A ‘one day rule’ has been shared for anyone going on a cruise, to ensure they don’t miss the ship – and it’s particularly handy for anyone flying in from overseas
When you’re about to embark on a cruise holiday, the thrill of stepping onto the ship and exploring your floating hotel for the first time is unmatched. However, if you’re setting sail from a port that’s not within driving distance, it might be wise to hold off on the excitement and exercise some patience.
If your cruise is departing from an overseas port, deciding when to fly in can be a bit of a conundrum. The earlier you arrive, the more expenses you’ll have to deal with at your destination.
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While it might seem like a good idea to save on pre-cruise hotel costs, passengers are advised to adhere to a ‘one day rule’ to avoid missing their cruise.
According to Cruise Critic, it’s best to fly into your port city at least one day before your cruise departs to account for any potential travel hiccups.
Most cruise ships usually set sail in the late afternoon, allowing enough time for outgoing passengers to disembark and new ones to board. It might seem logical to travel early on the day of departure, but this could prove risky.
If your flight gets delayed or cancelled, if there are long queues at customs, or if your luggage goes missing, your dream cruise holiday could be over before it even begins. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan for any possible travel mishaps and leave at least a one-day buffer to reach your port city, reports the Express.
Cruise Critic advises holidaymakers: “Arriving a day or two before your cruise not only enhances the overall experience with a mini-land vacation, but it also eliminates the stressful race against time — and the risk of missing the ship.”
They warn that “Long flight times, customs, visas and potential baggage delays are just a few reasons to add an extra travel day when flying overseas for a cruise.
“More flights and security checks create more opportunities for things to go wrong. Plus, if you’re already traveling across the globe, why not take the opportunity to explore the local culture before your cruise begins?”
Adding their voice again, the cruise review experts mention: “Even a morning flight can leave you waiting in long lines at the cruise terminal, putting you far behind others who arrived earlier.”
They highlight the perks of early arrival: “Getting to the ship early – something that’s harder to guarantee with a flight – lets you make the most of your first day onboard. You’ll have time to explore the ship, drop off your bags, relax by the pool, grab a bite to eat and fully settle into vacation mode.”
So despite the extra cost, tacking on additional days to your holiday ahead of setting sail could be a game-changer.
It offers that sweet chance to unwind at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning, and even do a bit of sightseeing before the cruise adventure starts – surely a better choice than scrambling to the ship last minute.
