at the Seattle cruise terminal in Pier 66 and 91 for four years, so he's seen just about every kind of passenger issue come through the doors.
He shared 10 things anyone going on Alaska cruise cruise from Seattle ought to know before they arrive, and I think it's really helpful advice.
Get a passport
Ed's first piece of advice is for Americans to get a passport book.
While you can travel with a birth certificate and state issued ID, he recommends spending the money for the passport.
"US citizens, get passports for everyone in your group. Not the cards, the full book."
The reason the passport card is a mistake to get is because if you get stuck in Canada, you can't fly home with the passport card.
While he admits it's unlikely, the book is a safer bet.
He also says to double check all of your travel documents are with you, and not in any of the checked luggage you give to the porters.
Buy travel insurance
Another piece of good advice that applies to just about anyone is to buy travel insurance for your cruise vacation too.
He says some cruisers believe healthcare is free on the ship, which is definitely not true.
Moreover, he thinks travel insurance is a worthwhile investment because, "it's cheap and anything can happen."
"Buy trip insurance including medical and evacuation costs," he said.
He also added the warning, "The cruise lines will not refund you if you miss the ship because your flight is cancelled.
You need to get a Canadian visa if you aren't from the US
Those going on the cruise that aren't Americans need to be aware of Canadian Visa rules.
While these people will already have a passport, they may also need a Canadian visa. As an example, Mexicans need a Canadian visa now.
"Every sailing we have people (Not US or Canadian) denied boarding because they did not get a Canadian visa. As of now, EU countries are exempt but be sure to check the Canadian immigration website to verify what you need from your passport of origin. Getting off the ship in Canada has nothing to do with it. If you do not have proper documents, you will be denied boarding, no exceptions."
Never fly the same day of your cruise
Ed recommends flying into Seattle at least a day before the cruise begins.
This piece of advice is one of the most important ones because there are people who fly in the same day their cruise begins and they miss the cruise and forfeit the entire vacation cost because of travel delays.
"Don't risk your vacation for the cost of one night in a hotel. Besides, Seattle is a great place to visit."
Unlike a land hotel, if you miss the ship, you're out of luck. Trying to fly the same day is playing with fire by relying on your flight to be on time and not impacted by the typical delays and cancellations the air travel industry often encounters.
Royal Caribbean (nor any cruise line) will not refund your money if you miss the cruise due to a travel delay. Travel insurance could kick in, but you're still out of the vacation you dreamed about.
Go through what you're not allowed to bring
Another common mistake is showing up to the cruise terminal with things you're not supposed to have and that can start things off on the wrong foot.
Ed recommends checking Royal Caribbean's list of prohibited items that you cannot bring on the ship.
"Know that every piece of luggage, checked or carry-on, is X-rayed for prohibited items. Items that require to be plugged into a power outlet are mostly prohibited like cookers or heat pads."
Bringing weapons will get you in trouble
He was also sure to mention you can't bring any weapons, ammunition or blades, "All knives will be confiscated. If you pack a firearm, you will be denied boarding, and you may be arrested. Be certain your bags do not contain ammunition.
It appears while weapons are on the prohibited item list, he was sure to call out weapons specifically because people either intentionally or inadvertently show up with hunting knives or re-use bags that may have weapons from a hunting or other trip.
As an example, one commenter was surprised they aren't allowed to bring a small Swiss Army knife.
"While that seems obvious, we catch random bullets every cruise. We will see it and you will have problems."
You can't bring leftovers with you
The most surprising piece of advice Ed shared was warning people not to bring prepared food with them to the cruise terminal.
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring sealed bags of snacks, but leftovers or food you cooked isn't allowed.
He also went through a number of things to be aware of when it comes to food and other items not to pack
- Do not pack distilled spirits, it will be confiscated.
- Cruise lines allow wine and champagne but check with your cruise line; some allow two bottles per person, some only one.
- Check with your cruise line about plastic disposable bottles and flowers. Some do not allow either.
What not to wear so you don't get stuck in security
Just like the airport, you'll walk through a security check point where they need to go through what you're carrying on.
He recommends not wearing metal jewelry, cowboy boots, metal toe boots, belts with large metal buckles.
"Any metal will set off the magnetometers and delay you and your fellow passengers. Although we make constant announcements, at least every 5th passenger enters the metal detector with cell phones in their pockets. It significantly delays everyone."
Be sure to empty your pockets before going through the metal detector.
You don't need as much stuff as you might think
Ed also thinks too many passengers overpack for their Alaska cruises.
"Do not over pack. You are on a six-night cruise. If you pack more than one suitcase, you are probably packing too much."
He thinks lighter is better, so consider different tips and hacks for packing less for your cruise.
The best time to check-in at the cruise terminal
While getting to the cruise terminal early seems to be what everyone wants because they want to start their vacation sooner, he sees the shortest lines later in the day.
According to Ed, if you check in at the terminal between 1 and 2 PM, you shouldn't encounter any lines.
"You will breeze through, and it is possible your cabin will be ready. If you arrive at the terminal."
