The popularity of cruises is growing every year and the thought of being virtually pampered for several days to a couple of weeks at a time is appealing to most.

One of the biggest changes in the cruise industry over the past couple of decades are the style of vacations available to holidaymakers. For example, the number of cruise vacations available have increased significantly for various reasons including the number of new ships which are now gracing the world’s waters.

Short Cruises

The short cruise has become extremely popular. Two, three or four night cruises are appealing because many people simply cannot afford to take extended vacations.

Taking a three day cruise for example from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and back seems an ideal time for people to “blow out the cobwebs” of everyday stresses and be refreshed to tackle their day-to-day lives again.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are just three of the more popular cruise lines who have a never ending schedule of vacations going out from many of North America’s and Europe’s major ports.

Freestyle cruising has suddenly gained traction with vacationers because it eliminates any “military” style schedule for people who can choose for example, to do it their way on a ship provided they pass all the necessary stipulations laid out by the captain and crew.

Rules And Regulations

For cruise vacations that extend beyond national borders, there are certain documents required to be able to travel abroad.

These include a valid passport and government recognized photo identity card, which should be submitted during check-in time for completing immigration formalities. In some cases, vaccination certificates may also be required.

The check-in process consists of having your passport and visa inspected by the immigration officials and, on successful processing, you’ll pass through passenger and baggage checking.

Sometimes a physical search of each traveler may also be done.
Then all that remains to begin the cruise journey, is to hand in the passport and confirmation slip so that your reservation may be checked and allocated accordingly.

Once on board successfully, the cabin is your room for the duration of the cruise and here you can quickly settle in for the journey ahead.

There are also suites available on most cruise vacations for those who can afford them, which also means being entitled to getting priority check-in service.