Marcie Murphy Shares 10 Cruise Travel Tips with The Greenwood Beat Listeners

Marcie Murphy, a seasoned travel expert and owner of a veteran-owned travel business in Oklahoma, recently shared her top cruise travel tips with The Greenwood Beat listeners. With her extensive credentials as a Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC) with CLIA and a Verified Travel Associate (VTA) with ASTA, Marcie brings her unique perspective and commitment to excellence to every trip she plans. Here are her top 10 tips for making the most of your cruise vacation:

1. Book Early for the Best Deals: Marcie emphasizes the importance of booking your cruise as early as possible. Early bookings often come with perks like cabin upgrades or onboard credits, and you can secure the best prices.
2. Research Your Destinations: Before setting sail, take the time to learn about the ports you'll be visiting. Knowing the highlights and activities available can help you plan your excursions and make the most of each stop.
3. Pack Smartly: Marcie advises packing a carry-on with essentials such as medications, a change of clothes, and travel documents. This ensures you're prepared in case your checked luggage takes longer to arrive at your cabin.
4. Consider a Pre-Cruise Stay: Arriving a day or two before your cruise departs can help you acclimate to any time zone changes and avoid the stress of flight delays. It also gives you a chance to explore the embarkation city.
5. Stay Healthy Onboard: Cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, but it's important to balance indulgence with healthy choices. Marcie suggests taking advantage of the fitness facilities and joining group activities to stay active.
6. Understand the Dress Code: Each cruise line has its own dress code, which can vary from casual to formal. Packing accordingly will ensure you're comfortable and appropriately dressed for all occasions.
7. Keep Important Documents Handy: Always have your passport, cruise tickets, and any necessary visas accessible. Marcie recommends storing them in a waterproof pouch to protect them from water damage.
8. Explore Onboard Activities: Modern cruise ships offer a plethora of activities and entertainment options. From cooking classes to live shows, Marcie encourages travelers to try something new and make the most of the onboard amenities.
9. Budget for Extras: While many cruise packages include meals and accommodations, extras like specialty dining, excursions, and spa treatments often cost more. Plan your budget accordingly to avoid surprises.
10. Stay Connected: Whether you want to keep in touch with family or share your travel experiences on social media, Marcie advises exploring the ship's Wi-Fi options or considering an international phone plan.

With these expert tips, your cruise experience is sure to be memorable and enjoyable. To plan your next cruise adventure or for more travel advice, contact Marcie Murphy online at www.funvacays.com, via email at marcie.murphy@cruiseplanners.com, or call her at 405-286-5566.