If you want to get the most of some much needed Rest and Relaxation, you should choose a cruise holiday which should be planned ahead of time. If you plan early, about six months in advance, you are sure to get the type of cruise you are looking for. This ensures that everything runs smoothly for your dream holiday on a cruise.

To plan your cruise, you need to decide on a place you’d like to go to and the date you would prefer to travel, just like any other holiday.

Cruising is very popular and you will find all the destinations available from a local travel agent or online, with information about the place in mind so you can find out all about it.

Most places you go to on a cruise will require you to take your passport. If you don’t have one, make sure you apply for one well in advance, or if yours is invalid you need to reapply for a new one. See how long it takes for your passport to come through as you don’t want to have paid for your cruise, and then be turned down at the last moment because you didn’t get your passport on time. Watch out for the peak holiday seasons when the passport could be very busy, see make allowances for this period. Get your identity photos and passport application form sent on time.

If you need any visas or inoculations, your travel company should inform you of this, so check to see which countries you are visiting so that you are well prepared. If you have a medical condition, be sure to get a letter from your doctor that says you are safe to travel.

Whilst you are saving for your holiday of a lifetime, check how much you need to cover the whole cost of your cruise and for any extras onboard. If you pay a deposit first, make sure you have enough to pay for the remaining costs so that your funds are not lost.

If you plan to take debit or credit cards with you, check ahead of time which ones you can use in the countries you are visiting. You could also take cash and travellers cheques if you prefer.

The cruise line will give you some paperwork which you should check and read thoroughly. This will ensure that you have everything you need and are ready for your holiday. Your package will also contain all the cruise details with confirmation of your reservation, insurance details, and sometimes your cabin number, so these should be kept safely.

Get all essential items before your cruise so you don’t have to buy them later, as they can be more costly and you don’t want to eat into your budget.

For security, you may want to ask someone to watch your home whilst you are away. If you have any pets you need to arrange for their care, either with someone you know or book a kennel to take care of them. If you take prescription medications, be sure that you have enough for your holiday cruise as they won’t be available on the ship.