SURVIVING AN ADVENTURE CRUISE

How to ensure you enjoy every moment of your trip

Cabin etiquette

Unless you’re with a partner or friend, you’ll likely be sharing a cabin with one or more strangers. As in any shared accommodation, you’ll want to mark your space (cupboards, personal areas) to avoid conflict. Be sure to communicate and give your roomie space when it looks like they need it (and don’t be afraid to ask if vice versa). Pack earplugs, in case of snoring, and eye masks should they be early risers or late-night readers. Chances are, you’ll have similar interests, though (you picked the same trip after all), and chatting about the trip is an easy icebreaker.

Get good insurance

Bear in mind that many expedition cruises take travellers beyond the reach of easy helicopter rescue. In such medical emergencies, ships will dock at the nearest land whereupon you will be disembarked and it will continue. The costs of repatriation afterwards can be crippling, so don’t skimp on insurance.

Stay in peak condition

Illnesses can spread quickly on board, usually via touch. Don’t be shy about using the hand sanitiser stations that will likely be dotted throughout the ship to avoid just this. It also pays to take a pocket sanitiser with you. Steer clear of wild swimming in turbid waters (such as the Amazon and the Nile), too, where unfriendly wildlife and parasites like schistosomiasis and bilharzia lurk.

Don’t let seasickness beat you

If you’re likely to suffer, dose yourself up with the appropriate medication prior to the onset of nausea. By the time you’ve started to feel sick, your stomach won’t be absorbing any substances and pills will just sit in your belly and churn. If it’s too late, a melt-in-the-mouth preparation like hyoscine is easier to absorb. Then, once the nausea is under control, take an antihistamine to prevent further vomiting.

Pack smart

Be selective. There might not be a luggage limit on big cruisers but small ships and yachts will be strict; plus cabin sizes are rarely palatial. Bring day packs (for days out) and headtorches, so as not to disturb your cabin mate if moving around at night.