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The global health pandemic has brought the cruise industry to its knees. In the coming weeks and months, we’re likely to see government bailouts and business failures in the sector. 

With that said, many people still haven’t been on a cruise but would like to at some point in the future. For many of us, it is on our bucket list – it’s something that we want to do before we get too old. 

It is unlikely the cruise industry will disappear altogether. Nobody wants to scrap giant, ocean-going vessels costing billions. Companies want to recoup their expenditure. 

COVID-19 on cruise ships is an issue right now, but it will decrease once we have treatments and vaccines. And that could be as soon as the end of the year. 

Here are some tips for getting the most out of the cruise ship experience when the opportunity finally comes. 

Bring Your Own Medical Kit

Cruise ships have a lot of medical facilities on board to help passengers that fall ill at sea. Even so, it helps to have a personal stash for things like motion sickness. Often a quick pill can make you feel right as rain in just a few minutes. Pack a supply of anti-queasiness remedies and be prepared. 

Pack Your Water Shoes

Most cruises involve getting off the boat and stepping out into open water at some point. For this part of the trip, you’ll need water shoes – special shoes that protect your feet while you walk on the seafloor.  

Corals might look lovely, but they’re surprisingly hard and sharp. Water shoes, therefore, are thick lumps of rubber mesh that protect the soles of your feet when you go on a marine excursion. 

Don’t Rely On The Mini Fridge

The same rules apply to cruises as they do in hotels. The mini-fridge is there for you in your hour of need, but you’ll pay a significant markup for using it. Your best bet is to get your food and drink through regular channels, including the ship onboard eateries and food courts. 

Tell The Staff If You Have A Problem

Cruise ship staff have a duty to meet your needs the moment you step onboard. They’re the people who are going to look after you if you fall ill or experience difficulties with another passenger. 

If you have a problem, don’t be afraid to speak to them about it. 

Take The Right Clothes

Being on a cruise ship is a little bit like traveling in a floating city. For that reason, you need to bring clothes suitable for every occasion. There will be times, for instance, when you’ll want to go out for a posh meal at an expensive restaurant. And there will be occasions where you just want to slob around in hot pants and a tee-shirt.

Also, be aware that it can sometimes get cold out and sea, even in tropical regions. Therefore, you will want to pack a fleece or a wooly jumper and a coat, just in case.