Going on a cruise

Do your research

It’s always a good idea to research the destinations you’ll be travelling to. Read our travel advice for each of the places you’ll be travelling to.

Read our travel advice

You should also check if you need a visa for any of your destination countries. If your cruise company doesn’t have this information, check with the embassy of the country you’re travelling to.

Health

When you see your doctor to make sure you’re fit to travel, you should also ask about any vaccinations you will need. You might want to bring a list of countries you’ll be travelling to.

If you take medication, you should pack more than you need in case your travel plans change.

Insurance

When you buy travel insurance, make sure your policy covers cruises, or buy a policy specifically for a cruise.

Your policy should also cover:

• Each of your destination countries
• Any activities you have planned on shore
• Medical evacuation—if you become sick or experience an emergency and need to be evacuated, your cruise company won’t pay your medical and evacuation expenses. Make sure you’re covered.

On the ship

The close quarters on a cruise ship can make it easy for infectious diseases to spread. Protect yourself by packing masks and hand sanitizer and practicing good personal hygiene on board.

Keep your personal belongings by making sure to lock your doors when you’re not in your room. If there is a safe in your room, use it to store your valuables.

Some cruises have great bars and nightlife, but it’s good to remember the risks that can come with partying. Watch out for drink spiking, and don’t swim when you’ve been drinking alcohol.

On shore

If you’re signing up for activities or tours at your destination, do so through your cruise operator, or make sure you’re using a reputable tour company.

Take care of your passport. It could be difficult to organise a new one if you lose it whilst on a cruise. Find out more about lost passports on our lost passport or belongings page.

If you’re riding a scooter or motorbike, or doing adventure activities on shore, make sure you wear appropriate safety equipment, like a helmet, and make sure that your travel insurance covers them.

Find out more about keeping safe on our pages about Driving and Adventure tourism.  

Respect departure times to make sure you’re not keeping fellow passengers waiting, or to avoid missing your ship.